Kate Beckinsale to Appear at Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2016

Salt Lake Comic Con Announces Superstar Kate Beckinsale as Salt Lake Comic Con FanX™ 2016 Celebrity Guest

Star of “Underworld,” “Van Helsing,” “The Aviator” and “Total Recall” will be at FanX; tickets on sale now; FanX takes place March 24-26, 2016 at the Salt Palace Convention Center

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Salt Lake Comic Con (http://saltlakecomiccon.com/) announced today that English actress Kate Beckinsale is the latest in a long line of exciting celebrity guests attending FanX™ 2016. Salt Lake Comic Con FanX16 will be the first comic con fan event where Kate Beckinsale will be available for Photo Ops and Autographs with fans.

    “Kate is a natural fit for FanX™ as the star of ‘Underworld’ and many other Hollywood blockbusters”

The event is scheduled for March 24-26, 2016 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. FanX™ is produced by the same team behind Salt Lake Comic Con, which established itself as one of the top pop culture events in North America and the most attended convention in the history of Utah. The attendance numbers and quality of the fanXperience have grown with each subsequent show.

Beckinsale is best known to comic con fans for her starring role as the vampire Selene in the action-horror “Underworld” film series, which grossed nearly $500 million at the box office. Other notable roles include Ava Gardner in the Oscar-winning biopic “The Aviator,” Nurse Lt. Evelyn Johnson in the war film “Pearl Harbor,” Lori Quaid in the sci-fi reboot “Total Recall,” and many others. Beckinsale will reprise her role as Selene in “Underworld: Next Generation,” due in theaters October 14, 2016. She also attended University of Oxford, is fluent in four languages and was named Esquire’s Sexiest Woman Alive in 2009.

“Kate is a natural fit for FanX™ as the star of ‘Underworld’ and many other Hollywood blockbusters,” said Dan Farr, Salt Lake Comic Con Founder and Producer. “With a new ‘Underworld’ movie coming out this fall, this is a great opportunity for fans to meet the star of the next highly anticipated installment.”

The “Underworld” franchise has had a variety of spin-offs, including novelizations, video games, adapted films and a comics series. Additionally, Beckinsale’s Selene character was loosely based on Marvel Comics’ vampire, mutant and sorceress Selene, who appeared as an enemy of the “X-Men.”

“Kate Beckinsale crosses so many fandoms from sci-fi to supernatural with films like ‘Underworld,’ ‘Total Recall’ and ‘Van Helsing.’ She has established herself as an A-List celebrity co-starring with Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘The Aviator,’ Ben Affleck in ‘Pearl Harbor’ and John Cusack in ‘Serendipity,’” said Bryan Brandenburg, Salt Lake Comic Con Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer. “She is a super exciting addition to an already stellar guest lineup. We are on track to deliver our fans their best experience yet.”

Previous FanX™ 2016 guest announcements include Gillian Anderson, George Takei, Norman Reedus, Matt Smith, Buzz Aldrin, Peter Facinelli and Levar Burton.

The third annual FanX™ is an exclusive event for Salt Lake Comic Con fans designed to give attendees an up close and personal FanXperience with their favorite pop culture icons. In addition to celebrity guests, FanX™ will feature comicbook artists and creators, authors, panelists, and more. There are more celebrity guests and panel programming per square feet than the bigger event in the fall, with over 400 guests and panelists.

FanX™ 2016 is the first event of the year, with Salt Lake Comic Con 2016 scheduled for September. Both events feature incredible FanXperiences. Celebrity Stars pose for Photo Ops and sign Autographs for fans, as well as share stories and answer questions at a Spotlight Panel. Famous Authors and Artists will also be on hand to meet fans and sell prints and books they will personally sign. Hundreds of hours of Panels will take place over the weekend, covering a wide range of pop culture topics. The Vendor Hall features hundreds of booths selling collectibles, clothes, exclusives, and other geeky merchandise. The youngest fans will find a place to meet kid-favorite characters, participate in family-friendly activities, and make arts and crafts in the KidCon section of the event. There will also be other Special Events scheduled over the weekend, including parties, nightlife, exclusive paid panels, meet-and-greets and more.

For more information about FanX™ 2016 or to buy tickets, visit the Salt Lake Comic Con website at http://saltlakecomiccon.com/. Attendees will save $10 by purchasing online before the event. Learn more about what there is to see and do at FanX™ by visiting http://saltlakecomiccon.com/fanx-xperiences/.


ABOUT SALT LAKE COMIC CON:
Salt Lake Comic Con and Salt Lake Comic Con FanX™ is organized by Dan Farr Productions and is not associated with any other comic con. FanXperience is the Ultimate Fan Celebration. Dan Farr Productions is an event and marketing group devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium celebrities and brands in the pop culture arena. Dan Farr Productions is dedicated to producing spectacular celebrations of popular culture that lead the market in providing exceptional and rewarding experiences for our consumers, fans, celebrity guests, vendors and partners. Find out more at: www.SaltLakeComicCon.com

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Image Comics and Garth Ennis Have "Pride & Joy"

IMAGE COMICS WELCOMES PRIDE & JOY ENNIS TITLE

“Ennis develops every narrative strand in this scary, violent noir surprisingly fully, and Higgins makes it look richly moody... A guilty pleasure par excellence.” —Booklist

Bestselling and Eisner-Award-winning writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys, War Story) and artist John Higgins present the action-packed crime story, PRIDE & JOY, coming from Image Comics this May.

“Pride & Joy is an old favorite of mine, and I'm delighted to see it released in this lovely new Image edition,” said Ennis.

Still mourning the loss of his wife, Jimmy Kavanagh lives quietly in the backwoods of New England, raising his devoted daughter and resentful son. That is, until fate comes calling in the worst way and Jimmy's criminal past threatens to destroy his family.

Higgins added: “Pride & Joy was the first comic story I had worked on that felt complete, like a suspense novel, visceral, and violent. Very pleased it will find a new audience with this Image graphic novel.”

PRIDE & JOY (ISBN: 978-1-63215-801-7) hits comic book stores on Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 and bookstores on Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 and will be available for $14.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond code MAR160648. It can be preordered now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indiebound.


ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

"12 Years a Slave" Makes Its Basic Cable Premiere on BET Networks

BET Honors Black History Month with 2 New Specials

JAMIE FOXX, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KERRY WASHINGTON, OCTAVIA SPENCER AND MORE ATTEND “ABFF AWARDS: A CELEBRATION OF HOLLYWOOD” AIRING ON BET AND CENTRIC, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD AT 8P/7C

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tune in Tuesday, February 23, 2016 as BET partners with American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to air “ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood” at 8P/7C. This first-ever televised award shows tributes film legends and TV’s hottest stars. Hosted by Mike Epps, the two-hour event honors Don Cheadle, Regina King, Ryan Coogler, Diahann Carroll and Will Packer for their achievements in entertainment. Don’t miss special appearances by Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Kerry Washington, Octavia Spencer, Loretta Devine, KeKe Palmer, Anthony Anderson and more!

2014 Best Picture Oscar Winner, “12 Years A Slave,” makes its basic cable premiere on BET Networks to wrap up Black History Month. The movie premieres Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The film is based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist forever alters his life.

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Oklahoma Film Critics Gives "Spotlight" its Best Picture Award

The Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) is the statewide group of professional film critics.  OFCC members are Oklahoma-based movie critics who write for print, broadcast and online outlets that publish or post reviews of current film releases.

The OFCC announced its 10th annual awards winners in early January of 2016.

2015 Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Award winners:

Best Picture - "Spotlight"

Best Actor – Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Revenant"

Best Actress – Brie Larson, "Room"

Best Animated Film - "Inside Out"

Best Body of Work – Alicia Vikander, "Ex Machina," "The Danish Girl," "Testament of Youth," "Burnt"

Best Director – George Miller, "Mad Max: Fury Road"

Best Documentary - "Amy"

Best First Feature – Alex Garland, "Ex Machina"

Best Foreign Language Film - "Son of Saul" (Hungary)

Best Original Screenplay - "Spotlight"

Best Adapted Screenplay – Charles Randolph and Adam McKay, "The Big Short"

Best Supporting Actor (TIE)
Michael Keaton "Spotlight"
Sylvester Stallone "Creed"

Best Supporting Actress – Alicia Vikander, "Ex Machina"

Most Disappointing Film – "Tomorrowland"

Top 10 Films
"Spotlight"
"Mad Max: Fury Road"
"Brooklyn"
"Ex-Machina"
"The Big Short"
"Carol"
"The Revenant"
"Inside Out"
"Sicario"
"The Hateful Eight

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VIZ Media Announces the Release of "Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Vol. 1"

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT BEGINS PUBLICATION OF THE CELEBRATED LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES SCIENCE FICTION SERIES

Opening Volume Of The Bestselling Japanese Space Opera To Be Published In English For The First Time

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media’s Haikasoru literary imprint announces its first release of 2016 with the North American publication of author Yoshiki Tanaka’s epic space opera/military sci-fi novel, LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, on March 8th, 2016.

LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, VOLUME 1: DAWN is the first in the author’s celebrated series set to be released by Haikasoru, with Volumes 2 and 3 debuting this summer and fall, respectively. LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, VOLUME 1: DAWN will debut in print with an MSRP of $15.99 U.S. / $18.99 CAN. An eBook edition will debut on March 8th for the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, Barnes & Noble’s Nook Book Store, the Kobo eBooks Store, and the Google Play store. An audiobook version, read by Tim Gerard Reynolds, will debut the same day through Simon & Schuster Audio with an MSRP of $23.99 U.S.

In the thirty-sixth century humanity has conquered the galaxy and colonized countless star systems. The Galactic Empire, modeled along Prussian lines, and the democratic Free Planets Alliance are at war, and the fate of every human being in the universe hangs in the balance. This classic Japanese space opera, adapted into a legendary anime, is finally available in English for the first time.

In the opening novel of the series, “The Golden Brat,” Reinhard von Lohengramm, is a military prodigy and admiral of the Galactic Empire and has ambitions beyond protecting the borders or even defeating the Empire’s enemies. He seeks to overthrow the old order and become a truly absolute – yet benevolent – dictator. His rival, the humble Yang Wen-li of the Free Planets Alliance, wishes to preserve democracy even if he must sacrifice his political ideals to defeat the Empire. Their political and military battles play out over a galactic chessboard in an epic saga fifteen centuries in the making!

“The LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES series of novels were extremely popular in Japan also spawned popular anime and manga adaptations that have gained fans all over,” says Nick Mamatas, Editor. “We have received many requests from readers over the years asking us to publish LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES and this English publication is sure to capture a whole new legion of fans for the work of this celebrated author.”

Author Yoshiki Tanaka was born in 1952 and won the Gen’eijo (a Japanese mystery magazine) New Writer Award in 1978 for his debut story, “Midori no Sogen ni…” (On the Green Field…), which launched his career as a science fiction and fantasy writer. LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES: DAWN translates the European wars of the 19th Century to an interstellar setting and won the prestigious Seiun Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 1987. Tanaka’s other works include the fantasy series, The Heroic Legend of Arslan, and numerous other science fiction, fantasy, historical, and mystery novels and stories.

For more information on LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, other releases from the Haikasoru imprint, please visit www.haikasoru.com.

For more information on other titles available from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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Archie Horror Comics Titles Return in May and June 2016

Archie Comics returns with AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9 and SABRINA #5 -- and a look toward the imprint's future

Archie Horror springs back to life this May, as the critically acclaimed and genre-defying CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA and AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE series return to comic shops with brand new issues and more to come.

After much anticipation, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and artists Francesco Francavilla and Robert Hack bring ARCHIE HORROR back from the brink.

The spotlight turns to Reggie, the instigator behind the zombie apocalypse that now threatens the entire planet, in AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9. Aguirre-Sacasa and artist Francesco Francavilla take us back to the fateful night that started everything and ask the question: is redemption possible for Reggie Mantle? Find out on June 1st, 2016 when AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9 returns to comic shops.

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #5, with raw and macabre artwork by artist Robert Hack, continues to pit the teenage witch against the deadly manipulations of Madame Satan. Still reeling from the fallout of her botched baptism and the fate of her boyfriend, Harvey Kinkle, Sabrina faces her toughest challenge yet in the form of the Witches Council. Issue #5 hits comic shops on May 18th, 2016.

"There’s no excuse for late books, just apologies," said Aguirre-Sacasa, promising additional issues of AFTERLIFE and CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA are in progress.

"We know how much these books mean to you—so thank you, thank you, thank you for sticking with us through thick and thin."

Read the AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE and CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA series by visiting a comic shop near you, the Archie Comics Online Store, or digitally on the all new ARCHIE APP.

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William Shatner and David Tennant to Appear at 2016 Wizard World St. Louis

David Tennant, Billie Piper, Elizabeth Henstridge, William Shatner Among Top Celebrities Scheduled To Attend Wizard World St. Louis, April 1-3

Sean Schemmel, Steve Downes, Jen Taylor, Lou Ferrigno, Jason David Frank Also Headline Roster; Talented Comics Creators, Variety of Exhibitors, Cosplayers, Robust Programming At America’s Center

ST. LOUIS - Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) continues its 2016 schedule with its fourth trip to America’s Center at Wizard World St. Louis, April 1-3, 2016. “Doctor Who” stars David Tennant and Billie Piper, Elizabeth Henstridge (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”), William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”), Sean Schemmel ( Dragon Ball Z), Steve Downes and Jen Taylor (“Halo”), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk,” “The King of Queens”) and Jason David Frank (“Mighty Morphin Power Rangers) headline the roster of celebrity guests scheduled to attend the pop culture extravaganza, the fifth event on Wizard World's calendar of comic and gaming cons in 2016.

Tennant will attend on Saturday, April 2, only. Shatner will appear on Friday and Sunday; Piper, and Henstridge are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday; Schemmel, Downes, Taylor, Ferrigno and Frank will appear all three days. Additional celebrities will be announced in the coming weeks.

Other well-known Wizard World St. Louis guests include YouTube celebrities The Hillywood Show and Chris 51 (“Epic Ink”). The event will also feature major gaming activations and an eSports tournament streaming stage (www.wizardworldgaming.com).

Wizard World is also the home of the most creative comics artists and writers on the planet. Artist Alley in St. Louis will feature Ken Kelly (“Kiss” album covers, “He-Man”), Phil Ortiz ("The Simpsons," “Muppet Babies”), Billy Martin (“TMNT,” lead guitarist, Good Charlotte), Tom Cook  ("He-Man," "She-Ra"), Bob Camp ("Ren and Stimpy," "G.I. Joe”), Clinton Hobart (Disney fine art), Jose Delbo (“Superman,” “Batman”), Andrew Griffith (“Transformers,” “Star Wars”), Rachael Stott (“Twelfth Doctor Year 2,” “Star Trek”), Guy Gilchrist (writer/cartoonist, “Nancy,” “Muppet Babies”), Danny Fingeroth (group editor, “Spider-Man”) and many others.

Wizard World comic and gaming con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. Wizard World St. Louis show hours are Friday, April 1, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, April 2, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Wizard World is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event.  Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed –  will roam the convention floor. The famed Wizard World St. Louis Costume Contest will take place on Saturday night.

For more on the 2016 Wizard World St. Louis, visit http://wizd.me/StLouisPR.


About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)
Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched Wizard World Store (www.shopwizardworld.com ), CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ: CIDM), and ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com), a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

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