Legendary Hellboy Creator Mike Mignola’s First-Ever Gallery Show to be Hosted by New York’s Philippe Labaune Gallery

The Exhibit Will Feature Watercolor Paintings, Over 100 Pieces of Black and White Pieces, And Original Art from Hellboy, Beehive Books’ Illuminated Edition of Pinocchio, and IDW’s Hell, Ink & Water: The Art of Mike Mignola

(September 3rd, 2024) On Thursday September 19th, 2024, the renowned Philippe Labaune Gallery in New York City will host the first ever gallery show for the legendary cartoonist and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola. The exhibit will feature over 30 watercolors as well as over 100 black and white pieces, including 50 covers and 10 pages of original comic book art from Hellboy, alongside illustrations by Mignola for Beehive Books’ eagerly anticipated new edition of Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio. The Philippe Labaune Gallery will host an invitation-only preview event of Hell, Ink, and Water: The Art of Mike Mignola Exhibit on September 18, and a free opening reception at 6 PM on Thursday, September 19. The gallery will also host a book release party for Mignola’s Hell, Ink & Water: The Art of Mike Mignola during New York Comic Con. 

“Encountering Mike Mignola’s work for the first time is like being dropped into a beautifully crafted dream; you find yourself inclined to remain there rather than waking up,” said Philippe Labaune. “Mignola’s work is eerily captivating. Reading Hellboy in my 20s, I was struck by Mignola’s artistry; his drawing ability, specifically the strength of the black-and-white, his linework, the character design, the depth of his compositions, combined with the narrative force of his images. These all set him apart. Now, some 30-years later, I have the privilege of presenting Mike Mignola’s first gallery exhibition—and not just showcasing his unparalleled linework, but also to share publicly his magnificent ability as a watercolorist, which has been revelatory to me.”

The Hell, Ink, and Water: The Art of Mike Mignola Exhibit is part of the yearlong thirtieth anniversary of Mignola’s Hellboy. The art exhibit and anniversary come in advance of the release of some high profile, eagerly anticipated releases from the artist, who was recently inducted into the prestigious Will Eisner Hall of Fame. Beehive Books recently published PINOCCHIO: THE ILLUMINATED EDITION featuring more than 50 exquisite original illustrations from Mignola, alongside over 100 full text annotations by celebrated novelist Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events). On October 15th, IDW will publish Hell, Ink & Water: The Art of Mike Mignola, the official, 64-page hardcover art catalog from the exhibit, featuring featuring 31 new watercolors, which focus on many of the themes near and dear to Mignola: skulls, monsters, and the supernatural. And in January 2025, Dark Horse Comics will publish Bowling With Corpses and Other Strange Tales From Lands Unknown, an anthology of folklore-inspired fantasy stories written and illustrated by Mignola, colored by Dave Stewart, and lettered by Clem Robins. The book will be the first publication from Curious Objects, Mignola’s new imprint at Dark Horse and will set the stage for more weird, wicked, and whimsical stories in the “Lands Unknown” universe from Mignola and frequent collaborator, the acclaimed cartoonist Ben Stenbeck.

“It does seem like suddenly there is a whole lot going on,” said Mignola. “Most of these things have been in the works for ages but nice to have them out in the world at last—Especially as all this stuff (the paintings, Pinocchio and Bowling With Corpses) is about life beyond Hellboy. I still love Hellboy (of course) and have my hand in several new Hellboy related projects, but I’m excited to see a very new and different side of myself out there.”

The Philippe Labaune gallery is located at 534 West 24th Street in New York and is open from Thursday through Saturday, from 10am to 6pm. The roots of Philippe Labaune Gallery have a strong European influence: among the artists are esteemed creators such as Lorenzo Mattotti, Nicolas de Crécy, Guido Crepax, Dave Mckean or François Schuiten. In recent years, American artists such as Landis Blair, Rebecca Leveille Guay, Frank Miller, and Peter de Sève have helped Philippe Labaune Gallery to foster a community of overlapping art collectors and comic fans from all over the world. 

The Hell, Ink, and Water: The Art of Mike Mignola Exhibit will be open to the public from Thursday, September 19, to Saturday, October 26.

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This Game May Steal Your Heart: COPYCAT Is Up For Adoption September 19 On Steam!

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Experience love, loneliness and letting go in this narrative-driven adventure game coming to PC. 3 SEPTEMBER 2024 – Australian/Ukrainian duo Spoonful of Wonder have announced that their intimate, narrative-driven game Copycat, perfect for pet lovers, is coming September 19 (US/EU) and September 20 (AUS/NZ), … Continue reading

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Cartoonist Patrick McDonnell’s Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story Inspires With Its Creativity, Empathy, and an Unforgettable Portrait of a Chained Dog 

On-Sale This September From Abrams ComicsArts, Featuring an Introduction From Rob Thomas (Award-Winning Singer/Songwriter) and Co-Founder with Marisol Thomas of Sidewalk Angels Foundation Celebrating 30 Years of the Beloved Comic Strip Mutts

August 29, 2024 – For three decades, the multi-talented, internationally bestselling cartoonist and writer Patrick McDonnell has entertained readers around the world with his beloved syndicated comic strip Mutts. The adventures of Mooch, the curious cat, and Earl, the ever-trusting dog, have drawn praise from the likes of  Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz, The Simpsons creator Matt Groening, and Jane Goodall. In 1995, McDonnell introduced a new character in Mutts: Guard Dog, a chained dog longing for his freedom. 

Now, this September, Abrams ComicsArts will publish Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story, a celebration and history of Guard Dog with a full color version of his newsworthy story of long awaited freedom that captivated readers around the world. Over the years Guard Dog, one of the strip’s most beloved characters, has played an important role in raising awareness about the cruelty of tethering and has inspired countless readers to become involved in animal welfare.

Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story begins when Guard Dog is abandoned by his owner, left alone and suffering. But he’s soon discovered by his animal friends Mooch and Earl, and Doozy, a kindly neighborhood girl, who work together to rescue their friend. 

“This wasn’t a villain; this was a tragic character,” says McDonnell in his introduction to Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story. “I thought of all the real dogs in this country and around the world who suffer the same unbearable fate. Maybe my dog could be their voice. He could represent the cruelty that animals endure at the hands of humans, and the cruelty we inflict upon ourselves by staying chained to our own unconscious ways of thinking.”

Brought to life with Patrick McDonnell’s warm and intimate art, and featuring the complete story, now in color for the first time, Breaking the Chain is an emotionally resonant vignette whose grounding in the real-life animal neglect issues that affect millions of chained dogs worldwide will move both long-time Mutts fans and first-time readers. The book features an introduction from Rob Thomas, the award-winning singer/songwriter and co-founder with Marisol Thomas of Sidewalk Angels Foundation.

Here’s what people are saying about Patrick McDonnell’s Mutts:

“One of the best comic strips of all time.”―Charles M. Schulz, Peanuts

“Patrick McDonnell is a compassionate champion for all animals, particularly dogs and cats, and through his comic strip, Mutts, he captures magically the personalities of some of our best friends.”―Jane Goodall

“Patrick McDonnell’s Mutts is up there with Peanuts, Pogo, Krazy Kat, and Calvin and Hobbes—cartoons that are smart, funny, brilliantly drawn, and full of heart.”

Matt Groening, The Simpsons

“In his heart-rending Guard Dog story, Patrick McDonnell proves once again that he is the kindest, most passionate cartoonist on record. In Breaking the Chain, McDonnell kindly and gently breaks the reader’s heart over and over again, and does so with such gentleness and grace that the reader, by the end, is in a state of elevated bliss. Not since Little Nemo in Slumberland has the comics page been gifted with such a gentle, reverential spirit. I don’t envy my friend Patrick having to deal with the fury of his fellow cartoonists, who haven’t realized that plain, simple humanity works on the comics page.”―Jules Feiffer

“To me, Mutts is much more than a comic strip. It’s an expression of the best parts of life—a mirror that reflects our love for the people and animals we share it with.”

―Rob Thomas (award-winning singer/songwriter) 

“Mutts is elegant,

simple, deep, yet funny

Like a good haiku.”

―Pete Docter, the writer/ director of Inside Out and Up

Featuring the complete Guard Dog story, early Mutts comic strips, and other supplementary materials – Breaking the Chain: The Guard Dog Story will be published on Tuesday, September 3. Abrams will donate a portion of the proceeds for pre-orders of Breaking the Chain to the Sidewalk Angels Foundation. To subscribe to the Daily Mutts, visit MUTTS.COM or follow Mutts on FacebookInstagram, and X.

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Samurai Dinosaurs Roam Post-apocalyptic Japan in Floating Rock Studio’s Debut Game, ‘Kyōryū

Wellington, New Zealand – August 29th, 2024  Last year, New Zealand’s Floating Rock Studio caught the world’s attention with the viral hit trailer for Kyōryū – a glimpse into post-apocalyptic Japan dominated by genetically re-engineered dinosaurs. The proof-of-concept trailer announcing the development in parallel of a game and a TV series was greeted with 2.2 million organic views to date. Today, Floating Rock Studio revealed the first gameplay footage for their third person, or in this case, third dino, story driven adventure game in a new trailer. Players will control Tori, the little Samurai T-Rex, that is passionate about the extinct humans- directly inspired by Benjamin’s fascination for dinosaurs. 

“The most exciting thing about making a game is being able to explore a unique world of dinosaurs, and actually BEING a dinosaur.” – Benjamin Mulot, Creator of Kyōryū As seen in Unreal’s 2024 sizzle reel, the game is built in Unreal 5 to fully utilize high fidelity visuals not just within the game performance, but also to push the boundaries of the in engine cinematics. Punching above their weight, Floating Rock Studio’s tiny and powerful team of ~25 is bringing to life a bold vision of a narrative driven, artful world, of Kyōryū. While we are working to get our Steam page for Kyōryū up and running, feel free to follow the crew on their development progress via Floating Rock Studio’s Discord serverYoutube channel or Instagram, where we’ll let you know as soon as our store page is live!

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PINOCCHIO: THE ILLUMINATED EDITION OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


HELLBOY Creator Mike Mignola and A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS Author Lemony Snicket Team Up For a Unique Edition of PINOCCHIO From Beehive Books 

(August 26, 2024) Renowned Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, award-winning colorist Dave Stewart, and celebrated novelist Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events) are teaming up with Beehive Books for an illustrated and annotated edition of Carlo Collodi’s classic novel PINOCCHIO. This all-new, deluxe hardcover edition includes over more than 50 exquisite original illustrations from Mignola, which breathe new life to the charm, gloom, and chaos of the seminal novel, alongside over 100 full text annotations by Snicket, presented as slipped-in typewritten sheets produced by Snicket during his Pinocchio-induced descent into madness. 

Beehive Book’s PINOCCHIO: THE ILLUMINATED EDITION provides commentary by Lemony Snicket, which takes both the reader and the acclaimed writer on a first experience of the iconic novel, chock full of surreal symbolism and commentary.  “For many years I have been curious to see if I, too, will join the tradition of readers completely transformed into lunatics from a reading of PINOCCHIO, and although Carlo Collodi died long ago, I like to think that somewhere, somehow, he is interested in seeing what I might have to say as I read this book and likely lose my mind,” writes Snicket. “Perhaps you are too.” 

“This is not just a new edition of Collodi’s classic—it’s both a celebration of a classic work of children’s literature, and a strange Borgesian experiment,” said Beehive Books Editor Josh O’Neil.” Mignola and Snicket have invented an entirely new way to read this beloved Italian fable. Covered with coffee-stains and ink-blots, Snickett’s notes are more than text annotations -—they’re missives from the brink of literary agony and ecstasy, and in their strange conceit they walk us through the wilds of Collodi’s fabulous tale, and reintroduce us to its odd, wonderful music. 

The project is part of Beehive Book’s acclaimed Illuminated Editions imprint, the Philadelphia-based company’s distinctive line of book art editions of literary classics which reimagine literary masterworks with all-new covers and illustrations from the world’s greatest graphic artists, including the Balbusso Twins, Rebekka Dunlap, Brecht Evens, Dave McKean, Paul Pope, Yuko Shimizu, Bill Sienkiewicz, Kent Williams, and Jim Woodring, alongside original essays from the likes of Academy Award-winning filmmakers Guillermo Del Toro and Darren Aronofsky and Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Michael Cunningham. The Beehive Books Illuminated Editions feature singular design sensibilities, the highest production values, and a special emphasis on comics and graphic art. 

PINOCCHIO: THE ILLUMINATED EDITION is due out on Tuesday, August 27. 

Here’s what people are saying about PINOCCHIO: THE ILLUMINATED EDITION:

“As far as creative pairings go, it’s hard to beat the combination of Hellboy creator Mike Mignola and A Series of Unfortunate Events author Lemony Snicket.”—IGN

“(Snicket’s) gothic storytelling sensibilities are so perfectly aligned with Mignola’s, that it makes you wonder how no one thought to pair them up before.”—FORBES

“Gorgeously upsetting” — io9

“It’s A Real Book!” — TOR

For updates on Beehive Books, follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

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Shadows Can Help in Moving (SCHiM Game Review)

I truly love slice of life, real stories of just us… the average human being living the difficult life that we live. Being fired, buying pizza, getting lost in the rain, finding yourself. At the center of SCHiM this is what you really get. It starts feeling zen, simple, relaxing with a minimalist monochromatic like a moving visual novel with a cute platforming mechanic and for a few levels it really feels that way. The difficulty goes up a little, but not by much as you also feel your heart strings get pulled as the story told moves along.

Then suddenly you are in a platformer. You are timing jumps, getting lost, getting turned around, you don’t know where to go or what to do. Every time you think you’re that much closer to happiness it gets swept away and you’re chasing it. I honestly was caught off guard by how quickly the challenge upped. I was gleefully jumping along from position to position and then… the world just changed. Lights flickered, shadows moved. This is NOT a bad thing, it made SCHiM something totally different than what I was experiencing though.

One of the most fun things though is interactive with the world and discovering what you can interact with and how it reacts. The dog barks, the cat meows, the bird flies, garbage drops out of cans, balls bounce, cars honk, ducks too… it’s so much fun and this is where the zen exists and stays existing. To have this dichotomy of such a zen experience that also becomes a difficult and challenging platformer is what I feel makes SCHiM so worth the time and energy you’d put into it.

Here’s the launch day accolades trailer:

Be aware that while SCHiM is available NOW on SteamXbox One/Series X|SPlayStation 4/5, and Nintendo Switch for $24.99 (regional prices will vary) with a 10% launch discount on Steam & the Nintendo eShop for a limited time it also will be getting a physical release from iam8bit on PS5, PS4 and Switch.

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The Alters Challenges Players To Consider Many of Life’s ‘What If’ Scenarios in Compelling New Trailer

Warsaw, Poland – July 11th, 2024 — Many people often ponder, “What if I had chosen differently? What if I had seized another opportunity or followed an alternate path instead of the one I took?” This omnipresent question is often central to our lives. Along his thought-provoking journey in 11 bit studios’ upcoming sci-fi game, The Alters, protagonist Jan Dolski will discover concrete answers to many of his very own ‘what ifs’ of life.

Those answers will come in the form of the alters, his embodied alternative personalities. While he shares many physical features and certain memories—both pleasant and unpleasant—with them, other aspects of their lives vary greatly. These differences lead to some alters being more confident, happier, or more fulfilled than Jan or the other alters. Additionally, each alter may possess distinct skills the others lack, which will be necessary to operate and maintain a stranded circular base. After unexpected mission complications, Jan seeks their help, even though many may not comprehend how he could be so cruel to bring them to life only to inform them of the grave danger they all face.

Stranded on a planet with a deadly, scorching sun that necessitates constant relocation of the mobile base he lives in, and with the data of all deceased crew members missing from the base’s onboard Quantum Computer after a crash landing, Jan is left with no options. Upon discovering an eerie resource called Rapidium, he must alter pivotal decisions that shaped his life—such as whether to leave for university or stay in his hometown to care for his sick mother—and confront the consequences, all in an effort to save all of his lives.

The Alters will launch later this year for Windows 11 PC and consoles. The game will also be coming to both PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass upon its release.

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SURF TRASH DEBUT PR ANNOUNCEMENT

AUSTRALIA’S INDIE/ALTERNATIVE ROCK BAND SURF TRASH ANNOUNCE DEBUT FULL-LENGTH ALBUM : THE ONLY PLACE I KNOW. AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 13

Photo credit: Lachlan Mcgilvray

New York, NY (June 14, 2024) – Australia-based indie rock band Surf Trashis announcing their debut full-length album, The Only Place I Know, available September 13. The announcement comes on the heels of their nostalgia driven new single “Healin The Feelin”,  which is out now across all digital streaming platforms.

The twelve tracks, celebrated across two sides, is truly a mixed bag of indie and alternative rock, yet each song has its own identity, embedded with dynamic grooves and feels. While a number of the tracks might have more serious undertones, there is also a significant amount of stand-outs tunes filled with big choruses, feel-good lyrics and melodies. The overall theme of the album is strung together beautifully, touching on relatable moments such as noticing how fast time goes on, the feeling of being young, and childhood innocence.

Surf Trash’s lead vocalist/drummer, Andrew Scott shares “Everything felt fresh. During those couple of weeks in the studio, we paid close attention to making each track feel unique in character and groove. It was a mission to ensure all the tracks felt different, yet belonged together. Sonically, it’s unlike anything we’ve ever written and recorded before. We spent a lot of time perfecting the endings, changing tempos from section to section and having a clear vision of how we wanted this project to sound and feel. It all just felt right.”

According to Surf Trash’s drummer/lead vocalist, Andrew Scott, the single “Healin The Feelin” came together just as they were getting ready to enter the studio to record the album, nearly missing an opportunity to make it on the record. During a live rehearsal, guitarist Lachlan “Jacko” Jackson presented the idea and the quartet fleshed out the track very quickly.

LISTEN TO “HEALIN THE FEELIN”

Brothers Andrew & Nicholas Scott were exposed to music very early on. As children, they watched their dad perform in an Australian underground rock band called ‘The Fools’ who were active during the 1990s. Listening to tour stories and hearing original music, he introduced them to many different genres. The two became obsessed with everything from the band’s album covers, how they recorded their music, who wrote the songs, what gear was used and more.

The Only Place I Know track listing:

Side A:

1. First One

2. Cellar

3. Spice It Up

4. In The Loop

5. Restless

6. Healin The Feelin

Side B:

1. Psycho System

2. Seek The Silence

3. Can’t Beat The Sound

4. Hello Again

5. Old Place By The Moon

6. Tappin Into Magic

The album was recorded on the Central Coast of New South Wales, at producer Jack Nigro’s Sonara Studios.

Surf Trash is Andrew Scott (Drums/ Lead Vocals) Lachlan Jackson (Guitar) Patrick Russell (Guitar) and Nick Scott (Bass).

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Nerd Notes Special: Summerfest+ Games Edition 2024

In no particular order here are trailers from Summerfest, Day of the Devs, Wholesome, XBox Games Showcase, etc. of June 7th-10th that excited me either by game play, animations of cut-scenes or something else. Some will be games I would not play but loved the trailer, while others will be things I am very excited to experience and see others experience as well.

Demo now available
Anazingly cute, demo did a great job selling this,
I remember playing this when it came out but I can’t remember if I liked it or not but I assume it was great or they wouldn’t spend money on this.
I won’t play this since it’s a mobile game but the trailer is awesome.
Looks so fun!
BEST ANNOUNCEMENT next to MAX PAYNE 2 Physical IMO.
I already kickstarted this and I love its becoming something more.
I might not play .skate but this campaign rules.
Love Davey!
All these games look great
I want this as a Live action series, but the game? meh.
This game might be good but I just really love the animation cut scenes.
Great commercial, great looking game. Love this.
Nothing but the hits.
Visually compelling.
Wish this was on PS5.
This better not actually be a XBone/PC exclusive… will be very upset.
Oh this looks cool.
Great teaser
Amazing ad!
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Five Points Fest 2024 Paint Fight Schedule

Get ready for an explosion of color and creativity at this weekend’s Five Points Fest!

The annual Paint Fight is back, and it’s bigger and bolder than ever. With the 2023 champion, Skatchface, returning to defend his title, the competition is set to be fierce.

Clear your schedule for Saturday, June 8th – you won’t want to miss a second of the action!

 Saturday, June 8th:

  • 12-1pm: Skatchface vs Rob Mounier
  • 1-2pm: Alex Smith vs RZP
  • 2-3pm: Bear Brains vs Pinkgabbercat
  • 3-4pm: Vincent Scala vs Buckaroni
  • 4-5pm: Dead Beat City vs Ninobuni
  • 5-6pm: PAINT FIGHT! FINAL

How it works:

Each Paint Fight winner will be determined by YOUR cheers and applause. Your favorite artist needs your voice, so come ready to make some NOISE! After the initial five battles, a judging panel will select the top TWO artists to compete in the PAINT FIGHT! FINAL.

Don’t miss the grand finale! Get Tickets now!

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