Press Release:

Inaugural Lightsaber Run to Debut Leading up to 2012 San Diego Comic-Con International

Course of the Force run/walk from Santa Monica to San Diego will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation

San Francisco, CA (February 9, 2012) – Star Wars fans will have a chance to channel their Force of good-will while raising a lightsaber, an elegant symbol of hope, in an epic journey worthy of the Jedi Knights.

Lucasfilm Ltd., Nerdist Industries, Octagon and Machinima have teamed up to present Course of the Force, an Olympic-style lightsaber relay held July 7-11, where participants will make a journey from Santa Monica to San Diego while benefiting a worthy cause. At quarter-mile markers (much less than 12 parsecs), participants will hand off the official Course of the Force lightsaber to the next runner as they begin their leg of the journey. Course of the Force will take place in the days leading up to the annual San Diego Comic-Con International, July 12-15.

On top of creating an event for Star Wars enthusiasts to celebrate and embrace their love of the Saga, Course of the Force will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in the historic lightsaber relay through various promotions and online calls to action.

Participants in the relay are encouraged to come decked out in their best Star Wars or pop culture-themed running gear, not only to look good but also to win prizes. Ancient Jedi Masters carried within backpacks are not required.

“The Course of the Force lightsaber run is a great cause that combines fitness with helping others, principles that aspiring Jedi Knights can embrace. We have long supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and this is a great opportunity to raise funds and awareness while letting Star Wars fans celebrate their favorite saga,” said Kayleen Walters, Sr. Director of Marketing for Lucasfilm.

Giving the event a true fan’s touch, Nerdist Industries’ founder Chris Hardwick and co-hosts will follow the action from the Course of the Force lead vehicle each day, broadcasting live to the Nerdist platform, including its YouTube channel, youtube.com/nerdist. Machinima, the leading next generation video entertainment network for gamers, will produce and simulcast exclusive Course of the Force content through its multi-channel video network and will provide promotion for the event.

As the Course makes its stops along the iconic California coast, Star Wars-themed parties, contests and live Nerdist shows will cap off each day for fans to enjoy. Participants will receive a customized Hasbro Star Wars Ultimate FX lightsaber, along with other gifts celebrating the Force and Comic-Con.

“We aim to build on the excitement leading up to San Diego Comic-Con International, to raise awareness for the wonderful Make-A-Wish Foundation and to ensure that Course of the Force becomes an evergreen part of the pop culture lexicon,” said Nerdist Industries’ principal and Course of the Force creator and executive director Peter Levin. “Partnering with Lucasfilm, Octagon and Machinima creates a trilogy of cachet, profile and execution expertise. As a wise green man might say, ‘succeed we will, for a good cause’.”

Online Registration

Press Release:

HERO INITIATIVE HITS 2012 ORLANDO MEGACON

George Pérez, original covers and top costumers are among the highlights

Los Angeles, CA (February 7, 2012) Hero Initiative, the non-profit organization that aids comic creators in medical and financial need, will be adding to the craziness at the Orlando MegaCon, February 17-19 at the Orange County Convention Center located at 9800 International Drive in Orlando, Fla.

When you purchase your tickets for this amazing weekend, make sure you “Become the Hero!” and make a small donation to our cause. Down at the bottom of the page where it mentions, “Please support the Hero Initiative,” you can add in $1, $5 or $10 as you buy your tickets. Please purchase your tickets at: http://megaconvention.thundertix.com/orders/new?performance_id=57024

When you get to the convention, make sure you get your picture taken with the Hero Initiative costumers just inside the D1 lobby doors. These peeps know their stuff, and they’re some of the top costumers in the nation.

The one and only George Pérez will be at the Hero booth all weekend, located at #531. Make sure to get your sketches and signatures from George here! And while you’re waiting, you’ll have the first chance to see the NEW Fantastic Four #600 original covers, our newest “100 covers” project!

Art lovers will NOT want to miss the FINAL leg of Hero’s original JLA cover auctions! The last 34 covers go up on the block Friday, Feb. 17 at 6:30 PM in Room 240c. Be there!

And to top off your weekend, the Geeks of Comedy are there to tickle your funny bone. Check out their great comedy show Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10 PM in Room 221B&E.

Hero Initiative’s booth schedule, booth #531:

Friday, Feb. 17 (con hours 12-7)
All day: George Pérez
130-230: Nelson DeCastro

300-345: “100 JLA” book signing with Cully Hamner, Dan Jurgens, George Pérez, Mike Perkins, Alex Saviuk, Billy Tucci

Saturday, Feb. 18 (con hours 10-6)

All day: George Pérez

1030-1230: Allen Bellman

1240-130: Tim Sale

130-230: Phil Hester

Sunday, Feb. 19 (con hours 10-5)

All day: George Pérez

1130-1230: Darwyn Cooke

1230-130: Nelson DeCastro

130-230: Phil Hester

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.

Press Release:

Bill Sienkiewicz and Bernie Wrightson join some of Sci-Fi’s hottest at the DFW SCI-FI EXPO, Feb 11-12

Two comic book legends, Bill Sienkiewicz (ELEKTRA ASSASSIN) and Bernie Wrightson (SWAMP THING), headline the impressive artist lineup at the February 11-12 Sci-Fi Expo.  Produced by the men behind the Dallas Comic Con, this year’s Sci-Fi Expo brings in a wide variety of television and movie actors, along with several comic book luminaries including Joe Jusko and Marvel artist Mark Brooks.  This is Sienkiewicz’s first trip back to the Big D area after previously appearing at the 2009 Dallas Comic Con – his art recently graced the packaging of the new GODZILLA Blu-ray.  Bernie Wrightson has become a favorite guest of the Dallas-based shows, and will be making one of his first major 2012 convention appearances there.  Mark Brooks is making time from his busy Marvel schedule to return to Dallas for the first time in many years as well, and Joe Jusko is coming straight to the show from a big trip to Paris!  Other comic book personalities attending include James O’Barr (creator of THE CROW), Joe Eisma (artist of MORNING GLORIES), Kerry Gammill (former SUPERMAN artist) and Ben Dunn (creator and artist of NINJA HIGH SCHOOL).

Sci-Fi fans will be thrilled to meet the sexy star of BUFFY and DOLLHOUSE, Eliza Dushku, who is attending the show on Saturday only.  FIREFLY and SERENITY fans will be treated to appearances by cast members Adam Baldwin (also Saturday only), Jewel Staite, Sean Maher and Ron Glass. Other media personalities include Alexis Cruz (STARGATE), Noah Hathaway (THE NEVERENDING STORY), Angie Bolling (all three ROBOCOP movies) and James Hampton (TEEN WOLF).  Event Manager Mark Walters notes, “We pride ourselves in putting together conventions that feature something for everyone, and all with a family-friendly atmosphere.  This particular Sci-Fi Expo is our most-ambitious yet, with an incredible mix of talent… we expect the fans will be thrilled.”

General Admission is $15 (discounted tickets for children), with Priority and VIP passes available.  You can find more information on the show, which runs Saturday (11am to 6pm) and Sunday (11am to 4pm) at http://scifiexpo.com

The 2012 edition of Comic-Con Annual is now available online. This all-new publication is a veritable 80-page giant, and features an exclusive new cover photo of Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield from the upcoming movie The Amazing Spider-Man. Interviews with Stone and director Marc Webb are part of the Annual’s “Year of the Spider” coverage, which also includes articles on the Webslinger’s 50th anniversary in comics, focusing on Stan Lee, Steve Ditko (by Blake Bell), and the father/son team of artists John Romita Sr. and John Romita Jr. (by Tom Spurgeon). Additional feature articles celebrate the 75th anniversary of Hal Foster’s Prince Valiant (by Foster biographer Brian M. Kane), and the 30th anniversary of Love & Rockets (by Charles Brownstein). Plus a Comic-Con 2011 photo album, advance looks at Comic-Con International, WonderCon, and APE in 2012, and much more! The online version of the Annual features embedded links to specific Comic-Con.org website pages for the latest information on all three events. Click on the links in the purple boxes to visit the website for updates! View below or download your own personal PDF!

Press Release:

Mike Carbo’s New York Comic Book Marketplace

Saturday, March 31, 2012, 10AM – 7PM

Early VIP Admission 9AM-10AM

Hotel Pennsylvania, 401 Seventh Avenue, 18^th Floor, NYC

www.NYCBM.com

Just in time to thaw out New York City and welcome Spring, Mike Carbo will be having his Annual One Day Comic Book Show to warm the hearts of all comic loving fans!

The Legendary Stan Lee will be our Guest of Honor! He is the man that helped define and revolutionize the comic book industry. Stan Lee is known for co-creating Spiderman, Hulk, Fantastic Four, X-Men, Thor and many other iconic characters in the comic book world.

Come and meet some of your favorite artists and comic book legends such as Joe Sinnott, Dick Ayers, Jim Steranko, Irwin Hasen, Mark Royer, Arthur Suydam, Bob McLeod, Rich Buckler and many more. Discover up and coming new artists and independent publishers. All of the artists are happy to meet and greet comic book lovers, sign autographs, and many will even draw sketches of their favorite characters. Ethan Philips who portrayed Neelix on Star Trek Voyager will also be in attendance signing autographs and greeting fans.

Over 100 dealer tables will be filled with comics old and new, toys, posters, trading cards, videos, and related pop-culture collectibles. This is an opportunity no true fan should miss!  The Penn Plaza Pavilion is located at 401 Seventh Avenue at 33rd St., in the historic Hotel Pennsylvania.

Bring your children and help introduce a whole new generation to the fun filled, awe inspiring world of comics.

INFORMATION: Contact Mike Carbonaro 201-892-1212mikecarbo@gmail.com

For all the Sonic the Hedgehog fans out there, Sega has announced the return of Sonic Boom:

Sonic Boom will be held in San Diego, CA on Friday, July 13^th (during San Diego Comic Con) at the House of Blues. We’ll have more information about ticketing in the future, but you will not be required to have a Comic Con badge to attend Sonic Boom. Hotels in the San Diego area fill up quickly for Comic Con, so if you will need a hotel room, we suggest that you book early and/or consult the San Diego Comic Con hotel page.

At the first Sonic Boom last year, fans had a chance to play Sonic Generations, get some great swag, enjoy a great musical performance from Crush40, and more. We don’t want to give too much away about what’s in the works for this year (at least, not right now!), but we’re aiming to make it a great time for Sonic fans of all ages. We hope you’ll come hang out with us, Sonic, and a bunch of Sonic fans!

HASBRO has starting revealing their G.I. JOE: Retaliation movie line, including 3 exclusives for Comic-Con International 2012.

Via HASBRO.com:

HASBRO is proud to unveil the official movie action figure and toy line for the new “G.I. JOE: Retaliation” movie starring Dwayne Johnson & Bruce Willis! The new line reflects the movie magic, including the epic battle between the G.I. JOE team and arch-nemesis COBRA, which, led by COBRA COMMANDER, is once again intent on taking over the world.

The G.I. JOE movie toy line features your favorite G.I. JOE characters, including an all-new, super-heroic take on ROADBLOCK, as well as JOE COLTON, the original founder of the G.I. JOE team, and an imposing COBRA COMMANDER action figure! Also featured is an array of incredible new ninja toys, including an unprecedented line-up of “ninja-tastic” action figures, vehicles, swords, masks, and throwing stars. And don’t forget the action-packed toy vehicles: “Wherever there’s trouble, G.I. JOE is there,” whether by land, sea, or air!

We hope you enjoy the new G.I. JOE movie line of your favorite “A Real American Hero” as much as we enjoyed making it! “Yo Joe”!

Boston Comic Con celebrates its fifth anniversary with its largest guest list ever! Once again at the Hynes Convention Center in the Back Bay the con will be held on April 21-22, 2012! One of most highly anticipated events for this year is the MAD-Men Reunion! Legendary creators of MAD Magazine Al Feldstein, Paul Coker Jr., Al Jaffee, and Sergio Aragones will appear together to talk about their long and storied history on the iconic humor mag. This is a rare opportunity for MAD fans to meet them and laugh at their outrageous stories.

Al Feldstein

At EC Comics, Al Feldstein created, wrote, illustrated and edited a popular line of titles which are now collectors’ items. These included horror, such as Tales from the Crypt (which was adapted for TV by HBO), sci-fi, and suspense.

In 1955, he became editor of MAD Magazine, one of EC’s titles. He took the magazine’s circulation from 375,000 to a high of almost 3 million by gathering a staff of talented artist and writers: supervising every phase of operation, editing and re-writing every word, designing layouts, and creating the format that led to MAD’s success, including christening its trademark Alfred E. Neuman.

Paul Coker Jr.

After a successful stint as an illustrator for Hallmark, Paul Coker Jr. moved to New York City and began contributing to MAD, Esquire, Playboy, and other magazines.

Coker’s first appearance in MAD was 1961. He has since gone on to illustrate over 400 articles for the magazine. His drawings encompass a wide range of characters, expression, and forms. And although they may appear simple, they reflect considerable sophistication and talent. Coker’s proudest accomplishments for MAD have been “Horrifying Cliches” and the MAD Pet Book.

Al Jaffee

In 1955, Al Jaffee received his first assignment for MAD. Since then Jaffee has become MAD’s reseident artist for elaborate gimmicks and gadgets, including the popular MAD inside back cover fold-ins and the feature “Snappy Answers to Stupid Questions.” Jaffee is a true artist who’s led an amazing life. He remains a regular in the magazine after 55 years and is its longest running contributor.

Sergio Aragones

Soon after he moved from Mexico to the United States in 1962, the “World’s Fastest Cartoonist” started contributing to MAD with his special brand of non-verbal gags, which often appeared in the margins of the magazine. He quickly became one of MAD’s featured artists. He also created several books and co-created the humorous magazine Plop for DC comics. During the early 1980′s he created Groo the Wanderer with Mark Evanier.

The Boston Comic Con is a 100% independently run comic book show committed to bringing the biggest and best comic creators to New England. Run by fans for fans, Boston Comic Con is not affiliated with any other convention tour or corporate interests. Hosting over 40,000 square feet of vendors selling comic books, toys, posters, trading cards, and other pop culture memorabilia, this is a destination event for geeks of any stripe. The convention will be held Saturday April 21st and Sunday April 22nd at the Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA from 10am to 5pm each day. For more information please go to our website at www.bostoncomiccon.com and follow us on Twitter (@BostonComicCon) and Facebook!

Press Release:

Paul Wesley, Jeri Ryan, Scott Bakula, WWE® Superstar Edge®, Amy Acker Among Headliners At 2012 Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, April 14-15 At Metro Toronto Convention Centre

World-Class Comics Creator Lineup Includes Mike Deodato Jr., “Jock,” John McCrea, Dale Keown, Tyler Kirkham, Greg Horn, Arthur Suydam Among Dozens Of Others

NEW YORK and TORONTO, February 2, 2012 – A state-of-the-art downtown venue, new dates and fresh celebrity guests mark the third Wizard World Toronto Comic Con, which today announced its standout lineup scheduled to attend the event, April 14-15 at Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC).  Popular screen stars Paul Wesley, Jeri Ryan, Scott Bakula and Amy Acker will be joined by WWE® Superstar Edge® and dozens of standout celebs and talented comic book artists and writers at the convention, which promises to be even bigger and better in 2012.

Bakula (“Star Trek: Enterprise,” “Quantum Leap”) and Acker (“Angel,” THE CABIN IN THE WOODS) will appear both days, while Wesley (“The Vampire Diaries,” “24”), Ryan (“Star Trek: Voyager,” “Boston Public”) and Edge® are scheduled to attend on Saturday only.

“Toronto and the entire region have embraced Wizard World Toronto Comic Con over the past two years, and we’re excited to bring a first-class event to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre,” said John Macaluso, Wizard World Board of Directors.  “From well-known, relevant stars like Paul Wesley and Jeri Ryan and classic and cult actors and actresses to an outstanding collection of big-time artists and a unique array of exhibitors and vendors, there’s something for everyone.”

The event, produced by Wizard World, Inc. (WIZD.PK), will bring together thousands of fans of all ages and dozens of celebrities and industry professionals to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

Wizard World shows always have top-notch comics creators on hand, and Toronto Comic Con boasts one of the most impressive rosters ever.  Headlining the group are Mike Deodato Jr. (“Amazing Spider-Man,” “Wonder Woman”), “Jock” (“Detective Comics,” “Batman”), John McCrea (“Hitman,” “Transmetropolitan”), Javi Fernandez (“Flashpoint: The Outsider,” “Captain America: First Vengeance”), Dale Keown (“Hulk,” “The Pitt”), Tyler Kirkham (“Green Lantern Corps,” “Blackest Night”), Marcus To (“The Huntress,” “The Authority”), Ken Lashley (“Batwing,” “Avengers”), David Mack (“Kabuki,” “Daredevil”), Greg Tocchini (“Batman and Robin,” “Hulk”), Michael Golden (“Batman,” “Spider-Man”), Greg Horn (“Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark,” “X-Force”) and Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Army of Darkness”).

Other popular celebrity guests scheduled for Toronto include Colin Ferguson (“Eureka,” THE OPPOSITE OF SEX), Sean Maher (“Serenity,” “Firefly”), Jeremy Bulloch (STAR WARS: EPISODE V, VI, III, “Doctors”), Sam Witwer (“Smallville,” THE MIST), Sam Huntington (SUPERMAN RETURNS, FANBOYS), Meaghan Rath (“Being Human,” LOST AND DELIRIOUS) and Catherine Mary Stewart (WEEKEND AT BERNIE’S, THE LAST STARFIGHTER).

Children and adult attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite villain, superhero or pop culture personality for the chance to win special prizes in costume contests.  Event-goers may also try their hand interactive product exhibits and shop for collectible comics, movie and television memorabilia, toys and games at scores of dealer booths.

Toronto Comic Con is scheduled as the second stop on Wizard World’s 2012 North American tour.  Hours are Saturday, April 14, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 15, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.  Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworldcomiccon.com/toronto.html at a savings over tickets purchased at the door.  Advance adult single-day tickets are priced at $25 ($38 on site); two-day tickets are $40 ($55 on site), and tickets are free for children age 10 and under when accompanied by a paid adult (limit two children per adult).  VIP packages with special entry and exclusive items are also available on a limited basis.

About MTCC
The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (http://www.mtccc.com) is Canada’s #1 convention and trade show facility.  It is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, within walking distance of almost 13,000 hotel rooms, shopping, restaurants and Toronto sites.

About Wizard World:
Wizard World produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate graphic novels, comic books, movies, TV shows, gaming, technology, toys and social networking. The events often feature celebrities from movies and TV, artists and writers, and events such as premieres, gaming tournaments, panels, and costume contests.

The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworldcomiccon.com.

***** SAVE THE 2012 DATES *****
April 14-15 – Toronto Comic Con
June 1-3 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12 – Chicago Comic Con
September 29-30 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
October 26-28 – Austin Comic Con
TBD 2013 – New Orleans Comic Con

Press Release:

Lay, Snyder, Wheaton and Even More Guests Flock to WonderCon

WonderCon in Anaheim features increasingly stellar lineup 

Anaheim, CA – WonderCon, part of Comic-Con International’s (CCI) family of nonprofit comics conventions, announced the latest additions to a guest list that already has fans buying passes at an unprecedented pace for the three-day celebration of comics and related popular art forms. The additions include fan favorites cartoonist Carol Lay (WayLay, The Simpsons), award-winning writer Scott Snyder (Batman, American Vampire, Swamp Thing), and actor/author Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Big Bang Theory). WonderCon will be held March 16-18, 2012.

            Passes and hotel accommodations for WonderCon became available on www.comic-con.org/wc/ in December. The event, traditionally held in the San Francisco Bay Area since 1987, relocated the Anaheim Convention Center for 2012 due to renovations at the usual venue. Organizers for the event are pleased to offer southern Californian fans a chance to attend WonderCon who otherwise may not have been able to make the trek to San Francisco. Fans from Orange County and the Los Angeles area have expressed delight in having an event akin to San Diego Comic-Con at their doorstep.

            WonderCon’s format resembles the world-renowned Comic-Con albeit on a reduced scale. The 2011 WonderCon welcomed nearly 50,000 attendees, which is less than half of the 130,000 who attended the 2011 San Diego show.

            Joining Lay, Snyder, and Wheaton among the newly announced special guests are Renae De Liz (artist/editor, Womanthology, The Last Unicorn), Rebekah Isaacs (artist, Angel & Faith, Magus), Todd Nauck (artist, Amazing Spider-Man, Young Justice), Humberto Ramos (artist, Amazing Spider-Man, Impulse, Crimson), and Ryan Sook (artist, The Spectre; cover artist, Justice League Dark, DCU Presents). For a complete list and bios of the previously announced special guests, who include award-winning comics writers and artists as well as novelists and screenwriters, visit www.comic-con.org/wc/wc_guests.php.          

            “The guest list just keeps getting more impressive,” said David Glanzer, director of marketing and public relations for WonderCon and parent company, Comic-Con International. “That, along with rapid badge sales, indicates WonderCon will be just as exciting, if not more so, than the 2011 blockbuster show.”

About WonderCon:

WonderCon, one of the country’s best comics and popular arts conventions, is part of Comic-Con International (CCI), a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms. The organization achieves its mission primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture. In addition to WonderCon each spring, CCI organizes San Diego Comic-Con each summer (the world’s largest comics convention of its kind) and San Francisco’s Alternative Press Expo (APE) each fall. On the web: WonderCon.org, Facebook.com/comiccon,Twitter.com/wondercon.