Sunday, December 9, 2012

Shane Houghton Joins Fanboys vs. Zombies


BOOM! regular writer Shane Houghton (PEANUTS, REED GUNTHER) has joined Sam Humphries (HIGHER EARTH, UNCANNY X-FORCE) as co-writer on the original BOOM! Studios series, FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES .The 9th issue of the hit series, in stores next Wednesday, will be Houghton’s first issue as co-writer.
Last month, the new-and-improved Wrecking Crew wrecked shop, eliminating the zombie threat in San Diego and salvaging what they could of the mecca of geek culture. But what happens when they’re faced with the Ghosts of Comic-Cons Past?
"When Sam invited me to help him carry the FvZ writing torch to me, I promised him I would use it to burn as many undead cos-players as possible,” commented Houghton. “I'm thrilled to continue the action, humor, and insanity Sam established and take the Wrecking Crew to a whole new level of awesomeness!,” says Houghton.

FANBOYS VS ZOMBIES #9 ships with cover by series artist Jerry Gaylord and a variant cover by Dominike “Domo” Stanton with a retail price of $3.99. The issue will be in stores on Wednesday, December 12th.

Sunday, December 2, 2012

BOOM! Raises Hellraiser: The Dark Watch This February


This February, BOOM! Studios will relaunch the HELLRAISER franchise with HELLRAISER: THE DARK WATCH, an all-new ongoing monthly series. The relaunch of this incredibly popular series will be co-written by creator Clive Barker and Brandon Seifert (WITCH DOCTOR, HELLRAISER: THE ROAD BELOW) and illustrated by newcomer Tom Garcia (HELLRAISER).
NEW ONGOING SERIES! THE NEW ERA OF HELLRAISER BEGINS! As promised, Clive Barker did not only return to the Hellraiser universe, he re-imagined it! Nothing is as simple as it seems – the old ways have been destroyed and a dangerous new world lies in its wake. Where are Elliott Spencer and Kirsty Cotton? Who will rule and who will serve? Rising star Brandon Seifert joins forces with the legendary Clive Barker, with art by Tom Garcia, to begin this amazing new chapter in the history of one of horror’s greatest franchises.
"I grew up with Hellraiser and Clive's novels — so it's a huge, surreal honor to be collaborating with him on The Dark Watch! Under Clive's direction, the Hellraiser ongoing series has gone in some radically different directions over the last two years. I'm really excited for what's next — and even more excited that I get to be involved!," said Brandon Seifert.
HELLRAISER: THE DARK WATCH #1 ships in February with main covers by Tim Bradstreet  (28 DAYS LATER, STAR TREK) and Nick Percival (HELLRAISER, 2000 AD) as well as incentive covers by Frazer Irving (HIGHER EARTH, BATMAN INCORPORATED) and Bradstreet. The first issue is a 32 page, full color issue that retails for $3.99

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Geeky Gift Idea #5- Nineteen Eighty Five by James Reitano

Admittedly, this Geeky Gift Idea is based on the fact that the town that this comic takes place in is near and dear to my heart. James Reitano's Nineteen Eighty Five is about a graffiti artist in a small California beach town (Santa Cruz). Having grown up with this "beach town" as my playground, seeing it come alive in a comic book is a total joy for me. When I was growing up, "tagging" could be seen everywhere; walls of stores, schools, street signs and even cars. Reitano perfectly captures the era when graffiti was a burgeoning expression of art in Santa Cruz.

"Nineteen Eighty Five documents the adventures of a young graffiti artist and his colleagues in a small beach town during the mid-eighties. Count is a 15 year old who is desperatley trying to prove himself to his peers and foes alike, all the while keeping clear from the authorities. Starting as just a handful of friends, the group of graffiti artists soon grows into a small community."
 
There are four volumes available at the nineteen85.com shop for $9.95 each and each volume comes with a different CD filled with exclusive mixes from Peanut Butter Wolf, Kutmasta Kurt, DJ Imperial and Bubba G. Scotch!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Geeky Gift Idea #4- Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight by Travis Langley


There are a couple of Batman fans in my life and this Christmas they'll be unwrapping Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight by Travis Langley as my gift to them. For the Batman fans in your circle, it will be the perfect companion piece to the Dark Knight Rises, which is being released on home video on December 4th. Batman and Psychology is available in paperback, Kindle and Nook book. While you're at it, why don't you pick up a copy for yourself!

From Goodreads.com:
 
A journey behind the mask and into the mind of Gotham City's Caped Crusader, timed for the summer 2012 release of "The Dark Knight Rises" Batman is one of the most compelling and enduring characters to come from the Golden Age of Comics, and interest in his story has only increased through countless incarnations since his first appearance in "Detective Comics" #27 in 1939. Why does this superhero without superpowers fascinate us? What does that fascination say "about" us? "Batman and Psychology" explores these and other intriguing questions about the masked vigilante, including: Does Batman have PTSD? Why does he fight crime? Why as a vigilante? Why the mask, the bat, and the underage partner? Why are his most intimate relationships with "bad girls" he ought to lock up? And why won't he kill that homicidal, green-haired clown?Gives you fresh insights into the complex inner world of Batman and Bruce Wayne and the life and characters of Gotham City. Explains psychological theory and concepts through the lens of one of the world's most popular comic book characters. Written by a psychology professor and "Superherologist" (scholar of superheroes).
 
Reviews-
 
"Simply speaking, this is my pick for the best book of 2012. A fantastic look into the inner workings of one of comic book's most compelling, dynamic characters; a masterfully written analysis/love note to the Dark Knight." - Stephen Harvey, FindYourGeek.com
 
"...more entertaining than many of the others which populate the ever-growing field of texts about pop culture and the sciences. Rather than just telling us what we should know or think about Batman, the book supplements our own interest in the hero, and provokes us to think more about what's going on in his head." - StarPulse.com

You can follow the author, Travis Langley on Twitter at @Superherologist
 
 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Geeky Gift Idea #3- ComiXpress Print-on- Demand Comics

Do you know a voracious comic book reader that loves discovering new titles? How about heading over to ComiXpress print-on-demand service and picking up a few indie titles for that special someone!

"Since 2004, ComiXpress has been proud to be the creator's choice for short-run print on demand comics and trade paperbacks.

Founded by comic creators to serve the indie, self-publishing and small-press comic community, we offer only the highest quality printing, backed by years of extensive pre-press and design knowledge."


You can pick up single issues, graphic novels and even zines at ComiXpress. Be aware that as they are a print-on-demand service, you will have to account for that extra time when ordering a gift.

Some of the hundreds of titles available at ComiXpress:



 
 
Mysterious creatures, Ancient Mud Gods, Evil Insectoid Scientists – Just another day in the town of Apocalypse, Ohio!

Experience the adventures of Diego, Jane, Alyssa, and the rest of the Explorers gang in this first collection, containing 8 action-packed tales!
 
Eight times the ACTION! Eight times the SUSPENSE! Are you an Explorer?!
 
  

 
 
Bullies out for blood, teachers that love to watch you squirm, and a girl who doesn't know you exist. As if high school wasn't hard enough, Zander Young has just learned that he is destined to save the universe.

And if Zander can start believing in himself then he might just do it.
- A kid friendly property from Paper Street Comics that contains the first two issue arc of the series!
 
 
 
 
Dan is stuck in the melancholy of corporate space with nowhere to go but down. Constantly being sent on dangerous missions in a less than average ship, Dan fights his desire to leave it all behind. But on one particular mission, Dan finds his way into the middle of an adventure unlike anything he has ever experienced before.

BOOM! It Out on Black Friday at Meltdown Comics

 
BOOM! Studios proudly invites Los Angeles area fans to come celebrate Black Friday, November 23rd, at Meltdown Comics with a huge discount on a wide selection of BOOM! and KaBOOM! Studios comics.
Meltdown Comics, located at 7522 Sunset Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90046, is the proud host of this Black Friday event where you can purchase all BOOM! and KaBOOM! Studios comics and trades at 50% off from noon until closing. Every hour, a different selection of new books get even more discounted to crazy low prices! But the fun doesn't stop there, because with every title you purchase, you get entered into a secret ADVENTURE TIME raffle.

For more information on Meltdown Comics, including hours and details on the store's Black Friday plans, head to meltcomics.com or call (323) 851-7223.
About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent, including Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s HYPERNATURALS, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, and Sam Humphries’ HIGHER EARTH. BOOM!'s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and 20th Century Fox’ ICE AGE. KaBOOM! recently won an Eisner Award for its first original series Roger Langridge's SNARKED. BOOM!'s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, won an Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler's I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, and just released SPACE DUCKS, the first comic book from indie musician legend Daniel Johnston.
About MeltDown Comics
After 16 years of successful operation, Meltdown has grown into a traveler’s must-see destination and cultural landmark.  Meltdown was named Best Comic Store in L.A. by Los Angeles magazine, the LA WEEKLY, and was honored with the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award last Century. Perhaps most notably, Meltdown Comics was immortalized by becoming a part of the Simpsons universe in the episode “Husbands & Knives” where the store’s design and layout was utilized to show how great a comic book store can be.
 



Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Cyber Sale On The McFarlane Toys’ Online Store


If you’re looking to fill out your Halo collection or pick up some of the new sports and The Walking Dead figures for the holidays, you might want to call in sick and stay by your computer this Cyber Monday! McFarlane Toys’ online store has announced that everything storewide will be 30% off on Monday, November 26 from 12:01 am through 11:59 pm (PST).

From single figures to deluxe boxed sets and multipacks, the McFarlane Toys’ online store has it all! Collectors can pick up all their favorite McFarlane Toys products, such as Halo 4, Halo Micro Ops, Halo Anniversary, and Halo: Reach; league-licensed NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and College Football sports figures; and figures inspired by the highly-acclaimed AMC television show, The Walking Dead!

The sale also applies to Collectors Club exclusives, including Washington Nationals Bryce Harper, Toronto Blue Jays Jose Bautista, and Detroit Lions Calvin Johnson Jr.

The 30% off also applies to already reduced items.

So rewrite that holiday gift list and make the McFarlane Toys’ online store this year’s gift purchasing destination.

And if you are in the Arizona area, be sure to stop by the McFarlane at Westgate store in Glendale, Ariz. They will be holding a 20% off storewide sale on Black Friday, November 23. Along with the awesome McFarlane Toys brands, the store also offers all the other latest and greatest pop culture brands and novelties items from mainstream to urban. You'll also find a variety of comic books titles such as Spawn and Haunt. Click here for more store info.

Stay tuned to www.mcfarlane.com for the most current news and information about this series and other upcoming releases from McFarlane Toys.









Monday, November 19, 2012

Geeky Gift Idea #2- Doctor Mew from Jenny Parks

The Fur Rises

Our second recommendation also comes from an artist we discovered at APE this year. Jenny Parks loves to "incorporate animals or nature" into her art. While at APE I picked up a couple of Doctor Mew buttons and an awesome, high quality Doctor Mew shirt. We think any fan of Doctor Who and cats would love to unwrap any of the items she has at her Doctor Mew shop. Also available in the shop are prints, magnets, postcards and more featuring Purrlock, Harry Pawter, BatCat, ThorKitty and others.
Doctor Mew T-shirt

ThorKitty
 
Also, be sure to check out her site, Jenny Parks Illustrations, where you can keep up with new work, news and Con appearances! You can also follow her on Twitter at @jennyparksillus

Iron Sky Team to Bring Jeremiah Harm to the Screen


Tero Kaukomaa and Timo Vuorensola, the Finnish filmmakers behind the cult hit “Iron Sky” are partnering with Arnold Rifkin’s Cheyenne Enterprises (“Live Free or Die Hard”) and Ross Richie’s BOOM! Studios (“2 Guns”) to bring the sci-fi action film “Jeremiah Harm” to the screen.  Kaukomaa, Rifkin and Richie will produce with The Corniche Group, and “Iron Sky” director Vuorensola will direct.

“Jeremiah Harm” is a sci-fi action blast about an intergalactic bounty hunter sent on a mission to Earth to hunt down a band of space-faring criminals and the girl they kidnapped. Set in space and New York City, the film aims to hit the chords of 80's & 90's sci-fi action films.

“Jeremiah Harm” is based on a BOOM! Studios graphic novel of the same name written by industry veterans Keith Giffen and Alan Grant. Covers and character designs are by John Mueller featuring interior artwork from Rael Lyra and Rafael Albuquerque.

In addition, the filmmakers have announced that they will use a crowdsourcing model similar to the one used for “Iron Sky.” Through this, fans were able to play a major role in creating the fictional world of “Iron Sky” by contributing visuals and even joining the production in small roles and as extras.

Similarly, fans can go to www.jeremiahharm.com to create their own aliens for the world of “Jeremiah Harm.” By crowdsourcing the filmmakers search up to one million alien designs. The most creative creatures will find their way into the film itself.

“The Iron Sky team has paired with one of the most experienced producers, Arnold Rifkin,” said BOOM! Studios Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ross Richie. “And we are extremely excited about the crowdsourcing model the Finns are bringing to the mix.”

“Our online community was responsible for bringing ‘Iron Sky’ to life and we aim to continue where we left off with a similar model for ‘Jeremiah Harm,’” says producer Tero Kaukomaa.  “This is a unique opportunity for thousands of artists, science geeks and film fans out there to contribute to the making of a new science fiction world, and we look forward to them joining us for the ride,” Kaukomaa says.

Vuorensola, who used crowdsourcing for both of his films “Star Wreck” and “Iron Sky” noted, “I believe crowdsourcing is the way of the future in audience engagement in films – both big and small ones - and it's here to disrupt the way films are experienced. Film is no longer just the product that comes out of the pipeline in the end, but the whole process of filmmaking can be part of the fun as well.” “Also, we are inviting our community to follow our adventure in Hollywood and see what happens to a punch of freaks from Finland when they bum rush the United States” continues Vuorensola. “It should be a lot of fun and very interesting to watch!”

Check out the Iron Sky trailer:
 

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Geeky Gift Idea #1: Woolbuddy


We're kicking off the Holiday season with some great big geeky gift ideas (say that five times fast)! Today we're setting our sights on Woolbuddy, one of our favorite discoveries at this years APE (Alternative Press Expo).

What is a Woolbuddy?

"Woolbuddy began as an artist’s desire to find a unique collection of toys for his newborn daughter. After searching for months and coming up empty handed, he decided that it was time for him to create his own collection of premium handcrafted stuffed animals that reflected the imaginative and magical world that he wanted to share with his daughter. By combining his love for needle felting and his desire to make his daughter something that she would remember for years to come, Woolbuddy was born.
In just two years, over 300 characters have come to life and now make up the six distinctive collections of the Woolbuddy World. There are Loveable Monsters, animals from The Zoo, Woolbuddies living on The Farm,Sea Creatures that swim through the ocean, reptiles that spend their day lounging around The Swamp,and Itty Bitty Critters that wonder throughout the land."
R2KT

Felted Camera 
Check out the Woolbuddy Etsy shop here where you can get the Woolbuddy book and several different kits. They also "take requests for one-of-a-kind creations"



Doctor Who: The Great Detective (Christmas Special Prequel) - Children in Need 2012

This years Doctor Who Children in Need minisode, The Great Detective, sees Vastra, Jenny and Strax calling upon the Doctor in an effort to get him to engage again after the events of the last episode which saw the exit of Amy and Rory.



For more info on Children in Need: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b008dk4b

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Geek Hash Interview: Todd McFarlane Talks New Book- The Art of Todd McFarlane: The Devil's in the Details


Fans of Todd McFarlane are in for a real treat come November 21st. His new book, The Art of Todd McFarlane: The Devil's in the Details, hits shelves just in time for Christmas. The visual biography is a look at his nearly 30 year career in the comics industry. It's a complete history of the man that started out as a fan of comics and went on to become one of the founding members of Image Comics.

Geek Hash: Your upcoming book, The Art of Todd McFarlane: The Devil’s in the Details releases November 21st, what can fans expect to see in it?

Todd McFarlane: We’re trying to accomplish three things with one book. First, it’s an art book so there’s literally hundreds and hundreds of visuals of stuff that goes from my amateur days to literally all the way up to today. Second, you’re gonna get a bit of an autobiography that’s tied to it. So you’re gonna get some of the reasoning, the rationale and what was happening to my career and sort of a backstory of what was going on during some of the visuals that you’re looking at. And then lastly there are places where I was trying to give some tutorial information.

GH: You’ve been working in comics for over 20 years, what advice can you give to those that are looking to break into the industry?

Todd McFarlane: Comic books are made up of a multitude of skilled people. You don’t necessarily have to be a guy that does all the jobs. I got a little bit greedy wanting to be writer, penciler and inker but you can work in this industry if you’re a great colorist. You can work in this industry if you’re a great letterer. You can work in this industry if you’re a pretty good editor. I think we sometimes pin ourselves into boxes by thinking that we have to be a super-talented guy and that’s not necessarily true. You can get to a lot of places by having one skill in one area that will carry you for a long way.

GH: Comics, movies, toys, games, cartoons; is there anything Todd McFarlane Productions hasn’t gotten into that you’re dying to try?

Todd McFarlane: I don’t know. Maybe someday do my own video game, but short of that my interest is taking all of those things and seeing if you can do them better than you did the last time. We’ve got our artistic fingers in a lot of pies and so right now there’s nothing there that I have a hankering for.

GH: Spawn is one of comic's most recognizable characters, Image is celebrating its 20th anniversary, your run on Spider-Man is unmatched, your contributions to the industry run the gamut; what is the one thing you’re most proud of?

Todd McFarlane: Two things. Number one, just breaking into the business. It’s really your highest bar. That first job sets up all the potential of the future and all of that, for the most part, falls on your own shoulders. So, if you don’t get in the game, you can’t succeed. Number two would be starting this business called Image Comics which not only has made its mark on the industry but it’s still thriving. It’s not thriving because of myself or any of the original founders; it’s thriving because we’re putting out quality books. I think we’re paying attention to that.

GH: Do you see yourself eventually stepping away from comics and retiring, or are you going to keep going forever like Stan Lee?

Todd McFarlane: I’ll probably be a bit of a pistol in my advanced years. I can’t see me being overly passive. As I get older my kids will grow up, they’ll get married, have grandkids, I’ll want to spend time with them; so all that comes into play. Will I have at least have a tremendous interest in being able to help foster the next wave of talent coming through? Absolutely, that’s why Image is there. I’m never going to retire from Image.



Available just in time for Black Friday, The Art of Todd McFarlane: The Devil's in the Details will be available nationwide Wednesday, November 21st. The oversized hard cover book (9x12) is limited to 5000 copies, with 700 signed and numbered editions available. Each book retails at $64.99 and $100.00, respectively, and would make the perfect gift for any art fan!

http://www.comicshoplocator.com/
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/

http://www.mcfarlane.com
http://www.imagecomics.com


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

DISNEY EPIC MICKEY 2: THE POWER OF TWO VIDEO GAME DEMO NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD ON PLAYSTATION NETWORK AND XBOX LIVE MARKETPLACE FOR XBOX 360

Disney Interactive announced that a demo of the highly-anticipated “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” video game is now available for download on the PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE® Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft in North America. In the video game demo, players will adventure as Mickey Mouse and explore the extensive tutorial and early levels of the game including the magical laboratory of the sorcerer, Yen Sid. In addition, players will meet Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, Walt Disney’s first cartoon star, and experience a few of the fun co-op abilities that will be available in the full game at launch. The adventure will culminate with an exciting sizzle reel that showcases some of the exciting and action-packed elements of the game. “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” will be available for all major console systems in North American retail stores on November 18th.

The “Disney Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two” video game returns Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit to Wasteland, an alternate world filled with more than 80 years of forgotten Disney characters and theme park attractions. But for the first time, Mickey and Oswald will join forces as true partners - Mickey with the magical paint brush that allows him to wield paint and thinner, and Oswald with a powerful remote control that allows him to command electricity. This new co-op play further enhances the idea that “PlayStyle Matters” – a unique approach to gameplay pioneered by Warren Spector where players tackle challenges the way they want to in order to explore a variety of possibilities and storylines, but always with consequences for their chosen actions.

For more information, go to www.facebook.com/DisneyEpicMickey or follow the game on Twitter at #savewasteland.
Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox LIVE are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Sunday, November 4, 2012

New Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Limited-Edition Statue Revealed


THE MASTER CHIEF VS THE HUNTER Statue Pre-order Now!

McFarlane, Microsoft Studios and 343 Industries reveal the first ever HALO 4: FORWARD UNTO DAWN™ resin statue THE MASTER CHIEF VS THE HUNTER. 

HALO 4: FORWARD UNTO DAWN is an exciting story of heroism and sacrifice taking fans back to the beginning of the Human-Covenant War. The live-action digital series created in partnership with top Hollywood talent from film, television and new media, FOWARD UNTO DAWN delivers an exciting story, leading into the events of Halo 4, the biggest entertainment event of 2012.

This highly detailed, hand-painted, cold-cast resin statue depicts the series climactic scene, when the Master Chief - out of ammo and out of options - single-handedly faces the unstoppable rampage of an invading Covenant Hunter to save the lives of UNSC Cadets.

This selfless act of heroism inspires the Cadets, especially young Thomas Lasky, to become soldiers capable of defending humanity against its powerful new enemy. Decades later, Commander Lasky and the Master Chief reunite to face a threat even greater than the Covenant in the most anticipated video game of 2012, HALO 4.

Commemorating this inspirational moment, our "The Master Chief vs. The Hunter" statue is limited to only 500 pieces, stands at over 14-inches tall on a base spanning 13" wide by 7" deep, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity signed by McFarlane Toys' creator Todd McFarlane.

Each statue and its box is sequentially numbered (individually numbered 1 through 500). The Statue retails at $225 with FREE Shipping (Only available in US and Canada) and is available now at store.spawn.com

The Halo: Forward Unto Dawn statue is planned to ship December 2012. Customers will not be charged until the order is ready to ship.

Stay tuned to http://www.McFarlane.com for more info on this statue, along with news on all the awesome McFarlane Toys products.

After a terrifying night of combat and loss, Lasky makes a life-or-death decision to help the Master Chief... but will it be enough to save them all from the Covenant?

Saturday, November 3, 2012

PEANUTS: IT’S TOKYO CHARLIE BROWN From KaBOOM! Studios Hit Stores On Halloween

The Peanuts gang touches down in Tokyo! Charlie Brown and Snoopy lead the charge as the gang’s team is selected to represent the United States in an international baseball game in Japan. Charlie Brown can’t believe his team was picked, but even with the addition of a sports star like Peppermint Patty, do they have any hope of winning? Between seeing the sights and taking in the best of Japanese culture, Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Peppermint Patty and the rest of everyone’s favorite characters still manage to be their incorrigible selves.

PEANUTS: IT’S TOKYO CHARLIE BROWN is now available in comic stores and will be available in bookstores November 6th, 2012. This standalone, original graphic novel features a brand new full length story featuring the beloved Peanuts gang. It is accessible to all ages, runs 112 pages in full color and carries a $13.99 price point.
Written by Vicki Scott (PEANUTS) and with art by Vicki Scott and Paige Braddock (PEANUTS), this new issue is sure to bring laughter and joy to all ages just in time for the holidays.


About BOOM! StudiosFounded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent, including Mark Waid's IRREDEEMABLE, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s HYPERNATURALS, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, and Sam Humphreys’ HIGHER EARTH. BOOM!'s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and 20th Century Fox’ ICE AGE. BOOM!'s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, recently won the Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler's I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, and just released SPACE DUCKS, the first comic book from indie musician legend Daniel Johnston.

Friday, November 2, 2012

New Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn Limited-Edition Statue


 McFarlane Toys has teamed up with Microsoft Studios and 343 Industries to bring you a new iconic collectable from the Halo universe.

Leading up to the highly anticipated release of Halo 4, Microsoft created the live-action digital series, Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn. This online epic live-action digital series delivers an exciting story of heroism and sacrifice taking fans back to the beginning of the Human-Covenant War, leading into the events of Halo 4, the biggest entertainment event of 2012.

To commemorate this riveting action story, the McFarlane Toys Collectors Club is offering the first-ever Halo resin statue exclusively on the McFarlane Toys online store. This highly detailed, hand-painted, cold-cast resin statue depicts a pivotal scene from Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn that is a MUST have for Halo fans.

The statue will be revealed by Todd McFarlane, McFarlane Toys’ creator, during the final episode of “Halo After Dawn,” airing on Machinima Prime on Nov. 2 at 10AM PST. (http://www.youtube.com/user/MachinimaPrime) and Halo Waypoint (http://www.halowaypoint.com/en-US/?/).

The limited-edition Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn statue stands more than 14-inches tall on a base spanning 13” wide by 7” deep. Only 500 pieces have been produced and each statue and its box are sequentially numbered. As an added bonus, each statue will include a Certificate of Authenticity hand-signed McFarlane.

The Statue retails at $225 with FREE Shipping (Only available in US and Canada). Preordering will begin at 10:15 am PST on Friday, November 2nd at STORE.SPAWN.COM.

The Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn statue is planned to ship December 2012. Customers will not be charged until the order is ready to ship.

The McFarlane Collectors Club is an online store where US and Canadian customers can purchase current and past McFarlane Toys’ products, along with EXCLUSIVE figures and resin statues only offered through the collectors club. All you have to do is create a FREE new customer account – No purchase necessary and no membership fee.

Stay tuned to http://www.Spawn.com for more info on this statue, along with news on all the awesome McFarlane Toys products.



Thursday, November 1, 2012

BOOM! Studios Returns to Long Beach Comic & Horror Con 2012


BOOM! Studios is thrilled to return to Long Beach Comic Comic and Horror Con. The BOOM! Studios booth (#301) will feature two exclusive variant covers, BRAVEST WARRIORS #1 and SUPURBIA #1. The BRAVEST WARRIORS #1 exclusive variant cover is from the sold out first print run. It’s also your first chance to get SUPURBIA #1, which will be debuting at the show two weeks before it’s official release date of October 24th. Joining the BOOM!ers at the booth throughout the weekend will be special guest, Russell Dauterman, artist of the hit series SUPURBIA. Check the booth for signing times throughout the show. Additionally, BOOM! will be bringing a fantastic selection of BOOM! Studios, BOOM! Town, and kaBOOM! trade paperbacks and single issues. And don't miss out on BOOM!'s panel to get the latest information on current and upcoming projects.

Bravest Warriors
Supurbia


About BOOM! Studios
Founded by Ross Richie, 2009 and 2010's "Best Publisher" BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic books and graphic novels with the industry's top talent, including Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning’s HYPERNATURALS, new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker, PLANET OF THE APES, and Sam Humphries’ HIGHER EARTH. BOOM!'s all ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz' PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network's ADVENTURE TIME, and 20th Century Fox’ ICE AGE. KaBOOM! recently won an Eisner Award for its first original series Roger Langridge's SNARKED. BOOM!'s lit comix-focused imprint, BOOM! Town, won an Eisner Award for its first book, Shannon Wheeler's I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER, and just released SPACE DUCKS, the first comic book from indie musician legend Daniel Johnston.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Geek Hash Interview: Steven Foundling, Co-creator of Frown Town


Do you like puppets? Have you been down to Frown Town? We discovered Frown Town at this years APE in San Francisco. The show is described as, "a puppet show about children but most definitely not for them." The all-puppet cast include brothers James and Phauntleroy Rumsey, Orley Dresden, Geer Karabekian, Judy Swinehopper, Pabst Tecate, Chip McFavorite, Chip Doogan and "Patches" Kitestring.

We got to ask co-creator Steven Foundling a few questions about bringing the denizens of Frown Town to life.

Geek Hash: Tell us about the warped minds behind this awesome project.

Steven Foundling: When scientists have babies (our parents are all scientists) those babies turn out a bit off, not like full blown Asperger's off, just ravenously obsessive when it comes to collecting and collating intel. For our parents it was microorganisms and fish, they sought to know the world and improve it through research and development. For us, it's art and culture, we seek to escape the world and build our own, albeit an imaginary one made of felt and broken dreams.

GH: It took quite a while to get this project from idea to the hilarious first episode, "Are You My Boy." Can you walk us through what it took to get Frown Town realized.
James at APE 2012 in San Francisco

SF: In the beginning we were under the project's thrall. It became the object of our obsession and where our minds naturally went. But with projects - as with real human relationships and normal people interests - the enthusiasm and excitement wears off and then it becomes a slog, as much a chore as a recreation. That's when it gets hard. But most things worth doing are hard. Really nearly impossible if you're doing them right. The biggest set back was when we ended up on opposite sides of the country for two years. But now we're both back on the West Coast and we've been able to out of hiatus. It's essential with a project as complicated and time-consumptive as Frown Town to work with someone else, you need someone to reinforce the idea that it's all worth the effort. Like how alcoholics and drug addicts enable each other. And it's always good to have the extra set of hands.

GH: I got to see James at APE in San Francisco. Obviously a lot of love and and a lot of work went into creating the puppets that populate Frown Town. How long did it take to create each one and what's the process like?

SF: Well, we made them in one big batch so it's hard to say how long they take. I reckon I could make one in a week or two if it were all I was working on, but with full-time jobs and reasonably active social lives that's never the case. Andy did a lot of preproduction work designing the look of the characters and then we got to hacking up foam cushions from street couches, covering them in fleece and felt and crudely tailored thrift-store children's clothes. I made a lot of puppets back as a boy, but never professionally and not in years, so we were really making it up as we went along. Sort of reverse engineering them off what I'd culled from out of print books about the Muppet Show. It was a labor of love and a learning experience. A lot of false starts and dead ends. Especially with the stillborn fetus character. I'm actually making an entirely new version of him right now for the video after next. Never really got the first draft working up to snuff.

GH: It looks like Pabst Tecate (formerly know as Trey Awesome) is going to be in the newest episode. When can we expect to see it? Do you have a set number of episodes you're shooting for or is Frown Town just going to go on forever?

SF: Pabst will be slamming four lokos, riding a fixie down Valencia street while texting his bros, dancing with drag queens, and having some brunch - pretty much just partying right and teaching you how to do it too.  Almost all the characters on the show are weirdo outcasts or antiquated in one way or another. Pabst, though, is the glistening gem of Awesomite at the center of all the attention. He gives us cred with the cool kids. Or so we hope.

We plan to keep making shorts until we can get our production values up to a point we're proud of and then we'd like to shoot a longer 10-15 minute pilot to try and shop it around. Our ideas always outreach our budget/grasp/skill sets, but if we ever managed to hook up with a professional production company, we think we could really bring the world of Frown Town to life as we've envisioned it, and that world, it is sprawling. So many monsters to vanquish and supernatural realms to explore. Trash kings and shadow cats, sewer creatures and genetically modified horse/narwhal/unicorn hybrids. The ideas come easy but the execution takes years. What we really need is slave labor, or, you know what, let's call them interns.

The official Frown Town YouTube channel can be found here. Click the link and add it to your list!


Friday, October 26, 2012

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Bravest Warriors #1 Sells Out- Goes to Second Print


October 23, 2012 - Los Angeles, CA - BOOM! Studios is proud to announce that BRAVEST WARRIORS #1 has sold out and gone to second print five days before its release on October 24th!
BRAVEST WARRIORS, the most recent debut from BOOM!’s successful all-ages imprint, kaBOOM! Studios, is based on the new animated series by ADVENTURE TIME creator Pendleton Ward. BRAVEST WARRIORS #1 features a main story by writer Joey Comeau (A SOFTER WORLD) and artist Mike Holmes (ADVENTURE TIME) and a special backup story by Ryan Pequin (THREE WORD PHRASE). BRAVEST WARRIORS #1 second print will be available from Diamond Comic Distributors the last week of October.

Comic book fans should keep in mind first printings of BRAVEST WARRIORS #1 may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you.