Universal Signs First Look Deal with Dark Horse Comics

UNIVERSAL CABLE PRODUCTIONS AND COMIC BOOK GIANT DARK HORSE ENTERTAINMENT SIGN FIRST-LOOK DEAL

UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – Universal Cable Productions (UCP) continues to expand its powerhouse producing talent and build upon the studio’s genre footprint by signing a first-look deal with legendary comic book publisher, Dark Horse Entertainment (“The Mask,” “Hellboy”).  The deal announced today will focus on developing and producing scripted programming from their extensive comics library as well as new material.   Discussions for the deal began at Comic Con in 2014 when Dark Horse introduced UCP executives to some of their top writers and artists. Over the last year, those conversations continued and have yielded multiple television projects with direct involvement from the comics creators.

“Dark Horse Entertainment has an incredible roster of fantastical, witty and mind bending stories,” said Dawn Olmstead, Executive Vice President of Development, Universal Cable Productions. “Their brand has conquered multiple media platforms and boasts iconic books that have attracted the highest level of writers.  It’s going to be a wild and imaginative ride.”

UCP will collaborate with Dark Horse to bring their unique and fresh approach to the creative process. Together they will maximize Dark Horse’s network of talented comic creators and robust library of content to develop character driven concepts for television intended to resonate with their current fan base. Dark Horse President and founder Mike Richardson and Keith Goldberg, SVP of Production, have enjoyed great success for the last two decades; no strangers to television, they also currently executive produce Syfy’s “Dark Matter”.

“As the landscape of narrative storytelling evolves, Dark Horse is thrilled to be working in the golden age of television with Universal Cable Productions. Their creative team has embraced the spirit of the Dark Horse brand and we’re proud to be partnered with them.” said Richardson.

Projects currently in development:

Harrow County - Emmy has always known that the deep, dark woods surrounding her home crawled with ghosts, goblins, and the restless dead. On the eve of her 18th birthday, she learns that she is connected to these creatures and to the land itself in a way she never imagined, for she is the reincarnation of a powerful witch who was put to death on the very day Emmy was born. For this reason, the townsfolk mean to kill her too. In order to survive, Emmy must embrace the unusual powers at her command.  This project is based on the brand new book written by Cullen Bunn (“The Damned,” “The Sixth Gun”) and illustrated by Tyler Crook (“Bad Blood”). 

The Umbrella Academy - Nine years after parting ways, the estranged members of the Umbrella Academy, a dysfunctional family of superheroes with bizarre powers, must figure out how to work together to save the world. Created by Gerard Way (lead singer of “My Chemical Romance,” and writer of “The True Lies of the Fabulous Killjoys”) and Gabriel Ba (Daytripper); Bluegrass films is also attached to executive produce.

Back Up - In the near future, a new technology allows people to be backed up the same way we now back up our computers—but instead of protecting against drive failure, these backups protect against death. This project is based on a feature script by Tom Vaughn.  Kenny Golde is set to write and executive produce, Brad Anderson (“Zoo”, “Almost Human”) is in negotiations to direct.  Jim Wedaa is also attached to executive produce.

Concrete - After his subconscious is transplanted into a hulking stone body, Ronald Lithgow must come to terms with his new form and try to live a normal life.  This Eisner award-winning title is the opus of comics legend Paul Chadwick.

Dark Horse joins UCP’s leading producer line-up, including: horror icon Wes Craven; creator and executive producer of UCP’s critically acclaimed “Mr. Robot”, Sam Esmail; Gale Anne Hurd’s Valhalla Entertainment, BenderSpink; and Jason Blum’s Blumhouse Productions.

UCP’s extensive library of genre, fantasy and science fiction projects in the works include: with Syfy “Childhood’s End,” the first-ever adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke’s iconic novel starring Charles Dance, Mike Vogel and Julian McMahon; “Brave New World,” based on Aldous Huxley’s classic novel which is being developed alongside Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television; “The Magicians,” based on Lev Grossman’s popular trilogy; and Wes Craven’s “The People Under The Stairs,” based on the 1991 film; and “We Are All Completely Fine,” based on book by Daryl Gregory. And the mind-bending thriller pilot “Falling Water” with USA from executive producers Gale Anne Hurd (“The Walking Dead”) of Valhalla Entertainment, Blake Masters (“2 Guns”) and the late Emmy Award-winner Henry Bromell (“Homeland”).


About Universal Cable Productions
Universal Cable Productions (UCP) creates innovative and critically acclaimed original scripted and digital content across media platforms for domestic and international distribution. UCP’s content library spans classics such as Emmy-award winning, “Monk,” and critic and fan favorites “Psych,” “Battlestar Galactica,” and “Warehouse 13.” In the U.S., UCP’s programming can be seen across various networks, including: “Mr. Robot,” “Colony” (Fall 2015), “Dig,” “Playing House,” “Royal Pains,” “Satisfaction” and “Suits” on USA Network; “Killjoys,” “Hunters” (2016), “Magicians” (2016), “Defiance,” “Dominion,” and “12 Monkeys” on Syfy; “Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce” on Bravo; “The Royals,” on E!; “Difficult People” on Hulu; “Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome” on Machinima Prime/YouTube, Syfy and DVD/Blu-Ray; and “Side Effects” on Awesomeness TV/YouTube. Universal Cable Productions is a part of NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment, a division of NBCUniversal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. Follow us @UCPisTV.

About Dark Horse Entertainment
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse 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 Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

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Novelist Chuck Palahniuk Joins Cast of His Comic Book "Fight Club 2"

Bestselling Novelist Chuck Palahniuk Joins the Cast of FIGHT CLUB 2, The Acclaimed Comic Book Mini-series From Dark Horse Comics

Timed to the launch of San Diego Comic-Con International, Dark Horse Comics announced today that bestselling novelist Chuck Palahniuk will be a character in the acclaimed ten issue FIGHT CLUB 2 mini series, which is written by Palahniuk, illustrated by Cameron Stewart and colored by Dave Stewart, with covers by David Mack. Issue 3 of the series, on sale July 22, 2015, confirms Palahniuk as a character in the series, where he will be a reoccurring presence along with his iconic creations Tyler Durden and Marla Singer. Issue 4 of the series promises to further up the ante and the antics with an appearance by members of Palahniuk's real life writing group, including the novelists Chelsea Cain, Monica Drake, Lidia Yuknavitch, Suzy Vitello and Diana Jordan.

“Literary critics claim that Ken Kesey's mental hospital in CUCKOO’S NEST and Toni Morrison's plantation in BELOVED represent those authors’ post-graduate writing workshops,” said Chuck Palahniuk. “To prevent anyone from thinking my own workshop is either a support group for the terminally ill or a bare-knuckle mosh pit, I've included it in FIGHT CLUB 2."

"Consider FIGHT CLUB’s cultural impact, and you have to imagine its impact, and Tyler’s impact, on Chuck himself,” said Dark Horse Comics Editor-in-Chief Scott Allie. "Fans sometimes blur the line between the artist and the work, and having lived with these characters for twenty years, Chuck’s diving head on into it here. Authors from Philip Roth to Bret Easton Ellis to Grant Morrison have popped up in their own work before, but Chuck’s taking it into all new territory, doing what he always does—giving you an experience no one else can provide."

“By openly acknowledging the mechanics of film, David Fincher made his version seem more real and more mythic at the same time,” said Palahniuk. “By dragging my own creative process into FC2 I'm doing the equivalent of demonstrating splices, reel change-over marks, film breaks and rattling the film in the movie projector gate."

Palahniuk enthusiasts at Comic-Con will want to track down two FIGHT CLUB exclusives. An SDCC exclusive FIGHT CLUB 2 issue 1 comic book, with a cover by Joelle Jones, will be available at the Dark Horse Booth (Booth # 2615) while supplies last. Meanwhile the Penguin Random House booth (Booth # 1519/1520) will be selling a Rare Bird Lit SDCC exclusive edition of the vinyl audiobook release of Palahniuk's FIGHT CLUB prequel story “Expedition." The short story takes place before the events of the bestselling FIGHT CLUB novel and is an origin story of Tyler Durden. The vinyl audiobook features Palahniuk reading “Expedition” from Doubleday's bestselling short story collection MAKE SOMETHING UP: STORIES YOU CAN’T UNREAD, accompanied by music by Brian Jonestown Massacre's Rob Campanella and featuring album art by FIGHT CLUB 2 cover artist David Mack.

At SDCC, Palahniuk will participate in two high profile panels:

Saturday, July 10, 2015

3:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m.
DARK HORSE TAKES OVER THE WORLD (Room 7AB)
From Hellboy to Fight Club 2, there are a lot of reasons for Dark Horse fans to get excited for the coming year in comics. Dark Horse president and publisher Mike Richardson and Dark Horse creators Mike Mignola, Chuck Palahniuk, Jeff Lemire, Eric Powell, and Matt Kindt bring fans a sneak peek of what to pick up at Comic-Con and beyond.

7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.
FIGHT CLUB 2 panel (Room 5AB)
Acclaimed novelist Chuck Palahniuk continues one of his most beloved works with FIGHT CLUB 2! Join Dark Horse for a discussion of the creation of this story with Chuck Palahniuk, editor Scott Allie, artist David Mack, and artist Cameron Stewart.

Fans attending the FIGHT CLUB 2 panel are encouraged to dress as Tyler Durden and Marla Singer at the FIGHT CLUB event. During that same panel, an announcement will be made about the previously rumored scratch-and-sniff FIGHT CLUB 2 bookmarks.

Palahniuk will also participate in two signings:

Friday, July 10
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
MAKE SOMETHING UP Signing
(Penguin Random House Booth #1520)

Doubleday will be giving away free copies of MAKE SOMETHING UP and free FIGHT CLUB wristbands.  No other memorabilia allowed.

Sunday, July 12
11:00am to 12:50pm
Fight Club 2 Signing with David Mack and Cameron Stewart
(Dark Horse Booth Booth # 2615)

Wristband required.  Wristbands are distributed by drawing at show opening on Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12. Attendees with wristbands may get one of the followed signed: a free FIGHT CLUB 2 preview mini-comic provided by Dark Horse Comics or a FIGHT CLUB 2 comic brought to or purchased at the event. No other memorabilia is allowed.


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 Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

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Review: Denzel Does Good Guy/Dark Side in "The Equalizer"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 27 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux - Support Leroy on Patreon.

The Equalizer (2014)
Running time:  132 minutes (2 hours, 12 minutes)
MPAA – R for strong bloody violence and language throughout, including some sexual references
DIRECTOR:  Antoine Fuqua
WRITER:  Richard Wenk; (based on the television series created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim)
PRODUCERS:  Todd Black, Jason Blumenthal, Tony Eldridge, Mace Neufeld, Alex Siskin, Michael Sloan, Steve Tisch, Denzel Washington, and Richard Wenk
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Mauro Fiore (D.o.P.)
EDITOR: John Refoua
COMPOSER:  Harry Gregson-Williams

ACTION/CRIME/THRILLER

Starring:  Denzel Washington, Martin Csokas, Chloë Grace Moretz, David Masters, Johnny Skourtis, David Meunier, Bill Pullman, Melissa Leo, Alex Veadov, Haley Bennett, James Wilcox, Mike O'Dea, E. Roger Mitchell, and Vladimir Kulich

The Equalizer is a 2014 action movie and crime thriller from director Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington.  The film is based on the television series, “The Equalizer,” which was created by  Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim and was originally broadcast on CBS from 1985 to 1989.  The Equalizer the movie focuses on a man with a mysterious past who helps a young female prostitute, which brings him into conflict with her owners, ultra-violent Russian gangsters.

The Equalizer introduces Robert “Bob” McCall (Denzel Washington), a man who lives quietly in Boston, Massachusetts, where he works at a “Home Mart” hardware store.  McCall spends his nights at the Bridge Diner where he has befriended Teri (Chloë Grace Moretz), a young call girl who also wants to be a pop singer.  She is pimped out by local Russian gangsters that are led by a man named Slavi (David Meunier).

After Slavi beats Teri into a coma, McCall attempts to rescue her from Slavi.  The aftermath of that meeting brings Teddy Rensen (Martin Csokas) to Boston.  Rensen is the enforcer/fixer for Russian mafia leader, Vladimir Pushkin (Vladimir Kulich), but McCall decides to do some fixing of his own.

The Equalizer is a thoroughly satisfying movie... at least to me.  I guess that I should qualify this review by admitting that I am a huge fan of Denzel Washington, whom I consider to be one of the world's best actors of the last three decades.

Since his Oscar-winning turn in 2001's Training Day, Washington has proven to be a capable bad guy.  With 2010's Book of Eli, Washington showed that he could be a bad-ass, kick-ass, action hero with fancy martial arts-styled moves.  Ostensibly the hero in The Equalizer, Washington mixes bad guy with bad-ass in Robert McCall.

The screenplay by Richard Wenk has McCall constantly in peril or makes it seem as if he were in danger even when he is not.  Director Antoine Fuqua plays that for everything he can get out of it.  He makes a crime film that moves like an action movie, and Fuqua makes everything so tense that he fashions a thriller that strengthens the crime and action movie elements.

And Denzel glides through it all with lethal inevitability and assurance, so much so that I have to give special credit to actor Martin Csokas.  He delivers the kind of performance that makes Teddy Rensen an adversary who is a believable threat to Robert McCall.

The Equalizer is a game of death that is hard to stop watching, even if it is light on story and character development (which would have made this movie a classic).  I was a big fan of the original television series, which I have not seen in years, and therefore, remember little of it.  I do remember that the series did delve into character.  Well, the recent announcement of a sequel to this film means that there could be improvement on the character front.  In the meantime, take time to enjoy a slick and stylishly violent movie, The Equalizer.

7 of 10
B+

Tuesday, May 12, 2015


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

Review: Denzel Washington Takes "Flight"

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 26 (of 2015) by Leroy Douresseaux - Support Leroy on Patreon.

Flight (2012)
Running time:  138 minutes (2 hours, 18 minutes)
MPAA – R for drug and alcohol abuse, language, sexuality/nudity and an intense action sequence
DIRECTOR:  Robert Zemeckis
WRITER:  John Gatins
PRODUCERS:  Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes, Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey, and Robert Zemeckis
CINEMATOGRAPHER:  Don Burgess (D.o.P.)
EDITOR:  Jeremiah O'Driscoll
COMPOSER:  Alan Silvestri
Academy Award nominee

DRAMA

Starring:  Denzel Washington, Don Cheadle, Bruce Greenwood, Kelly Reilly, Tamara Tunie, John Goodman, Nadine Velazquez, Garcelle Beauvais, Justine Martin, Melissa Leo, and Brian Geraghty

The subject of this movie review is Flight, a 2012 drama from director Robert Zemeckis.
The film focuses on an airline pilot who saves almost all his passengers on his malfunctioning airliner, which eventually crashes, but an investigation into the accident reveals something troubling.

In the film, SouthJet Flight 227 is heading to Atlanta from Orlando, when something goes terribly wrong.  Veteran airline Captain William “Whip” Whitaker (Denzel Washington) manages to keep the crash from being a complete and total disaster.  Suddenly, Whip is a hero, but questions begin to arise when he avoids the spotlight.  Meanwhile, the investigation by the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) into the Flight 227 accident reveals something troubling.

Flight has an Oscar-winning director in Robert Zemeckis (for Forrest Gump).  However, Flight's Oscar-nominated screenplay by John Gatins is a blistering character study of a man whose talents (as a highly skilled airplane pilot) fully come to light at the same time as the most troubling aspect of his personality (his alcoholism) begin to come to light.  As a character study, the film script provides Denzel Washington with the opportunity to give one of his best performances of the last decade.

Zemeckis guides all the actors through this thoughtful and provocative character study, but Washington is the primary focus.   Whip Whitaker is a meaty role, and the film takes him on a harrowing personal journey.  Washington does not shy away from being intimate with the stage, camera, and audience as he pulls all the mess and addiction out of the tortured Whip for the audience to see.  It is good to see an African-American actor get the chance to be so vulnerable and revealing to movie audiences.  Washington deserved the Oscar nomination he received for his performance here.

Flight is an excellent return to live-action film for Zemeckis.  He is flawless in the way he captures Washington's grand performance and Whip Whitaker's journey towards redemption and maybe, salvation.  Flight should be a blueprint for high-quality film drama.

8 of 10
A

Saturday, April 25, 2015


NOTES:
2013 Academy Awards, USA:  2 nominations: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role” (Denzel Washington) and “Best Writing, Original Screenplay” (John Gatins)

2013 Golden Globes, USA:  1 nomination: “Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama” (Denzel Washington)

2013 Black Reel Awards:  1 win: “Best Actor” (Denzel Washington); 3 nominations: “Best Film” (Laurie MacDonald, Walter F. Parkes, Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey, and Robert Zemeckis – Paramount Pictures), “Best Supporting Actress” (Tamara Tunie), and “Best Ensemble” (Victoria Burrows-Casting Director)

2013 Image Awards:  1 win: “Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture” (Denzel Washington); 3 nominations: “Outstanding Motion Picture,” “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture” (Don Cheadle), “Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture-Theatrical or Television” (John Gatin)


The text is copyright © 2015 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

"Han Solo" Anthology Film Announced for May 2018

Christopher Miller and Phil Lord to Helm Han Solo Anthology Film

The duo behind The LEGO Movie will direct an early tale of the smuggler-turned-hero, with a screenplay by Lawrence and Jon Kasdan.

The next adventure in the Anthology series of Star Wars films will be directed by Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, whose credits include the critically acclaimed The LEGO Movie and Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, as well as 21 Jump Street and 22 Jump Street. Among the most sought-after filmmakers working today, the two have proven a formidable duo on the multiple films they’ve collaborated on and are looking forward to applying their unique creative chemistry to the Star Wars universe.

“This is the first film we’ve worked on that seems like a good idea to begin with. We promise to take risks, to give the audience a fresh experience, and we pledge ourselves to be faithful stewards of these characters who mean so much to us. This is a dream come true for us. And not the kind of dream where you’re late for work and all your clothes are made of pudding, but the kind of dream where you get to make a film with some of the greatest characters ever, in a film franchise you’ve loved since before you can remember having dreams at all.”

The screenplay is written by Lawrence Kasdan and Jon Kasdan. The story focuses on how young Han Solo became the smuggler, thief, and scoundrel whom Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi first encountered in the cantina at Mos Eisley.

Lawrence Kasdan, the writer and director known for Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Big Chill, and Grand Canyon, is familiar to Star Wars fans for having co-written the screenplays for The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, and The Force Awakens. His son Jon Kasdan wrote and directed The First Time, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, and In the Land of Women, as well as writing for the television series Freaks and Geeks and Dawson’s Creek.

“We’re so excited to be working with Chris and Phil, who will bring a fresh new dimension to the Star Wars universe,” said the Kasdans. “They’re two of the smartest, funniest and most original filmmakers around, and the ideal choice to tell the story of Han Solo, one of the coolest characters in the galaxy.”

Kathleen Kennedy, who will be producing, says she can’t wait to discover what’s in store from these two extraordinary teams of directors and writers.

“It’s not just any filmmaker who can tell the story of such a beloved icon like Han Solo, and I’m excited to say we’ve found the perfect team to handle the task. Larry and Jon know all there is to know about the character, and Chris and Phil will bring their wit, style, energy and heart to tell Han’s story.”

Slated for a May 25, 2018 release, the film will be executive produced by Lawrence Kasdan and Jason McGatlin and co-produced by Will Allegra.

StarWars.com. All Star Wars, all the time.

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Archie Comics Relaunches "Archie" and Heads to 2015 San Diego Comic-Con International

Archie Comics Relaunches Flagship Title with All-New Archie #1

Landmark comic book arrives as company showcases unprecedented presence at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Archie Comics, the acclaimed and bestselling comic book publisher that is home to some of the best-known pop culture creations in the world, including Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Josie & The Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch and the hit AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE series, today unveiled plans for an expansive and ambitious presence at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—timed to the launch of an all-new ARCHIE #1 from the all-star creative team of writer Mark Waid and artist Fiona Staples.

    “ARCHIE #1 is a milestone for this company, in every way”

ARCHIE #1, hitting comic shops and digital retailers on Wednesday, July 8—the same day doors open on Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—reimagines the classic character and his friends Jughead, Betty & Veronica, Reggie and more, infusing them with a modern day sensibility that still harkens back to the roots of the long-running comedy series. It’s a story for all ages that reiterates the vibrancy, relevance and quality that fans have come to expect from Archie Comics as the company heads into its 75th year.

“ARCHIE #1 is a milestone for this company, in every way,” said Jon Goldwater, Archie Comics Publisher/Co-CEO. “We are pulling back the curtain and showing fans the true origin of Archie, the love triangle and so much more, under the watchful eye of two of the absolute best comic book creators on the planet – Mark Waid and Fiona Staples. Not only are they brimming with talent, but they’re huge Archie fans—once again showing how impactful these characters have been and proving that not only will Mark and Fiona create a legendary story, but they will honor the past while building a new, exciting future for Archie and friends.”

The new ongoing comic book series is the first of three “New Riverdale” titles set to roll out over the next 12-18 months, including a new JUGHEAD title in October, spotlighting Archie’s burger-loving best friend, from writer Chip Zdarsky (Sex Criminals) and Erica Henderson (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl) and BETTY AND VERONICA next summer, taking readers deeper into the friendship and rivalry between the beloved teen characters, from legendary writer/artist Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Doctor Manhattan).

The relaunch sets the stage for an amazing week of events, giveaways, exclusives and announcements at the biggest pop culture event in the world, Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015—including two exclusive-to-the-show variant cover editions of ARCHIE #1 and a chance to win a free copy of the landmark issue by attending the Friday Archie Comics Forever panel in Room 4.

Archie Comics Panels at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2015

Archie Forever, Friday, 7/10/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 4

Hot off the blockbuster launch of the first Archie #1 in over 75 years, this is one panel Archie fans can’t miss! Get exclusive news on the Archie Horror titles, the new JUGHEAD ongoing series, and more! The panel features Jon Goldwater (co-CEO/publisher), Victor Gorelick (co-president/editor-in-chief), Mike Pellerito (president), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (chief creative officer/writer of Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina), Mark Waid (writer of Archie), Chip Zdarsky (writer of Jughead), Adam Hughes (writer/artist Betty & Veronica), Dan Parent (writer/artist, Life With Kevin, Archie vs. Sharknado), Anthony C. Ferrante (writer of Archie vs. Sharknado), and moderator Alex Segura (SVP-publicity and marketing/editor of Dark Circle Comics). Plus, an exclusive gift bag ticket and a FREE copy of the all-new ARCHIE #1 for all attendees!

Dark Circle Comics, Saturday, 7/11/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 29AB

Get in on the ground floor of 2015’s most ambitious comics imprint as Alex Segura (editor of Dark Circle Comics), Jon Goldwater (co-CEO/publisher), ( Mike Pellerito (president of Archie Comics), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (chief creative officer), and key talent like Adam Christopher and Chuck Wendig (co-writers, The Shield), and Frank Tieri (writer, The Hangman) expand the cinematic and literary universe of titles coming from Dark Circle Comics, including The Black Hood, The Shield, and The Hangman!

Archie Action, Sunday, 7/12/15, 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m., Room: 32AB

What do the heroes of SEGA and CAPCOM do when facing unbeatable odds? They unite their forces! Find out more about this summer’s blockbuster Archie Action crossover event, WORLDS UNITE, as Vincent Lovallo (Editor of Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man) is joined by Mike Pellerito (president of Archie Comics), Alex Segura (SVP-publicity and marketing), Evan Stanley (writer/artist Sonic Universe), and Edwin Huang (artist of Mega Man) to take you behind the scenes and break the latest news and announcements!

Archie Comics Creator Signing Schedule (Booth #1829)

Thursday:

4-5pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller)

5-6pm: Evan Stanley, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado, Edwin Huang (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man)

Friday:

12-1pm: Adam Christopher (The Shield)

2-3pm: Mark Waid (Archie, The Fox)

3-4pm: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)

4-5pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller), Bill Galvan (Archie)

5-6pm: Evan Stanley, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado (Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man)

Saturday:

11am-12pm: Alex de Campi (Archie vs. Predator)

12-1pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller), Bill Galvan (Archie)

2-3pm: Frank Tieri (The Hangman), Adam Christopher, Chuck Wendig, Drew Johnson (The Shield)

3-4pm: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Afterlife with Archie, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina)

4:30-5:30pm: Mark Waid (Archie, The Fox)

5:30-6:30pm: Evan Stanley, Bill Freiberger, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado, Edwin Huang (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Boom, Mega Man)

Sunday:

12-1pm: Alex de Campi (Archie vs. Predator)

2-3pm: Evan Stanley, Bill Freiberger (Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Boom)

3-4pm: Dan Parent (Betty and Veronica, Kevin Keller)

Archie Comics Exclusives

ARCHIE #1 SDCC Exclusive Variant A

Get in on the ground floor of this summer’s most-talked about comic book relaunch from the superstar creative team of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples with this Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive ARCHIE #1 variant cover! Featuring brand-new cover artwork from series artist Fiona Staples depicting Archie, Betty, and Jughead enjoying the outdoors, this variant is extremely limited and a must-have for all attendees!

Price: $20.00

ARCHIE #1 SDCC Exclusive Variant B

Get in on the ground floor of this summer’s most-talked about comic book relaunch from the superstar creative team of Mark Waid and Fiona Staples with this additional Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive ARCHIE #1 variant cover! Featuring cover artwork from series artist Fiona Staples depicting the gang outside of Riverdale High, this variant is extremely limited and a must-have for all attendees!

Price: $20.00

Also available at the Archie Comics Booth:

ARCHIE #1 Fiona Staples Regular Cover

ARCHIE #1 Blank Sketch Cover

MEGA MAN #50 “Worlds Unite” SDCC Exclusive Sketch Variant

Celebrate 50 issues of Mega Man with the latest chapter in the globe-smashing Sonic/Mega Man crossover event featuring a Comic-Con International: San Diego exclusive cover! This special edition anniversary comic showcases in-progress cover artwork by Archie Action Legend Patrick “Spaz” Spaziante! Don’t miss out on this limited edition comic featuring everyone’s favorite super fighting robot!

Price: $10.00

SDCC Exclusive Dark Circle Comics Poster

Featuring a stunning pin-up of 2015’s hottest new comic book series THE BLACK HOOD, THE FOX, THE SHIELD and THE HANGMAN by THE SHIELD artist Drew Johnson!


ABOUT ARCHIE COMICS:
Archie Comics is the leading mass market comic book publisher in the world and the home to a wide array of the most popular humor, action-adventure and superhero characters in entertainment, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Reggie, Kevin Keller, Josie and the Pussycats, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Afterlife With Archie, the Dark Circle Comics superhero characters (The Black Hood, The Fox, The Shield and more), Li’l Jinx and many more. Archie Comics have sold over 2 billion comics worldwide and are published around the world in a number of languages. In addition to comics, Archie characters have been featured prominently in animation, television, film and music. Follow Archie Comics on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and the Archie Comics Store.

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"Sina Grace" Graphic Novel Due September 2015

Sina Grace is SELF-OBSESSED

Sina Grace is returning to his slice-of-life roots in SELF-OBSESSED, a new graphic novel memoir from Image Comics. Spawned from the one-shot of the same name, SELF-OBSESSED debuts over 80 pages of new material, providing readers an intimate peek into the brain of an artist asking himself what depths he’ll need to plumb to be anybody’s somebody.

After a critically successful run on two BURN THE ORPHANAGE miniseries, a return to the cult favorite LI’L DEPRESSED BOY, and the launch of the all-ages series PENNY DORA & THE WISHING BOX, Grace thought 2014 was his year to shine. Unfortunately, a number of personal tribulations—including a death in the family and the end of a longterm relationship—derailed all momentum and sent him spiraling into a depression. After leaving his hometown of Los Angeles and traveling across the American Southwest, Grace found his passion project for 2015: himself.

“It felt like the world took away every incentive to live, love, and make stories,” Grace said. “After a lot of grieving and introspection, I decided that all I wanted to do was tell stories that were 100% the realest me I could give the reader. #YOLO.”

Influenced by nights spent poring over Joan Didion, Arthur Rimbaud, and Anders Nilsen, the scope of stories in SELF-OBSESSED reflect the ups-and-downs of breaking into comics, reconciling relationships past, and discovering what true selfhood looks like. Mixed with long-forgotten strips unearthed from the creator’s messy archives, conversations with contemporaries Ryan O’Connell and Colleen Green, as well as essays exploring gender, identity, and pursuing one’s dreams, Grace brings a whole new spin to memoir for the Twitter age.

SELF-OBSESSED (ISBN: 978-1-63215-449-1, Diamonde Code: JUL150640) arrives September 30, 2015 and will be available for $9.99. The graphic novel will include an introduction from Jeff Lemire (DESCENDER, Sweet Tooth), as well as a free audiobook download. 

For more information, please visit: sinagrace.com/selfobsessed

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