Hero Initiative Breezes into C2E2 2014 with Brian Azzarello, Israel Idonije…

Press Release:

Hero Initiative breezes into the Windy city of Chicago for C2E2 With special Guest Brian Azzarello

Los Angeles (April 10, 2014) - Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in medical and financial need, breezes into the windy of Chicago to attend the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo, also known as C2E2, located at McCormick Place April 25-27. Joining us is the well-known writer of 100 Bullets and Wonder Woman, Brian Azzarello! Hero’s booth, #836, will be the ONLY place Azzarello is doing signings. Brian will be at the Hero booth:

Friday, April 25, 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 27, 12:30 p.m-1:30 p.m. and again 3:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.

On Sunday, April 27 from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., make sure you head to the Sharp Comics booth, #1317. Artist Bob Layton will be signing Gold Key/Dynamite Comics variant covers for Hero at the booth!

And you can celebrate the return of defensive end Israel Idonije to the Chicago Bears with signed Protectors prints for $25! The prints are signed by Idonije, plus Ron Marz and Bart Sears, the writer and artist of Protectors from Athleta Comics.

While at the booth, check out Hero’s AMAZING $1 specials—you can get the Marvel Apes #1 Hero Initiative variant or the 152-page ACTOR Comics Presents for just $1 each! Supplies are limited, and one of each per customer, please!

And check out the many Hero Initiative ambassadors throughout the floor who will be raising money for Hero at their own booths: Mark Bagley, Hillary Barta, Chris Burnham, Amanda Conner, Jenny Frison, Chris Giarrusso, Bryan JL Glass, Gene Ha, Phil Hester, Dan Jurgens, Scott Kolins, Paul Mounts, Mike Norton, Greg Pak, Ande Parks, Jimmy Palmiotti, Mike Perkins, Brian Pulido, Gordon Purcell, Chris Samnee, Alex Saviuk, Tim Seeley, Nicola Scott, Billy Tucci, Skottie Young, and Chrissie Zullo!

See you THERE!

About The Hero Initiative

The Hero Initiative is the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book artists and craftsmen in need. Hero Initiative creates a financial safety net for yesterday’s creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It’s a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment.

Since its inception, The Hero Initiative has had the good fortune to grant over $500,000 to the comics veterans who have paved the way for those in the industry today. For more information, visit www.heroinitiative.org or call 626-676-6354.

 

BOOM! Studios Headed to Calgary Expo and C2E2 2014

TRANSLUCID #1 C2E2 Exclusive Cover by Khary Randolph

 

Press Release:

BOOM! STUDIOS HEADED TO CALGARY EXPO AND C2E2 TO MEET WITH FANS IN TWO COUNTRIES!

April 16, 2014 – Los Angeles, CA – Well on its way to earning elite status for its frequent flier miles, publisher BOOM! Studios announced today it will exhibit both at Calgary Expo in Alberta, Canada, from April 24-27, and Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) in Chicago, Illinois, from April 25-27.

BOOM! can be found at Calgary Expo, held at the BMO Center in the city of Calgary, Alberta, at booth number 119. They will host the following creators all weekend:
Ed Brisson (SONS OF ANARCHY, ROBOCOP)
Megan Hutchison (WILL O’ THE WISP)
Mike Kunkel (HEROBEAR AND THE KID)

In addition, the BOOM! Studios booth will host sketch artists all weekend, including:

Brooke Allen (LUMBERJANES)
Ian McGinty (ADVENTURE TIME: CANDY CAPERS)
Kate Leth (ADVENTURE TIME OGN VOL. 3: SEEING RED, LUMBERJANES)
Wook-Jin Clark (ADVENTURE TIME: THE FLIP SIDE)
Zack Sterling (ADVENTURE TIME OGN VOLS. 1, 2, and 3)

BOOM! will also have two Calgary Expo Exclusive Variants:
LUMBERJANES #1 cover illustrated by Megan Hutchison (available for purchase at the BOOM! booth)
ADVENTURE TIME #27 cover illustrated by Tait Howard (available for purchase only through the Convention). Starring baby versions of Fionna and Cake, this is the first-ever horizontal ADVENTURE TIME issue!

For tickets and more information on Calgary Expo, visit calgaryexpo.com.

At C2E2, which will be held in the South Building at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, BOOM! Studios can be found at booth number 616. They will host the following creators at the booth all weekend:

Caleb Monroe (PEANUTS, STEED AND MRS. PEEL)
Jeff Dyer (PEANUTS)
Michael Alan Nelson (DAY MEN, 28 DAYS LATER, PROTOCOL: ORPHANS)
Paul Jenkins (FAIRY QUEST, DEATHMATCH, REVELATIONS)

In addition, the following signings at the booth are scheduled:

FRIDAY, April 25

4-5 p.m. James Tynion IV (THE WOODS) (Note: This signing takes place after the We Are BOOM! Panel)

SATURDAY, April 26

12-1 p.m. James Tynion IV (THE WOODS)
4-5 p.m. Ben Acker, Ben Blacker, and Marc Evan Jackson (THE THRILLING ADVENTURE HOUR)
5:15-6:15 p.m. Claudio Sanchez and Chondra Echert (TRANSLUCID, AMORY WARS, KEY OF Z, KILL AUDIO)

This is a ticketed signing. Tickets are available only at the BOOM! Studios booth while supplies last starting Saturday when the show opens.

SUNDAY, April 27

1-2 p.m. James Tynion IV (THE WOODS)

In addition, the BOOM! Studios booth will host sketch artists all weekend, including:

Mad Rupert (REGULAR SHOW: SKIPS)
Coleman Engle (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
For $20, fans can request and purchase custom sketches to be drawn on blank ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW Get-A-Sketch covers.

Special C2E2 exclusive variants will be available for purchase for:
THE WOODS #1 cover illustrated by Tyler Jenkins
TRANSLUCID #1 cover illustrated by Khary Randolph
ADVENTURE TIME 2014 ANNUAL #1 cover illustrated by Mad Rupert
BOOM! will also present the following panel at C2E2:

We Are BOOM!
Fri., April 25, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m., Room S402
Last year was a banner year for BOOM! highlighted by the release of our first feature 2 GUNS (starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg) and new first-look deal with 20th Century Fox. Archaia joined us as a new imprint, we expanded the all-ages KaBOOM! lineup, and launched our newest imprint, BOOM! Box. Join BOOM! Studios Editor-In-Chief Matt Gagnon and VP of Development Stephen Christy as we share our mission to create the future of comics…now. We are BOOM! Come Innovate With Us.

For tickets and information for C2E2, visit c2e2.com.

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

Dark Horse brings Top Talent to ReedPOP’S C2E2 2014

Press Release:

DARK HORSE BRINGS TOP TALENT TO REEDPOP’S C2E2 2014 IN CHICAGO APRIL 25 – 27

Acclaimed Comics Publisher Hosts Gail Simone and Other Famous Artists and Writers in Panels, Booth Appearances and Signings

Scott Allie to Lead Discussion in Three Panel Presentations

Norwalk, CT, April 15, 2014: Dark Horse Comics, the renowned comics publisher, will have a major presence at the upcoming C2E2 which is organized by ReedPOP, the leading producer of pop culture events. ReedPOP officials note that in addition to a large booth centrally located on the show floor, Dark Horse plans to host three panels featuring Gail Simone, Art Baltazar, and Geoff Darrow, among other top talent who will also be appearing on panels and in the Dark Horse booth to greet fans. In addition, the publisher notes that it will have many giveaways, lots of free comics, and back to back free signings all day every day. Dark Horse Editor-in-Chief Scott Allie will host the panels and will lead discussion on a range of subjects sure to please the thousands of fans who annually attend the leading pop culture event. C2E2 will take place in Chicago, April 25 – 27 in the South Building at McCormick Place Convention Center.

“It is fantastic that Dark Horse is bringing so much talent and creative energy to our show,” notes Lance Fensterman, Global Vice President for ReedPOP. “C2E2 has grown enormously since our first show five years ago and while it’s cool to know that we have built an event where top artists, writers and other creative talent in the comics world can mingle comfortably with so many fans, none of it would have been possible without the support of leading publishers like Dark Horse. I am grateful to them for all the talent and entertainment they provide. This year is their best ever!”

The Dark Horse panel presentations include:

Title: Dark Horse Presents: Gail Simone
Date: Friday, April 25th
Time: 1:30 – 2:30 PM

Gail Simone has been making waves since her arrival on the comics scene with a column on Comic Book Resources. Since then, she has written some of the most iconic runs on such titles as Birds of Prey, Batgirl, Red Sonja, and most recently Tomb Raider for Dark Horse. In honor of this new ongoing, and the collection of her Kickstarter-funded Leaving Megalopolis series, Dark Horse Editor-in-Chief, Scott Allie leads a career-spanning discussion on one of comics’ most accomplished writers.

Speakers:

Scott Allie
Gail Simone

Title: Aw Yeah, Dark Horse!
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Art & Franco have taken some of comics’ most well-known characters and reimagined them for fans of all ages. To celebrate the anniversary last year’s announcement of the recently collected Itty Bitty Hellboy at C2E2, as well as the upcoming collection of this dynamic duo’s Kickstarter-funded Aw Yeah Comics!, we have put together an hour of fun, announcements, and much more! Bring your big ideas for a chance to woo Dark Horse EIC Scott Allie in the “one minute pitch!” Find out which Dark Horse characters the two will tack next, and much much more! This one is guaranteed to be fun for the whole fan family!

Speakers:

Art Baltazar
Franco Aureliani
Scott Allie
Jeremy Atkins

Title: Dark Horse Builds Characters
Date: Saturday, April 26th
Time: 5:30 – 6:30 PM

In 2014, comics are more diverse than ever, and Dark Horse continues to pride itself on producing the greatest serialized storytelling from some of the biggest names in the industry! From Hellboy to Buffy to Luke and Leia, some of the most iconic characters in comics and beyond call Dark Horse home. Join us as we talk character development with writers who tell their tales! Editor in Chief, Scott Allie is joined by Project Black Sky scribes Josh Williamson (Captain Midnight) and Joshua Hale-Fialkov (Skyman), as well comics legend, Geof Darrow (Shaolin Cowboy), Eric Powell (The Goon), Tim Seeley (Sundowners, The Occultist) and newcomer Donny Cates (Buzzkill) for insight, announcements, and much much more!

Speakers:

Scott Allie
Joshua Williamson
Joshua Hale-Fialkov
Geof Darrow
Eric Powell
Tim Seeley
Donny Cates

ABOUT REEDPOP
ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions, which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime, East and Australia, Star Wars Celebration, Special Edition: NYC, Oz Comic-Con and the UFC Fan Expo. In 2013 ReedPOP (has) added Star Wars Celebration Europe and PAX Australia to its rapidly expanding portfolio of international events. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific (including Australia). (www.reedpop.com)

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, Geof Darrow, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Halo, Serenity, The Legend of Zelda, 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.

Valiant Announces VALIANT FIRST Exclusives and Programming for C2E2 2014

Press Release:

VALIANT Announces VALIANT FIRST Exclusives and Programming for C2E2 2014 – With RAI, ARMOR HUNTERS, and More!

From April 25th-27th, Valiant will be unleashing a calvacade of VALIANT FIRST news and exclusives direct from C2E2 2014 – Chicago’s premier comics and pop culture convention!Join Valiant at Booth #317 for a weekend packed with signings from Valiant creators, including artist Clayton Henry (Harbinger, Archer & Armstrong), writer Justin Jordan (Shadowman, X-O Manowar #25), colorist Brian Reber (Unity, X-O Manowar), and more surprise guests! Plus, look for a ton of free giveaways and con-exclusive products, including the RAI #1 Graham Crackers Shared Exclusive Variant by fan favorite artist Kalman Andrasofszky (X-23)!

Limited to 750 copies, get the jump on the hotly anticipated debut title of the VALIANT FIRST publishing initiative with this exclusive, limited edition run of RAI #1 – the FIRST ISSUE of Valiant’s next ongoing series from superstar creators Matt Kindt (Unity, Mind MGMT) and Clayton Crain (Carnage, X-Force)! Arriving in comic shops everywhere on April 30th, discover the astonishing world of the 41st century with the all-new series unlike anything else in comics today! In the far future of 4001 A.D., Japan is a single endless city-state, governed by a benevolent artificial intelligence and policed by one lone enforcer – the mysterious Rai, spirit guardian of the rising sun. But, soon, a single bullet will shatter the peace it has taken 2,000 years to secure…Then, join us on Sunday, April 27th at 2:30 PM in Room #S403 for the VALIANT FIRST: RAI, ARMOR HUNTERS, AND BEYOND panel presentation! The coming of VALIANT FIRST begins at C2E2 with an all-new round of news, announcements, artwork and Q&A about the most in-demand publishing company in comics today. What do you read FIRST? All summer long, Valiant will be rocketing to the top of your read pile with VALIANT FIRST – an all-new initiative unleashing a major #1 issue by some of the most talented creators in comics each month from May onward. With the earth-shaking events of ARMOR HUNTERS – Valiant’s colossal summer crossover event – just weeks away, get the inside track on what happens next for X-O MANOWAR, UNITY, BLOODSHOT, HARBINGER, and more from an all-star panel of Valiant creators and staff, including writer Joe Harris (Armor Hunters: Bloodshot), artist Clayton Henry (Harbinger, Archer & Armstrong), colorist Brian Reber (Unity, X-O Manowar), Executive Editor Warren Simons, and Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani.

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, on Twitter, on Tumblr, and at ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com.

For more information on C2E2, visit C2E2.com.

IL – The Protectors Signing

Chicago Bear Israel Idonije appears at Chicago Comics, along with comic legends Ron Marz and Bart Sears, to promote the release of their new comic “The Protectors” at Chicago Comics on Wednesday April 23rd, from 6:00 till 7:30 PM!!

RSVP on Facebook!

Chicago Comics
3244 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 528-1983

Anime Midwest 2014 Announces Akinori Isobe and Masumi Kano

Press Release:

ANIME MIDWEST ANNOUNCES AKINORI ISOBE AND MASUMI KANO

Rosemont, Illinois – April 2, 2014 – President of Baby The Stars Shine Bright Akinori Isobe and designer Masumi Kano will be coming to Chicago in July for Anime Midwest. Anime Midwest is a Chicago anime and Japanese culture convention happening July 4-6, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare.

Established in 1988, Baby, the Stars Shine Bright is a lolita fashion clothing brand founded by Akinori and Fumiyo Isobe in Tokyo, Japan. The sister brand, Alice and the Pirates, was created in 2004. Currently, BABY, the Stars Shine Bright boasts 28 shops across Japan, with flagship stores in both Paris and San Francisco. Akinori Isobe is current President of Baby The Stars Shine Bright.

Masumi Kano graduated from Bunka Women’s University and after graduation she started working for Baby The Stars Shine Bright as a designer.

Anime Midwest and BABY are hosting a Lolita Tea Party, with tickets scheduled to go on sale on April 5th.

The convention will also feature a BABY The Stars Shine Bright fashion show. Model applications, etc, will be available online soon at http://animemidwest.com/baby

More about the anime convention’s guests at http://animemidwest.com/guests

Almost 10,000 anime fans will come to the Hyatt Regency O’Hare from July 4-6, 2014 to take part in cosplay, concerts, gaming tournaments, formal dances, and more. Anime fans can make new friends, meet voice actors, and have a lot of fun. The convention also provides a ConSweet full of free soda and ramen. Pre-registration is encouraged, and can be found at animemidwest.com

IL – Red Team Signing

Craig Cermak II, artist of Garth Ennis’s RED TEAM, appears at Challengers Comics from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 7th to sign copies of the first RED TEAM collection. Here’s your chance to meet one of Dynamite Entertainment’s best artists!

RSVP on Facebook!

Challengers Comics 
1845 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe Coming to Con+Alt+Delete 2014

Press Release:

Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe coming to Con+Alt+Delete

Rosemont, Illinois - Famed and beloved anime director Shinichi “Nabeshin” Watanabe will be coming to Con+Alt+Delete 2014 at the Hyatt Regency O’hare.

Shinichi Watanabe (aka “Nabeshin”) is known to anime fans as a larger-than-life, iconic figure with an outrageous sense of humor. He directed the comedy anime series Excel Saga, Nerima Daikon Brothers, and Puni Puni Poemy, which feature frenetic pacing and appearances by his animated alter ego, a mysterious, recurring character with an afro and distinctive outfit who is tangential to the story. Nabeshin has also served as series director for The Wallflower and Tenchi Muyo! GXP, and he can be found in these series as well, in cameo or supporting roles.

Nabeshin has been quoted as saying that he places great importance in making viewers laugh. Stating that he values laughter as much as tears, his preference is to motivate viewers to have fun and enjoy a show. He reasons that his success stems from provoking the same, strong emotional investment—in a humorous way—as a traditional, sentimental story does.

Nabeshin has also written lyrics for the opening songs of Excel Saga and Tenchi Muyo! GXP, and has served as storyboarder and episode director for a variety of other anime series. Nabeshin will be doing numerous panels at the convention, including “Friday Night in Tokyo (18+)”, “Q&A with Nabeshin’s Afro,” and more! For more, visit http://conaltdelete.com/guests.

About Con+Alt+Delete

Con+Alt+Delete is an annual anime convention in Chicago, Illinois! C+A+D this year is happening December 19-21, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency O’hare. Fans can join hundreds of other anime fans in events filled with cosplay, and fun. Join us if you love Hetalia, Fullmetal Alchemist, Dragon Ball Z, Yu-Gi-Oh, Lolita Fashion, Homestuck, My Little Pony, sci-fi, or video games. We encourage you to attend in your favorite cosplay costume and join us in celebrating everything that nerds and geeks enjoy. For more info, visit http://conaltdelete.com/

IL – Titans of Talent Signing

Christopher Daniels and Art Baltazar appear at Challengers Comics on Wednesday April 23rd from 5:00 till 7:00 pm to sign their new comic “Christopher Daniels and Kazarian Wrestling Aw Yeah Comics!”

RSVP on Facebook!

Challengers Comics 
1845 N. Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

IL – So You Wanna Be a Comic Book Artist?

Artist Gene Ha appears at the Oak Park Library to talk drawing, comics and making a living doing it on Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Learn how to draw anything and get answers to your questions about working for DC Comics, self-publishing and more. For kids in 4th grade and up.

Contact:
childrens@oppl.org
708.452.3420

Oak Park Library
834 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL 60301
708.383.8200

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