MA – Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross

Alex Ross appears at the Norman Rockwell Museum on Saturday November 10, 2012 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm. Commentary at 7 p.m. Autographs (limit of 2 – 3 items per person) with the artist to follow.

Press Release:

Over the last two decades, caped crusaders have literally been flying off the pages and covers of comic books and graphic novels, due in large part to the work of one very talented illustrator: Alex Ross. Known for his unique, photorealistic renderings of such beloved superheroes as Superman, Batman, and Spider-Man, Ross helped revitalize the comic book industry, capturing a new generation of readers, and bridging the gap between comic and fine art.

This fall, Norman Rockwell Museum will present a comprehensive look at the career of the artist who has been called “the Norman Rockwell of the comics world.” “Heroes & Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross” will be on view at the Museum from November 10, 2012 through February 24, 2013.

“Heroes & Villains” is the first museum exhibition celebrating the art of Alex Ross. Organized by the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the exhibition features more than 130 works, including paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures from Ross’ personal collection. Spanning the artist’s life and career, the exhibition features rarely-seen works—from his early crayon drawing of Spider-Man, created at the age of four, to his groundbreaking work for such books as “Marvels,” “Justice,” and “Kingdom Come.” “Heroes & Villains” reveals Ross’ personal and artistic goal to redefine comic books for a new generation. The exhibition also pays homage to the artist’s inspirations, including original work by his mother Lynette Ross (who was also a successful illustrator), Frank Bez, Andrew Loomis, and Norman Rockwell. Also featured in the exhibition are works by Andy Warhol, a huge comic book fan, including his “Myths” series, which mirrors many of the subjects depicted in Ross’ work.

“Norman Rockwell Museum is thrilled to be able to present the work of Alex Ross,” says Museum Director/CEO Laurie Norton Moffatt. “Just as millions of readers in the 20th century were introduced to the world of art courtesy of Norman Rockwell, that tradition continues today thanks to Ross’ beautifully painted illustrations, which combine photographic realism and imaginative storytelling.”

“Norman Rockwell has been one of the greatest influences on my art, and it is an enormous honor to be featured in the museum dedicated to his work,” notes Alex Ross. “I have always looked upon Rockwell’s style as the peak of what one could hope to achieve artistically. The artist’s realistic execution and eye for composition are things I aspire to, knowing that he performed a quality of work that isn’t easily achieved. It is a major career achievement for me to have my work in company with his.”

A members opening event for the exhibition will be held on Saturday, November 10, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with a rare appearance by Alex Ross, who will also be conducting a book signing during the evening event.
About Alex Ross

Born in Portland, Oregon in 1970 and raised in Lubbock, Texas, Alex Ross grew up in a world of colorful, painted images. Ross’s mother Lynette was a successful illustrator in the 1940s and 1950s, the same time that Norman Rockwell was becoming a household name.

At just three years of age, Ross was drawing TV commercials from memory. The following year, he began drawing images of his favorite superheroes—Superman, Captain Marvel, and Plastic Man. By the time he was 13, he was drawing and scripting comic books. At the age of 17, Ross went on to study painting at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, where he was influenced by Salvador Dali’s hyperrealism, as well as by such classic American illustrators as Norman Rockwell and J.C. Leyendecker.

Ross began his professional career as a storybook artist for an advertising agency. At the age of 19 Ross received his first comic assignment from Marvel Comics – a comic titled “Terminator: The Burning Earth.” Five years later, Ross created the illustrations and cover art for “Marvels,” a full feature comic book, co-written by Kurt Busiek. Ross’s photorealistic gouache technique showcases superheroes and villains such as Spider-Man, the Human Torch, Captain America, and Galactus. His sophomore project, “Kingdom Come,” is a comic in which an alternate DC Universe is filled with aging superhero forces including Superman, Wonder Woman and the Green Lantern, who come out of retirement to fight modern super humans.

Ross won the Comic Buyer’s Guide Award for Favorite Painter seven times in a row, resulting in the retirement of the category.

To learn more, visit the artist’s website: http://www.alexrossart.com

Norman Rockwell Museum
9 Route 183, Stockbridge, MA 01262

Midtown Comics Signings & Exclusives at NYCC 2012

Press Release:

Midtown Comics in New York City is proud to announce a series of high-profile exclusive items and creator signings and events at the largest pop-culture event on the east coast: New York Comic-Con! Join the staff of Midtown Comics for the party of the year!

Uncanny Avengers #1: Midtown-exclusive cover from Marvel Comics, by J. Scott Campbell:
Dive headfirst into Marvel NOW! and witness the blockbuster debut of an all-new Avengers team featuring members from all across the Marvel Universe…a team uniting Avenger and X-Man alike!  It all happens in Uncanny Avengers #1, by the superstar dream team of Rick Remender and John Cassaday and Midtown Comics presents an exclusive cover by J. Scott Campbell, available at NYCC and in-store. 

Visit Midtown Comics’ booth #1638 at NYCC and catch up with all of the exclusive items, creator signings and more. Coupons will be given out for big discounts valid at Midtown Comics NYC stores and online.

Midtown exclusive items:
Along with our exclusive Uncanny Avengers #1 variant cover by J. Scott Campbell, we’ll be offering two exclusive covers for Walking Dead: The Official Magazine #1 from Titan Magazines, exclusive Black Panther, Scarlet Spider, andAvengers tees, a brand-new Avengers vs. X-Men ® 9FIFTY SNAPBACK cap from New Era, the limited edition Khem figure from Captain Action, Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s new book Father Gaetano’s Puppet Catechism, a Jim Steranko & Stanley Artgerm Lau variant cover for Heavy Metal magazine #3, and Brian Haberlin’s new hardcover graphic novel Anomaly.

 

Midtown Comics Booth Signings:

FRIDAY

2:00-4:00

Brian K. Vaughan (Saga, Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina, Runaways)

and Fiona Staples  (Saga, Mystery Society, Northlanders, Jonah Hex)

 

SATURDAY

12:30-1:30

Matt Wagner (Sandman Mystery Theatre, Grendel, Mage, Madame Xanadu)

 

3:00-4:00

Mike Mignola (Hellboy, B.P.R.D., Baltimore, Amazing Screw-On Head)

and Christopher Golden (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Baltimore, Joe Golem)

 

5:00-6:00

Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing, American Vampire)

 

SUNDAY

12:00-1:00

Andy Diggle (Doctor Who, The Losers, Daredevil, Thunderbolts, Swamp Thing)

 

Madame Tussauds New York presents: THOR!

A life-sized wax figure of THOR as portrayed by actor Chris Hemsworth from Madame Tussauds New York will be at our booth from Friday-Sunday for free photo ops with fans.  Unveiled for the first time in April, THOR is part of Madame Tussauds New York’s new interactive Marvel experience which also features wax likenesses of Spider-Man, Iron Man, Captain America, a 15-foot-tall Hulk as well as an exclusive Marvel Super Heroes 4D Experience – a new, short film with thrilling special effects.  Madame Tussauds New York is located at 234 W. 42^nd Street, between Seventh & Eighth Avenues.  For more information visit www.nycwax.com or call (866) 841-3505 

All NYCC Midtown exclusives and event info can be found on our blog: www.blog.midtowncomics.com 

MIDTOWN COMICS opened its first store in 1997, and is now the industry’s leading retailer of comic books, graphic novels, and manga, with its online store as well as three landmark NYC locations in Times Square, Grand Central and Downtown and a mini-boutique in the historic FAO Schwarz toy store on Fifth Ave., in NYC.  Follow us on Facebook,Twitter, Tumblr, and the Midtown blog! More information available online at:  http://www.midtowncomics.com

Walt Simonson & Larry Hama Appear at Epic Proportions Booth for NYCC 2012

Press Release:

Epic Proportions announces that comic book legends Walter Simonson (Thor, Manhunter, Batman, Avengers, Judas Coin) and Larry Hama (GI Joe, Wolverine, Barack the Barbarian, Bucky O’Hare) will both be signing at our booth 1113 during New York Comic Con!

What’s the connection between these two legends and us you ask? Well they both have done exclusive original art tshirt designs for our Signature Tee Line!

Walter Simonson will appear at the booth Saturday October 13, 2012 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm.

Larry Hama will make his only appearance at the con at our booth! Meaning, there is no other place you’ll find him at the con! And he’ll be with us all day on both Saturday and Sunday!

So bring all your Thor and GI Joe comics to get signed by these two legends! And pick up one of their Signature tees!

These tees will not be reprinted. So this could be the last chance to get any of them.

NV – Alternate Reality Comics Signing

  

JH Willliams III, James Robinson, Chris Wisnia, and Pere Perez sign at Alternate Reality Comics on Sunday, October 21st from 2:00pm-5:00pm.

Artist / writer JH Willliams III (Batwoman, Promethea, Batman: Black Glove, Desolation Jones)

Writer James Robinson (of legendary Starman fame, also Shade, Earth 2, Golden Age, Justice Society)

Artist/writer (debuting a new hardcover graphic novel called Monstrosis, featuring Kirby-esque monster action!)

and Artist Pere Perez (Smallville Season 11, Batgirl, Detective Comics Annual, and many other DC comics)

Alternate Reality Comics
4800 S. Maryland Pkwy ste. D, Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-736-3673

DC Reveals Exclusive Justice League and Batman Variants for NYCC 2012

Via DC Comics:

Available for $10 each at the DC Collectibles Boutique at the Graphitti Designs booth (#939), the NYCC exclusive variant covers for JUSTICE LEAGUE #12 and BATMAN #13 are true collector’s items.

Illustrated by the prolific Jim Lee, the NYCC exclusive cover for JUSTICE LEAGUE #12 takes the iconic cover for the game changing issue and sets it against a night sky. The NYCC exclusive cover for BATMAN #13 depicts The Joker’s face folded over Batman’s in a way that’s equal parts terrifying, unique, and awesome. Illustrated by Greg Capullo, this cover sets the haunting and unpredictable tone of the “Death of the Family” crossover event that kicks off next week.

MA – Graphic Novels: Drawing the Story Panel

Chris Ware, Charles Burns, Chip Kidd, and Gabrielle Bell appear at the Old South Church Sanctuary in Copley Square on October 27, 2012 at 2:30pm as part of Boston Book Festival.

Press Release:

The brilliant Chris Ware will present Building Stories, described by Publishers Weekly as “the graphic novel of the season or perhaps the year…Ware takes visual storytelling to a new level of both beauty and despair. Charles Burns will show The Hive, volume two of the highly acclaimed X’d Out comic book. Legendary designer and writer Chip Kidd will present Batman: Death by Design, his architecture-themed Batman comic. And one of the brightest young stars of the genre, Gabrielle Bell, will show The Voyeurs as an opening act for the session. Hosted writer and critic Eugenia Williamson. Sponsored by the Boston Phoenix.

Old South Church Sanctuary
645 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116

MA – Silent Bob Speaks

Spend an evening with Kevin Smith on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 09:45 PM at the Wilbur Theatre!

Get tickets at the link!

Wilbur Theatre
246 Tremont Street, Boston, MA

CA – Legends of Voice Acting LIVE

Rob Paulsen, Tara Strong, Cree Summer, and Maurice Lamarche appear on a live edition of the Pop My Culture podcast with hosts Cole Stratton and Vanessa Ragland on Sunday, September 23rd at 5:00p.m. at Five Stars Bar in Los Angeles.

Buy tickets ($5.00) at the link.

Press Release:

Prepare to have your culture popped! Named the #2 Best Comedy Podcast of the Moment by Rolling Stone and to Top 10 lists by IFC.com and Mashable.com, Pop My Culture is a weekly-ish podcast hosted by comedic actors and improvisers Cole Stratton and Vanessa Ragland. Join these two entertainment nerds and their special guests as they discuss movies, music, television, celebrity gossip, etc. without all those pesky “serious” topics like politics, religion and the environment. I mean, you can tune into Fresh Air for that. We’ll just tackle the trivial watercooler stuff, ok? Oh, and check out their past episodes on iTunes, popmyculturepodcast.com and on nerdist.com.

For this special live edition at RIOT, Cole and Vanessa are thrilled to welcome some legendary guests that have voiced tons of your favorite cartoon characters, including Rob Paulsen (Animaniacs, Pinky & The Brain, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Tara Strong (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Teen Titans, Rugrats, The Fairly OddParents), Cree Summer (Inspector Gadget, Tiny Toons, Batman Beyond), Maurice LaMarche (Futurama, Pinky & The Brain) and more to be announced soon!

Five Stars Bar
267 S. Main Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

 

NYC/CA – Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Premieres

Press Release:

Warner Home Video and the Paley Center for Media proudly present the bi-coastal World Premieres of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, the next entry in the popular, ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies, in New York on September 20 and Los Angeles on September 24. Filmmakers and members of the voice cast will attend both events for red carpet media interviews and post-screening panel discussions.

On Thursday, September 20, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 will screen at the Paley Center in New York City (25 West 52^nd Street) with media interviews starting at 5:00 p.m. and screening commencing at 6:30 p.m. Following the screening, actor David Selby (The Social Network, Dark Shadows), the voice of Commissioner Gordon, and eight-time Emmy Award winning dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano will lead a panel discussion. Additional panelists will be announced as confirmed.

On Monday, September 24, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 will screen at the Paley Center in Los Angeles (465 North Beverly Drive in Beverly Hills) with media interviews starting at 5:30 p.m. and screening commencing at 7:00 p.m. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring actors David Selby (The Social Network, Dark Shadows) and Ariel Winter (Modern Family), executive producer Bruce Timm, director Jay Oliva, writer Bob Goodman and dialogue/casting director Andrea Romano. Additional participants, including voice cast members, will be announced as confirmed.

A limited number of free tickets are available for the general public.

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the New York event on September 20 must RSVP via email to DKReturns1@gmail.com.

Fans wishing to receive free tickets to the Los Angeles event on Sept. 24 must RSVP via email to DKReturns1LA@gmail.com.

All fan RSVPs email MUST include the name of the entrant, a valid email, and the name of the media outlet/website by which the entrant learned of the screening.

Tickets to both events will be distributed on a “first come, first served” basis.

In the bleak and ominous future of Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1, it’s been a decade since Bruce Wayne hung up his cape, following most of the other superheroes who had been forced into retirement. Facing the downside of middle age, a restless Bruce Wayne pacifies his frustration with racecars and liquor – but the Bat still beckons as he watches his city fall prey to gangs of barbaric criminals known as The Mutants.

The return of Harvey Dent as Two-Face finally prompts Wayne to once again don the Dark Knight’s cowl, and his dramatic capture of the villain returns him to crime-fighting – simultaneously making him the target of law enforcement and the new hope for a desolate Gotham City. Particularly inspired is a teenage girl named Carrie, who adopts the persona of Robin and ultimately saves Batman from a brutal attack by the Mutant leader. Armed with a new sidekick, and re-energized with a definitive purpose, the Dark Knight returns to protect Gotham from foes new … and old.

Fanboy demi-god Peter Weller (RoboCop) leads a stellar voice cast as Bruce Wayne/Batman. Joining Weller behind the microphone is David Selby (The Social Network, Dark Shadows) as Commissioner Gordon, Ariel Winter (Modern Family) as Carrie/Robin, three-time DCU veteran Wade Williams (Prison Break) as Harvey Dent/Two-Face, and Michael McKean (This is Spinal Tap) as Dr. Bartholomew Wolper.

Produced by Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Part 1 will be distributed by Warner Home Video on September 25, 2012.

BATMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.

Wayne NJ Toy, Comic & Collectibles Show to Feature the Batmobile at Their 2012 Labor Day Weekend Event

Press Release:

The Wayne NJ Toy, Comic & Collectibles Show will be holding a special Labor Day Weekend event on Sunday, September 2nd at Company #1 Firehouse, 97 Parish Drive, Wayne NJ 07470. Doors open at 8 AM and close at 2 PM. Admission is only $2 per adult and kids under 12 are always free. There will be over 80 tables of all types of current and vintage Toys, Comics, Movie Memorabilia, Action Figures, Sports, Die-Cast and More…Go to their website at www.waynenjtoyandcollectiblesshow.com and see why their attendees are saying that this show has far more to see than the big shows and for the price of $2.00 its the best bargain around.

As a special treat the 1966 Batmobile will be on display. Come for a photo op and a day of good clean fun!

The promoters can be contacted at waynenjtoyshow@aol.com or 973-726-9897.

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