Road to SDCC: BOOM! Studios and The Jim Henson Company Partner to Bring a New Adaptation of LABYRINTH to Fans

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

Fully funded and over funded in 15 minutes!

 BOOM! Direct Reserve Campaign Launches with a New Sequential Art Adaptation and Definitive Graphic Novel Collections Based on the Beloved Fantasy Film

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 11, 2023) – In the lead up to San Diego Comic-Con 2023, BOOM! Studios is launching its fourth BOOM! Direct Reserve Campaign of the year, celebrating the legacy of Jim Henson’s seminal and final feature film, Labyrinth, with the Complete Jim Henson’s LABYRINTH Graphic Novel Collection campaign on Kickstarter.

Following the successful The Dark Crystal 40th Anniversary Library campaign in 2022, BOOM! Studios is celebrating Labyrinth, Jim Henson’s visionary musical fantasy starring David Bowie and Jennifer Connelly that has inspired and captivated audiences of all ages for nearly 40 years. Now, for the first time EVER, BOOM! Studios in partnership with The Jim Henson Company proudly presents the beloved original novelization by A.C.H. Smith adapted into a fully illustrated graphic novel featuring a brand new cover by fan favorite cover artist Miguel Mercado (Magic, Dune: House Atreides).

In addition to the new graphic novel adaptation, available in both hardcover and slipcased hardcover editions, BOOM! Studios is also offering all of its’ previously published LABYRINTH sequential stories in a pair of complete deluxe editions with COMPLETE LABYRINTH: CORONATION and COMPLETE LABYRINTH: BEYOND THE GOBLIN CITY.

Alongside the complete LABYRINTH Visual Library, including signed and BOOM! Elite editions, BOOM! Studios is offering a selection of highly limited LABYRINTH collectibles exclusively through the BOOM! Direct Reserve initiative. These collectibles include a replica of the original theatrical poster, a replica of one of The Crystals wielded by the Goblin King in the film, and, in partnership with Pinfinity, a hinged A/R enhanced jumbo enamel pin in three increasingly rare variations.

Finally, any fan who reserves a tier through this BOOM! Direct Reserve campaign in the first 24 hours will automatically receive an exclusive “Should You Need Us…” enamel pin as a Day One Bonus item!

“We all have an immense fondness for the works of Jim Henson at BOOM! Studios,” said President of Publishing & Marketing, Filip Sablik. “And without a doubt, one of his most beloved and seminal creations is Labyrinth. When our partners at The Jim Henson Company approached us with the opportunity to do something really special with it, we leapt at it. We hope every fan has as much fun as we did rediscovering Sarah Williams’ journey and encounter with Jareth, The Goblin King. Everything in this campaign is our love letter to that magical world.”

Complete Jim Henson’s LABYRINTH Graphic Novel Collection BOOM! Direct Reserve Campaign will continue for 30 days, with special surprises, product reveals, and hidden stretch goals to be announced all month long, including an exclusive Day One Bonus enamel pin available for the first 24 hours of the campaign.

For continuing news on Jim Henson’s Labyrinth and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

Posted in Books, Comics, Kickstarter | Comments Off on Road to SDCC: BOOM! Studios and The Jim Henson Company Partner to Bring a New Adaptation of LABYRINTH to Fans

IMAGE COMICS AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2023

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

PORTLAND, Ore. 07/11/2023 — Image Comics is pleased to return to San Diego this year for Comic-Con on Wednesday, July 19 through Sunday, July 23 at booth #1915.

Please note: updates to the schedule may appear online during the show. Please refer to www.imagecomics.com for the most up-to-date information.

LIMITED* CONVENTION VARIANTS SOLD AT THE IMAGE BOOTH (#1915):
*Quantities will be limited by customer and per day on a first-come, first-served basis. Please ask at the Image booth about availability.
  • Big Game #1 Convention Exclusive by Mark Millar & Pepe Larraz, cover art by Larraz, $5 + tax
  • Eight Billion Genies deluxe edition Vol. 1 Convention Exclusive hardcover by Charles Soule & Ryan Browne, cover art by Browne $39.99 + tax
  • Inferno Girl Red Convention Exclusive hardcover by Mat Groom & Erica D’Urso, cover art by D’Urso, $40 + tax
  • Night Fever hardcover by Ed Brubaker & Sean Phillips with Convention Exclusive dust jacket, cover art by Phillips, $24.99 + tax
  • A Righteous Thirst for Vengeance deluxe hardcover by Rick Remender & André Lima Araújo with Convention Exclusive dust jacket, cover art by Araújo, $39.99 + tax
  • Paper Girls x Blackwings collab pencils, $25 + tax
  • Black Science statue, $100 + tax

AVAILABLE AT THE MAD GHOST PRODUCTIONS BOOTH (#1320):

  • Geiger: Ground Zero full color, 8-page Convention Exclusive ashcan

IMAGE COMICS SDCC PANELS:

—THURSDAY, 7/20—

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Image Comics: Spotlight on Bestselling Creator Jeff Lemire

Join us for an in-depth conversation with bestselling, multiple award winning, master storyteller Jeff Lemire as he shares details about his new series Fishflies and Tenement as well as his upcoming graphic novel Cosmic Detective and even more in store for his fans. Moderator Ashley V. Robinson of Popverse, Geek History Lesson podcast. Room: 25ABC

—FRIDAY, 7/21—

10:30AM – 11:30AM
Image Comics: Spotlight on the Legendary Todd McFarlane

Todd McFarlane Spawn and Venom creator, McFarlane Toys’ CEO, and President of Image Comics takes fans on a behind-the-scenes look at Spawnmania. McFarlane offers fans a sneak peek into the future of upcoming toys, what’s ahead for the Spawn Universe, and all the exciting developments on the horizon.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Image Comics: Spotlight on Bestselling Writer Rick Remender

Join comics titan Rick Remender for an in-depth conversation about his Giant Generator imprint at Image Comics, his 25 years as one of the primary voices shaping the landscape of creator owned comics with tiles like Fear Agent, Black Science, Low, Deadly Class, and Seven to Eternity, how the industry attitude towards creator rights has changed, the power of DIY thinking, and the inside scoop on his new ongoing series with Max Fiumara, The Sacrificers! All of this and a massive announcement about a new Giant Generator project slated to hit next year! Moderator: Robert Kirkman of Invincible, The Walking Dead. Room: 25ABC

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Syzygy Publishing’s Tales of Syzpense: its recent Past, current Present, and exciting Future

Join Chris Ryall and Ashley Wood, the co-founders of Image’s newest imprint, Syzygy, and some of Syz’s key creators for spirited Tales of Syzpense involving what’s come before and what’s coming up next. Panelists include multiple-Eisner nominees and Rain co-creators David M. Booher and Zoe Thorogood! Hitomi writer HS Tak! And Artist Uko Smith! Interesting announcements and great art will be provided, gratis, to all attendees! Room 24ABC

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Image Comics: The Future of RADIANT BLACK’s The Massive-Verse

Join Massive-Verse superstars Kyle Higgins (Radiant Black, No/One), Brian Buccellato (No/One), Melissa Flores (The Dead Lucky), Ryan Parrott (Rogue Sun), and more special, celebrity surprise guests as the crew unveils exciting new developments and announcements in store for the Massive-verse this year and beyond! Moderator: TBA. Room: 5AB

5:00 – 6:00 PM
Cliff Bleszinski: Games to Comics

Games legend Cliff Bleskinski (Gears of War, Fortnite) discusses the creation of his debut comic Scrapper (Image Comics) with co-writer Alex de Campi (Dracula, Motherf**ker!, Bad Karma, Parasocial), plus a Q&A moderated by John Nee (publisher, Marvel; president Wildstorm). Room 23ABC.

6:15 – 7:00 PM
Cliff Bleszinski post-panel signing in Autograph Area

—SATURDAY, 7/22—

10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Image Comics: Comics Storytelling, Genre & Craft

Join Dustin Nguyen (Little Monsters), Zoe Thorogood (It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth), Daniel Warren Johnson (Do a Powerbomb!), Alex De Campi (Parasocial), Ryan Stegman (The Schlub), and Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian) for a freewheeling conversation amongst some of the top talent in the comics industry as they discuss genre, storytelling, industry secrets, and tricks-of-the-trade. Moderator: Chris Arrant of Popverse. Room: 28DE

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Spotlight on Alex de Campi, bestselling writer/co-creator of Dracula, Motherf**ker!

Cult comics writer Alex de Campi (Dracula, Motherf**ker!, Bad Karma, Parasocial) discusses her career and the three books she has coming out this Autumn. Q&A to follow. Moderator: Khai Krumbhaar of Geekiary & True War Stories. Room 9.

1:30 – 2:00 PM
Alex de Campi post-panel signing in Autograph Area.

—SUNDAY, 7/23—

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Image Comics: Comics characters fans will love or hate—or love to hate!

Join Mirka Andolfo (Sweet Paprika), Tony Fleecs (Local Man), Sanford Greene (Bitter Root), David F. Walker (Bitter Root), Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia) and special surprise guests come together for an in-depth discussion of character building that leaps from the page and the secret behind what makes for loveable or unlikable characters for readers. Moderator: Graeme McMillan of Popverse. Room 10

SIGNINGS AT THE IMAGE COMICS BOOTH (#1915):
*All items presented for signing are subject to review and denial by staff. No CGC, CBCS, or other witnessing/grading.

—THURSDAY, 7/20—

1:30 – 2:30 PM

  • Dustin Nguyen
  • Brett Bean

3:00 – 4:00 PM

  • Charles Soule
  • John Layman

3:30 – 4:30 PM

  • Gerry Duggan, Brian Posehn & Scott Koblish

4:30 – 5:30 PM

  • David F. Walker & Sanford Greene

—FRIDAY, 7/21—

10:30 – 11:30 AM

  • Zoe Thorogood (no sketches)

11 – 12 PM

  • Daniel Warren Johnson

12 – 1 PM

  • Jeff Lemire

12:30 – 1:30 PM

  • Alex de Campi

1:30 – 2:30 PM

  • Rick Remender

2:30 – 3:00 PM

  • Shof Coker

4:00 – 5:00 PM

  • Massive-Verse group signing

4:30 – 5:30 PM

  • Charles Soule & Ryan Browne

—SATURDAY, 7/22—

10:00 – 11:00 AM

  • Charles Soule & Ryan Browne
  • Fred Kennedy, Allison O’Toole & Nick Marinkovich

11:30 – 12:30 PM

  • Zoe Thorogood (no sketches)
  • Daniel Warren Johnson

1:00 – 2:00 PM

  • Tony Fleecs & Tim Seeley (limited quantity free promotional Local Man trading cards available to signing attendees, first come, first serve).
  • Pornsak Pichetshote

2:30 – 3:30 PM

  • Rodney Barnes & Jason Shawn Alexander
  • Shof Coker

4:00 – 5:00 PM

  • Rick Remender
  • Sanford Greene

—SUNDAY, 7/23—

10:00 – 11:00 AM

  • Mirka Andolfo

10:30 – 11:30 AM

  • Zoe Thorogood (no sketches)

OFF-SITE SDCC PROGRAMMING:

—SATURDAY, 7/22—

4:00 – 6:00 PM
Creators Assemble: Comics Camaraderie, A Networking Event
Together, creators, publishers, comic shop owners, teachers, and library workers have brought greater acceptance to comics and fan culture. Take a break from hectic convention life to experience “speed dating”style networking with diverse comics enthusiasts from all backgrounds. Guests include: Alex Antone (Skybound Entertainment), Heather Antos (IDW Publishing), Vince Alvendia (Egg Drop Ramen Studios), Matthew Atherton (CSUSM), Moni Barrette (2023 Eisner judge), David M. Booher (Killer Queens), J.M. Brandt (Swamp Dogs: House of Crows), Cherish Chen (Massive-Verse), Amy Chu (Carmilla: The First Vampire), Dani Colman (The Unfinished Corner), Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press), Andi Dukleth (Accidental Aliens), Kyle Higgins (Massive-Verse), Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman Historia), Nikita Kannekanti (Legendary Comics), Mathias Lewis (Knowhere Games & Comics), Hannah Rose May (Rogues’ Gallery), Don Nguyen (Zoo Magnet Inc.), Alonso Nunez (Little Fish Comic Book Studio), Morgan Perry (Skybound Entertainment), Jack Phoenix (comics librarian), Jimmy Purcell (A3 Publishing), Chris Ryall (Image Comics/Syzygy), Brian Schirmer (Quests Aside), Erin Snider (Creators Assemble!), and Charlie Stickney (White Ash). Marriott Marquis Marina D

Posted in Conventions, Events & Expos, San Diego Comic Con 2023 | Comments Off on IMAGE COMICS AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2023

“The Making of Karateka” interactive documentary

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

Before The Last Express… before Prince of Persia… there was Karateka.

The Making of Karateka - Trailer

Famed game designer Jordan Mechner was an 18-year-old college student when he started making the martial arts adventure that would become one of the most influential games of the Apple II era.

Four decades later, the story behind this groundbreaking game has been meticulously reconstructed into an innovative interactive documentary by Digital Eclipse, the team behind acclaimed collections including the Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection.

Unveiled minutes ago during Microsoft’s ID@Xbox showcase, The Making of Karateka will be available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S as well as Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC (Steam, GOG, and Epic Store). A simultaneous release on all platforms is expected later this summer.

The Making of Karateka - Characters Bowing

 

The Making of Karateka - Rotoscoping

ABOUT THE INTERACTIVE DOCUMENTARY
Discover how Karateka was made through an exhaustive archive of design documents, playable prototypes, and all-new video features. Like walking through a museum, you can explore the interactive timelines and their historical artifacts at your own pace.

The Making of Karateka includes:

  • Pixel-perfect versions of the original Karateka games plus a variety of never-before-seen early prototypes, with rich quality-of-life features like save anywhere, rewind, chapter select, and director’s commentary.
  • Two remastered games: Karateka Remastered, an all-new adaptation of the original featuring cutting-room-floor content, commentary & achievements, and Deathbounce: Rebounded, a fast and frantic twin-stick shooter based on Jordan’s unpublished prototype.
  • A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how Karateka became one of the first games to include cinematic scenes, a moving original soundtrack, rotoscoped animation, a Hollywood-style love story, and more.

 

The Making of Karateka - Characters Hugging

INTRODUCING THE GOLD MASTER SERIES
The Making of Karateka will be the first release in Digital Eclipse’s Gold Master Series, which will archive video game history in a uniquely interactive, playable format. The series’ second entry, also in development, will be unveiled later this year. Sign up for the Digital Eclipse newsletter to receive updates on the Gold Master Series and more.

Posted in Video Games | Comments Off on “The Making of Karateka” interactive documentary

GEOFF JOHNS & GARY FRANK’S BESTSELLING SERIES GEIGER GETS OWN BOOTH AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

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

PORTLAND, Ore. 07/11/2023 — Geoff Johns and Gary Frank’s critically acclaimed bestselling comic book series Geiger, published by Image Comics, will have a dedicated booth for the first time at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con (July 19-23). Fans of the creator-owned series can flock to Geiger’s staffed booth #1320, located in Halls B/C, beginning on Preview Night, Wednesday, July 19, through Sunday, July 23. Booth visitors will receive a limited edition, full color, eight page ashcan of the upcoming Geiger: Ground Zero featuring the latest adventure of radioactive family man Tariq Geiger, as he fights to protect his family in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

“The response to Geiger has been truly overwhelming,” said Johns. “We’re excited to continue building Geiger, Junkyard Joe, Redcoat, and the rest of The Unnamed Universe, so having a dedicated presence at this year’s Comic-Con is a great opportunity to further share it all with fans.”

Geiger is also currently being adapted as a streaming series for Paramount TV by Geoff Johns’ Mad Ghost and Justin Simiens’ Culture Machine.

GEIGER San Diego Comic-Con Booth Information:
Dates: Wednesday, July 19 – Sunday, July 23, 2023
Hours: 6:00–9:00 PM on Wednesday; 9:30 AM–7 PM on Thursday–Saturday; 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM on Sunday
Booth #: 1320
Location: Halls B/C, San Diego Convention Center

Posted in Comics, Conventions, Events & Expos | Comments Off on GEOFF JOHNS & GARY FRANK’S BESTSELLING SERIES GEIGER GETS OWN BOOTH AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

Skybound to Celebrate 20 Years of The Walking Dead and Invincible at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2023

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

Join Skybound for Exclusive Panels, Talent Appearances Including Wrestling Legends, Katee Sackhoff, and Greg Nicotero, Playable Game Demos, and More as the Creator Led Company Hits the SDCC Show Floor for the First Time

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 11, 2023 – Skybound Entertainment, the creator-led, multi-platform entertainment company, today unveiled its plans for this year’s Comic-Con International: San Diego. Skybound is celebrating the 20th anniversary of two of the company’s beloved franchises: The Walking Dead and Invincible. It will be an action-packed week filled with exclusive panels, celebrity appearances and signings, giveaways, playable tabletop and video games, daily photo booth and cosplay contests and much more taking place at the Skybound booth (#3735).

For all the updates and schedules go to skybound.com/sdcc-2023 or follow the Skybound social channels. Skybound will be hosting the following panels, special events, appearances and livestream and stage programming each day at the show. Additionally, fans can watch all of the livestream programming from home at twitch.tv/skybound and https://www.youtube.com/@Skybound.

Wednesday, July 19

Fans can join Skybound at their two story booth for the company’s first ever appearance on the SDCC show floor. Preview night will kick things off with a special celebration of the recently announced partnership between Skybound and toy and game company Hasbro. A live session of Travel by Trolley, the hit board game with a brand-new vacation expansion pack, will also be running.

The merchandise booth will be open for business starting tonight, premiering exclusive SDCC gear including comics, games, apparel, limited edition collectibles and more across fan-favorite Skybound properties.

Headlining the merchandise booth will be custom The Walking Dead skate decks by rising star artist Bear Walker, all-new The Walking Dead and Invincible AR-enabled pins by Pinfinity, and the official Burger Mart Box, which features exclusive Invincible merchandise alongside all-new Slabs comic cover trading cards produced by Yesterdays, with 1:10 chance of securing a Robert Kirkman signed Slab.

Each day of the convention will also see a special variant cover of Invincible comics available for fans to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the best superhero comic in the universe, published by Image Comics. Skybound has recruited some of the best talent in comics–Greg Capullo, Tradd Moore, Andy Kubert, Justine Florentino and Rose Besch–to showcase favorite characters Invincible, Omni-Man, Atom Eve and Battle Beast.

Thursday, July 20

WrestleQuest: The Wrestlefication of an RPG

4:15-5:15 PM, Room 6A

Join Mega Cat Studios team members alongside surprise legendary wrestlers, as they break down bringing traditional JRPG mechanics to the wrestling ring. Peak behind the scenes with case studies, lessons learned, and feedback from fans, professional wrestlers, and RPG superfans. Panelists include wrestling legends Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Sgt. Slaughter, Jeff Jarrett along with James Deighan and Zack Manko of Mega Cat Studios.

At the Skybound booth:

Travis Beacham, creator of the hit Audible original Impact Winter, will do a signing (3:30-4:30pm*) and be joined by Skybound Chairman Robert Kirkman in conversation live. Greg Nicotero and artist Becky Cloonan of the Skybound anthology comic series Creepshow (10:00-11:00am*), published by Image Comics, will be making special appearances and signing. Wrestling legends Jeff Jarret, Jake “The Snake” Roberts and Sgt. Slaughter will be making an appearance and signing, as the development team from Mega Cat Studios shows off the latest gameplay from the highly anticipated WrestleQuest (12:30-1:30pm*).

Offsite Activation:

Impact Winter themed activations include wrapped trolleys transporting SDCC attendees throughout the Gaslamp and an exclusive, VIP-only immersive dinner featuring thrilling audio and tantalizing provisions called “The Feast.”

Friday, July 21

Invincible 20th Anniversary Panel

4:30PM – 5:30 PM, Room 6BCF

The Best Superhero Comic Book In The Universe celebrates its 20th anniversary, since it first debuted at Image Comics, with a look back at the franchise and a look forward at what’s to come in the worlds of comics, animation, video games, tabletop games, and more! Join Invincible creators Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley along with Marge Dean (Head of Studio, Skybound Animation) and Mike Rogers (Creative Director, Skybound).

A Q&A with the Cast and Creator of Prime Video’s Invincible

5:45 – 6:45 PM, Room 6BCF

Join executive producer Robert Kirkman and members of the cast and crew as they break news and discuss key storylines from the upcoming and highly anticipated second season of Prime Video’s hit animated series Invincible, based on the groundbreaking comic book by Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. The story revolves around 18-year-old Mark Grayson, who’s just like every other guy his age—except his father is (or was) the most powerful superhero on the planet. Starring Steven Yeun, with Sandra Oh, Zazie Beetz, Grey Griffin, Chris Diamantopoulos, Walton Goggins, Gillian Jacobs, Jason Mantzoukas, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, Zachary Quinto, Andrew Rannells, Kevin Michael Richardson, Seth Rogen, and J.K. Simmons. Executive producers are Kirkman, Catherine Winder, David Alpert, Simon Racioppa, Margaret M. Dean, Rogen, and Evan Goldberg, and co-executive producers are Helen Leigh and Walker.

 

This is NOT an Invincible Season Two Special Screening

10:00 – 11:00 PM, Room 6A

At the Skybound booth:

Wrestling legends will be making an appearance and signing, as the development team from Mega Cat Studios shows off the latest gameplay from the highly anticipated WrestleQuest (1:30-2:30pm*). Skybound Animation’s Marge Dean will be on hand to discuss bringing Invincible from comics to the screen (10:00-11:00am*).

Saturday, July 22

Transformers & G.I. Joe Return in The Energon Universe

4:15-5:15 PM, Room 6A

The Transformers and G.I. Joe are back at Skybound, kicking off THE ENERGON UNIVERSE! Superstars Robert Kirkman (Void Rivals), Daniel Warren Johnson (Transformers), Joshua Williamson (Duke, Cobra Commander) and Sean Mackiewicz (SVP/Publisher, Skybound) reveal the secrets behind Image/Skybound’s most anticipated comics of 2023. Moderated by James Viscardi (ComicBook.com).

At the Skybound booth:

Iconic actress Katee Sackhoff will be making an appearance on the broadcast livestream to talk about her new podcast, Blah Blah Blah with Katee Sackhoff (1:30-2:00pm*). Artist Bear Walker will be hosting a signing and debuting his all-new The Walking Dead skate deck (12:00-1:00pm*). Daniel Warren Johnson (Transformers) and Joshua Williamson (Duke, Cobra Commander) will also be hosting an Energon Universe signing (6:00-7:00pm*).

Sunday, July 23

At the Skybound booth:

Impact Winter creator Travis Beacham will do a signing (3:00-4:00pm*). An exclusive look at the upcoming new tabletop game Kiss the Goblin played live on the Skybound stage (12:00-1:30pm*). Fans can participate in a cosplay contest for exclusive prizes (2:30-3:00pm*). Skybound CEO David Alpert will host a special session on giving fans the unique opportunity to own a part of Skybound (1:30-2:00pm*).

         

All Week

Throughout the show at the Skybound booth fans will be able to preview and play the following highly anticipated audio series and video and tabletop games:

  • Impact Winter: The Skybound booth will come complete with individual sound bays where fans can listen to Season 1 highlights and Season 2 previews of the best selling Audible original series. The second season of the epic post-apocalyptic drama from Audible, Skybound and Anonymous Content debuts exclusively on Audible on July 13.
  • WrestleQuest: an upcoming RPG adventure featuring a licensed roster of iconic wrestling legends scheduled for worldwide release on August 8. Players assume the role of a young wrestling hopeful, on their quest to become one of the all-time greats by powerbombing, slamming, and suplexing their way to the top. As our hero progresses through their quest, they’ll note homages to “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Booker T, Andre The Giant, Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Diamond Dallas Page, Jeff Jarrett, and many more.
  • Invincible and The Walking Dead Dice Games: Play the two new card-and-dice games set to launch in Q4 2023 in time for Season 2 of the highly anticipated Invincible series on Amazon Prime. Both games are designed to be easy to learn and packed with iconic art from Skybound’s flagship comic universes, clever mechanics, and exciting push-your-luck gameplay.

Exclusive Merchandise including:

  • Bear Walker Skate Deck – $225
  • The Walking Dead Backpack – $64.99
  • Pinfinity The Walking Dead Blind Box Pins – $14.99
  • The Walking Dead Bloody Clementine “Clem” Hat – $24.99
  • Lucille Ballpoint Pen – $9.99
  • Pinfinity Invincible Pin Set – $39.99
  • Burger Mart Box with Invincible Slabs Comic Cover Trading Cards – $49.99
  • Mantic The Walking Dead Dice Game – $19.99
  • Mantic Invincible Dice Game – $19.99
  • Impact Winter Vinyl Soundtrack – $24.99
  • Trial by Trolley Core Deck – $24.99
  • Trial by Trolley Vacation Expansion – $17.99
  • Mr. Lovenstein Presents: No Context – $24.99
  •    
  • Exclusive Comics including:
    • Invincible #1 Greg Capullo Variant – $25.00 – available Wednesday only
    • Invincible #11 Tradd Moore Variant – $20.00 – available Thursday only
    • Invincible #19 Andy Kubert Variant – $20.00 – available Friday only
    • Invincible #2 Rose Besch Variant – $20.00 – available Saturday only
    • Invincible #2 Justine Florentino Variant – $20.00 – available Sunday only
    • Void Rivals #1 Daniel Warren Johnson Variant – $20.00
    • Transformers #1 Ashcan – $20.00
    • Creepshow Volume 2 #1 Ashcan – $10.00

    *Note: All Skybound booth activity times are subject to change. All signings will be limited to three items per person. All items presented for signing are subject to review and denial by staff. No CGC, CBCS, or other witnessing/grading.

    Follow Skybound on Twitter (@Skybound), YouTube (Skybound), Facebook (@SkyboundEntertainment), Instagram (@skyboundent), Discord (Skybound), Reddit (Skybound), and at https://www.skybound.com/sdcc-2023 for updates in real time from the convention floor.

 

Posted in Comics, Conventions, Events & Expos, San Diego Comic Con 2023, TV and Movies | Comments Off on Skybound to Celebrate 20 Years of The Walking Dead and Invincible at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2023

Stunning Rotoscoped Narrative Adventure Frank and Drake Reveals PlayStation and Xbox Release Date, Xbox Demo

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

 

Frank and Drake, the gorgeous rotoscoped narrative adventure starring an unlikely duo solving a conspiracy, developed by Appnormals and published by Chorus Worldwide, uncovers new pieces of the conspiracy today.

 

• PlayStation 4 & 5: Launching Thursday, July 20, alongside previously announced Nintendo Switch and Steam versions

• Xbox One + Series X|S: These versions also launch on Thursday, July 20, with a demo debuting today as part of ID@Xbox Demo Fest 2023

Choice-based gameplay with branching paths lies at the heart of Frank and Drake’s tale. Choose dialogue options throughout various scenarios across the span of seven in-game days. Piece together multiple endings to gain insight into the broader scope of just how far this conspiracy goes.

Frank and Drake tells the tale of two unlikely roommates in the Baltimore-inspired Oriole City, as they work to uncover a strange conspiracy. Opposing lifestyles create a day and night cycle, partly due to Drake’s mysterious solar allergy. The two rely on asynchronous means of communication and puzzle solving to arrive at the source of it all.

Frank and Drake launches on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam on Thursday, July 20.

For more information, follow Appnormals and Chorus Worldwide on Twitter, and visit the official Frank and Drake page on Chorus Worldwide’s website.

 

Posted in Video Games | Comments Off on Stunning Rotoscoped Narrative Adventure Frank and Drake Reveals PlayStation and Xbox Release Date, Xbox Demo

The Robos are BACK in Your First Look at MECH CADETS #1

Posted on 07/10/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Now a Netflix Animated Series, MECH CADETS Makes a Mighty Return this Summer

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 10, 2023) –  BOOM! Studios revealed today a first look at MECH CADETS #1, the  first issue of a brand new chapter in the hit mecha series by co-creators Greg Pak (Ronin Island) and Takeshi Miyazawa (Ms. Marvel), with colors by Ian Herring (Deadpool), and letters by Simon Bowland (Mech Cadet Yu). Available August 2023 ahead of the launch of the highly anticipated Netflix animated series.

Stanford Yu, Olivia Park, Maya Sanchez, and Frank Olivetti are back in action a year after saving the world from the threat of a Sharg invasion. But how will the Sky Corps Central Command and the cadets themselves handle the fact that Mech Cadet Olivia Park, the teenaged pilot of the Supra-robo Hero Force 2, has become the most powerful person on the planet? Meanwhile, the threat of the Sharg takes on a whole new dimension with a shocking revelation that threatens everything our heroes know about their robos and themselves!

MECH CADETS #1 features a main cover by series artist Takeshi Miyazawa and Ian Herring, and variant covers by acclaimed artists Sonny Liew (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Junggeun Yoon (Grim).

MECH CADETS 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 the upcoming 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.

MECH CADETS #1 will be available in comic shops August 9, 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. Be sure to catch up on the story with Mech Cadets Book One Softcover, collecting issues #1-#12 of the original series, on-sale everywhere books are sold now!

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

Read On for more covers and preview of interiors.

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AEW Fight Ridiculous!

Posted on 07/08/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

All Elite Wrestling’s first video game, designed with the assistance of famous wrestling game designer Yuke’s through their own AEW Game division has been out for a couple weeks. They also announced a 30 person online free addition using Stadium Stampede which will allow players to run over others with tanks (see, ridiculous!). I played the game for a week before it came out and then for a week after, while also watching some streamers I enjoy also take the game in and seeing how they reacted. Then I let the game digest in my brain through phone calls and conversations, and now I’ll try to let MY PERSONAL (which probably differ from many) exist on the page with other things.

 

Let’s get the good out of the way. Graphically (at least on a recent  console or a PC) are fantastic, no issues there… although on a Switch the game looks silly almost like an Xbox OG game.  The game-play is nothing to truly complain about. It’s basic at best, it’s your traditional fighting/wrestling game. You have strikes, kicks, slams, moves off the top, running moves, dives, weapons, different arenas and select but not complete roster.  One on One plays well, but 3 and 4 person singles and the tag team have concepts that frequently make it frustrating to annoying. When you tag in or out the AI all get in the ring. Every single time. Also when you go for a pin so it’s up to the AI to stop the AI and they never do.  Another issue and this is all those modes is focusing. Even with a button to fix your focus it doesn’t always work 100%, or even 50% of the time, your character will focus on who it wants and cause you to at times to even wrestle the Invisible Person!

A big flaw in the game is both in the modes where people were super excited for and that customization and story and both are bare bones, poorly done or in some cases just completely dumb.  Customization locks you into 6 very specific templates with the option of changing these templates equating to just making them the other templates. These particular templates and faces are actually just faces from the roster. A guy I created just looks like Jeff Hardy but muscular, make up and with a faux-hawk (hair styles and beard styles are lacking as well, you also can only have ONE tattoo.)

The story in story mode seems to have multiple paths it can go in 4 chapters (which each chapter having four paths), but no matter who you play as, be it a customized wrestler or a roster member, you have an unknown past but get signed by AEW for no reason, act like a complete mark around all wrestlers, can’t keep any friends and end up in impossible scenarios. I played as a customized and as Sting, in both I got beat up by Death Triangle in a 3 on 1, but you can only pin PAC to beat it in what feels like an unbeatable match that you still must play through. Having Sting eating as restaurants and going to local sightseeing and then acting like a common fan among other wrestlers was weird. It was weird as a customized character too though… you’re just a dork, but as Sting? Wowsa. Look at Sting marking out with all these AEW talents.

For comparison here is my Custom guy in some the same exact photos/poses.

Let’s get back to some good even though there’s the one thing in it I shake my head at. The eating out and sightseeing segments. Some ridiculous writing, the sightseeing features the lowest polygon photos one could find… (Look at the Liberty Bell above) but the eating stuff is really fun and tells you about national food with good photos and write ups. The only write up that really scratches my head is the one for the Juicy Lucy. I don’t know who wrote this caption but they need to get out more if they’ve never had one outside MN. I had one in Dallas last year, in between watching wrestling matches at a bar pub right outside Fair Park. The food tour still is really fun.

and of course as I said the Juicy Lucy and the Juicy Lucy I had in Dallas proving the spread of the concept.

A Juicy Lucy I had in Dallas, TX

At the end of the day that is the thing I can say about AEW Fight Forever, it’s really fun. It’s not “good” by a long shot, it has a ton of issues, it is not something I would return to over and over in hopes of unlocking everything, but… it’s fun if your kind of fun is that.

AEW Fight Forever is available for PC on Steam, PS4 & PS5, Nintendo Switch and XBoxOne and XSeries.

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Small Press Expo Announces Derf Backderf, Lawrence Lindell, Leslie Stein, etc. for SPX 2023

Posted on 07/08/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

Bethesda, Maryland -July 6, 2023

Small Press Expo is proud to announce the first Special Guests for SPX 2023. The show takes place on Saturday September 9 and Sunday September 10 with programming and workshops about the amazing world of independent comics and an exhibitor floor with over 500 creators.

Additional Special Guests will be announced over the next few weeks.

SPX 2023 is honored to have the following creators as Special Guests to this year’s show:

 

Visit the SPX 2023 Website for More Info

Derf will be showcasing the paperback edition of the Eisner-Award-winning KENT STATE, scheduled for release summer 2023. This appearance at SPX is also a make-up date, as the 2020 premiere of KENT STATE was wiped out by Covid. The SPX appearance will follow a lecture on KENT STATE at the Library of Congress on Thurs., Sept 7 at 7pm.

 

Lawrence Lindell

Lawrence Lindell is the author of Blackward, a new graphic novel out September 2023 with Drawn & Quarterly.

 

 

 

 

Leslie Stein

Leslie Stein is a cartoonist living in Brooklyn New York. She is the author of Brooklyn’s Last Secret, recently released from Drawn & Quarterly.

 

 

Tyrell Waiters

Tyrell Waiter’s debut graphic novel, Vern: Custodian of the Universe, is a thought-provoking and hilarious romp through time and space that explores what it means to be human in a world fraught with uncertainty.

 

Natalie Norris

We are so pleased to announce that Natalie Norris will be a Special Guest at SPX 2023! Her debut, Dear Mini: A Graphic Memoir, Book One, is a bittersweet coming of age story that chronicles the author’s teenage experiences with sexual assault, PTSD, and resiliency.

 

 

K. Wroten

Don’t miss your chance to meet K. Wroten as they debut their new graphic novel, Eden II, as a Special Guest at SPX 2023! In the grungy, punk-inflected world K. Wroten creates, a cast of disaffected young characters struggle to find their purpose in life. A blistering critique of digital media and a kaleidoscopic depiction of consumer culture, Eden II is both fanciful and satirical, a combination of deft cartooning and virtuosic storytelling.

 

Breena Nuñez

Breena Nuñez will be appearing as co-founder of the family owned small press, Laneha House. She will be signing the Laneha House Issue #10 to be released for SPX 2023. This issue will feature a series of comic strips that chronicle Breena’s experience of what it like to navigate life during pregnancy and in postpartum as a mother/birthing parent. Breena will also be appearing as a guest presenter for “Carousel” which will be hosted by R. Sikoryak.

Small Press Expo (SPX) is the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons. SPX is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings together more than 500 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers, and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics, and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. The expo includes a series of panel discussions and interviews with this year’s guests.

The Ignatz Award is a festival prize held every year at SPX recognizing outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning, with the winners chosen by attendees at the show.

For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.smallpressexpo.com.

 

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Prime Video Releases the Official Trailer to the Amazon Original Series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

Posted on 07/06/2023 by Pop-Culture Spectrum

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Sigourney Weaver, Asher Keddie, Leah Purcell, Frankie Adams, Sebastián Zurita, and Alycia Debnam-Carey star in the emotionally compelling series adaptation of Australian Holly Ringland’s international best-selling book and award-winning producers from Made Up Stories

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart will launch exclusively on Prime Video globally on August 4

Culver City—July 5, 2023—Today, Prime Video released the official trailer for Amazon Original series The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart, launching exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories on August 4. Directed by Glendyn Ivin (Penguin Bloom, Safe Harbour), and from the producers of Big Little Lies, Nine Perfect Strangers, and Anatomy of a Scandal, the full-length trailer reveals the complex mysteries and secrets surrounding Alice Hart and her family’s past.

About The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

Based on Holly Ringland’s best-selling debut novel, the seven-part series tells the emotionally compelling story of Alice Hart. When Alice, aged 9, tragically loses her parents in a mysterious fire, she is taken to live with her grandmother June at Thornfield flower farm, where she learns that there are secrets within secrets about her and her family’s past. Set against Australia’s breathtaking natural landscape, and with native wildflowers and plants providing a way to express the inexpressible, this enthralling family drama spans decades. As she grows from her complicated past, Alice’s journey builds to an emotional climax when she finds herself fighting for her life against a man she loves.

Sigourney Weaver stars as June Hart, Asher Keddie as Sally Morgan, Leah Purcell as Twig North, Frankie Adams as Candy Blue, and Alycia Debnam-Carey as Alice Hart.

Other cast members include; Alexander England (How to Please a Woman), Charlie Vickers (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Tilda Cobham-Hervey (I Am Woman), Sebastián Zurita (Amazon Original series Como Sobrevivir Soltero), Alyla Browne (Nine Perfect Strangers), and Xavier Samuel (Elvis).

The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is produced by Amazon Studios, Made Up Stories, and Fifth Season. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is executive produced by Jodi Matterson, Bruna Papandrea, and Steve Hutensky of Made Up Stories, and Sigourney Weaver, Sarah Lambert, and Glendyn Ivin. Ivin directs all seven episodes and Lambert serves as showrunner.

Three of the seven episodes will be released on August 4, with one episode rolling out weekly until the series finale on September 1. The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart is the latest addition to the Prime membership.

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