Sunday, April 26, 2020

Your First Look at the Adventures of SPACE BEAR From Ethan Young and BOOM! Studios


BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at the new original graphic novel SPACE BEAR by award-winning cartoonist Ethan Young (Nanjing: The Burning City), presenting a timely, silent sci-fi story about discovering the unknown and empathy for everyone we encounter because every friendship begins with an act of kindness, available in June 2020.  

Pilgrim Finch is an adventurous astronaut bear who explores the cosmos with a mission to bring samples of life back to his home planet. But when he crash lands on a new planet full of surprises and danger around every corner, Pilgrim will be forced to question his orders and learn that there’s only one mission that matters—compassion for all living creatures, no matter the stakes!  



SPACE BEAR is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ award-winning KaBOOM! imprint, home to comics for middle grade and younger readers including licensed series such as Adventure Time, Steven Universe, Regular Show, Ben 10, and Over the Garden Wall, along with original series like Just Beyond by R.L. Stine and Kelly & Nichole Matthews, Hex Vet by Sam Davies, Drew and Jot by Art Baltazar, Hotel Dare by Terry Blas and Claudia Aguirre, RuinWorld by Derek Laufman,  and Pandora’s Legacy by Kara Leopard and Kelly & Nichole Matthews.  

Print copies of SPACE BEAR will be available for sale on June 17, 2020 at local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the nearest one), June 23, 2020 at bookstores, or at the BOOM! Studios webstore. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Madefire.











Monday, April 20, 2020

eigoMANGA Releases An Online Multiplayer Component For The Game 'Vanguard Princess'


eigoMANGA releases its latest DLC for the PC  fighting game 'Vanguard Princess' called 'Vanguard Princess Online Deluxe'. 'Vanguard Princess Online Deluxe' DLC is an online multiplayer client with a matchmaking  lobby and integrated chat. 'Vanguard Princess Online Deluxe' is now available on Steam.   'Vanguard Princess' is  a 2D fighting game for the PC that features an all-female cast  each with their own unique fighting style. 'Vanguard Princess' is a 10-time #1  best-selling Windows PC game on Amazon.



'Vanguard Princess Online Deluxe' will also feature the following in-game content:

- Updated and originally uncensored version of 'Vanguard Princess' 
- Access to playable versions of the game's boss character Hilda Rize in Arcade Mode and  Two Player Mode 
- Additional battle stages 
- Alternate story-lines 
- Alternate endings for various characters 
- Additional in-game music

More information on 'Vanguard Princess Online Deluxe' can be found on it's Steam page.



Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Todd McFarlane Launches First-Ever MASTERWORKS SPAWN Kickstarter


In 1992, the very first Spawn comic book hit the shelves setting a sales record for an independent comic book. A few years later, in 1995, the first Spawn action figure was released to critical acclaim and helped usher in a whole new way of giving you detail and 'art' to your action figures.  

Now, twenty-five years later, Todd McFarlane is joining forces with Kickstarter to deliver an updated version of that original 1995 Spawn Action Figure and Comic release. The new Original Spawn Action Figure and Comic Remastered (2020) figure will be 7-inches tall and come with a huge folding cape and weapon. The articulation in this version will be more than double what the original action figure had, and the included comic cover will be remastered by the international award-winning artist and creator of the Spawn character, Todd McFarlane.

The Original Spawn Action Figure and Comic Remastered (2020) Kickstarter campaign is now live at Kickstarter.



"We're thrilled that Todd McFarlane Productions is bringing Spawn to Kickstarter. When McFarlane launched his first line of toys in 1995, he showed that creative independence is a key ingredient in doing something innovative and new within an established and sometimes stagnant industry," said Nick Yulman, Kickstarter's Head of Design & Technology. "We're creating this new section for Toys on Kickstarter to celebrate the launch of this project and to inspire more independent toy designers to follow their visions."

"As an artist and a creator, I have worked to evolve my creations to the highest artistic level achievable.  I'm going back to the beginning of the first Spawn Action Figure and Comic I ever created.  It will be remastered and modernized with all the skill sets, details, and technology that I have learned over the past 26 years to bring you the best version of that iconic Spawn Action Figure and Comic from 1995," said Todd McFarlane, Spawn creator and legendary artist. "It's an honor that Kickstarter is creating a new toy section on its platform and debuting it in conjunction with the first-ever Spawn Kickstarter."



This newly remastered Original Spawn Action Figure and Comic (2020) version will come in a collector box with a slipcover to help preserve the condition of the figure, comic, and packaging. And speaking of the actual blister packaging, it will mimic the original design from the classic action figure of 1995, though upgrades will be all across the final product.

A new resealable shell will be used so that you may take out your Spawn Action Figure and Comic for display, but also be able to return them both into their packaging as you have never opened it in the first place!  

Finally, if you choose, you can get an autograph by Todd McFarlane himself. Todd will be personally signing a nameplate that can be used for display with your Spawn Action Figure and Comic. And each autographed item will also come with a bonus weapon: A reimagining, hyper-detailed updated version of the wooden plank weapon from that original Spawn Action Figure from 1995.  



To simplify this offering, there will be only four levels: A CLASSIC costume version. A MODERN costume version (with new head), an ARTIST PROOF (what we're calling the 'black & white), and lastly, the 3-PACK bundle which will include a Classic, Modern and Black & White figure. The latter two figures are getting new head sculpt! The first three levels will be offered with or without an autograph while the 3-Pack will only be offered with an autograph. And each of the single figures will have a NEW never-seen-before cover remastered by Todd McFarlane himself. The backing levels range from $40 to $160 based on the offerings.

This is your chance to get in on history as it repeats itself in this remastered version of the action figure and Comic that helped changed the industry of action figures itself.  For additional, information visit the FAQ on the Spawn Kickstarter page. To stay updated on the Spawn Kickstarter Campaign Follow Instagram: @ToddMcFarlane, Twitter @Todd_McFarlane and FB @LikeToddMcFarlane









Sunday, April 12, 2020

Unboxing January’s Loot Crate- Icons


Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in! With the quality of their crates declining and all of the business issues Loot Crate has been having the last couple of years, I canceled my regular subscription long ago. Since being taken over by NECA, Loot Crate has attempted to catch up on crates owed to subscribers. Unfortunately, many customers are getting junk boxes comprised of old LC items from previous crates and Loot Wearables they didn’t order (sometimes in the wrong size). So I told myself, until they’ve righted the ship, I was gonna hold off. That is until the 50% off code came in the email.

The crate came a couple of months late, but it arrived nonetheless. Even though I ended up not being a huge fan of all of the contents, I have to admit that it was a quality crate. It reminded me how good Loot Crate used to be. The theme was “Icons” and boasted a pretty solid lineup of Batman, Doctor Who, and PAC-MAN. The box was long and had some weight to it, so I was eager to open it up as soon as I got it from the mail box.



First up was a replica of the Batmobile from Batman Begins. My initial thought was, “Cool! Batmobile!” But when I pulled it out of the crate and got a closer look, I realized it was the Nolan Batmobile and was disappointed. I was never a fan of that version, but the replica comes in a nice case depicting the Batmobile on a rooftop. This was one of several Batman vehicles randomly inserted into the crate.

Next up was a nice, high quality Batman notebook. This is one of the types you can find on the Sideshow website or at most retailers that sell this type of thing. They usually fall in the $10-12 range. This one was, like the Batmobile, one of several available themes.



The third item in the box was a Loot Crate exclusive edition comic of the Thirteenth Doctor. It features a cover with the new Doctor, as well as Matt Smith and David Tennant's Doctors. As a big Who fan, this was a welcome surprise.

This crate’s pin, an “eye-con” pin was a bit of a let-down. It would’ve been nice to have something representing a character. For me, Loot Crate’s pins have always been hit or miss. When they’re original designs, for the most part, I usually give them away. This one will definitely be finding a new home.

Last but not least was a PAC-MAN T-shirt. Now this is what I’m here for! This is a nice, high quality tee that I would probably buy at my local GameStop. I love the design and the color choice. For the price of the crate, this was worth it to me. It’s not enough to sway me to continue my subscription, but I’m definitely going to keep my eye on how they’re improving their business. If they can get back on track, I’ll be happy to become a monthly subscriber again.



Inside January’s “Icon” crate:

-Batman Begins Batmobile
-Batman Notebook
-Icons Themed Pin
-Loot Crate Exclusive Doctor Who Comic
-PAC-MAN T-Shirt











Friday, April 10, 2020

Robert Downey Jr. Stars with an All-Star Cast of Hilarious Animal Friends in Dolittle


Own the movie all the animals are talking about and go an epic journey with a hilarious always cold bear, an anxious gorilla, a lovable giraffe, a ferocious tiger, and more! The adventurous tale is brought to life with an all-star cast that includes the voice talents of Academy® Award winner Emma Thompson (Last Christmas, Late Night), Academy® Award winner Rami Malek (Bohemian Rhapsody, “Mr. Robot”), Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), John Cena (“WWE”), and Tom Holland (Spider-Man: Homecoming) and more. The film is directed by Stephen Gaghan (Syriana) and produced by Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey.      



Robert Downey Jr. electrifies as the man who could talk to animals: DOLITTLE. After losing his wife, he hermits himself away behind the high wall of his manor but is forced to set sail on an epic adventure when the queen falls gravely ill. Helping Dolittle in search of a rare cure are his rambunctious animal friends—including Chee-Chee (Malek), an anxious, self-conscious gorilla; Dab-Dab (Octavia Spencer, The Help), an enthusiastic but bird-brained duck; the bickering duo of cynical, neurotic ostrich Plimpton (Kumail Nanjiani, The Big Sick, “Silicon Valley”) and chilly-but-chill polar bear Yoshi (Cena); as well as a headstrong parrot named Polynesia (Thompson). Catch incredible bonus content that you can only see on the 4K Ultra HD™, Blu-ray™, DVD, and Digital release showcasing the making of the film and insight to all the cast.

 

Sunday, April 5, 2020

Sleepover Sirens Designer Collectible Toy by Unruly Industries Pre-order


New Sleepover Sirens Designer Collectible from Unruly Industries now available for pre-order at Sideshow for $260 and starts shipping August 2020.

via Sideshow: 

While the Bat’s away, the villains play! Enjoy the late night antics of Gotham’s most famous girls in the limited edition Harley Quinn, Poison Ivy, and Catwoman: Sleepover Sirens Designer Collectible Toy Set by artist Cameron Scott Davis.   

Gotham’s very own Maid of Mischief, Harleen Quinzel, is puddin’ on the ritz as she gives herself a makeover- looking sharp! Meanwhile, Pamela Isley has planted herself down for a cozy night inside, testing out a new perfume that is absolutely di-vine. Finally, Selina Kyle is packed with purrsonality from head to toe beans as she files down her claws in a figure that is simply the cat’s pajamas.







Thursday, April 2, 2020

BOOM! Studios Announces Retailer Support Services Program Including Full Returnability Through June 2020


BOOM! Studios has announced the BOOM! Retailer Support Services Program, a comprehensive set of initiatives effective immediately to aid comic book shops worldwide affected by the current health crisis.  

-The BOOM! Retailer Support Services Program will initially deliver the following benefits to qualifying accounts pending details being finalized with Diamond Comic Distributors:

-Full Returnability Through June: BOOM! Studios will extend the industry’s best returnability program, the BOOM! Guarantee, by making all items that ship between March 18th through June 24th fully returnable via affidavit in order to allow retailers to order with confidence.

-#BoostYourLCS Paid Promotion: BOOM! Studios will increase targeted advertising and promotion around comic shops, and specifically spotlight stores offering Safe Services (like curbside and mail order options), using the #BoostYourLCS hashtag to reach over 360,000 fans worldwide. A full list of BOOM! Guarantee and Safe Service retailers (with regular updates) can be found right here.

-Rare Variant Cover Gift Set: BOOM! Studios will offer retailers a direct cash infusion by providing previously released rare and popular variant covers for free to qualifying Diamond accounts in April. These gifts will create an opportunity for retailers to generate additional revenue and promotion at no cost. For retailers who do not normally sell variant covers at an increased price, these can be used to reward loyal pull-box subscribers or used to further incentivize customer engagement as prizes or purchasing rewards.

-Monthly 1-Per Store Variant Covers: BOOM! Studios will provide new, previously unannounced 1-per-store variant every month through December 2020 free to qualifying Diamond accounts. This program will begin with a new 1-per store variant for Faithless II #1 in April, followed by Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #51 in May, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow #1 in June.

-Diamond Summit Variant: BOOM! Studios will deliver our promised free Diamond Summit retailer variant cover for Faithless II #1 to all qualifying stores in April so that retailers don’t miss out on this hotly anticipated issue.

-Exclusive Convention Variant Opportunities: BOOM! Studios will offer select variant covers and other items previously planned for 2020 conventions direct to retailers through Diamond, as long as supplies last. Since fans can’t go to conventions, we’re bringing the conventions to the fans!

This program includes BOOM! Studios’ support and participation in future industry-wide, coordinated joint initiatives with Diamond Comic Distributors and other participating publishers to benefit and support comic book stores.  

“We are deeply committed to working together hand-in-hand with our retail partners through this period of disruption. BOOM! Studios is proud to take both immediate and long term steps to support those on the front lines of our industry,” said Filip Sablik, President of Publishing & Marketing, BOOM! Studios. “The BOOM! Retailer Support Services Program we’ve outlined today is just the start of our efforts, which will evolve as we receive more feedback from retailers. We believe publishers should earn their space on our retail partners’ shelves and at no time has that belief been more important than now. We invite retailers to participate and share ideas to enhance our efforts together.”  

Diamond Comic Distributors and BOOM! Studios will be sharing more information directly with retailers as soon as it is finalized to clearly outline how to receive benefits from the BOOM! Retailer Support Services Program.