Red Giant Partnering with Keenspot at SDCC 2013
April 22, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News
Press Release:
Red Giant Entertainment Expands Presence at San Diego Comic-Con 2013
Red Giant Joins Digital Distributor Keenspot at Nation’s Largest Comics and Pop Culture Event
ORLANDO, FL–(Marketwired – Apr 22, 2013) – Red Giant Entertainment Inc. (OTCQB: REDG), an innovative Intellectual Property company specializing in high quality characters and content for use in a variety of media and entertainment, is pleased to announce that they will be participating in San Diego Comic-Con again, at a larger and more prominent booth in association with strategic partner Keenspot, a Comic-Con exhibitor since 2001.
“This year we will have an exceptional presence at Comic-Con, and showcase many of our creators and projects, such as our upcoming movie, LAST BLOOD,” explained Red Giant Entertainment CEO Benny Powell. “San Diego Comic-Con is an important event for us, and we will be actively engaged in discussions with Hollywood decision makers bringing even more of the Red Giant Intellectual Property catalog to large and small screens, along with other key players in various other media platforms. In fact, it was at this very convention where we were approached by Lin Pictures’ Jon Silk, which led to the WAYWARD SONS deal.”
Founded in 1970 by a small group of comic fans, San Diego Comic-Con has grown to over 130,000 comic enthusiasts attending the show last year. This has now become the largest convention for the comic book, science fiction and fantasy industries in the United States. In 1976, a year before the release of the first STAR WARS film, George Lucas recognized the value of Comic-Con and sent reps to excite fans about the movie. It took the rest of Hollywood years to catch on, but now most studios set up shop at Comic-Con and virtually every superstar actor and director has made the trek to San Diego to promote their projects.
Comic-Con will be in the San Diego Convention Center again this year. Beginning with Preview Night on Wednesday, July 17 the show is then open daily that Thursday through Sunday, July 21. 2013. This is the 44th year for the convention, making it the longest continuously-run comics and pop culture show in the U.S.
“This is our fourth year at the show, and we believe that Comic-Con will continue to be a major catalyst for Red Giant,” added Powell. “We are well positioned with our catalog of over forty projects to take advantage of the opportunities at this convention.”
Red Giant is scheduled to be exhibiting with their strategic partner, Keenspot, at Booth #2635, directly between the Marvel and Image Comics booths. Numerous Red Giant creators will be appearing at the event, and on hand to sign books for their fans.
ABOUT RED GIANT ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Red Giant Entertainment Inc. (OTCQB: REDG) is a Florida-based corporation that specializes in Intellectual Property (IP) development for multiple media platforms and transmedia propagation. The cornerstone of this development is based around the more than three dozen online and print graphic novel properties in various stages of production as well as the cast of thousands of characters from those series. These properties have a readership that numbers in the millions globally. Some of these properties are actively in development into other media such as movies, video games, television, novels, toys, apparel, applications, etc. through either direct production or licensing agreements.
For further information visit www.RedGiantEntertainment.com
Forward Looking Statements
This press release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements that are not statements of historical fact (including but not limited to statements containing the words “will,” “believes,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “look forward”, “estimates” and similar expressions) should be considered to be forward-looking statements. Further, the safe harbor provisions of said Act may not apply to an issuer that issues penny stock. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, to include acquisition, production, marketing, distribution, competition with related patent, trademark and license issues involving contractual obligations and concessions. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this press release, except as required by applicable law. The Company files annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy and informational statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This press release should be read in conjunction with all of the reports that the Company has previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for financial and other information about it.
Hallmark Announces Ornaments for SDCC, NYCC, and the D23 Expo 2013
April 18, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Collectibles, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Movies, New York, New York Comic Con, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Top Stories
Press Release:
Hallmark Introduces 2013 Event-Exclusive Keepsake Ornaments
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (March 27, 2013) — Hallmark continues its participation at the nation’s largest pop culture fan conventions with four Keepsake Ornaments exclusively developed for 2013 events.
Three ornament designs will be sold in limited quantities at Comic-Con International, to be held July 18-21 in San Diego, Calif., and at New York Comic Con, set for October 10-13 in New York City:
- Wrath of the Rancor™ – Created especially for event sales, this ornament captures Luke Skywalker’s struggle with the savage creature dwelling below Jabba the Hutt’s palace as seen in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi™.
- U.S.S. Kelvin™ – As featured in the 2009 Star Trek movie, this Federation starship exclusive is a “battle-scarred” variant of the same Keepsake Ornament available starting in July in Hallmark Gold Crown® stores.
- Man of Steel – Inspired by this summer’s big-screen adventure of the same name, Superman is the subject of this event-exclusive Keepsake Ornament. Details and images of this ornament will be announced later this year.
At the D23 Expo 2013, slated for Aug. 9-11 in Anaheim, Calif., Hallmark will offer limited quantities of one design:
- Cinderella’s Castle – Featuring battery-operated light and sound, this exclusive Keepsake Ornament will boast a different look from the ornament available starting in July in Hallmark Gold Crown stores.
More information about Hallmark’s plans for these fan events will be announced closer to the respective dates.
Starting April 15, the 2013 Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Dream Book showing this year’s entire line of Keepsake Ornaments will be available in Hallmark Gold Crown® stores and online at Hallmark.com.
About Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Hallmark makes the world a more caring place by helping people express what’s in their hearts and spend time together – a privilege few other companies in the world enjoy. Hallmark greeting cards and other products are found in more than 39,000 retail outlets in the United States, including the network of flagship Hallmark Gold Crown® stores. The brand also reaches people online at Hallmark.com and on television through Hallmark Hall of Fame original movies and cable’s top-rated Hallmark Channel. Worldwide, Hallmark offers products in more than 30 languages available in 100 countries. This privately held company is based in Kansas City, Mo., and is led by the third generation of the founding Hall family. Visit http://corporate.hallmark.com for more details.
Harley-Davidson and Marvel Iron Man 3 Contest Offers Five Winners a VIP Trip to SDCC 2013
April 18, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Movies, Top Stories
Press Release:
Harley-Davidson and Marvel join forces for Marvel’s Iron Man 3
MILWAUKEE (April 3, 2013) – Harley-Davidson and Marvel Entertainment, LLC are teaming up for Marvel’s Iron Man 3 “Man & Machine” contest where fans can win a chance to be a part of a comic book created by Marvel. Fans can go online and select a custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle to design. The winners will be drawn into the comic book as a member of the “Road Force” team.
Five winners will be selected to become a part of a Marvel Avengers comic book where their likenesses will be drawn into the series with the motorcycles they selected and the characters they create. All winners will receive a VIP trip to Comic-Con International, where they’ll participate in an event where their Road Force characters will be unveiled and immortalized. One grand prize winner will also win the custom Harley-Davidson motorcycle they created (minus the armament, of course.)
Now through May 31, consumers can enter the Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Man & Machine contest online at www.harley-davidson.com/ironman. Entry is as easy as creating a profile, writing a character’s backstory and selecting a favorite Harley motorcycle from a gallery of bikes.
“Iron Man, one of Marvel’s most iconic creations, truly embodies the rebellious attitude and power of Harley-Davidson,” said Dino Bernacchi, Harley-Davidson Marketing Communication Director. “Collaborating with Marvel for Marvel’s Iron Man 3 continues our tradition of crowd-sourcing, fan-driven content. In 2012, Marvel fans proved their creativity with our first co-created Avengers comic book. Now, we’re raising the stakes by unveiling the winners on one of the world’s largest stages – San Diego Comic Con.”
Since starting in 2011 with Captain America: The First Avenger, and continuing with The Avengers Assemble Your Freedom contest in 2012, the collaboration between Harley-Davidson and Marvel has successfully connected these two powerful and inspirational brands.
Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, Marvel’s Iron Man 3 will be in theaters May 3, 2013 and pits industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds.
About Marvel’s Iron Man 3
Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce & Shane Black and is based on Marvel’s iconic Super Hero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of “Tales of Suspense” (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with “The Invincible Iron Man” (#1) in May of 1968.
Marvel’s “Iron Man 3” is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Alan Fine, Stan Lee and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film releases May 3, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com.
About Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.
Audi and Marvel Iron Man Contest Winner to Receive Trip to SDCC 2013 with an Art Review by a Marvel Editor
April 16, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Top Stories
Press Release:
Audi and Marvel Launch Contest Inviting Fans to Craft Iron Man’s Next Adventure in a Crowd-Sourced Digital Comic Book
HERNDON, VA–(Apr 15, 2013) -
- Audi and Iron Man fans choose Tony Stark’s fate and create a final panel to his adventures at www.SteerTheStory.com
- Participants will have the opportunity to become a Marvel co-creator when they create their own final panel
- U.S. residents will have a chance to win an original art board signed by Marvel artists and a trip to Comic Con in San Diego for an art review by a top Marvel editor
Audi, along with Marvel Entertainment, LLC, announced the launch of its digital Iron Man “Steer The Story” comic book contest in support of the brand’s presence in Marvel’s Iron Man 3 and overall involvement with the film franchise. The contest, which officially launched last week, gives Marvel’s Iron Man 3 fans the opportunity to become a co-creator and to decide what happens to Tony Stark in the Audi and Iron Man comic book by voting via social media sharing.
To kick off the contest, Audi released a video revealing the contest details. Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso and editors Jeanine Schaefer and Bill Rosemann will serve as the contest judges for the final component of the contest, which gives consumers the chance to create their very own final panel to Tony Stark’s adventure by drawing or photographing their submission. Iron Man fans can visit www.SteerTheStory.com to view the first chapter of the Audi and Iron Man comic book and begin voting through their mobile device, tablet and/or desktop to steer Iron Man’s fate.
This week, Audi will be releasing two short videos giving fans step-by-step instructions on how to draw Tony Stark’s Audi R8 and Iron Man’s helmet, arming particpants with tools used by Marvel artists as they prepare their very own final panel. Audi will reveal the results of the first voting period today and will also launch the second chapter of the comic book. On April 22, Audi will reveal the results of the second voting period, and will also launch the third chapter, giving fans the opportunity to upload their submissions depicting the finale of Tony Stark’s adventure.
All participants who submit a creative final panel will be acknowledged in the final page of the Audi and Iron Man comic book. Eligible participants in the United States, who upload their creative panel for the final chapter beginning April 22 (12:00 a.m. ET) to May 3 (11:59 p.m ET), in accordance with the Official Rules and Conditions, will have a chance to win prizes. On May 10, two finalists and one grand prize winner, selected by Marvel judges, will be announced via www.SteerTheStory.com. On May 24, all participants will be directed to www.Marvel.com to download the final Audi and Iron Man comic book.
“Audi is once again excited to create an opportunity to engage consumers with both the Audi brand and Marvel’s Iron Man franchise,” said Loren Angelo, Director of Marketing for Audi of America. “The ‘Steer The Story’ contest is a perfect chance for us to provide consumers, fans and enthusiasts with the ultimate experience to showcase their creativity and unique designs that not only reflect Tony Stark’s character but also the brand’s latest innovations.”
“As Iron Man fans ourselves, we can’t wait to see the exciting and creative submissions from the Armored Avengers’ worldwide following,” said Marvel editor Bill Rosemann. “Just think about it: Not only do you get to choose Tony’s action at the end of each chapter’s cliffhanger, but you also get to jump up on stage and show to the world that you have the best idea for our explosive finale. It’s your opportunity to prove you’re the ultimate Iron Man fan!”
After supporting the first and second installments of the film franchise, Audi once again will be highlighted throughout Marvel’s Iron Man 3, as Tony Stark will be seen behind the wheel of the all-electric Audi R8 e-tron sports car prototype. In addition to the R8 e-tron, the Audi S7 Sportback is also featured as Pepper Potts’ car. Marvel’s Iron Man 3 will hold its world premiere on April 24 in Los Angeles and is due in theaters on May 3.
Audi will also be lending its support to Marvel’s Iron Man 3 film through activities including a month-long late night television and national cable campaign as well as an online presence on the popular movie sites www.Fandango.com and www.Movies.com. The brand is also unveiling an all-new Audi Marvel’s Iron Man 3 ad that will run in cinemas throughout the month leading up to the film’s release.
About Marvel’s Iron Man 3
Marvel’s Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?
Starring Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Stephanie Szostak, James Badge Dale with Jon Favreau and Ben Kingsley, Marvel’s Iron Man 3 is directed by Shane Black from a screenplay by Drew Pearce & Shane Black and is based on Marvel’s iconic Superhero Iron Man, who first appeared on the pages of “Tales of Suspense” (#39) in 1963 and had his solo comic book debut with “The Invincible Iron Man” (#1) in May of 1968.
Marvel’s Iron Man 3 is presented by Marvel Studios in association with Paramount Pictures and DMG Entertainment. Marvel Studios’ President Kevin Feige is producing and Jon Favreau, Louis D’Esposito, Charles Newirth, Victoria Alonso, Stephen Broussard, Alan Fine, Stan Lee and Dan Mintz are executive producers. The film releases on May 3, 2013, and is distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.
Contest Eligibilty and Rules
Age of eligibility: 18+
The judging criteria includes:
- 60% Creativity
- 20% Quality of the submission
- 20% Fit to the rest of the story
Two finalists will receive:
- Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Movie Poster signed by Actors and Marvel Judges
The grand prize winner will receive:
- Marvel’s Iron Man 3 Movie Poster signed by Actors and Marvel Judges
- One signed Marvel comic book art board
- Two four-day passes to Comic Con 2013 in San Diego
- Art reviewed by top Marvel editor at Comic Con 2013 in San Diego
- Round-trip travel and lodging for two for a three night’s stay at Comic Con 2013 in San Diego
Additionally, the winning submission will be included in the final digital Audi and Iron Man comic book.
No purchase necessary. Legal residents of the 50 United States (D.C.) 18 years and older who did not purchase any equipment for purposes of entering the contest. Void where prohibited. Enter contest by: May 3, 2013 at 11:59 p.m. ET. For official rules and prize descriptions, visit www.SteerTheStory.com starting April 22, 2013.
ABOUT MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com.
ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. Audi was a top-performing luxury brand in Europe during 2012, and broke all-time company sales records in the U.S. Through 2016, AUDI AG will invest about $17 billion on new products, facilities and technologies. Visit www.audiusa.com or www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
Stern Pinball and Nuclear Blast Records Showcasing Metallica Pinball Machines at SDCC 2013
April 15, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Collectibles, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News
Via Nuclear Blast:
For metalheads traveling to this year’s Comic-Con® , Booth #503 will be THE place to be.
After years of fans’ desperate yearning for someone to merge one slice of Americana with another, it’s the brilliant minds at Stern Pinball,Inc. who are credited with having invented something so unique, it perplexes even the brightest minds as to how global society will be impacted.
Stern Pinball, Inc., the leading maker of arcade-quality pinball in the world, has honored one of the world’s foremost metal bands with the newest addition to their rock ‘n’ roll collection and has hit a bull’s eye with METALLICA devotees, gamers, and consumer electronic connoisseurs.
Thaaat’s right: Say hello to the METALLICA pinball machine.
And where will one of these mechanically magnificent beasts be showcased?
At Comic-Con® International: San Diego’s NuclearBlast Booth #503 from July 18th – 21st.
Channeling the band’s aggressive musicianship and notoriously fast tempos, the METALLICA pinball game will set the tone for an exhilarating player experience by featuring 12 classic METALLICA hits culled from their over 30-year history including“Creeping Death,” “Master Of Puppets,” “Battery,” “One,” and “Fade ToBlack.”
“We are proud to release our newest music-themed game designed to capture the raw, rebellious nature of METALLICA,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.
The METALLICA game continues both the Stern Pinball and the Stern family tradition of producing quality pinball machines for young and old. The company traces its lineage to Philadelphia in the 1930s when Sam Stern entered the business of operating pinball games. Sam Stern subsequently became part owner and president of Williams Manufacturing, a pioneer in the pinball industry, and passed his lifelong enthusiasm for the game and the business of pinball to his son Gary Stern who founded Stern Pinball. Today pinball remains one of America’s favorite pastimes.
The METALLICA pinball machine is available through authorized Stern distributors and dealers;it can also be ordered online.
Pro Version: $4,995
Premium Version (Road Case): $6,995
Limited Edition Version: (Master Of Puppets): $7,595
Features for all models are listed at: http://www.metallica.com/news/20130411-359099.asp
About METALLICA:
Formed in 1981 by drummer Lars Ulrich and guitarist and vocalist James Hetfield, METALLICA have become one of the most influential and commercially successful rock bands in history, having sold 110 million albums worldwide and playing to millions of fans the world over. They have scored several multi-platinum albums, including 1991’s METALLICA (commonly referred to as “The Black Album”), which tops Soundscan’s best-selling album in history list by scanning 16 million albums in the United States alone. Their latest album, Death Magnetic, was certified platinum just six weeks after it debuted atop the Billboard Top 200 Album chart in October 2008. Death Magnetic charted at #1 in 32 countries. METALLICA have also garnered numerous awards and accolades, including nine Grammy Awards, two American Music Awards, and multiple MTV Video Music Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in 2009. The band recently celebrated its 30th-Anniversary with a week’s worth of fan club concerts at the Fillmore Theater in San Francisco, CA. In 2012, they announced the launch of Orion Music+ More, an annual two-day festival curated and headlined by the band. This past summer, METALLICA unveiled a brand new stage in Mexico City that featured iconic elements that spanned its 30-year career. They played eight shows to nearly 180,000 fans at the Sports Arena in Mexico City. Later that month the band performed four shows on the same stage in Canada, two in Edmonton and two in Vancouver, during which they shot their upcoming Nimród Antal directed 3D Feature Film, Through The Never, which will be released in 2013. For more information, visit www.METALLICA.com
About Stern Pinball, Inc.:
Stern Pinball, Inc., headquartered just outside Chicago, Illinois, is the leading producer of pinball games in the world. Stern’s highly talented creative and technical teams design, engineer and manufacture popular arcade-quality pinball games. Recent popular Stern titles include Avengers, X-Men, AC/DC, Tron, Transformers, Avatar, Iron Man, Batman, Spiderman and many more. All of Stern’s pinball games are crafted by hand and assembled by Stern’s expert team. Both pinball enthusiasts and casual players around the globe enjoy Stern’s games. To learn more about the METALLICA pinball game and Stern Pinball, visit www.SternPinball.com.
About Nuclear Blast Records:
Independently owned for 26 years and counting, Nuclear Blast Records is synonymous with the worldwide advancement of heavy metal & extreme music. Founded in Donzdorf, Germany in 1987, Nuclear Blast boasts a roster of over 100 bands representing eighteen countries and over sixteen different metal genres. Their North American satellite office in Los Angeles has helped build the label’s trusted global reputation with high-profile tours, numerous Billboard chart entries, and continual signings of new & heritage acts to their roster.
All trademarks and product names are the property of their respective companies.
Scene on the Web Weekly: April 8-14, 2013
April 11, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Collectibles, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Movies, New York, New York Comic Con, Television, Top Stories
Veronica Mars creator confirms SDCC 2013 signing, NYCC adds Marc Silvestri, and Stan Lee will be at the Frank and Son Collectible Show on Saturday. All that and lots more!
DC’s We Can Be Heroes Campaign Offers SDCC 2013 Geoff Johns and Gary Frank Package
April 8, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Top Stories
If you have’t already made arrangements for Comic-Con International: San Diego (and have $10,000 you can spare), you can be one of three fans to purchase the “Meet Geoff Johns and Gary Frank” package from the DC Entertainment: We Can Be Heroes Indiegogo campaign.
The package includes 2 badges to the convention, airfare and hotel, a group lunch with Johns and Frank, 2 invites to the VIP DC event, a Jim Lee t-shirt, and a Gary Frank lithograph. The tax-deductible amount of the package is $3,841.
There are 40 days left in the campaign, and as I am writing this, none of the 3 Johns and Frank packages have been claimed.
Scene on the Web Weekly: April 1-7, 2013
April 4, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Massachusetts, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Television, Top Stories
Adobe will be at SDCC, Jason David Frank is headed for Boston Comic Con, and convention news and reports are here.
DC Villains Documentary Announced; Fans at WonderCon 2013 Invited to Participate
March 27, 2013 by Brian Pate
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Movies, New York, New York Comic Con, Top Stories
Press Release:
“Behind every great hero, there are a whole lot of villains.” – Geoff Johns
NEW DOCUMENTARY NECESSARY EVIL: VILLAINS OF DC COMICS
LEGENDARY VILLAIN CHRISTOPHER LEE NARRATES
BURBANK, CA (March 26, 2013) – The Joker, Bane, Deathstroke, Darkseid and Lex Luthor — the scariest and most menacing villains in DC Comics’ universe — take center stage in a brand new full-length documentary from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) and DC Entertainment (DCE). The joint announcement was made today by WBHE and DCE.
Christopher Lee, who has played the villain more times than almost any other actor, will provide his unique voice as narrator. His roles in more than 200 films include star turns as Dracula, the Mummy and Frankenstein’s monster in Hammer horror classics, Count Dooku in Star Wars, and Saruman in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films.
In this new documentary film, the malevolent, sometimes charismatic figures from DC Comics’ hallowed rogues’ gallery will be explored in depth, featuring interviews with the famed creators, storytellers and those who have crafted the personalities and profiles of many of the most notorious villains in comic book history.
Production begins March 30, to coincide with WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center March 29-31.
Noted Geoff Johns, best-selling author and DCE’s Chief Creative Officer, “DC Comics is known for many things, but chief among them is the compelling, diverse and legendary society of super-villains who populate its universe. From the monstrous Solomon Grundy to the brutal Black Adam to the charismatic Sinestro, there is no single greater collection of villainy in all of fiction. These villains are hugely popular comic book characters in their own right and, quite honestly, many are often times more popular than some of our iconic super heroes.”
Jeff Baker, WBHE’s Executive Vice President and General Manager, Theatrical Catalog, added “The DC brand is enjoying a huge resurgence thanks to the entire leadership team at DC Entertainment which is driving opportunities not only for new theatrical properties, but for brand extensions as well. This new documentary will reinforce this evolving strategy and leverage DC assets across the entire studio landscape.”
Johns also reiterated that this year’s initiative will be a turning point for DCE. “It’s time we deconstruct these complex and sinister antagonists and celebrate the role they play as the engine and energy of some of the greatest storytelling in comics. 2013 is the Year of the Villain at DC Comics.”
On Saturday, March 30th, fans attending WonderCon are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite DC Comics’ villain for an opportunity to be featured in the documentary Fans can join DCE at WonderCon at booth 801 with filming to take place Saturday from 10:30am – Noon. To find out more about where and what time to meet in the WonderCon DC Entertainment booth, keep checking the DC Comics Facebook (Facebook.com/DCComics) and Twitter sites (@DCComics).
Participation in upcoming ‘cons’ (Comic-Con International: San Diego and New York Comic Con) is anticipated, with a full release scheduled for later in the year.
Course of the Force Strikes Back
March 27, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under California, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy
On the heels of last year’s monumental, first-of-its-kind event, Course of the Force, the lightsaber run that captivated the attention of Star Wars fans around the world, is returning July 9th – 16th, 2013. Kicking off at the famed Skywalker Ranch, participants will continue the relay run down through San Francisco with several stops along the California coastline before reaching the finish line— arriving just in time for the start of the 2013 San Diego Comic-Con International convention. Nerdist Industries’ founder Chris Hardwick will be back to host the event, with city-stops along the way featuring “Conivals” where fans can celebrate their love of the Saga with live entertainment, expo booths, giveaways and much more.
“Our plan to run at Comic-con screaming with a lightsaber worked beyond our wildest dreams. People showed up! Lots of them! In cosplay! And we were able to grant more than 1000 wishes for Make-A-Wish!” said Chris Hardwick. “Last year we started in Santa Monica, this year, Marin, and hopefully next year Tatooine.”
Course of the Force has reteamed with the Make-A-Wish Foundation chapters of Greater Bay, Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego with 100 percent of all runner registration proceeds benefiting the charity. In 2012, the Make-A-Wish Foundation had a strong presence during the inaugural event, with Make-A-Wish kids participating in the opening and closing ceremonies of Course of the Force and running in the event.
Given the overwhelming response to the 2012 relay, this year’s event is expanding and will cover nearly 500 miles; at the end of the route, Course of the Force will be hosting activities at the Chuck Jones Gallery in San Diego during San Diego Comic-Con International from July 18th - 20th.
Highlights from last year’s 136-mile Course of the Force lightsaber run featured a caravan of costumed runners, Jabba the Hutt’s Sail Barge and two Yoda-fied RVs traveling down the Pacific Coast Highway.
In addition to helping grant wishes, participants of Course of the Force will run quarter-mile segments down the California coast, passing off the official Course of the Force lightsaber. Registration is now open at http://courseoftheforce.starwars.com/register. Each relay spot is $150, which includes a customized Hasbro lightsaber, exclusive Course of the Force swag bag and the experience of a lifetime. Runners are encouraged to be creative and wear their best Star Wars gear.
All Course of the Force video content will be distributed via Starwars.com at http://courseoftheforce.starwars.com and hosted on the Nerdist YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/Nerdist.






















































