Tuesday, March 31, 2015

"Mad Max: Fury Road" Trailer Debuts


Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures Present Worldwide Satellite Trailer Debut -- MAD MAX: FURY ROAD

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEJnMQG9ev8

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--From director George Miller, originator of the post-apocalyptic genre and mastermind behind the legendary “Mad Max” franchise, comes “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky.

Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by an elite Imperator, Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.

Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) stars in the title role in “Mad Max: Fury Road”—the fourth in the franchise’s history. Oscar winner Charlize Theron (“Monster,” “Prometheus”) stars as the Imperator, Furiosa. The film also stars Nicholas Hoult (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as Nux; Hugh Keays-Byrne (“Mad Max,” “Sleeping Beauty”) as Immortan Joe; Nathan Jones (“Conan the Barbarian”) as Rictus Erectus; Josh Helman (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as Slit; collectively known as The Wives, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”) is Splendid, Riley Keough (“Magic Mike”) is Capable, ZoĆ« Kravitz (“Divergent”) plays Toast, Abbey Lee is The Dag, and Courtney Eaton is Fragile. Also featured in the movie are John Howard, Richard Carter, singer/songwriter/performer iOTA, Angus Sampson, Jennifer Hagan, Megan Gale, Melissa Jaffer, Melita Jurisic, Gillian Jones and Joy Smithers.

Oscar-winning filmmaker George Miller (“Happy Feet”) is directing the film from a screenplay he wrote with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. Miller is also producing the film, along with longtime producing partner, Oscar nominee Doug Mitchell (“Babe”, “Happy Feet”), and P.J. Voeten. Iain Smith, Graham Burke and Bruce Berman serve as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar-winning director of photography John Seale (“The English Patient”), production designer Colin Gibson (“Babe”), editor Margaret Sixel (“Happy Feet”), Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“A Room with a View”), second unit director/supervising stunt coordinator Guy Norris (“Australia”), and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt (“Knowing”).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Kennedy Miller Mitchell production, a George Miller film, “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The film is scheduled for release on May 15, 2015, and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

The film has been rated R by the MPAA for intense sequences of violence throughout, and for disturbing images.

www.madmaxmovie.com
https://www.facebook.com/MadMaxMovie
https://twitter.com/madmaxmovie
#MadMax

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Dark Horse Comics Announces "The Complete Love Hurts"



KIM W. ANDERSSON’S ‘LOVE HURTS’ BRINGS SWEDISH HORROR-ROMANCE COMICS TO AMERICA

Comics master Kim W. Andersson has received Sweden’s most prestigious comics award, and in October, his horror-romance comics will be collected by Dark Horse for the first time in Andersson’s US graphic novel debut, The Complete Love Hurts.

Tennyson wrote, “’Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.” Well, Tennyson never met these lovers!

In this massive tome of romance comics with brutal, terrible twists, Swedish comics creator Kim W. Andersson, whose graphic novel Alena is currently being adapted into a movie, delivers a shocking series of short stories about love gone horribly wrong! Featuring lovelorn supervillains, psychopathic online daters, murderous reality TV show stars, and heartbroken cowboys, samurais, and astronauts, Love Hurts shows that no matter who you are or what you do, love can be one deadly bitch!

With a foreword by Peter Snejbjerg (B.P.R.D., Starman, Preacher), The Complete Love Hurts hits stores October 28, 2015 at a bargain price of $19.99, and will collect over 200 pages of Andersson’s horror-romance comics with material from Dark Horse Presents, Swedish alternative comics anthology From the Shadow of the Northern Lights, and many more.

The Complete Love Hurts
Kim W. Andersson (W/A/Cover)
$19.99, 978-1-61655-859-8
On sale October 28


About Dark Horse
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for March 29th to March 31st, 2015 - Update #8


NEWS:

From Vulture: Trevor Noah is the new host of "The Daily Show."

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From YahooTV: First footage from "The Walking Dead" spinoff, "Fear the Walking Dead."

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From THR: The winner of the 3/27 to 3/29/2015 weekend box office is DreamWorks Animation's Home, with an estimated take of $54 million.

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From ScreenRant: CBS looking at new "Star Trek" television series.  Horay!

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From EOnline:  Sacha Baron Cohen "Freddie Mercury" project back on.

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From Variety:  Trevor Noah joins shortlist to replace John Stewart on "The Daily Show."

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From YahooMovies:  First "Spectre" trailer - the new James Bond movie.

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From YahooMovies:  According to his Instagram page, Hugh Jackman will only play Wolverine one more time.

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From YahooMovies:  Simon Pegg says "Star Trek 3" will reflect the spirit of the original "Star Trek."

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From Variety:  Idris Elba in talks to be the villain in "Star Trek 3."

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From IGN:  An article about the "All-New, All-Different Avengers," but the comments section is the better read.


COMICS - Books and News:

From IBTimes:  Deadpool movie plot details and relation to Wolverine movies.

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From BleedingCool:  Don't call it a reboot - post Secret Wars.


MISC:

From LakersNation:  Rookie Julius Randle never lost confidence during the recovery from his injury... in part because of Kobe.


WWE Network Announces New Animated Comedy Series from Seth Green

WWE® Network Partners with Seth Green, Jerry Springer and Jeff Tremaine on Three New Original Series

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In addition to the premium monthly live pay-per-view events, WWE Network unveiled new programming for the remainder of 2015, which includes eight brand new original series and partnerships with director Jeff Tremaine, Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios and legendary talk show host Jerry Springer.

    “And what is more outrageous than the entertainment, drama and craziness of the WWE. This is going to be fun.”
NEW ORIGINAL SERIES:

CAMP WWE – COMING LATE 2015
WWE, in partnership with Seth Green’s Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, will debut a new, animated short-form comedy series entitled Camp WWE. Imagine WWE Superstars and Divas when they were kids at their favorite summer camp…which happens to be run by none other than Mr. McMahon – add in shock-value, slapstick humor and social satire – and you have WWE’s first adult comedy, which will debut later this year.

"We're insanely excited about this collaboration,” said Green. “WWE is one of the most heartfelt and professional organizations I've worked with. We're beyond happy to help them realize this vision.”

SWERVED – COMING IN MAY
WWE teams up with the Director of Jackass and Bad Grandpa, Jeff Tremaine, to give you the hilarious original series, Swerved. Swerved is a half hour series and will premiere in May.

“I’m excited to combine my brand of entertainment with the world of WWE,” said Tremaine. “It will be the ultimate mash-up.”

DIVA SEARCH – COMING THIS FALL
WWE spans the globe in search of the most beautiful, athletic and charismatic women to find the next stunning WWE Diva. This competition will give viewers the opportunity to witness the challenges, trials, drama and rewards that accompany the journey of these women, as they vie for superstardom. Coming this Fall.

JERRY SPRINGER PRESENTS WWE TOO HOT FOR TV – COMING IN APRIL
Hosted by legendary talk show host Jerry Springer, this series will re-introduce the WWE Universe to the most outrageous stunts and cringe-inducing moments in TV history. The series will be chock full of insane situations and racy romps from WWE’s past that will have members of the WWE Universe asking, “Did they really do this?!” Springer will inject his own brand of humor into each episode with themes such as “Love Hurts,” “All in the Family” and “Weddings and Funerals.”

The half-hour series will be available beginning in April in WWE Network’s video-on-demand library with new episodes weekly.

"I suspect 25 years of The Jerry Springer Show qualifies me to comment on outrageous behavior,” said Springer. “And what is more outrageous than the entertainment, drama and craziness of the WWE. This is going to be fun."

LIVE! WITH CHRIS JERICHO – DEBUTS MONDAY, APRIL 6 WITH SPECIAL GUEST JOHN CENA
Podcast host Chris Jericho challenges his guests in provocative, candid conversations about their careers, their lives, past controversies and the overall state of WWE. The monthly series kicks off Monday, April 6 immediately following Raw, with its first one-hour episode featuring WWE Superstar John Cena.

“I’m stoked to bring my show to WWE Network and give Jerichoholics worldwide more of what they've come to expect - humor, questions that have never been asked before and the best conversations that any podcast host has ever delivered,” said Jericho. “No matter who the guest is, whether it be WWE Superstars, Divas, Legends, executives or icons from the entertainment world, I guarantee to deliver the best, most entertaining interview you have ever heard from each and every one of them."

UNFILTERED: WITH RENEE YOUNG – DEBUTS IN MAY
WWE announcer Renee Young interviews WWE Superstars and other pop-culture celebrities, covering just about everything, except what they are famous for. In this short-form series, Renee's guests include Grammy Award winner Wiz Khalifa, five-time Grammy nominee Skylar Grey and WWE Superstars Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Unfiltered will debut in May.

CULTURE SHOCK: WITH COREY GRAVES – PREMIERING IN JUNE
WWE commentator Corey Graves reveals a variety of unique venues, customs, music, food and people as WWE’s tour travels around the world. From Marvel comic headquarters to a tattoo shop on the lower east side of Manhattan, Graves examines the local culture with his unique perspective and style. This short-form series will premiere in June.

WWE THE LIST – COMING IN JUNE
WWE The List is the best, the worst, the most bizarre and interesting of everything and anything WWE. If it’s amazing, outrageous, sexy or just plain fun, it just made #TheList.

NEW EPISODES:

In addition to the eight new original series, WWE Network will also debut new episodes of the highly-acclaimed docu-series WWE 24 as well as WWE Countdown and Rivalries. WWE will also add more children’s programming by bringing back the popular 1980s animated series, Hulk Hogan’s Rock ‘N’ Wrestling. In addition, WWE Network will produce compelling specials and short form content, while continuing to add 1,000 hours to its robust video-on-demand library, which currently has more than 3,000 hours of content.

WWE 24
The acclaimed 30-minute docu-series takes you on a lightning-fast journey through a day in the life of WWE’s most intriguing Superstars and groundbreaking events.

WWE COUNTDOWN
WWE Countdown settles the great debates across WWE history. Who was the most dangerous Diva? Who had the best catchphrase? This one-hour series allows the WWE Universe to determine the top 10 in each category and have the final word on who tops each list.

RIVALRIES
This docu-style series takes a look at the greatest rivalries in WWE history, as never told before. Get the real stories behind WWE’s most exciting matches and entertaining feuds through the eyes of the Superstars who created them. Each one-hour episode leaves no story untold.

HULK HOGAN’S ROCK ’N’ WRESTLING
Harkening back to 1985, this Saturday morning cartoon, which originally aired on CBS, features Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, Junkyard Dog, Captain Lou Albano, and Roddy Piper in a series that is both nostalgic and entertaining, 30 years later.

SPECIALS:

FLOYD MAYWEATHER VS. THE BIG SHOW: THE BIGGEST VS. THE BEST – PREMIERES MONDAY, APRIL 27
WWE Network will look back at this epic David vs. Goliath encounter at WrestleMania 24 (2008) and its shocking conclusion coming just in time for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, which is expected to be one of the biggest boxing matches in history.

NXT TAKEOVER – LIVE! – AIRS MONTHLY ON WEDNESDAYS
The future is here. WWE’s hottest up-and-coming Superstars compete to prove they’ve got what it takes. More than just evolution, it’s a revolution! Witness these WWE Superstars of tomorrow as they take over WWE Network with live two-hour specials.


About WWE Network
WWE Network, which launched on February 24, 2014, surpassed 1 million subscribers in just 11 months making it the fastest-growing digital subscription service, and is now available in more than 175 countries. Like other digital subscription services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, fans are able to sign up for WWE Network online by going to WWE.com and can watch WWE Network on their TVs through connected devices such as Sony PlayStation 3, Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Roku streaming devices as well as Smart TVs including Sony and Samsung. WWE Network’s one-of-a-kind programming includes all 12 WWE pay-per-view events LIVE at no additional charge plus groundbreaking original series, reality shows, documentaries, classic matches, exclusive coverage of special events and more than 3,000 hours of video-on-demand programming.

About WWE
WWE, a publicly traded company (NYSE:WWE), is an integrated media organization and recognized leader in global entertainment. The company consists of a portfolio of businesses that create and deliver original content 52 weeks a year to a global audience. WWE is committed to family friendly entertainment on its television programming, pay-per-view, digital media and publishing platforms. WWE programming reaches more than 650 million homes worldwide in 35 languages. WWE Network, the first-ever 24/7 over-the-top premium network that includes all 12 live pay-per-views, scheduled programming and a massive video-on-demand library, is currently available in more than 175 countries. The company is headquartered in Stamford, Conn., with offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, Mumbai, Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai, Munich and Tokyo.

Additional information on WWE (NYSE:WWE) can be found at wwe.com and corporate.wwe.com. For information on our global activities, go to http://www.wwe.com/worldwide/.

Trademarks: All WWE programming, talent names, images, likenesses, slogans, wrestling moves, trademarks, logos and copyrights are the exclusive property of WWE and its subsidiaries. All other trademarks, logos and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks relating to: WWE Network; major distribution agreements; our need to continue to develop creative and entertaining programs and events; a decline in the popularity of our brand of sports entertainment; the continued importance of key performers and the services of Vincent K. McMahon; possible adverse changes in the regulatory atmosphere and related private sector initiatives; the highly competitive, rapidly changing and increasingly fragmented nature of the markets in which we operate and greater financial resources or marketplace presence of many of our competitors; uncertainties associated with international markets; our difficulty or inability to promote and conduct our live events and/or other businesses if we do not comply with applicable regulations; our dependence on our intellectual property rights, our need to protect those rights, and the risks of our infringement of others’ intellectual property rights; the complexity of our rights agreements across distribution mechanisms and geographical areas; potential substantial liability in the event of accidents or injuries occurring during our physically demanding events including, without limitation, claims relating to CTE; large public events as well as travel to and from such events; our feature film business; our expansion into new or complementary businesses and/or strategic investments; our computer systems and online operations; a possible decline in general economic conditions and disruption in financial markets; our accounts receivable; our revolving credit facility; litigation; our potential failure to meet market expectations for our financial performance, which could adversely affect our stock; Vincent K. McMahon exercising control over our affairs, and his interests may conflict with the holders of our Class A common stock; a substantial number of shares which are eligible for sale by the McMahons and the sale, or the perception of possible sales, of those shares could lower our stock price; and the relatively small public “float” of our Class A common stock. In addition, our dividend is dependent on a number of factors, including, among other things, our liquidity and cash flow, strategic plan (including alternative uses of capital), our financial results and condition, contractual and legal restrictions on the payment of dividends (including under our revolving credit facility), general economic and competitive conditions and such other factors as our Board of Directors may consider relevant. Forward-looking statements made by the Company speak only as of the date made, are subject to change without any obligation on the part of the Company to update or revise them, and undue reliance should not be placed on these statements.

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Benedcit Cumberbatch as "Hamlet" in U.S. Cinemas for One Night Only

Academy Award® Nominee Benedict Cumberbatch Takes on the Title Role in William Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’ Screening in U.S. Cinemas for One Night This October

Fathom Events, National Theatre Live (NT Live) and BY Experience Present the Broadcast of this Classic Play from London in Select U.S. Cinemas on October 15 Only; Tickets on Sale Now

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fathom Events, in partnership with National Theatre Live and BY Experience, are pleased to present “NT Live: Hamlet” on October 15, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. local time. Academy Award® nominee Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) takes on the title role of William Shakespeare’s great tragedy directed by Lyndsey Turner and produced by Sonia Friedman Productions. Captured live earlier the same day, the event will be broadcast from London’s Barbican Theatre to select U.S. cinemas.

    “It will be such a pleasure to see him playing the lead in ‘Hamlet’ in cinemas across the U.S.”

Tickets for “NT Live: Hamlet” can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart. Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralyzed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament, threatening both his sanity and the security of the state.

“Benedict Cumberbatch is a phenomenally talented actor who displays tremendous diversity in every role that he takes,” said Fathom Events CEO John Rubey. “It will be such a pleasure to see him playing the lead in ‘Hamlet’ in cinemas across the U.S.”

For artwork/photos related to “NT Live: Hamlet,” visit the Fathom Events press site.


About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the recognized leader in the alternative entertainment industry, offering a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, the performing arts, major sporting events, music concerts, comedy series, Broadway shows, original programming featuring entertainment’s biggest stars, socially relevant documentaries with audience Q&A and much more. Fathom Events takes audiences behind-the-scenes and offers unique extras, creating the ultimate entertainment experience. It is owned by a consortium called AC JV, LLC., comprised of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the United States. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live events to more than 775 locations in 171 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About SONIA FRIEDMAN PRODUCTIONS
Sonia Friedman Productions, founded in 2002, is a West End and Broadway production company responsible for some of the most successful theatre productions in London and on Broadway over the past few years. SFP has developed, initiated and produced over 140 new productions and has won numerous Olivier and Tony Awards, including a record-breaking 14 at the 2014 Olivier Awards (Best New Musical, Best New Play, Best Revival of a Musical and Best Revival of a Play, among others). Their recent West End and Broadway theatre productions and co-productions include: the UK premiere of The Book of Mormon, Jez Butterworth's The River on Broadway, starring Hugh Jackman, Sunny Afternoon, Shakespeare in Love, The Nether, Electra, King Charles III, Jerusalem, Ghosts, Mojo, Chimerica, Twelfth Night & Richard III and Old Times. In addition to SFP’s theatre projects Sonia is also Executive Producer, alongside Playground Entertainment, on the up-coming television adaptation of Ronald Harwood’s The Dresser starring Anthony Hopkins and Ian McKellen, to be directed by Richard Eyre for the BBC. She is also a co-producer on the six-part mini-series adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall for the BBC and Masterpiece co-produced with Playground Entertainment and Company Pictures.

About NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
Now celebrating its 6th year broadcasting live performances to cinema screens internationally, National Theatre Live has now been experienced by over 4 million people worldwide. The first season began in June 2009 with the acclaimed production of PhĆ©dre starring Helen Mirren. In addition to the record-breaking broadcast of The Audience starring Helen Mirren as The Queen (winner of two 2013 Olivier Awards, including the Best Actress award for Mirren), recent broadcasts have included the Manchester International Festival production of Macbeth with Kenneth Branagh in the title role, Nicholas Hytner’s acclaimed production of Othello with Adrian Lester and Rory Kinnear, the Donmar Warehouse production of Coriolanus with Tom Hiddleston, in the title role, the Young Vic’s production of A Streetcar Named Desire with Gillian Anderson and Skylight from the West End with Bill Nighy and Carey Mulligan. For more information, visit www.NTLive.com.

About BY Experience
BY Experience kicked off the digital revolution of live events to movie theaters and other locations globally with David Bowie’s 2003 Reality album launch and since then, over 22 million tickets have been sold worldwide for cinema events BY Experience has distributed globally. Current cinema series credits: Distribution Representative, The Met: Live in HD (Worldwide; since 2006), the U.K.’s National Theatre Live (Ex-UK; since 2009), Bolshoi Ballet (North America; since 2014), Stratford Festival HD (Ex-Canada, since 2014). Additionally, BY Experience has executive produced and/or distributed several diverse programs for cinema including numerous rock concerts, radio programs, fine art exhibits, and other special content events. BY Experience distributes to over 60 countries, to over 2,000 movie screens. www.byexperience.net.

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Monday, March 30, 2015

IDW Publishing Announces Comics Adaptation of "The Shrinking Man"

Richard Matheson’s The Shrinking Man Comes To Life At IDW This July

“The Unbelievably Small And The Unbelievably Vast Eventually Meet”

IDW Publishing is proud to announce the comic-book adaption of the late Richard Matheson’s seminal science fiction novel, The Shrinking Man. Ted Adams, IDW’s CEO & Publisher, is adapting the material, alongside artist Mark Torres.

Matheson’s exploration of withering manhood and social norms is brought to vivid life in this 4-issue series. To further emphasize the series’ classic appeal, the debut issue will be a part of IDW’s month-long “EC Comics cover month” promotion. The Shrinking Man #1 will be one of a dozen IDW titles getting a variant cover that pays tribute to the classic EC Comics cover designs from the 1950s. The Shrinking Man #1’s homage to Al Feldstein’s brilliant Weird Science #12 from the June 1950 cover is also being drawn by series artist Mark Torres.

Originally published in 1956, The Shrinking Man has been adapted into a motion picture and won the 1958 Hugo award for best science fiction/fantasy dramatic presentation. This legendary tale chronicles the events of an average family man, Scott Carey, who, after being exposed to a mysterious cloud, comes to the frightening realization that he is shrinking slowly day-by-day. His everyday existence as a husband and father is thrown into chaos as he struggles with not just shrinking smaller and smaller but with the possibility that he may disappear all together. All ideas of normal fade as Carey becomes a national spectacle and his family converts into unreachable giants. He is pushed to the very limits of fear and existence with each passing day becoming a struggle just to survive.

    Running IDW keeps me busy so I don’t have as much time to write as I’d like but when we decided to adapt Matheson’s classic novel, I knew I had to find the time. This isn’t just a great adventure story, it’s also an exploration into what it means to be a man when you can no longer provide for or protect your family. – Ted Adams, IDW’s CEO & Publisher

The Shrinking Man, part of IDW’s Five Featured Firsts, which sees a new series launching each of the five Wednesdays in July, takes its place alongside other IDW/Matheson collaborations including I Am Legend, Hell House, numerous short stories including the Eisner-nominated “Blood Son,” and Duel. Grab your copy before the stacks wither away at your local comics shop.

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"Rain of the Ghosts" Moves to AudioPlay and Kickstarter

Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, Star Wars Rebels, Young Justice, Star Wars Kanan: The Last Padawan) announces the AudioPlay adaption of his novel, Rain of the Ghosts.

This full cast production features sound effects, music and an award-winning cast including Emmy winners, Ed Asner (Up, Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant), and Bryton James (The Young & The Restless, Young Justice), Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Marina Sirtis and Brent Spiner, Sons of Anarchy’s Jacob Vargas and an all-star lineup of animation voice talent from Star Wars Rebels, Young Justice, Spectacular Spider-Man, Gargoyles and Darkwing Duck.

Rain of the Ghosts is a Young Adult Paranormal adventure about Rain Cacique, a 13-year old girl living on the Ghost Keys, a chain of islands on the edge of the Bermuda Triangle.  In this first book of the series, Rain discovers she has the ability to speak with ghosts and that a family heirloom holds the key to an ancient secret that mysterious forces want to stop her from learning.

The voice work is already recorded and Greg is running a Kickstarter to complete the post-production at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1693681637/rain-of-the-ghosts-full-cast-audioplay

“This is not a standard audiobook recording, with one guy reading a novel from front to back, struggling to play all the characters, male and female, without any help from music or effects,” says Weisman.  “No, this is a full cast recording: an unabridged AudioPlay with twenty actors, sound effects and a full musical score.  It’s got everything but the visuals – and I promise it’ll fire your imagination enough so that the images will be there too – right inside your head.  This is a studio-quality production without any studio backing or studio interference.”

Rewards include pre-orders of the AudioPlay, dinner with Greg & cast members, as well as an Associate Producer credit on the final product.

About Greg Weisman
Greg Weisman (BA Stanford, MPW U.S.C.) has been a storyteller all his life. His first professional work was as an Editor for DC Comics, where he also wrote Captain Atom.

Greg worked at Walt Disney Television Animation from 1989 through 1996. In 1991, Greg created and developed a new series for Disney: GARGOYLES, becoming Supervising Producer and Supervising Story Editor of that series.

In 1998, Greg became a full-time Freelancer. He wrote the new Gargoyles and Gargoyles: Bad Guys comic books for SLG Publishing, while producing, writing, story editing and voice acting for Sony’s The Spectacular Spider-Man. He then moved over to Warner Bros., where he produced, story edited, wrote and voice acted on the new series,Young Justice, as well as writing the companion Young Justice monthly comic book for DC.

Greg was a writer and Executive Producer on the first season of Star Wars Rebels for Lucasfilm and Disney, and he’s also writing the spin-off comic Star Wars Kanan: The Last Padawan. His first novel, Rain of the Ghosts, was published in 2013; its sequel, Spirits of Ash and Foam, arrived in bookstores in 2014.

Kickstarter page: http://www.RainOfTheGhosts.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rain-of-the-Ghosts/414679108692632
Twitter: Contact @Greg_Weisman about #RainoftheGhosts

J-Pop Girl Band, Scandal, Announces World Tour


JAPANESE ROCK BAND SCANDAL ANNOUNCES 2015 “HELLO WORLD” WORLD TOUR

Group Supports Latest Album “Hello World” With North American Concerts In Chicago, Los Angeles And Anaheim As Well As Shows Set For Mexico, U.K., France, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan And Hong Kong

Los Angeles, CA, and Tokyo, Japan, March 30, 2015 – Epic Records Japan recording artist, SCANDAL, embarks next month on its most extensive world tour to-date in support of the release of the band’s 20th single – “image” – from its latest album Hello World.

SCANDAL is one of Japan’s most popular rock acts, capturing millions fans with an astute mix of power driven pop-rock. The all-girl, four-piece band also has garnered substantial fan bases across North America, Europe and Asia. Mixing the melodic styles of pop, rock and alternative music with hip fashion sensibilities and unstoppable girl star power, SCANDAL is at the forefront of the burgeoning “J-Pop” and “Japan Cool” global pop culture phenomenon.

The SCANDAL WORLD TOUR 2015 “HELLO WORLD” takes the band on its most extensive international tour to-date in support of their sixth studio album for Epic Records Japan, Hello World.

Beginning in April, SCANDAL will perform concerts in major cities worldwide including in the U.S., Mexico, U.K, France, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. In addition, a series of 31 live dates have already begun in major cities throughout Japan. Tickets for the North American shows are on-sale now. A select number of VIP tickets (including an artist meet & greet) are also available for each show.

SCANDAL North American Dates Include:

·         May 16th Chicago, IL at the Rosemont Theatre
www.acen.org/content/scandal-anime-central-concert-information

·         May 20th Mexico City, Mexico at La Plaza Condeza
www.elplaza.mx/evento/scandal or www.ticketmaster.com.mx

·         May 22nd Los Angeles, CA at House of Blues Sunset Strip
·         May 23rd Anaheim, CA at House of Blues Downtown Disney
www.ticketmaster.com/Scandal-tickets/artist/949557 or www.hob.com/losangeles

Complete SCANDAL 2015 “Hello World” world tour information is available at: www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/scandal/worldtour2015/

SCANDAL has released six studio albums and twenty singles since signing with Epic Records Japan in 2008 and have become one of Japan’s most potent live rock acts. Each of the group’s albums have placed among the top five in Japan’s official album sales chart – Oricon – and 17 of the band’s 20 singles released to-date have also placed in the Top 20 on the Oricon Singles Charts. SCANDAL’s most recent full-length album, Hello World, was released on December 14, 2014.

SCANDAL formed in August, 2006 among four high school girls that attended the same vocal and dance school in Osaka, Japan. Taking their name from a shop sign that hung near the studio where they practiced in their early days, the band, which consists of Haruna (lead vocals, rhythm guitar), Mami (lead guitar, backing vocals), Tomomi (bass, lead vocals), and Rina (drums, keyboards, guitar, backing vocals), shared a mutual love of western rock bands and artists ranging from Green Day, Foo Fighters and Paramore to the pop styling of Taylor Swift and Pink. SCANDAL’s dynamic mix of frenetic melody-driven energy mixed with smooth, pop-styled vocals have become the band’s hallmark.

SCANDAL’s music also has been featured in a host of TV shows and movies and the band are enthusiastic fans of anime and have had several songs prominently featured in popular series. The group’s singles “Harukaze” and "Shunkan Sentimental" were featured as the opening theme songs for the anime series Bleach and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and most recently SCANDAL contributed the song, “Daybreak Meteor Shower,” as the theme to the latest PokĆ©mon feature film, Diance and the Cocoon of Destruction.

SCANDAL Official website: http://www.scandal-4.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scandalofficial

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/scandalSMEJ


About Epic Records Japan:
Epic Records Japan is one of the labels within Sony Music Labels Inc., a group company of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc. For additional information on Epic Records Japan artists, please visit: http://www.sonymusic.co.jp/Music/Info/epic-jp/jp/index.html.

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Christopher Eccleston's "Ninth Doctor" Returns in New Comic Book



About Doctor Who: Ninth Doctor #1:
Writer: Cavan Scott
Artist: Blair Shedd
Number of Issues: 1 (of 5)
Page Count: 32pp 
Publisher: Titan Comics
Price: $3.99 
Release Date: April 1, 2015 
Diamond Order Code: JAN151599

BRAND-NEW 5-PART MINI-SERIES STARRING THE NINTH DOCTOR AS PLAYED BY CHRISTOPHER ECCLESTON!

WRITTEN BY THE CO-AUTHOR OF BESTSELLING ‘WHO-OLOGY’, CAVAN SCOTT!
The Ninth Doctor is BACK with a brand-new miniseries: WEAPONS OF PAST DESTRUCTION!

Leaving World War II behind, The Ninth Doctor, Rose and Captain Jack discover that Time Lord technology, lost in the wake of the Time War, is being sold on the intergalactic black market!

Now the threat of a NEW temporal war brews on the horizon. Can the Doctor stop history repeating itself?

Comes with four covers to collect including a brand-new painted cover by fan-favorite artist Alice X. Zhang!

For more information visit Titan Comics:
http://titan-comics.com/c/213-doctor-who-the-ninth-doctor-miniseries/

To find your local comic book store visit:
http://www.comicshoplocator.com/Home/1/1/57/575

Available to read on your digital via ComiXology:​
https://www.comixology.com/Titan/comics-publisher/92-0?

Connect with Titan Comics:​

https://twitter.com/ComicsTitan
https://facebook.com/ComicsTitan
http://titancomics.tumblr.com/

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"ClickOnComics" Explains Itself

ClickOnComics and Arcana Comics Team-Up and bring you to a New World of Comics
“CLICKONCOMICS: WHERE HEROES UNITE”
On January 1st of 2015 – Entrepreneurs Sergio Pedroza and Sean Patrick O’Reilly joined forces to bring some of Arcana’s most memorable titles to ClickOnComics.

What is ClickOnComics?
ClickOnComics is the first subscription-based web application that allows comic book readers the ability to stream a variety of digital comics from publishers all around the world. And for just $4.99 a month, ClickOnComics members can Unleash hundreds of titles, and experience comics like never before!

“We set out to create something different, something that could change the comic book industry forever,” said ClickOnComics CEO Sergio Pedroza.

ClickOnComics is now available on any Browser using any Mobile Device, in the App Store, and will be launching their first Android application later this year. And with hundreds of titles being added every month, ClickOnComics has set out on a mission to become the first social comic book platform where all of our favorite superheroes can finally unite.

To learn more:

Website: https://www.clickoncomics.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/clickoncomics/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClickOnComics
AppStore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/clickoncomics/id954702822?mt=8

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Sunday, March 29, 2015

"Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'" Makes American Debut in April 2015

FUNimation Entertainment Announces North American Distribution Of Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'
World Premiere to Be Held April 11, 2015 at Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, CA
FLOWER MOUND, Texas, PRNewswire/ -- FUNimation Entertainment announced its distribution of the theatrical, home entertainment, video on demand and broadcast rights to the upcoming Japanese animated feature film Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'. Dragon Ball will be released by Toei in association with Fox International Productions in Japan on April 18, 2015.

Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' represents the nineteenth feature film in the Dragon Ball series, Resurrection 'F' is the sequel to Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods which was released by Fox and Toei in Japan in 2014 and grossed more than $30M in Japan. The English dub of the new film will be released in theaters across North America in summer 2015. Series creator Akira Toriyama is directly involved in the film's production, just as he was in the highly successful Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods.

Some fans of the franchise won't have to wait until the summer to see the film, though. FUNimation Entertainment and Toei have teamed up with Fox International Productions & Toei Animation to host the world premiere of Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' (in Japanese w/ English subtitles) at the Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday, April 11. This premiere will be also held to promote the April 18 release of the movie in Japan.

"We are honored to host the world premiere of Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F' here in the United States," said Gen Fukunaga, CEO and President of FUNimation Entertainment.  "Based on last year's fan response to Battle of Gods, I have no doubt that audiences will enjoy this eagerly anticipated sequel."

Fans in the Los Angeles area can be among the first in the world to see Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F'. A limited amount of tickets to the premiere were made available to fans and the general public on March 15, 2015 at www.dragonballz.com.

Dragon Ball is one of the most beloved anime franchises of all time, and this acquisition represents the ongoing partnership between FUNimation Entertainment and Toei Animation.  Together they have delivered the Dragon Ball brand to fans in North America for over 20 years.

For more information on Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F', and to purchase tickets to the world premiere, please visit www.dragonballz.com. Tickets are extremely limited.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dragonballz & www.facebook.com/funimation, and follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/funimation.


About FUNimation® Entertainment
FUNimation® Entertainment is the leading anime company in North America. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands. They manage a full spectrum of rights for most of their brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, Internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com.

About Toei Company Ltd.
Toei Company Ltd., since its foundation in 1951, has been supported by a broad range of fans for over half a century. The company focuses on providing high quality, comprehensive entertainment through the production of theatrical movies, TV dramas, direct-to-video productions, and anime, as well as a diverse range of businesses based on film production.

About Toei Animation Co., Ltd.
With headquarters in Tokyo and sales offices in Paris, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and representative office in Shanghai and Taipei, Toei Animation (Jasdaq: 4816) ranks amongst the world's most prolific animation production studios. Toei Animation's operations include animation development and production, and worldwide marketing and program licensing. Since its founding in 1956, Toei Animation has produced more than 10,000 episodes of TV series (more than 200 titles) and more than 200 long feature films.

About 20th Century Fox Film
One of the world's largest producers and distributors of motion pictures, 20th Century Fox Film produces, acquires and distributes motion pictures throughout the world.  These motion pictures are produced or acquired by the following units of 20th Century Fox Film:  Twentieth Century Fox, Fox 2000 Pictures, Fox Searchlight Pictures, Fox International Productions, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Blue Sky Studios.

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Big Stars and Hit Songs Highlight Nickelodeon's 2015 Kids' Choice Awards

Angelina Jolie Pitt, Liam Hemsworth, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, One Direction, Selena Gomez, SpongeBob SquarePants, Fifth Harmony, The Voice, Austin & Ally and More Win Top Honors at Nickelodeon's 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards

Kids Cast Record-Breaking 500 Million Votes Globally

Host Nick Jonas, 5 Seconds of Summer, Shawn Mendes, Josh Gad and casts of Modern Family and The Thundermans Doused with Slime


LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Angelina Jolie Pitt, Liam Hemsworth, Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, One Direction, Selena Gomez, SpongeBob SquarePants, Fifth Harmony, The Voice and Austin & Ally were among this year’s fan favorites, winning orange blimps at Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards, Saturday, March 28, 2015 8-9:30 p.m. (ET/tape delayed for West Coast). Hosted by recording artist/actor and kids’ pick for "Favorite Male Singer," Nick Jonas, the awards were broadcast from Los Angeles’ legendary “Fabulous” Forum, where kids celebrated their favorites from the worlds of film, music, television and more. Kids from around the world cast more than 500 million votes, a record-breaking tally.

Multi-talented host Jonas opened the show with a stunning performance of his Billboard Top 10 smash, “Chains,” and number-one radio hit, “Jealous.” Backed by tween metal trio Unlocking the Truth, his theatrical set also featured a celeb-filled video montage, 3D elements and aerialists. Hip-hop phenomenon Iggy Azalea was joined by Academy Award- and Grammy-winner Jennifer Hudson onstage in a bold and dynamic rendition of their hit “Trouble,” which continued the storyline of their popular music video. In an epic finale, Aussie pop-rock band 5 Seconds of Summer’s powerful performance of “What I Like About You” literally blew out the slime-filled speakers, flooding the stage with thousands of gallons of slime.

This year’s Kids’ Choice Awards proved to be as messy as ever, from Jennifer Lopez presenting Jonas with his award and a surprise sliming; to the Favorite Family TV Show stars of Modern Family getting doused in goo; Jonas chugging a mug of slime in a “Dare or Dare” slime challenge; and a backstage pie fight between Chris Pratt and the cast of Henry Danger.

The stars of The Thundermans cleaned up the special live vote during the show, which garnered over 7 million votes. They beat out the casts of Bella and the Bulldogs and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn and received the deluxe treatment from the first-ever human slime car wash complete with conveyer, spinning brushes, swinging flaps, spraying nozzles and, of course, tons of slime.

Kids and families paid tribute to their favorites by casting votes in 21 categories, from Feb. 20-March 28, including the newly introduced Favorite Talent Competition Show, Favorite Family TV Show, Most Addicting Game and Favorite New Artist. Fans were able to vote for their favorites across all of Nickelodeon’s digital platforms including Nick.com; the Nick App on Android, iOS and Kindle; and through Twitter using #KCA.

The star-studded telecast featured additional celebrity participants, including: Jamie Foxx, Emma Stone, Liam Hemsworth, Chris Rock, Zendaya, Echosmith, Josh Gad, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Grant Gustin, Debby Ryan, Chloe Bennet, Fifth Harmony, Joe Jonas, Nick Cannon, Shawn Mendes, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Kevin James, Mo’ne Davis, Skylar Diggins, Ross Lynch, QuvenzhanĆ© Wallis, Meghan Trainor, Jennette McCurdy, Laura Marano, Katherine Herzer, Jennette McCurdy and Bethany Mota, plus cast members from The Haunted Hathaways, Instant Mom, SpongeBob SquarePants, and many others.

Nickelodeon upped the digital presence during the 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards, offering cross-platform interactive experiences before, during and after the big show on Nickelodeon websites, Twitter, Facebook, and mobile and iOS devices. This year’s ceremony brought together the on-air and online experience closer than ever before with a live stream of the broadcast, allowing kids and families everywhere to be a part of the night’s festivities. Additionally, Nick Digital platforms offered exclusive real-time updates and photos from the carpet and backstage. Users were also able to participate in this year's live vote to determine which Nick cast would go through the first-ever human slime car wash! Fans can relive their favorite show moments by watching video highlights from the live show and flipping through orange carpet, live event and performance photo recaps. The app and website feature clips and photos from past Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards shows, along with promotional spots, original video, information about Nick Jonas, nominees, quizzes, and a KCA-themed game.

The live broadcast of Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids' Choice Awards encores Saturday, March 28, at 10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nick at Nite, and Sunday, March 29, at 12 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. Replays of the awards will also air on CMT Sunday, March 29, at 3 p.m. (ET/PT); Nicktoons on March 30, at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT); and TeenNick on Thursday, April 2, at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT). Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards will be available on Nickelodeon On Demand, Nick App and Nick.com beginning Sunday, March 29.

Presenting sponsors of Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards are Amazon Fire HD Kids Edition, General Mills Cinnamon Toast Crunch™, Gogurt® & Fruit Snacks, Hasbro DohVinci, and Walmart. Associate sponsors are Bounty®, Capri Sun, McDonald’s®, Nintendo and Toyota.

The following are Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards winners:

TELEVISION:

Favorite Kids TV Show
Austin & Ally

Favorite TV Actor
Ross Lynch (Austin & Ally)

Favorite TV Actress

Laura Marano (Austin & Ally)

Favorite Cartoon
SpongeBob SquarePants

Favorite Reality Show
Dance Moms

Favorite Talent Competition Show
The Voice

Favorite Family TV Show
Modern Family

FILM:

Favorite Movie
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1

Favorite Villain
Angelina Jolie Pitt (Maleficent)

Favorite Movie Actor
Ben Stiller (Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb)

Favorite Movie Actress
Emma Stone (The Amazing Spider-Man 2)

Favorite Animated Movie
Big Hero 6

Favorite Male Action Star
Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1)

Favorite Female Action Star
Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 and X-Men: Days of Future Past)

MUSIC:

Favorite Music Group
One Direction

Favorite Male Singer
Nick Jonas

Favorite Female Singer
Selena Gomez

Favorite Song Of The Year
“Bang Bang” (Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj)

Favorite New Artist
Fifth Harmony

OTHER CATEGORIES:

Most Addicting Game
Minecraft

Favorite Book
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series

The 2015 Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards will be seen in more than 431 million households in 160 countries and territories around the globe. Within hours of airing live in the United States, Canada and Australia, the show will roll out in internationally giving kids around the world the opportunity to tune into their local Nickelodeon channel to enjoy the show. In many international markets, the 2015 KCAs will feature country-specific award categories and nominees such as Lieblings-Videoblogger: Deutschland, Österreich, Schweiz (Favorite Videoblogger: Germany, Austria, Switzerland) and Artista Brasileiro Favorito (Favorite Brazilian Artist). Voting for the 2015 KCAs spanned six continents across 19 localized voting sites, in addition to Twitter hashtag voting (#KCA), giving kids practically everywhere the chance to decide who takes home a coveted blimp.

Nickelodeon’s 28th Annual Kids’ Choice Awards is produced by Nickelodeon Productions. Jay Schmalholz, Shelly Sumpter Gillyard, Andrew Llinares and Paula Kaplan are executive producers. Ben Thursby is co-executive producer.

Nickelodeon, now in its 35th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIA.B).

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The Killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson - March 2015 Edition - Update #30


From Gawker:  The NYPD plan to turn making someone into a felony easy-peasy.

From TechDirt: There is no such thing as "contempt of cop."

From RSN:  In this case, it's a white woman in prison for decades for a murder she did not commit.

From RSN:  Two inmates shot and one is killed... their hands were handcuffed behind their backs.

From ShreveportTime and RSN:  Former prosecutor's words are hollow.

From GuardianUK:  Cleveland PD still killing black teens.

From RSN:  Whatever.

From BuzzFlash:  Chicago PD uses stop-and-frisk against people of color at 4 times the rate of the NYPD.

From RollingStone:  Matt Taibbi on the decision to keep Eric Garner grand jury minutes secret.  I say if you have nothing to hide, what are you hiding.

From YahooNews:  San Fran pigs show their Klan-side in text messages.

From YahooNews:  Missouri Lt. Gov. Peter Kindel probably called his mother "Aunt Mama" and probably thinks the Ku Klux Klan is super-tubular-cool!

From Truthout:  A history of killing black men and getting away with it.

From CapitalNewYork:  The NYPD kills and abuses, and then changes the Wikipedia entries about those incidents.

From the NewYorker:  Release Eric Garner grand jury records... NOW!

From GuardianUK:  Two cops shot during recent Ferguson protests.

From GuardianUK:  Long overdue - Ferguson police chief Thomas Jackson resigns, but gets a a year's severance pay, $95,000.  The city manager left and got $120,000.

From Politico:  Yes, Obama's friend the professor found this out.

From RSN and Slate:  States take over Ferguson court system to restore order and to implement reforms.

From teleSUR:  White cop kills unarmed NAKED black man.

From YahooNews:  More on how Madison police chief is doing it differently from Ferguson Klan chief... err... I mean police chief.

From Truthout:  Why Black America, even the uncle toms, sometimes fear calling the police.

From TheGuardian: Madison police chief has a better control of things than that portly clown in Ferguson had.

From YahooNews:  Black, unarmed, shot dead by cop in Madison, Wisconsin.

From CBCNews: A police officer in Quebec drives 75 miles in a 30 mile zone and kills a five-year-old child.  Canadian media won't name him, nor has he been charged.

From AlJazeeraAmerica:  Shot in the back.

From The Post via RSN:  They're called "SCOPs" and you should know about them.

From TheWashingtonPost:  Attorney General Eric Holder is prepared to dismantle Ferguson police force if necessary.

From HuffPost:  This tale of a drunk white man at White Castle begins the Ferguson PD highlights from the Department of Justice's report.

From YahooNews:  Highlights or low lights from the DOJ's Ferguson Police Department report.

From TheVox:  A selection of 7 racist jokes from Ferguson police and court officials.  They're F'ed up.

From TheVox:  Justice Department's report on Ferguson PD is due this week.  Preview from the New York Times, includes racist jokes (including a horrid one about President Obama), and targeting black to raise funds for the city.

From TheGuardian:  The Chicago PD have their own CIA-like "black site."

From TheGuardian:  After Trayvon, a new Civil Rights movement.

From Cleveland.com:  City responds to lawsuit by Tamir Rice's family.

From Reuters via RSN:  Justice Department reportedly to sue Ferguson Police Department.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

IDW Publishing Announces New Science Fiction Comic Book, "Onxy"


New Science-Fiction Series by the Co-Creators of Locke & Key and Zombies vs. Robots Arrives in July

Chris Ryall and Gabriel Rodriguez, the award-winning creators of series such as Locke & Key and Zombies vs. Robots are releasing their first co-creation, Onyx, this summer.

Onyx tells the tale of a female metal-suited warrior who comes to Earth on a quest to either save the planet or destroy it. It’s up to a team of super-soldiers to figure out which before it’s too late, and before a much greater threat overwhelms both them and the planet itself.

Comics readers will be introduced to Onyx in a standalone 5-page story, Onyx #0, that will be included as a free bonus story in many of IDW’s May titles, including The Transformers, Dirk Gently, Star Trek, and many others. This five-pager by Ryall and Rodriguez introduces the character in a deep space setting and serves to set the table for the adventures to follow in July’s Onyx #1 and beyond.

    Gabriel and I are excited to release Onyx into the wild, and even more excited to give readers and retailers alike this advance look at the character in Onyx #0,” said “That allows for a nice, risk-free way for people to take a look at her during the ordering period for Onyx #1. And it puts even more phenomenal Gabriel Rodriguez artwork out into the world, which is always a good thing. – Chris Ryall, Onyx Writer and Co-Creator, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer.

Onyx #1 (of 4) will feature a unique cover plan to help kick it off, too. In addition to Rodriguez’s stunning cover image, Onyx #1 will also feature covers by Ryall’s ZvR co-creator Ashley Wood, a “plush” version of the character by Charles Paul Wilson III, an EC Comics homage cover as part of IDW’s EC Comics tribute month by Alan Robinson, and an incentive cover by Sal Buscema.

    To jump into an action packed sci-fi adventure is something I’ve been hoping for a chance to do for years, and to have the opportunity to share this wild trip with longtime friend and collaborator Chris Ryall, with a creation of our own, is the perfect way to do it. And not only as we’re trying a creative work approach that’s both new and challenging for both of us, but also because I think we’ve found a powerful character to give proper voice to lots of exciting ideas we want to explore. And I’m additionally enthusiastic about the visual feast this story is daring me to provide. – Gabriel Rodriguez, Artist

Ryall and Rodriguez have previously partnered on multiple comic series: Clive Barker’s The Great and Secret Show, George A. Romero’s Land of the Dead, and Beowulf, but this is the first time they’ve created an all-new title together. For Rodriguez, Onyx follows his work on the acclaimed, Eisner-winning series Locke & Key with writer Joe Hill, and the just-concluded Little Nemo: Return to Slumberland with writer Eric Shanower.

Ryall added a final note about partnering with Rodriguez once again. “Working with Gabriel again is such a reminder—every page from him on every project is a similar reminder—that there’s nothing in the world (or the universe, as we’ll see) that he can’t bring to vivid life on the comics page. This project is a true collaboration, with us each building the story and the pages from the ground up, and it’s been a blast to see Gabe take more of a hand in the storytelling, too. I see big things in this kid’s future… if only Onyx can help secure that future for us all, that is.”
Chris Ryall and Gabriel Rodriguez's Onyx.

Onyx #1, one of IDW’s Five Featured Firsts in July which welcomes a new #1 issue each week of the month.

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Negromancer's Fave Poli-Reads - March 2015 Edition - Update #27

From AlJazeeraAmerica:  the "Sodomite Suppression Act."

From InformedConsent:  Juan Cole on what happens when a clown car tries to drive debate.

From TheVox:  John Stewart and George Lucas mock FOX News.

From BillMoyers:  Danny Schechter has died.  He was the "News Dissector."

From RSN:  It's that bad.  Feminist writes want to retire.

From RSN:  Likely 2016 presidential candidate, Martin O'Malley, the former governor of Maryland, says the big banks must be broken up.

From TheNation:  An inconvenient truth about terrorists in America.

From InformedConsent: Juan Cole on Obama as the new Mr. Spock - at least in the way he comments about Israel.

From TheNation: The Pentagon finally, officially admitted that Israel not only has nuclear weapons, but also advanced armaments.

From Haaretz:  John Boehner is officially the teen girl that Barack would not date in high school.

From RSN: Re Patreus - golden boys always get special priviledge.

From RSN and RSN: President Obama should give it up.  Netanyahu is a racist.

From The Atlantic via RSN:  Al Gore running...

From GuardianUK:  Obamacare triggers massive drop in the number of uninsured Americans.

From RollingStone:  Matt Taibbi once again on the hilarity that is NYT columinst, David Brooks.

From TheDailyBeast:  It's a dumb idea because the people behind it are dumb, educated people.

From Politico:  Actually, it was an opportunity to show just how that the GOP is now the PWPP - the preserve white power party.

From RollingStone: Matt Taibbi on the clown show of Netanyahu's Congress speech.

From CounterPunch via RSN:  Drone warfare and civilian carnage.

From InformedConsent:  GOP and Iran hardliners - kissin' cousin.

From ReverbPress:  Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas bows down to his weapons lobbyist masters.

From HarvardCrimson:  Speaking of Tom Cotton, read this hilarity from his days at the Harvard Crimson.

From TeleSur:  Israel beats women for International Women's Day.

From RSN: This Billionaire Governor Taxed the Rich and Raised the Minimum Wage. Now, His State's Economy Is One of the Best in the Country

From YahooNews:  Colin Powell - a dark vein of intolerance in GOP.  For sure on that.

From ABCNews: I wonder if the ABC network news reported this anti-Netanyahu rally.

From BuzzFlash:  America's history of terrorism - lynching.

From RollingStone:  Matt Taibbi - Scott Walker, a man born to be slaughtered in a general election.

From NYMag:  Frank Rich on the Giuliani circus.

From Counterpunch:  The rise of fascism is again the issue.

From RollingStone:  Matt Taibbi dogs Rudy Giuliani.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Frank Miller and Geof Darrow's "The Big Guy and Rusty the Bob Robot" Gets Hardcover Treatment



Dark Horse to Publish ‘The Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot’ Hardcover Collection

Hearts of gold, fists of steel

MILWAUKIE, OR—Front and center, kiddos! Here comes action! Here comes adventure! Here comes The Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot—a roller-coaster ride through the minds of Geof Darrow and Frank Miller, the tag team that set you reeling with their hard-hitting series Hard Boiled.

Everything you remember about being eight years old and watching monster movies is right here, but with all the magnified detail that you always wanted to see, collected in hardcover for the first time ever!

With remastered color by the inimitable Dave Stewart, this stunning edition includes the Dark Horse Presents special and surprise extras!

Readers can preorder a copy of the Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot hardcover edition, coming in October 2015, from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or IndieBound, or contact a local comic shop through Comic Shop Locator.

Read the exclusive interview with Geof Darrow only on Newsarama (http://www.newsarama.com/23941-dark-horse-to-publish-big-guy-rusty-the-boy-robot-hardcover-with-new-material.html)

Praise for The Big Guy and Rusty the Boy Robot:

“A futuristic all-ages romp.”—Comic Book Resources

“Darrow’s art: fine-lined, tight and knotty, beautiful detail bestowed in every nook and cranny.”—ComicsAlliance


About Dark Horse
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Geof Darrow, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

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The Incredible Darwyn Cooke Announced for 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore Welcomes Back Conner, Cooke, Palmiotti, and Tieri in 2015

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Come to Baltimore's Inner Harbor for the 16th annual Baltimore Comic-Con on September 25-27, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center. We are excited to welcome to our show returning guests Amanda Conner, Darwyn Cooke, Jimmy Palmiotti, and Frank Tieri.

Working in the comics industry since the late 1980s, Amanda Conner got her start working for major publishers like Marvel Comics on Solo Avengers and Excalibur, and Archie Comics on Archie and The Adventures of Bayou Billy. As her career progressed, she worked for a number of noteworthy titles at smaller comics companies, including Soulsearchers and Company for Claypool and Vengeance of Vampirella at Harris. She has since had an extensive illustration career, both in and out of comics, and her latest industry work can be seen on DC Comics' Convergence and Convergence: Action Comics covers, and on Harley Quinn, where she is providing both art and writing (with her husband, Jimmy Palmiotti).

Last with us in 2008, Darwyn Cooke made his mark in the comics industry after working in animation such notable series as Batman: The Animated Series, Superman: The Animated Series, and Batman Beyond. His initial success at DC Comics on the graphic novel Batman: Ego parlayed into further work on Marvel's X-Force, Wolverine/Doop, and Spider-Man's Tangled Web. He later went on to work on such noteworthy titles as DC's Just Imagine..., Detective Comics, DC: The New Frontier, and Solo. More recently, Cooke has been the cartoonist behind IDW's Richard Stark's Parker series of graphic novels as well as work on a number of DC's Before Watchmen series and variant covers for Action Comics, Convergence, and Harley Quinn.

Jimmy Palmiotti is renowned in the comics industry as a writer, artist, and editor. Originally working as an inker, he has since gone on to contribute to major titles and runs at comic companies large and small. He co-founded Event Comics in the mid-1990s, where he worked on titles such as Ash and Painkiller Jane. He later moved to Marvel Comics, working on the launch of their Marvel Knights line with the "Guardian Devil" storyline in Daredevil. In addition to co-writing DC Comics' Harley Quinn with his wife, Amanda Conner, he also writes their Batwing: Future's End and Star Spangled War Stories featuring G.I. Zombie (both with writing partner Justin Gray), and BOOM! Studios' Palmiotti & Brady's The Big Con Job,

Writer Frank Tieri has established a strong voice in the comics industry, working for many publishers and injecting his unique style along with amusing references to popular culture. He has contributed to a broad range of titles across many publishers, including Marvel's Iron Man, Captain America, Amazing Spider-Man, and Punisher: Noir, DC's Batman, Detective Comics, Hawkman, and Grifter, Dynamite Entertainment's Red Sonja: The Black Tower, and Top Cow's The Darkness. His latest work can be found in DC Comics' Convergence: Suicide Squad, Convergence: Justice League, and Arkham Manor: Endgame, and Marvel's AXIS: Revolutions.

"It's been too long since we've seen Darwyn, and we missed Amanda and Jimmy last year," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Along with Frank, this is another fantastic group of talented creators that our fans clamor for, and we're so pleased they're returning!"

This year's confirmed guests for the show include: Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl); Christy Blanch (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood); Mark Buckingham (Fables); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (Jungle Girl); Steve Conley (Bloop); Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn); Katie Cook (Gronk); Darwyn Cooke (Richard Stark's Parker); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); Cully Hamner (Convergence: The Question); Dean Haspiel (The Fox); Jaime Hernandez (Love and Rockets); Klaus Janson (Superman); Dave Johnson (Inhumans: Attilan Rising); JG Jones (Strange Fruit); Denis Kitchen (The Best of Comix Book: When Marvel Went Underground); Barry Kitson (Empire: Uprising); Seth Kushner (Schmuck); Mark Mariano (The Other Side of Hugless Hill); Ron Marz (Convergence: Batman and Robin); Terry Moore (Rachel Rising); Tom Palmer (The Avengers); Jimmy Palmiotti (The Con Job); David Peterson (Mouse Guard); Ron Randall (Convergence: Catwoman); Budd Root (Cavewoman); Don Rosa (Donald Duck); Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo); Matteo Scalera (Black Science); Bart Sears (Bloodshot); Louise Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Walter Simonson (Convergence: Superman - The Man of Steel); Andy Smith (Earth 2); Charles Soule (Uncanny Inhumans); Ben Templesmith (Gotham by Midnight); Frank Tieri (Suicide Squad); John Totleben (Swamp Thing); Rick Veitch (Saga of the Swamp Thing); Mark Waid (Daredevil); and Thom Zahler (My Little Pony: Friends Forever).

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com- for exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 16th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

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Great-Granddaughter Releases Book About Silent-Era Filmmaker, Charles O. Baumann

Jillian Ada Kelly Releases New Book: THE MOVIE MAKER: CHARLES O. BAUMANN

Great-granddaughter of early 1900s silent film pioneer writes how he discovered Chaplin, Sennett, and many more

GOLD COUNTRY, Calif. /PRNewswire/ -- Charlie Chaplin and Mack Sennett have been household names for 100 years, but few people know how they got their start in the film industry. Who were the career-makers of the early 1900s in film? They were brave pioneers like author Jillian Ada Kelly's great-grandfather Charles O. Baumann who helped forge a new industry and set the standard for how films are made to this day.

Before there was ever a Hollywood, there were great filmmakers, producers, directors, and movie executives in New York and New Jersey, those who paved the way for the greatest industry in the world, the movie industry. In the new book THE MOVIE MAKER: CHARLES O. BAUMANN Silent Era Film Pioneer Who Discovered Chaplin, Sennett, Ince, and Many More, Kelly shares her great-grandfather's journey and phenomenal success in the early film industry. She writes:

"Not only was Charles Baumann a producer, director, distributor, financier, and an executive of filmmaking, he was also a visionary and a man of many firsts in an industry of imitators. He was the first to supply movie houses with posters for advertising in 1909; the first to hire Mack Sennett, the 'King of Comedy,' as a director in 1909; the first to make multiple-reel weekly movies in 1910; the first President, and co-founder, of Universal Film Manufacturing Company (now Universal Studios, the oldest studio in the U.S.) in 1912; the first to hire Charlie Chaplin for a movie role in 1913; the first to bring together top directors Mack Sennett, Thomas H. Ince, and D. W. Griffith, with top actors, including first-time movie actor Douglas Fairbanks, to form the powerhouse Triangle Film Corporation in 1915; and the first to create a money-lending corporation, the Great Northern Finance Corporation, to fund aspiring movie producers to create excellent cinema in 1921. These are just a few, but certainly not all, of the pioneering things that Charles O. Baumann did to help mold and bring greatness to the motion picture industry."

Kelly shares her inspiration for writing this book: "My great-grandfather had such a profound impact on the early film industry, I wanted to ensure that he was not forgotten."

Book is available in paperback and as an eBook at: http://www.JillianAdaKelly.com

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of March 22nd to 28th, 2015 - Update #19


NEWS:

From BleedingCool:  The show is called "Fear The Walking Dead."

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From TheVerge:  A connected universe of multiple Transformers movies...  No, it's not April Fool's Day yet...

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From Indiewire:  Bradley Cooper is now reportedly set to direct that A Star is Born remake that Clint Eastwood abandoned.

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From Deadline:  Those darned Negroes, taking jobs from Caucasian actors!

From Vulture:  Then, scorn followed that Deadline article.

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From YahooMovies:  Steven Spielberg signs to direct sci-fi novel to film for Warner Bros.

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From YahooMovies:  Who can get $20 million a film.

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From YahooMovies:  Born in New Zealand, Russell Crowe still can't get Australian citizen, although he has lived in the country since he was four.

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From THR:  The winner of the March 20th to 22nd, 2015 weekend box office is Insurgent with an estimated take of $54 million dollars in its debut weekend.

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From SoundonSight: Chris Rock is working on to a follow-up to the well-received Top Five (of which I will post a review soon).  Producer Scott Rudin wants some of the cast of Top Five back for the new film, which will not be a sequel.

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From YahooCelebrityMichelle Rodriguez talks about her grief over the death of her "Fast & Furious" franchise costar.


COMICS: Titles and Movies:

From YahooGames:  Ryan Reynolds tweets first image of his Deadpool costume for next year's "Deadpool" film.

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From Comicvine:  Jesse Eisenberg as Lex Luthor - first look.

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From TheVerge:  The Avengers comic book has a new look and a new team.

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From CinemaBlend:  Tyrese Gibson hints that his is the new Green Lantern.

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From YahooGames:  New "Fantastic Four" movie poster is revealed.

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From CinemaBlend:  In the upcoming Ant-Man, Scott Lang may be depicted as a straight-up criminal, something that Marvel had recently played down.

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From Vulture: The Russo Brothers, the directors of Captain America: Winter Soldier and its sequel, Civil War, will reportedly director the two Avengers: Infinity Wars films.

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From YahooTV:  Jennifer Lawrence says that her stint as Mystique in the X-Men is coming to an end.

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From CinemaBlend:  The movie Spider-Man may indeed by Peter Parker... sadly.

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From YahooTech:  The plot of "Captain America 3?"