INDIE Live Expo “Summer Spotlight” to Showcase 50+ Games Worth of World Premieres and Updates

Posted on 07/18/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

TOKYO – July 18, 2023 – INDIE Live Expo, the online digital showcase series connecting indie game fans all over the world which has accumulated more than 84 million total views since debuting in 2020, details the plans of the upcoming “Summer Spotlight” showcase set to debut on Monday, July 31, 2023 at 2:30 AM PST / 5:30 AM EST / 6:30 PM JST on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter Live, Niconico, and Bilibili.

After a successful May showcase highlighting more than 300 indies to an audience of 10.4 million viewers, INDIE Live Expo continues to provide new avenues for indie game promotion. Tune in to the debut of a new show style as part of the upcoming “Summer Spotlight” showcase, featuring deeper dives into dozens of handpicked titles throughout an hour-long celebration of gaming.

Discover fresh indie content from developers and publishers around the world as INDIE Live Expo closely looks at more than 50 games in this special summer program, then feast on bite-sized rapid-fire updates with the return of the signature “INDIE Waves” segment.

INDIE Live Expo continues to build a platform in support of indie development, and has showcase 1,800+ indies to more than 84 million viewers since its inception in 2020 including WORLD OF HORROR by developer Panstasz and co-publishers Ysbryd Games and PLAYISM, and Omega Crafter developed by Preferred Networks.

“Indie developers are a passionate group, and we think every indie game deserves a close look,” said Ryuta Konuma, Founder of Ryu’s Office. “We’re changing the formula up for Summer Spotlight to accomplish that, and we can’t wait for viewers to take a journey with us into the inner workings of our favorite submissions!”

Rewatch the INDIE Live Expo 2023 full stream on YouTube.

Developers interested in information about future INDIE Live Expo events and opportunities can sign up for the INDIE Live Expo Letter here.

INDIE Live Expo would like to thank sponsors of May’s showcase, including Cygames, WSSPlayground, PlayStation, Happinet, PLAYISM, Kodansha and many more.

For more information, please visit the INDIE Live Expo website, follow @INDIELiveExpoEN on Twitter, and search for #INDIELiveExpo on social media.

Posted in Video Games | Comments Off on INDIE Live Expo “Summer Spotlight” to Showcase 50+ Games Worth of World Premieres and Updates

Nerd Notes 7/18/2023

Posted on 07/18/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Click here for more info on the Inspector Gadget: Mad Time Party game.

Click for more details  on this Seattle museum exhibit.

 

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Fantagraphics at SDCC 2023

Posted on 07/16/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Comic-Con 2023 Signings, Panels, and Online Sale!

We are beyond excited to be back at Comic-Con this year, along with our Special Guests Garth Stein and Matthew Southworth, Simon Hanselmann and Josh Pettinger, and Bill Griffith! We also have a full schedule of signings at our booth #1721 with a bunch of our amazing artists: Jaime Hernandez, Trina Robbins, Carol Tyler, Briana Loewinsohn, Conor Stechschulte, Charles Glaubitz, Mathew Klickstein, Chris Wisnia, and Robert Mailer Anderson! See the full schedule below, along with the panels and Fantagraphics Eisner nominations. And then of course, there’s our big annual Not-At-Comic-Con Sale, with 25% off just about everything on Fantagraphics.com! Scroll down for the 411 on that.

Fantagraphics Booth 1721 Signings:

Thursday, July 20th:
12:00-1:00 pm: Garth Stein + Matthew Southworth (The Cloven: Book Two)
1:00-3:00 pm: Jaime Hernandez (Love and Rockets)
3:00-4:00 pm: Simon Hanselmann + Josh Pettinger (Werewolf Jones & Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual)
5:00-6:00 pm: Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera: A Memoir)
6:00-7:00 pm: Chris Wisnia (Doris Danger: Giant Monsters Amok) + Mathew Klickstein (See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture)

Friday, July 21st:
10:00-11:00 am: Trina Robbins (Last Girl Standing)
11:00 am-12:00 pm: Charles Glaubitz (Starseeds 3) + Conor Stechschulte (Ultrasound)
12:00-1:00 pm: Chris Wisnia (Doris Danger: Giant Monsters Amok) + Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera: A Memoir)
1:00-2:00 pm: Robert Mailer Anderson (Windows On the World)
2:00-3:00 pm: Simon Hanselmann + Josh Pettinger (Werewolf Jones & Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual)
3:00-4:00 pm: Bill Griffith (The Buildings are Barking: Diane Noomin in Memoriam) + Mathew Klickstein (See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture)
4:00-5:00 pm: Garth Stein + Matthew Southworth (The Cloven: Book Two)
5:00-6:00 pm: Carol Tyler (Fab4 Mania)

Saturday, July 22nd:
10:00-11:00 am: Carol Tyler (Fab4 Mania)
11:00 am-12:00 pm: Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera: A Memoir) + Conor Stechschulte (Ultrasound)
12:00-2:00 pm: Simon Hanselmann + Josh Pettinger (Werewolf Jones & Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual)
2:00-3:00 pm: Trina Robbins (Last Girl Standing) + Mathew Klickstein (See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture)
4:00-5:00 pm: Garth Stein + Matthew Southworth (The Cloven: Book Two)
5:00-6:00 pm: Chris Wisnia (Doris Danger: Giant Monsters Amok) + Charles Glaubitz (Starseeds 3)

Sunday, July 23rd:
11:00 am-12:00 pm: Charles Glaubitz (Starseeds 3) + Mathew Klickstein (See You At San Diego: An Oral History of Comic-Con, Fandom, and the Triumph of Geek Culture)
12:00-1:00 pm: Trina Robbins (Last Girl Standing) + Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera: A Memoir)
2:00-3:00 pm: Chris Wisnia (Doris Danger: Giant Monsters Amok) + Carol Tyler (Fab4 Mania)
3:00-4:30 pm: Conor Stechschulte (Ultrasound)

Panels:

Thursday, July 20th, 11:00 am-12:00 pm, Fan Favorites: The Heroes We Love—They are the reason we love comics. They are the heroes that we can’t get enough of—but why? What endears these characters to us and what makes them a hero? Comic-Con Special Guests J. Scott Campbell, Jo Duffy, Beau Smith, and Matthew Southworth (The Cloven: Book Two) tell moderator Stephanie Gerk (The Debrief Weekly Report) why they love heroes of all kinds and which one will forever have their heart. Room 5AB

Thursday, July 20th, 11:30 am-12:30 pm, Adapting Stories to Graphic Novels—How do artists and writers adapt their experiences, short-form ideas, and the words and worlds of others into full-length graphic novels? Joel Christian Gill (Stamped from the Beginning), Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera: A Memoir), Mattie Lubchansky (Boys Weekend), and Carrie Vaughn (Wild Cards: Now & Then) discuss a variety of starting points, from short-form concepts to entire established universes, and explain how they get to a finished graphic novel. Moderated by Chip Kidd (editor-at-large, The Pantheon Graphic Library). Room 29CD

Thursday, July 20th, 2:00-3:00 pm, Out of Their Heads: Graphic Novelists Bring Their Stories to Life—Everyone has a great idea for a graphic novel, but how do you get those concepts out of your head and onto the page? Rina Ayuyang (The Man in the McIntosh Suit), Jeffrey Brown (Thor and Loki: Midgard Mayhem), Simon Hanselmann and Josh Pettinger (Werewolf Jones & Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual), Thien Pham (Family Style), and Jeff Smith (Tuki, Bone) join Cartoon Art Museum curator Andrew Farago in conversation as they discuss their latest books and the creative process behind them. Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Thursday, July 20th, 2:30-3:30 pm, Spotlight on Bill Griffith—Bill Griffith (Zippy the Pinhead) and Matt Groening (The Simpsons) talk about Bill’s new book, Three Rocks: The Story of Ernie Bushmiller: The Man Who Created Nancy (Abrams ComicArts). Room 4

Friday, July 21st, 10:00-11:00 am, Classic Stories, New Frontiers: Literary Sci-Fi + Horror Comics—Following the paths forged by–among others–Ursula LeGuin, Ray Bradbury, Victor LaValle, Gretchen Felker-Martin, and Octavia Butler, these comics creators have written sci-fi and horror stories that combine dazzling art with thought-provoking storylines. Join Matthew Southworth (The Cloven: Books 1 and 2), Charles Glaubitz (Starseeds 3), Mattie Lubchansky (Boys Weekend), Conor Stechschulte (Ultrasound), and Abby Jame (Emotional Data) as they discuss their modern takes on classic genres! The discussion will be moderated by Garth Stein (The Cloven: Books 1 and 2), with a Q&A session to follow. Room 4

Friday, July 21st, 10:30-11:30 am, Self-Publishing and Working with a Publisher: A Discussion—What’s it like to go from self-publishing your art to working with a publisher? Iconic comics creators Simon Hanselmann and Josh Pettinger (Werewolf Jones & Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual), Sammy Harkham (Blood of the Virgin), Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera: A Memoir), Rina Ayuyang (The Man in the McIntosh Suit), and Thien Pham (Family Style) will be discussing their publishing journeys with moderator Chris Wisnia (Doris Danger: Giant Monsters Amok)–Q&A session to follow! Room 10

Friday, July 21st, 12:00-1:00 pm, Comic Strips and Collections—Start your morning off right (or your afternoon or evening) with the best comic strips around. Dive into the strips you love with Comic-Con Special Guests Ricardo Caté, Simon Hanselmann (Werewolf Jones & Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual), Keith Knight, Stephen Notley, and Steenz, with Jules Rivera (graphic novelist and cartoonist who took over Mark Trail) and moderator Henry Barajas (Gil Thorp). Room 29AB

Friday, July 21st, 12:30-1:30 pm, Walter Kelly’s Pogo—The brilliant newspaper strip Pogo was created, written, and drawn by one of the great geniuses of comic art, Walt Kelly. It’s currently being reprinted in full in a series of books from Fantagraphics, one of which is up for an Eisner Award tonight. Meanwhile, fans of Mr. Kelly and his zany swamp denizens can gather to discuss him, his work, and what it was that made his cartooning so very special. Come hear from artist Steve Leialoha, scholar Maggie Thompson, Kelly archivist Jane Plunkett, and the co-editors of the current reprint series, Eric Reynolds and Mark Evanier. Room 10

Friday, July 21st, 3:00-4:00 pm, Spotlight on Matthew Southworth and Garth Stein—Bestselling author Garth Stein (The Art of Racing in the Rain) and acclaimed cartoonist Matthew Southworth (Stumptown) teamed up to create an action-packed coming of age series about a mutant from the Pacific Northwest, The Cloven. Join them as they discuss the second book in their wildly imaginative bestselling series with moderator Eric Reynolds (VP/Associate Publisher at Fantagraphics)–Q&A session to follow! Room 28DE

Friday, July 21st, 4:30-5:30 pm, Found in Translation: Acquiring Comics From Around the World—There is gorgeous art being created all over the world–how do you find it? What are the ins and outs of foreign rights acquisition? And what are translation best practices? Join leading comics industry professionals Conrad Groth (Fantagraphics), Tom Devlin (Creative Director at Drawn & Quarterly), Michele Foschini (BAO Publishing), Michael Gombos (Sr. Director of Licensed Publications at Dark Horse), Charlotte Greenbaum (Abrams Books), and Olivier Jalabert (Senior Editor at Dupuis) as they discuss with moderator Amber Garza (Full Bleed Rights, LLC) to learn it all! Room 26AB

Saturday, July 22nd, 3:00-4:00 pm, Behind the Scenes of Comics Publishing: A Discussion—Whether self-publishing, working with an independent publisher, or one of the bigger houses, there’s a lot more to comics publishing than meets the eye! Join industry professionals from all sides of comics creation as they discuss the ins and outs of publishing: Eric Reynolds (VP/Associate Publisher at Fantagraphics), Simon Hanselmann (Werewolf Jones & Sons Deluxe Summer Fun Annual), Jacq Cohen (Executive Director of Communications & Publicity at Fantagraphics), Peggy Burns (Publisher of Drawn & Quarterly), Avi Ehrlich (Silver Sprocket), and Colin Turner (Last Gasp). Room 29AB

Saturday, July 22nd, 4:30-5:30 pm, Spotlight on Simon Hanselmann—Simon Hanselmann (Crisis Zone) along with Josh Pettinger (Power Wash) will be brutally and unrelentingly interrogated by Jacq Cohen (Fantagraphics director of marketing and publicity) regarding their new collaborative Werewolf Jones book, self-publishing versus the direct market, and more. Room 5AB

Posted in Comics, Conventions, Events & Expos, San Diego Comic Con 2023 | Comments Off on Fantagraphics at SDCC 2023

Road to SDCC: Feel the Heat in SLOW BURN, a New Noir Limited Series From BOOM! Studios

Posted on 07/14/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

For fans of Gideon Falls and Stray Bullets; experience a modern noir masterpiece

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 14, 2023) –  Acclaimed noir crime writer Ollie Masters (Snow Blind) and rising star artist Pierluigi Minotti (Lost Falls) spin a yarn about dirty deeds in a town on fire in SLOW BURN, from BOOM! Studios in Fall 2023.

Hell is a place on Earth.

Fleeing from a botched robbery in New York City, a junkie, her dying partner, and a dementia-ridden old man pull into a mining ghost town in central Pennsylvania. Obscured by the caustic vapors spewed forth from a still burning coal-seam fire from the 1960s, Trier seems like the perfect place for the trio to lay low, maybe score a fix, and potentially take a hostage. But this ghost town might prove more lively than any of them think.

SLOW BURN #1 features a main cover by Matt Taylor (Deep State) with variants by acclaimed artists Paul Azaceta (Outcast), Tyler Jenkins (Apache Delivery Service) and Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls).

“This is a comic about a fire that’s been burning underneath a town for decades and will continue burning for centuries. It’s about desperate people with violent pasts living on the edge, looking for a way out” said Ollie Masters. “About how our parents shape who we are, for better and for worse.

After Snow Blind, I knew BOOM! would be the perfect home for a story like this and I couldn’t be happier to be working with Pierluigi, Hass and the rest of the team on this weird little crime comic.”

“The characters and story Ollie has created are incredibly unique and profound. I love working on these kinds of crime stories and with dark atmospheres and bad people,” said Pierluigi Minotti. “I couldn’t be happier BOOM! Studios and this amazing team have taken me on board to bring Slow Burn to life.”

“It is a stroke of creative genius setting the backdrop to this hyper violent crime thriller in a town on fire,” said Acquisitions Editor Jon Moisan. “The shadows, the smoke, the lies, the secrets. Slow Burn has all the trappings of a modern noir masterpiece.”

SLOW BURN #1 will be available in comic shops October 25, 2023. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle. 

About Ollie Masters:

Ollie Masters is the writer and co-creator of The Kitchen, Snow Blind, Killer Groove and Old Haunts as well as working on titles for BOOM! Studios, Marvel and DC. He lives on the coast and sometimes hits his deadlines.

About Pierluigi Minotti:

Pierluigi Minotti is an Italian comic book artist. He has worked for several publishers in his country, including Sergio Bonelli Editore, Panini Comics, Editoriale Cosmo and Bugs Comics. In the US he has worked on James Bond for Dynamite Entertainment and on the graphic novel Lost Falls (Comixology Originals and Dark Horse Comics) with Curt Pires.

SLOW BURN #1 is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Briar by Christopher Cantwell and Germán García; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; The Approach by Jeremy Haun, Jason A. Hurley, and Jesus Hervas; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Behold, Behemoth by Tate Brombal and Nick Robles; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Mosely by Rob Guillory and Sam Lotfi; Harrower by Justin Jordan and Brahm Revel; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; The Seasons Have Teeth by Dan Watters and Sebastián Cabrol; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; and Sirens of the City by Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; Magic from Jed McKay, Rich Douek, and Ig Guara; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

For continuing news on SLOW BURN and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

Continue reading →

Posted in Comics | Comments Off on Road to SDCC: Feel the Heat in SLOW BURN, a New Noir Limited Series From BOOM! Studios

Nerd Notes 7/13/23

Posted on 07/13/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

While Nerd Notes does promote trailers of films coming out, P-CS is also a member of SAG-AFTRA for 20+ years and support this 2023 Strike in response to the offer from AMPTP that ignores core issues.  We stand with this very important Strike Notice which applies to NON-members as well who seek to become members in the future when a proper contract does become a reality.

That said,  here are trailers the last day that caught our attention and also recieved less attention as things such as AHSOKA (a show we are excited for) got promoted.

The Overwatch cartoons continue to be wonderful.

And now some music videos:

 

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SIRENS OF THE CITY #1 SELLS OUT & RETURNS WITH SECOND PRINTING

Posted on 07/13/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

BOOM! Studios Presents a New Series from Joanne Starer and Khary Randolph in August 2023

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 12, 2023) – BOOM! Studios revealed today that SIRENS OF THE CITY #1, the extra-length premier issue of the new gritty six-issue urban fantasy from the superstar creative team of writer Joanne Starer (Painkiller Jane), artist Khary Randolph (Excellence), and letterer AndWorld Design, has sold out at the distributor level!

New York City. 1980s.

Runaway teen Layla struggles to survive the mean streets, far from home. Meanwhile, every supernatural creature–from sirens to incubi–descend upon the city…all in vying for control of Layla and the pregnancy she never wanted.

In response to the overwhelming support from retailers and fans, BOOM! Studios has announced SIRENS OF THE CITY #1 SECOND PRINTING, featuring brand new cover art by series artist Khary Randolph, available in stores August 9, 2023.

“Heed the siren’s call once again!” said Filip Sablik, President, Publishing & Sales, BOOM! Studios. “Joanne Starer, Khary Randolph, and AndWorld Design took us to the mean streets of SIRENS OF THE CITY in a powerful story that is both timeless and incredibly topical. We can’t wait for even more readers and fans to discover and root for Layla!”

SIRENS OF THE CITY is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; Once & Future by Kieron Gillen and Dan Mora; Wynd by James Tynion IV and Michael Dialynas; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Briar by Christopher Cantwell and Germán García; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; The Approach by Jeremy Haun, Jason A. Hurley, and Jesus Hervas; Damn Them All by Simon Spurrier and Charlie Adlard; Behold, Behemoth by Tate Brombal and Nick Robles; Once Upon a Time at the End of the World by Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Leila del Duca, and Nick Dragotta; Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey and Liana Kangas; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Mosely by Rob Guillory and Sam Lotfi; Harrower by Justin Jordan and Brahm Revel; The Neighbors by Jude Ellison S. Doyle and Letizia Cadonici; The Seasons Have Teeth by Dan Watters and Sebastián Cabrol; and Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Harkonnen from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Michael Shelfer; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers from Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; Magic from Jed McKay, Rich Douek, and Ig Guara; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle and Rubine.

SIRENS OF THE CITY #1 FIRST PRINTING may be available in comic shops on July 12, 2023. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including comiXology, iBooks, Google Play, and Kindle. 

For continuing news on SIRENS OF THE CITY and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

Posted in Comics | Comments Off on SIRENS OF THE CITY #1 SELLS OUT & RETURNS WITH SECOND PRINTING

Oni Press Presents The Annual CBLDF Welcome Party & Art Auction 2023 

Posted on 07/12/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Annual Fundraising Event to Begin FIGHT CENSORSHIP, READ COMICS! Initiative, Featuring New Works by Maia Kobabe, Matt Kindt, and Gabriel Bá & Fábio Moon

In partnership with the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), Oni Press – the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic book publisher – is proud to announce its sponsorship of this year’s annual CBLDF Welcome Party & Art Auction on Thursday, July 20th at The Westgate Hotel in San Diego, CA.

In tandem with the annual fundraising event that draws hundreds of comics industry creators, publishers, educators, and advocates each year, Oni Press will be using the occasion to debut a new initiative in support of the CBLDF entitled FIGHT CENSORSHIP, READ COMICS! and unveil several new pieces of artwork commissioned specifically for the new initiative from an array of prominent artists and featuring the graphic design of award-winning, London-based designer Tom Muller (House of X), including:

Alex Award Winner

MAIA KOBABE

(Gender Queer)

Eisner & Harvey Award Nominee

MATT KINDT

(Mind MGMT, BRZRKR)

Eisner Award Winners

GABRIEL BÁ & FÁBIO MOON

(Daytripper)

Free for CBLDF members and the general public with a suggested voluntary donation at the door to support the CBLDF’s ongoing work in supporting the cause of free speech and creative expression, the annual party will be hosted at The Westgate Hotel’s Terrace Under the Stars from 8 pm to 12 midnight PT. (An SDCC badge is NOT required to attend.) On behalf of Oni Press, the first 50 attendees will receive a free “Secret Edition” variant cover of the latest issue of the publisher’s science-fiction anthology, XINO #2, featuring artwork by rising star Nick Cagnetti (Pink Lemonade); while the first 200 will receive a free FIGHT CENSORSHIP, READ COMICS! two-piece button set:

XINO #2 “Secret Edition” Variant

Cover Art by Nick Cagnetti

Free for the First 50 Attendees!

FIGHT CENSORSHIP, READ COMICS! Button Set

Logo Design by Tom Muller

Free for the First 200 Attendees!

The evening’s festivities will also feature the return of the CBLDF’s annual San Diego Comic-Con Silent Art Auction, featuring comic art and other collectibles donated by a wide array of supporting contributors from the worlds of comics, video games, and entertainment:

ABRAMS COMICARTS | BECKY CLOONAN | DARK HORSE COMICS | DEVOLVER DIGITAL & GOOD SHEPHERD | DSTLRY | DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT | JUSTIN GREENWOOD | IDW ENTERTAINMENT | MARIA WOLF LOPEZ | ONI PRESS | VALHALLA ENTERTAINMENT

During the evening’s events, Oni Press will also be offering 50 signed copies of the GENDER QUEER: DELUXE EDITION hardcover with a bookplate signature by creator Maia Kobabe with all funds benefiting the CBLDF. High-quality, 11×17″ prints of Kobabe’s FIGHT CENSORSHIP, READ COMICS! illustration will also be available at the Oni booth (#1829) through the week with a portion of all proceeds benefiting the CBLDF.

“Each day brings another reminder that we’re in the midst of a generational surge in challenges to comics nationwide, but thanks to the support of the entire comics community, we know we’re going to win,” said Jeff Trexler, Interim Director of the CBLDF. “All of us here at the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund are grateful to Oni Press for its generous sponsorship of this year’s CLBDF Welcome Party and Art Auction – and for its unwavering commitment to protecting freedom of expression through the comic arts!”

“Yet again, the comics industry finds itself battling an incessant wave of censorship dedicated to stifling creativity, marginalizing creators, and diminishing the impact of comics and graphic novels with the power to change minds and lives,” said Hunter Gorinson, Oni Press Publisher & President. “In 1954, in 1986, and again in our present moment, our medium has faced this same reckless compulsion many times – but now, more than ever, it’s vital that all corners of the global comics community come together to reject the impulse toward censorship that has risen up to target important works like GENDER QUEER and many dozens more. Thanks to the ardent support and unrelenting work of the CBLDF, we know it will not succeed.”

Oni Press’s support of the CBLDF’s signature San Diego event follows months of unprecedented legal challenges to graphic novels and other forms of comic art that have now spread through more than a dozen states. Maia Kobabe’s award-winning graphic memoir, Gender Queer, has been placed at the epicenter of many of these challenges at the state and local level and was previously the subject of a Virginia obscenity lawsuit, which was successfully defended by the CBLDF and ruled to be unconstitutional in 2022. Oni Press is proud to reciprocate the CBLDF’s support at this critical time in the history of free speech for the comics medium.

Posted in Art & Streetart, Comics, Conventions, Events & Expos, San Diego Comic Con 2023 | Comments Off on Oni Press Presents The Annual CBLDF Welcome Party & Art Auction 2023 

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara sails this month

Posted on 07/12/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

The perfect tropical adventure for summer holidays

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara is getting ready to hit PC (Steam) and consoles on July 27th. This colorful tribute to classic 3D platform games is the result of the joint effort of 3 Spanish studios: Chibig, Talpa Games and Undercoders. The game is priced at 19.99€/$ and will have a 15% discount on all platforms for the launch.

After the success of Summer in Mara (2020), Koa and Napopo sail again on this adventure through new islands where we can find countless treasures and we’ll meet again some familiar faces.

From magical temples to cranky volcanoes, we’ll gather a group of brave friends to chase down a group of mischievous pirates who have turned the city of Qälis upside down. We can’t let them do it!

Rebuild the city and get new outfits for Koa, help clean the waters of Mara to take care of its fauna and inhabitants and, above all, discover if you have a fearless little pirate inside you.

Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara has influences from games like Super Mario 3D World, Crash Bandicoot and even The Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker; a sure bet for the nostalgic ones who grew up playing platformers and for those looking for a fun adventure for these summer vacations.

About Chibig
Chibig makes cozy and cute games for everyone, combining relaxing adventures settled in fantastical worlds full of wonder. Chibig started its universe in 2018 with Deiland, and kept expanding with Summer in Mara in 2020. More charming and compelling tales are about to be discovered with the upcoming projects of the studio: Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara, Mika and the Witch’s Mountain and Elusive People.
Posted in Video Games | Comments Off on Koa and the Five Pirates of Mara sails this month

Cartoon Network at SDCC 2023

Posted on 07/12/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Burbank, CA, July 6, 2023 – Adult Swim and Cartoon Network announced today a must-see San Diego Comic-Con lineup featuring top animated series. With a schedule that encompasses both kids’ and family entertainment and adult comedy, this year’s schedule will include panels for the Emmy®-winning global phenomenon “Rick and Morty,” new action-packed series “My Adventures with Superman,” the latest season of the adult animated comedy “Teenage Euthanasia,” as well as Cartoon Networks’ upcoming new show “Tiny Toons Looniversity.” Plus, Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment will also highlight the forthcoming releases of the highly anticipated animated films based on two of Adult Swim’s most beloved series: “The Venture Bros.: Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart” and “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar.”

Delving into each series, panels will bring exclusive first looks, behind-the-scenes insights, and interactive fun. Join the zany cast and crew of Cartoon Network’s “Tiny Toons Looniversity” for an exclusive screening and Q&A before flying to Metropolis for a behind-the-scenes look at Adult Swim’s newest series, “My Adventures with Superman.” Panels continue throughout the day with a look at season two of “Teenage Euthanasia,” the epic return of Dethklok in a “Metalocalypse: The Army of the Doomstar” preview panel, culminating in a 10th-anniversary celebration and season seven sneak peek of Adult Swim’s wildly popular series, “Rick and Morty.”

Additional Adult Swim and Cartoon Network events during San Diego Comic-Con include the Adult Swim Festival on the Green in San Diego and signings at the DC booth with the cast of “My Adventures with Superman.”

Thursday, July 20

“The Venture Bros.: Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart”
8:30 p.m., Room 6BCF
Be among the first fans to experience the all-new original animated movie “The Venture Bros.: Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart” with the world premiere screening! Afterwards, join filmmakers and cast for a panel discussion and audience Q&A. “The Venture Bros.: Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart” will be available to own on Digital starting July 21 and on Blu-rayTM on July 25, 2023.

Friday, July 21

“Tiny Toons Looniversity” 
10:00 a.m., Indigo Ballroom
Congratulations, you’ve been accepted into ACME Looniversity! Join our esteemed panel of “Tiny Toons Looniversity” academics (aka cast and crew) as they take you on a “campus tour” of Cartoon Network’s newest entry into the Looniverse. Classes begin this fall, but panel attendees will be treated to a screening of the premiere episode! “Tiny Toons Looniversity” is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation.

“My Adventures with Superman”
11:00 a.m., Indigo Ballroom
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman like you’ve never seen him before! Watch a new episode of Adult Swim’s newest comedy adventure and join the heroic cast and crew of “My Adventures with Superman” as they discuss familiar friends and foes, plus what else we will see in season one and beyond. “My Adventures with Superman” is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.

“Teenage Euthanasia”
12:00 p.m., Indigo Ballroom 
Trophy might be dead, and stuck in Florida, but join the very much alive cast and crew in sunny San Diego as they look back at the apocalyptic near-future and share an exclusive look at the new season. “Teenage Euthanasia” season two premieres Wednesday, July 26 at Midnight on Adult Swim, next day on Max.

“Metalocalypse: The Army of the Doomstar”
1:00 p.m., Indigo Ballroom
Can the Metalocalypse be stopped? Join series co-creator Brendan Small and guests as they talk all things “Metalocalypse,” reveal footage from the forthcoming film, and discuss the forthcoming album “Dethalbum IV.” “Metalocalypse: Army of the Doomstar” will be available to own on Digital and Blu-rayTM starting August 22, 2023.

“Rick and Morty: 10th Anniversary”
2:00 p.m., Indigo Ballroom
It hasn’t been 100 years QUITE yet but join the cast and crew as they celebrate ten years of “Rick and Morty” adventures and family shenanigans! Plus, get a sneak peek at the upcoming seventh season!!

In addition is the Adult Swim Festival. A free and open public event but which needs now Sold-Out RSVPs, but get on the waiting list… I am sure it’ll still be a “if you’re there and there’s room” type thing.

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Nerd Notes (7/12/23)

Posted on 07/11/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Live Action Star Wars Clone Wars x Rebels:

How To with John Wilson:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDw6hGm7eUQ

This looks like a great twist on this genre:

A24 doesn’t miss:

Ferris Bueller grew up to be a multi millionaire legal drug dealer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24-YonhNS0Y

and now music… and eye candy.

Posted in Nerd Notes | Comments Off on Nerd Notes (7/12/23)