Evil Empire Sells Out and Gets Second Printing

EVIL EMPIRE #1 2nd Printing Cover by William Pyle

BOOM! Studios is excited to announce that EVIL EMPIRE #1, the exciting new series from Say Anything lead singer Max Bemis (POLARITY) and artist Ransom Getty (Guarding the Globe), has sold out at the distributor level. The publisher has rushed to a second printing.

Comic book fans should bear in mind that first printings of EVIL EMPIRE #1 may still be found at the local comic shop nearest you. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one!

“The response to EVIL EMPIRE #1 has been everything we could have hoped for,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “It’s so gratifying to find that readers see what we originally saw in Max’s dark, thoughtful story about a society on the brink.”

Every fan of fiction is aware of the trope of the "evil, sinister empire" i.e. the Empire in "Star Wars." Oftentimes, when we are introduced to these totalitarian establishments, they are already fully in power and it's up to our hero to bring back order and peace. However, in EVIL EMPIRE, we explore how that would unfold in a real-world setting. How close to the precipice are we right now in the world we live in? Would we let it happen? More specific to this tale: Would we secretly WANT it to happen?

Told through the perspective of an underground rapper named Reese, Max Bemis’ gripping story explores a scenario in which we watch modern society gradually evolve (or is it devolve?) into an evil empire.

Praise for EVIL EMPIRE #1:

“The Vertigo-era artwork of Ransom Getty and Chris Blythe fits the thematic issues perfectly for a political, topical comic book that has a twist at the end you could not see coming.” - Comic Book Resources

“To say this is a first issue I didn’t see coming is an understatement. I thought we might get some politics, but the first issue is about a campaign with a twist. It’s a fantastic place to start and overall beyond welcome.” - Graphic Policy

“Max Bemis continues to show that his unique, grandiose writing style translates perfectly from the lyric sheet to the comic page. Pick up this debut issue and strap in for the ride; it’s gonna be a good one.” - Adventures in Poor Taste

“Both honest and vicious, it sets the stage for a frightening look at how politics and circumstance can lead to societal degradation.” - Geek Sushi

The second printing of EVIL EMPIRE #1 ships with a new cover by William Pyle and carries a retail price of $3.99. It is anticipated to be in stores on March 24.

Cartoon Network Enterprises and BOOM! Sudios Ink Groundbreaking First Look Deal

Cartoon Network Enterprises, the licensing and merchandising arm of the network, and BOOM! Studios are proud to announce a groundbreaking first look deal, the first agreement of its kind that the network has done in publishing. The partnership will give the award-winning comic book publisher the first option to license all-new Cartoon Network original comedies for adaptation into comics and graphic novels.

BOOM! Studios began its relationship with Cartoon Network Enterprises in 2012 with the release of the ADVENTURE TIME comic book series through its KaBOOM! imprint in February of that year. Since then, BOOM! has developed the franchise into a series of top-selling monthly releases, successful spin-off limited series, original graphic novels, trade collections, and collector hardcovers. Based on the top-rated Cartoon Network animated series of the same name, the ADVENTURE TIME comic has gone on to win an Eisner Award, multiple Harvey Awards, Shel Dorf Award, and back-to-back Diamond Gem Awards. In addition to widespread critical acclaim, the series has been a runaway commercial success with multiple ADVENTURE TIME collections debuting on the New York Times Bestsellers list, the first two collected volumes placing in the top 25 graphic novels and trades through Diamond Comic Distributors for 2013, and the ADVENTURE TIME VOL. 1 PLAYING WITH FIRE original graphic novel debuting in the #1 spot through Diamond Comic Distributors in May 2013.
  

BOOM!’s second launch of a Cartoon Network property, REGULAR SHOW, debuted in April 2013 as the highest-selling title in the publisher’s eight-year history. Based on the Emmy® Award-winning Cartoon Network original series, the franchise includes a monthly comic series and a spin-off mini-series currently in progress, and collections and original graphic novels are planned for future release.

The new expanded partnership will allow BOOM! to work with Cartoon Network Enterprises to introduce new animated comedy properties to the comic book and book markets closer to the debut of each show.

“The ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW comic book series have become all-ages successes as a direct result of our strong partnership with BOOM! and its ability to tap talented artists that bring our brands to life into comics,” said Pete Yoder, vice president of consumer products, North America for Cartoon Network Enterprises. “As we grow our roster of original comedies, it’s a great opportunity to expand our relationship with BOOM! and allow us to build on this strong success with additional brands debuting later this year.”

The first property to be encompassed by this new partnership is STEVEN UNIVERSE. Created by Rebecca Sugar, STEVEN UNIVERSE is Cartoon Network’s newest original comedy series about a boy named Steven and a team of magical Guardians of the Universe, and it will debut as a monthly comic series in August. A sneak peek of the new title premiered within the ADVENTURE TIME 2013 SPOOOKTACULAR in October 2013. Additional properties along with creative team details will be announced at a further date.

“Our partners at Cartoon Network have a stellar lineup of new shows that we are looking forward to publish as equally stellar all-ages comics, following the tremendous success of ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW,” said BOOM! Studios Founder and CEO Ross Richie. “STEVEN UNIVERSE has that same edginess that will resonate with readers—and that’s just the beginning. Wait until you see what else is in the pipeline!”


ABOUT BOOM! STUDIOS
Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey’s SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos’ FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis’ POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 GUNS was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network’s ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel’s HEROBEAR AND THE KID, and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, and other many great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films.

ABOUT CARTOON NETWORK ENTERPRISES
Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks’ award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for LazyTown Entertainment and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is regularly the #1 U.S. television network in prime among boys 6-11 & 9-14. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 194 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.
 

Veronica Mars Prize Pack Giveaway

On the eve of graduating law school, Veronica Mars has put Neptune and her amateur sleuthing days behind her. While interviewing at high-end New York law firms, Veronica Mars gets a call from her ex-boyfriend Logan who has been accused of murder. Veronica heads back to Neptune just to help Logan find an attorney, but when things don't seem right with how Logan's case is perceived and handled, Veronica finds herself being pulled back into a life she thought she had left behind.

See it In Theaters MARCH 14
Pre-order on DIGITAL HD

http://theveronicamarsmovie.com
Twitter- @veronicamars

ABOUT HOW THE FILM GOT MADE:

Following a record-breaking Kickstarter campaign that ended on April 12, 2013, Veronica Mars was shot over 23 days during June-July 2013. It will be released in selected theaters nationwide on March 14th, 2014. 

Veronica Mars: Purity Test Marshmallow Super-fan Trivia - Think you know all there is to know about Neptune, California? Test your Veronica Mars knowledge with all 3 levels of super-fan trivia and find out if you are the ultimate Marshmallow!

Four ways to enter to win a Veronica Mars DVD & trucker hat:

- Tweet @monkeyjedi, "Can't wait to see #VeronicaMarsMovie in theaters starting March 14th!"

- Take the Purity Test and let us know how you did in the comments section or by E-mailing us at geekhashblog@gmail.com

-Share a link to this post via Twitter, Pintrest, Tumblr, Facebook, or any other social media and let us know when you do!

-Post the Veronica Mars 10 must watch episodes on your Tumblr, Facebook or Pintrest and let us know when you do!

*Contest starts March 10, 2014 and ends March 21, 2014 at 11:59 p.m.   
One winner will be randomly chosen and notified via E-mail. They will have 24 hours to respond with an address (no P.O. Boxes!) or an alternate winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to the U.S.A.

**Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Veronica Mars Prize Pack via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

***All prize packs will ship after the DVD release date ETA May 2014.



Warner Bros. is sponsoring this contest and will be shipping the prize to the winner via FedEx or USPS. No P.O. Boxes please.

Marvel Kotobukiya ArtFX+ Statues for Pre-order on Amazon

Just like the Japanese DC New 52 Kotobukiya statues, Marvel will get their own line based on the Marvel NOW Avengers line-up.

Via Amazon:

Marvel Comics is the next great property to get Kotobukiya's ARTFX+ statue treatment, and so of course the first series is none other than the Avengers, specifically the characters as they appear in Marvel Now. In 2012 the comic book company relaunched several titles, shifting some characters into different books and updating some for a modern audience. More than anything, it provided a perfect jumping on point for new readers. Now the characters are brought to life as never before based on concept artwork by superstar artist Adi Granov. For the very first Avengers ARTFX+ release... well, he's big, he's green, and he's always angry... it's the HULK! The massive Hulk stands just barely under 10 inches tall (in the ARTFX+ 1/10th scale) on his included magnetic display base. Hulk will be joined by his fellow Avengers with upcoming releases Hawkeye, Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, and Thor, so get him to begin your collection!

Black Widow, Captain America, The Hulk, and Hawkeye are availiable for pre-order now on Amazon!

BOOM! Studios Jets to Its First Appearance at London Super Comic Con to Meet UK Fans

ADVENTURE TIME #25 London Super Comic Con Variant Cover by Josceline Fenton
 

Award-winning comic book publisher BOOM! Studios announced it will exhibit at the 3rd Annual London Super Comic Con, to be held during the weekend of March 15-16 at the Excel Centre in London.

The BOOM! booth can be found in the Central Publisher Spotlight Arena and will host creators Roger Langridge (SNARKED), Mike Carey (SUICIDE RISK), Matt Gagnon (DAY MEN), and Frazer Irving (POLARITY, THE RETURNING), plus sketch artists Wook-Jin Hunter Clark (ADVENTURE TIME: THE FLIP SIDE) and Josceline Fenton (LSCC EXCLUSIVE ADVENTURE TIME VARIANT, REGULAR SHOW). In addition, a special LSCC variant cover illustrated by Fenton for the ADVENTURE TIME #25 anniversary issue will be available for purchase through the convention.

“It’s always a pleasure to meet our readers and fans, but this convention will be extra special as it’s our first time exhibiting in London,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “We work with some incredible UK-based creators and our fans there have always been such ardent supporters of our titles. I’m very much looking forward to visiting our friends ‘across the pond.’”

BOOM! will be participating in a portfolio review on Sunday from 2:30-3:30 pm with Editor-In-Chief Matt Gagnon.

BOOM! will also put on the following panel:

BOOM! Studios Presents: We Are BOOM!
Sat., March 15, 12:45 p.m.
Comic Heroes Panel Room

Last year was a banner year for BOOM! highlighted by the release of our first feature 2 GUNS (starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg) and a new first-look deal with 20th Century Fox. Archaia joined us as a new imprint, we expanded the all-ages KaBOOM! line-up, and launched our newest imprint BOOM! Box. Join BOOM! Studios Editor-In-Chief Matt Gagnon and a few Special Guests as they share our mission to create the future of comics...now. We are BOOM! Come Innovate With Us.

Snickers Movie Prize Pack

Who hasn't felt like a rampaging menace at least once in their lives? Because let's face it, You're Not You When You're Hungry! Even Godzilla is a regular, cool guy who can hang with his friends, just watch out for that sudden spell of hunger! Check it out in the new Snickers commercial! Only SNICKERS and its delicious blend of chocolate, peanuts, caramel and nougat can provide #MONSTERSATISFACTION and tame the savage beast! To celebrate the release of the new Snickers You're Not You When You're Hungry commercial, Snickers wants to hear about your most satisfying movie experience. So tweet with the #MONSTERSATISFACTION hashtag about that incredible first date, or the first time you saw your favorite movie of all time on the big screen.

You can win a Snickers Movie Prize Pack that includes a $15 Fandango gift card and 5 Snickers bars!


There are several ways to enter:

-Watch the commercial and either post your favorite part in our comments section or let us know at geekhashblog@gmail.com

-Tweet @monkeyjedi with your with your favorite movie and the hashtag #MONSTERSATISFACTION

-Share a link to this post on Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Pintrest, or any other social media outlet and let us know when you do!

Contest starts March 6, 2014 and ends March 14, 2014 at 11:59 p.m. One randomly picked winner will be notified via Email and will have 24 hours to respond with an address (no P.O. Boxes, please!) or an alternate winner will be chosen.

*Each household is only eligible to win One (1) Snickers Movie Prize Pack containing 5 Snickers Bars and 1 $15 Fandango Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

**Snickers Brand is sponsoring this giveaway and will be shipping the prize to the winner. Remember, no P.O. Boxes, please.