MA – Will Eisner Week 2014
February 27, 2014 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Massachusetts, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Denis Kitchen and Paul Hornschemeier appear at the Cambridge Public Library on Thursday March 6th from 6:00 till 8:00 pm!
Press Release:
At the invitation of Stephen Weiner, director of the Maynard Public Library in Maynard, MA, the Million Year Picnic comic shop will participate in Will Eisner Week as the Boston metro-area representative of the event. To honor Eisner’s birthday, there will be a Q&A session between Paul Hornschemeier (creator of Mother, Come Home; The Three Paradoxes; the New York Times Best Seller Life with Mr. Dangerous, as well as the short story collections Let Us Be Perfectly Clear and All and Sundry) and Denis Kitchen (a cartoonist in the “underground comix” movement, he founded Kitchen Sink Press (1969-99) as well as the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), and co-authored three scholarly works on comics creators) on the anniversary of Will Eisner’s Birthday, Thursday, March 6th, 2014, 7pm at the Cambridge Public Library.
From www.willeisner.com, “Will Eisner Week is an annual celebration honoring the legacy of Will Eisner and promoting sequential art, graphic novel literacy, and free speech.” Will Eisner Week features a series of events to be held early March 2014 in more than a dozen cities around the country to honor the work and career of the great comics innovator Will Eisner (1917-2005), the comics medium, and the graphic novel format.
About the Speakers:
Denis Kitchen, a cartoonist in the “underground comix” movement, founded Kitchen Sink Press (1969-99), a pioneering house that published early comics and graphic novels by R. Crumb, Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, Al Capp, Scott McCloud, Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman, Charles Burns, Mark Schultz, Howard Cruse and countless others. In 1986 Kitchen founded the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, a non-profit First Amendment organization, and chaired it for its first eighteen years. He’s co-authored three books: The Art of Harvey Kurtzman (Abrams, 2009) with Paul Buhle; Underground Classics (Abrams, 2009) with James Danky; and Al Capp: A Life to the Contrary (Bloomsbury, 2013) with Michael Schumacher. A monograph, The Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen, was published in 2010. He curates art exhibits in America and abroad featuring comics artists like Eisner, Kurtzman, Crumb and the underground genre. In 2013 he revived Kitchen Sink Books as an imprint of Dark Horse Books with partner John Lind.
Paul Hornschemeier is the author of the graphic novels Mother, Come Home, The Three Paradoxes, the New York Times Best Seller Life with Mr. Dangerous, as well as the short story collections Let Us Be Perfectly Clear and All and Sundry. His prose and comics – which have been translated into multiple languages and garnered international awards – have appeared in publications ranging from Life Magazine to The Wall Street Journal. He has taught art and creative writing for The University of Chicago and lectured internationally. His animation appears on IFC’s “Comedy Bang! Bang!” He lives and works in Boston, Massachusetts.
Cambridge Public Library
449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138
ReedPOP is CBLDF’s Newest Corporate Member
February 21, 2014 by Michael Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Gaming, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Top Stories
Press Release:
ReedPOP Protects the Freedom of Fandom As CBLDF’s Newest Corporate Member!
February 18, 2014 — The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) is pleased to announce that ReedPOP, the people who bring you pop culture’s greatest fan conventions including New York Comic Con (NYCC), C2E2, PAX, and Star Wars Celebration, among others, is joining CBLDF as a Corporate Member! ReedPOP stands beside Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, Boom! Studios, ComiXology, Dark Horse, DC Entertainment, DCBS.com, Diamond Comic Distributors, IDW Publishing, Image Comics, Random House, Valiant, and TFAW.com as corporate supporters of CBLDF’s important work.
ReedPOP Global Senior Vice President Lance Fensterman says, “We at ReedPOP have proudly supported the CBLDF’s important work protecting the freedom to read since we started hosting conventions. Their work ensures that the fans, creators, dealers, and publishers who gather at our events are free to explore the full universe of storytelling possibilities comics offer. We’re glad to take this step in providing a more meaningful level of support for their important work.”
CBLDF provides legal and educational resources that protect the freedom to read comics. The organization is a partner in Banned Books Week, the Kids’ Right to Read Project, Free Comic Book Day, and other national institutions highlighting intellectual freedom and literacy. The CBLDF’s work extends from courtrooms to classrooms to conventions, with important lectures and programs about current and historical censorship. This year, CBLDF will be exhibiting ReedPOP’s signature comics events C2E2 in Chicago on April 25 – 27 and New York Comic Con from October 9- 12 with booth displays, programming and exclusive merchandise to thank the creators and attendees who support their work. To learn more about their work, or to read their daily news blog, please visit www.cbldf.org
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, 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).
About Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the First Amendment rights of the comics art form and its community of retailers, creators, publishers, librarians, and readers. The CBLDF provides legal referrals, representation, advice, assistance, and education in furtherance of these goals.
NYC – Tuki Launch Party
October 29, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Comic Strips, New York, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Cartoonist Jeff Smith launches his new title TUKI at the Society of Illustrators on Sunday November 10th with special guests Patrick McDonnell, Paul Pope, Liza Donnelly, Michael Maslin, and Larry Marder! Get tickets at the link!
Press Release:
On November 10, legendary cartoonists Patrick McDonnell, Paul Pope, Liza Donnelly, Michael Maslin, and Larry Marder will attend a brunch hosted by Bone creator Jeff Smith at the Society of Illustrators in New York City to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s Kids’ Right to Read program! This benefit brunch will boast a live performance by Smith, who will unveil his new series Tuki Save The Humans, as well as a silent auction and a private viewing of the Society’s current exhibits. Tickets to this event are partially tax-deductible, and available at www.cbldf.org
CBLDF is a non-profit organization that protects the freedom to read, create, and distribute comics by performing legal aid, education, and advocacy activities. Smith recently joined the Fund’s Board of Directors and will host this lively afternoon event, where attendees will also enjoy brunch with the most outstanding authors in contemporary graphic fiction and an auction of original art by today’s finest cartoonists.
Doors will open at 11:00 a.m., followed by viewing of the exhibits and silent auction. Smith’s performance will begin at 12:00 p.m., to be followed by brunch and viewing time in the Society’s galleries.
There are two levels of admission to this special event:
General Admission Tickets are available for a $100 donation to CBLDF and includes admission to the exhibits, brunch and a souvenir print signed by Jeff Smith. $40 of this contribution is tax-deductible.
Dine With Jeff Smith VIP Admission Tickets are available for a $250 donation to CBLDF. This includes dining with Jeff Smith and also includes admission to the exhibits, brunch, and a souvenir print signed by Smith. $190 of this contribution is tax-deductible.
Donors will enjoy three of the Society’s exhibits: The Original Art, a juried exhibit showcasing the original art from the year’s best children’s books; Battling Boy, a selection of original pages from Paul Pope’s extraordinary new graphic novel, and The Collection of Michael Maslin and Liza Donnelly, New Yorker cartoonists whose collection includes works by cartoon luminaries from the magazine’s past, such as James Thurber, Gluyas Williams, and Helen Hokinson, and its present, including Jack Ziegler, Roz Chast, Bob Mankoff, Mick Stevens, Drew Dernavich, Zachary Kanin, Barbara Smaller. Donnelly, Maslin, and Pope will all be on hand at the brunch to discuss their exhibits with attendees.
Your admission to brunch supports CBLDF’s important work protecting Kids’ Right to Read. CBLDF is a leader in opposing censorship and in support of a parent’s right to choose what content is suitable for his or her children. The Fund helps to keep books on shelves and empowers students to speak up for their rights. In the past year, CBLDF has helped protect dozens of books, from Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis to Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl. CBLDF’s publications Raising A Reader and Using Graphic Novels in Education are vital tools in helping the next generation of teachers, librarians, and parents use comics to promote literacy. The Fund’s efforts to fight censorship in courtrooms and classrooms are essential to protecting the future of comics. This brunch will advance that important work by raising money to support 2014 Kids’ Right to Read efforts.
About Jeff Smith
Jeff Smith (born February 27, 1960) is an American cartoonist, best known as the creator of the self-published comic book series BONE. Smith solidified the ’90s’ Self-Publishing Movement when he joined other self-publishers and launched a new era of independent comics publishing, a movement that captured nearly 20% of the growing comics book market. In 1993, Smith breathed new life into the Graphic Novel format with The Complete BONE Adventures Volume One: Out From Boneville, which sold an unprecedented 50,000 copies in its first year. BONE won numerous American awards including 10 Eisner Awards and 11 Harveys, as well as European awards from Italy, Germany, and the French Alph Art.
In 2005, BONE was chosen to launch the first graphic novel series for children from a major publishing house, Graphix, an imprint of Scholastic Books. There have been exhibitions of his work, and in 2009 Smith was the subject of an Emmy Award winning documentary called The Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, BONE, and the Changing Face of Comics. Later works include critically acclaimed SHAZAM: The Monster Society of Evil, and Little Mouse Gets Ready, a comic for emerging readers that received a Geisel Honor in 2009. In 2013, Smith guest edited The Best American Comics anthology, and released his second major work, RASL, a dark, hard-boiled sci-fi story that focuses on an art thief who hops through dimensional barriers, hiding out on various parallel worlds.
About Comic Book Legal Defense Fund
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the First Amendment rights of the comics art form and its community of retailers, creators, publishers, librarians, and readers. The CBLDF provides legal referrals, representation, advice, assistance, and education in furtherance of these goals. http://www.cbldf.org
About the Museum of American Illustration at the Society of Illustrators
The Society of Illustrators, founded in 1901, is the oldest nonprofit organization solely dedicated to the art and appreciation of illustration in America. Prominent Society members have been Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth and Norman Rockwell, among others. The Museum of American Illustration was established by the Society in 1981 and is located in the Society’s vintage 1875 carriage house building in mid-town Manhattan. The Museum is open to the public Tuesday, 10 am-8 pm; Wednesday-Friday, 10 am-5 pm; and Saturday, 12-4 pm. General Admission is $10/$5 students/seniors, and Admission is free of charge on Tuesday from 5-8pm. To learn more about visiting the Museum and the Society click here.
About the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art
The museum’s purpose has been the collection, preservation, study, education, and display of comic and cartoon art. Every genre of the art is represented: animation, anime, cartoons, comic books, comic strips, gag cartoons, humorous illustration, illustration, political illustration, editorial cartoons, caricature, graphic novels, sports cartoons, and computer-generated art. It is the mission of the museum to promote the understanding and appreciation of comic and cartoon art as well as to detail and discuss the artistic, cultural, and historical impact of what is the world’s most popular art form.
Society of Illustrators
128 East 63rd Street, New York, NY 10065
OR – CBLDF Fundraiser Event
September 30, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Oregon, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Top Stories, Webcomics
Press Release:
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has fought for the First Amendment Rights of the comics community since 1986. Now here’s your chance to join the fight for free speech at our CBLDF Liberty Annual 2013 signing and membership drive October 9 at the Portland TFAW.
Meet CBLDF Liberty Annual 2013 contributors Jeremy Atkins (Charles de Ghoul), Ron Chan (Plants vs. Zombies), Emi Lenox (EmiTown), Michelle Madsen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dave Stewart (Hellboy), and Paul Tobin (Bandette), and learn how you can join the CBLDF for as little as $25! Complimentary food and beer (for those 21+ with valid ID) provided.
Everyone has a story to tell, but what happens when a story gets taken away from its creator? The CBLDF Liberty Annual 2013 looks at the creative costs of censorship, either through outside interference, or through more private forms. All proceeds from this book benefit the important First Amendment work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, who’ve been fighting censorship in comics for over 25 years!
Special bonus: Courtesy of Dark Horse Comics, attendees at this event only who sign up for CBLDF membership at the $50-$249 level will receive a Lone Wolf and Cub Volume 1 Limited Edition hardcover, while supplies last. Attendees who sign up for CBLDF membership at the $250 or greater level will receive a Give Me Liberty hardcover, signed by Frank Miller and Dave Gibbons, also while supplies last. These bonuses are in addition to the CBLDF’s generous incentive rewards for membership.
“It is easy to take our First Amendment Rights for granted. Yet, historic and present day events alike underscore how important it is that everyone does their part to protect the First Amendment Rights of the comics community, and of Americans as a whole,” said TFAW Vice President and CBLDF Board Member Andrew McIntire. “This is why we have supported the CBLDF for years, furthered our commitment as a corporate member, and why we are asking our friends in Portland to come out and join us in supporting the important work of the CBLDF by becoming members.”
Published by Image Comics and edited by Dark Horse Editor-in-Chief Scott Allie, the CBLDF Liberty Annual 2013 contains 48 pages of all-new stories and also features the talents of Richard Corben (Creepy), Tim Seeley (Revival), Art Baltazar and Franco (Itty Bitty Hellboy), and more. Pick up your copy at the Portland TFAW October 9 for just $4.99, get it signed by some of Portland’s hottest creators, and learn about the benefits of membership in the CBLDF.
Things From Another World
2916 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
TFAW Partners with the CBLDF for Their SDCC 2013 Auction
June 13, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Top Stories
Press Release:
TFAW Supports CBLDF’s Annual SDCC Auction
For the fifth year in a row, Things From Another World (TFAW.com) is proud to partner with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund for their annual CBLDF Auction at San Diego Comic-Con! With the help of creators including Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Tim Seeley (Revival), and more (see below), the comic book retailer has been able to help raise more than $100,000 to help support the First Amendment rights of the comics community.
As in years past, TFAW is asking professional comic book artists* to create original sketches to donate to the CBLDF auction at San Diego Comic-Con. Artists can choose to sketch their own creator-owned characters, or up to ten artists may sketch DC Comics’ proprietary characters and up to seven artists can create sketches featuring Marvel’s Mighty heroes! (NOTE: Artists wishing to sketch DC and Marvel characters will need to contact TFAW in advance so that they can limit the number of submissions. Also, these pieces are subject to publisher approval.)
In exchange for their original sketches, participating artists will receive 300 free limited-edition autograph cards of their pieces.
New this year: Instead of an original sketch, artists may choose to donate a page of original artwork. Unfortunately, sketch cards are not available for this option, but artists contributing pages will be prominently featured on the TFAW blog.
“Partnering with the CBLDF and the committed creators who generously donate their work is always the highlight of our year,” said TFAW Vice President and CBLDF Board Member Andrew McIntire. “As a retailer, we are both well aware of, and grateful for, the ongoing efforts exercised by the CBLDF in defending everyone’s First Amendment Rights, and we can’t thank our participating artists enough for their contributions to this important work. It is truly gratifying to observe the outpouring of support from the comics community in service of the Fund year after year, and we are honored to be able to be a part of this effort.”
“We continue to be humbled by the outpouring of generosity from the creative community and the abundance of hard work put in by the TFAW.com team to make the CBLDF auction a success,” said CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of the people involved, CBLDF is better equipped to do our work protecting the freedom to read comics. We’re grateful to all who participate.”
In addition to the autograph cards, TFAW and the CBLDF will highlight each artist and their sketch on The Blog From Another World. To coordinate your inclusion in this event, please contact Andrew McIntire at andrewm@tfaw.com by June 17 with the subject line “CBLDF 2013 Auction,” or via phone at 503.905.2395. Print-quality .EPS or .TIFF files for the autograph cards must be received by June 21, and the original sketch can either be sent to the CBLDF’s NYC office by July 1, or delivered to their SDCC booth by July 19.
In addition to Charlie Adlard and Tim Seeley, this year’s participating artists include Jeffrey Brown (Darth Vader and Son), Jonathan Case (Batman ’66), Francesco Francavilla (Black Beetle), Joëlle Jones (Helheim), Larry Marder (Beanworld), and Jill Thompson (Beasts of Burden). See all of this year’s artists at http://www.tfaw.com/sdcc13-
About Things From Another World:
Founded in 1979, Things From Another World is the premier retailer of comics, toys, collectibles, and pop-culture geek goodness, both in Portland, Oregon, and online at http://www.TFAW.com.
About the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund:
Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of the First Amendment rights of the comics art form and its community of retailers, creators, publishers, librarians, and readers. The CBLDF provides legal referrals, representation, advice, assistance, and education in furtherance of these goals. http://www.cbldf.org.
*Due to logistical constraints, preference will be given to those artists who have had work released via an independent or major publisher and have had their work distributed through the Diamond Previews Catalog.
- See more at: http://cbldf.org/2013/06/tfaw-supports-cbldfs-annual-sdcc-auction/#sthash.EcZSzORj.0WOjXv2N.dpuf
CA – Greenest Night Benefit
May 15, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under California, Comic Books, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Television, Top Stories
Geoff Johns, Jeph Loeb, and more appear at a CBLDF fundraiser in Los Angeles on Friday, May 24th! Get tickets at the link!
Press Release:
On Friday, May 24, come celebrate the creativity of Geoff Johns at Greenest Night: A Celebration of Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern benefiting Comic Book Legal Defense Fund! Join Johns’ at the Avalon Bardot Theater in Hollywood, CA for an intimate look back on his Green Lantern run with a revealing Q&A session kicked off with a keynote appreciation presented by Jeph Loeb. Geoff will also take center stage at a star-studded VIP opening reception, where all guests will receive special and extremely limited commemorative merchandise created by Graphitti Designs! Only 100 seats are available for this exclusive evening celebrating Geoff’s once-in-a-generation accomplishment – get yours now!
Greenest Night: A Celebration of Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern toasts Johns’ unique accomplishment with an upscale and intimate celebration at the Avalon Bardot theater in Hollywood, CA. There are two levels of admission for this limited event:
Regular admission tickets are available for a $100 donation to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, and includes:
Admission to the exclusive Q&A
A signed & numbered commemorative print from Graphitti Designs
A signed copy of Green Lantern #20 with a commemorative Certificate of Authenticity, and other gifts.
$80 of this contribution is tax deductible.
VIP Admission tickets are available for a $250 donation to CBLDF, and includes:
Admission to the star-studded VIP opening reception and premiere seating at exclusive Q&A,
A copy of Absolute Green Lantern: Rebirth, with an exclusive, commemorative bookplate
An exclusive, commemorative t-shirt from Graphitti Designs
A signed & numbered commemorative print from Graphitti Designs
A signed copy of Green Lantern #20 with a commemorative Certificate of Authenticity, and other gifts.
$126 of this contribution is tax deductible.
Greenest Night: A Celebration of Geoff Johns’ Green Lantern is sponsored by DC Entertainment and is produced by Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and Comic Book Resources, with merchandise provided by Graphitti Designs. The event happens on Friday, May 24 at 8:00 PM, with a VIP opening reception at 7:00.
Avalon Bardot Theater
1735 Vine Street Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 462-8900
NYC – CBLDF Fundraiser
May 30, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, New York, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Chip Kidd appears at Smithfield for the CBLDF fundraiser on Tuesday June 5th!
Press Release:
Celebrate free speech at this year’s Book Expo by raising a toast to CHIP KIDD on Tuesday, June 5th in a benefit to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund!
A VIP cocktail reception starts at 7 PM. Kidd will present a behind-the-scenes look at creating this book, and all attendees will receive an extremely limited copy of BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN, with an exclusive signed and numbered bookplate, designed by Mr. Kidd. These bookplated editions are extremely limited, and will be available one time only. Hors d’Oeuvres will be served. This is a ticketed event, with limited admission available for a $50 donation to the CBLDF. Reserve your ticket here.
At 8:30 pm, an open release party and book signing will begin. Copies of BATMAN: DEATH BY DESIGN will be available at the venue! (No ticket needed for this portion of the evening, but a suggested donation at the door is appreciated)
Smithfield
215 West 28th Street New York, NY 10001
MA – FCBD: The Censored Howard Cruse Signing
May 4, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Massachusetts, Signing and Appearance Profiles
Howard Cruse, creator of the Censored Howard Cruse FCBD book, signs at Modern Myths from 2PM to 5PM on Saturday May 5, 2012 for Free Comic Book Day!
About the comic:
In conjunction with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, BOOM! Town presents “The Censored Howard Cruse”! Get a special sneak-peek at this summer’s upcoming “The Other Sides of Howard Cruse” graphic novel. He’s known for his gay comix, but that’s not all that’s been on his mind! From his Underground days up through present day, Howard wrote on a slew of topics, including freedom of speech, civil rights, drugs, and interesting uses for toothpaste. Get a taste of his impressive catalog of works, just with a few tastefully-placed black boxes. You’ll have to get the OGN for the uncensored version!
Modern Myths
34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060
IDW Invites You to Join Starfleet
November 8, 2011 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Everything Else, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy
Press Release:
San Diego, CA (November 2, 2011)—Are you a comics fan who loves your local comics store? Are you willing to “die” to protect your retailer? Prove it, with the Star Trek “Be A Redshirt” contest! Starting today, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), IDW Publishing and CBS Consumer Products are giving Star Trek fans a chance to “Be a Redshirt” on the cover of an upcoming STAR TREK comic.
Originating in the classic Star Trek episodes and expanding to pop culture at large, a “redshirt” is a character that dies soon after being introduced. With the “Be a Reshirt” contest, the winning fan will have the honor of “dying” while heroically saving their retailer. The grand prizewinner will be featured as a “redshirt” on an upcoming cover of IDW’s new STAR TREK ongoing series, placing themselves between their local retailer and a phaser blast. The “Be a Redshirt” contest is open to any comics reader who thinks their local retailer is the best in the business.
“As redshirts are famous for always catching the phaser in Star Trek episodes, and as comic fans can be so loyal in defending their local retailer, it’s the perfect contest,” said Dirk Wood, IDW’s Director of Retailer Marketing, “And partnering with the CBLDF is perfect, because no one knows more about defending retailers than they do.”
To enter the “Be A Redshirt” contest, fans must e-mail their explanation in 300 words or less about why their retailer is the best to IDW at contests@IDWPublishing.com with the subject: Save My Retailer. The winning fan and their retailer will be depicted on a limited-edition variant cover of STAR TREK. This special cover will be limited to only 300 copies: 100 each to the winning fan and their retailer, plus 100 to CBLDF to help them continue the important and challenging work of defending retailers everywhere. The winning fan will also receive the original art, by the Sharp Brothers.
Launched in September, IDW’s new STAR TREK ongoing series explores the new Star Trek universe, following the events of the game-changing, blockbuster 2009 film. Joining forces with Star Trek writer/producer Roberto Orci, IDW and CBS explore the vast implications of the alternate timeline created by the film in this new, monthly, ongoing comics series that reimagines classic Star Trek episodes.
Under the creative direction of Orci, fan-favorite STAR TREK writer Mike Johnson and artists Stephen Molnar and Joe Corroney bring this alternate universe to life and begin the countdown to the highly anticipated Star Trek sequel. Following alternate-reality versions of “Where No One Has Gone Before” and “Galileo 7,” STAR TREK #5 kicks off a two-part re-imagining of “Operation: Annihilate.” This gripping episode brings Captain Kirk comes face to face with ghosts from his past when a rescue mission reunites him with the last person he expects to see.
In addition to print, STAR TREK comics are also available digitally through a variety of free apps, including, through the Apple’s iTunes: the Star Trek Comics app, the Comics by comiXology app and the IDW Comics app.
Fan Groups Ready For Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con 2011
October 20, 2011 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Ohio
Press Release:
Fan Groups Ready For Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, Saturday And Sunday At Greater Columbus Convention Center
Cosplayers, Podcasters, Charity Organizations And More Enhance Wizard World Experience
NEW YORK and COLUMBUS, Ohio, October 19, 2011 – A variety of fan clubs, podcasters and other groups are making final preparations for this weekend’s Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con, Saturday and Sunday at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. From cosplayers like the Great Lakes Base of the Rebel Legion and Ohio 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and Comic Book Connection Initiative, groups will be on site, meeting attendees and enriching the Wizard World experience.
Some groups that fans will run into on site include:
– Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, which exists to fight censorship and defend the first amendment rights of comic book professionals and readers throughout the United States.
– Great Lakes Base of the Rebel Legion, the local chapter of The Rebel Legion Star Wars costuming group.
Mandalorian Mercs Costuming Group, the world’s premier custom Mandalorian costume organization.
– Ohio 501st Legion, the state’s chapter of the national organization which seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.
– Ohio Star Wars Collectors Club, a resource through which those who live in Ohio can discuss new items arriving, toy & collectible show dates and generally anything Star Wars related.
– Open Forum Radio, a community fueled by collective interests which seeks open dialogue and to encourage debate
Outlook Media, whose content contains both local and national focused features that compliment its mix of columns, editorials, arts & entertainment, sports, celebrity interviews, and community news.
– Pendant Production Company, one of the most prolific and popular podcasting companies today, with more than 800 episodes of audio drama.
– The Comic Book Connection Initiative, a small non-profit organization that takes in donated comic books from dealers, publishers, and individual collectors then distributes them to children in homeless shelters, food pantries, after-school programs , YWCA women’s shelter and hospitals.
– The Hero Initiative, the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays’ creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work.
– USS Asgard, a chapter of Starfleet International, which participates in community events such as Toys for Tots, Operation Feed, etc.
– USS Columbus, which does an annual school supply drive for a local school, helps in the Firefighters Toy Drive, and collects food for Mid Ohio Food Bank along with other local clubs.
– USS Lagrange, which has raised hundreds of dollars for the Akron Children’s Hospital and for various food banks in the state.
– WGTR “World Grand Theft Radio,” the nationwide internet radio station No. 1 worldwide Halloween radio station in Sept & Oct. With over 30 original shows a week live, “our mission to make your on air dreams come true!”
Wizard World Mid-Ohio Comic Con features stars James Marsters, Billy Dee Williams, Adam West, Burt Ward, Claudia Christian and Walter Koenig among dozens of celebrities and industry professionals celebrating the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, comics, toys, video gaming, television, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.
Mid-Ohio Comic Con is the eighth stop on Wizard World’s 2011 North American tour. Hours are Saturday, October 22, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, October 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tickets are available in advance online at http://www.wizardworld.com/
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. Wizard World also produces Wizard World Digital, an online publication covering new and upcoming products and talents in the pop culture world, and is distributed on a weekly basis to online and iPad users worldwide.
The full event schedule can be found at www.wizardworld.com.
***** SAVE THE 2011/12 DATES *****
October 22-23 – Mid-Ohio Comic Con
November 11-13 – Austin Comic Con
January 28-29, 2012 – New Orleans Comic Con
March 24-25, 2012 – Toronto Comic Con
May 19-20, 2012 – Big Apple Comic Con
June 1-3, 2012 – Philadelphia Comic Con
August 9-12, 2012 – Chicago Comic Con
