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All the latest press releases
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July 28,
2008 |
Zaldiva Inc. Becomes A Registered Auctioneering House, Significantly Enhancing Its 'Direct To E-Auction' Business
Zaldiva today announced its receipt from the state of Florida and all appropriate municipalities, their licenses to operate as a registered auctioneering house, significantly enhancing its International distribution system
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., July 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Zaldiva(TM), Inc. (XETRA: UZ8.DE) , a specialty and online distribution system wholesaler and retailer of new and vintage Pop Culture collectibles, comic books and memorabilia announced today that it has received its auctioneer's licenses for the state of Florida.
Recent transactions in Florida have caused a number of "E-Auction" or "Ebay drop-off" type companies to close up shop; some of whom have referred their clients to Zaldiva. Many small companies have found the costs and time involved in gaining these licenses to be prohibitive. Zaldiva sees the license as a monumental step in executing its business plan.
"Getting the license was very involved," said Nicole Leigh-van Coller, President of Zaldiva. "However it is something we absolutely needed if we were to continue expanding and reaching our goal of being a major distributor of collectible goods. Currently we have clients in over 23 countries due to our online efforts and now with being an auction house, it opens up all sorts of opportunities for our company and shareholders. We can now offer multiple channels of distribution for all our products on an international level. With the low U.S. dollar, our goods are relatively cheap for international buyers. This will enhance and speed up our turnover of products."
In anticipation of the licenses, Zaldiva has designed an entire marketing program to the South Florida business community for inventory and product liquidation services in addition to its regular business. Revenues from its current online efforts have been rivaling that of its 331 East Commercial Blvd model "brick and mortar" location. Both components are expected to continue to see significant revenue and cash flow increases.
"This aspect of our business model is significant to our company and its long-term goals as it not only offers businesses and individuals the ability to quickly reduce inventory levels in soft economic times, it diversifies the product offerings in our distribution system," said Leigh-van Coller. "In affect, it is another element that proves our business model as a distribution system and it also helps Zaldiva to thrive in recessions or slow economic times while opening up International markets to small businesses in South Florida immediately."
Zaldiva is a distribution system unique to the specialty retail industry, focusing its product orientation on the comics and collectibles genre. The company combines a highly visible brick and mortar location in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and an e-commerce website and portal (www.Zaldiva.com) which operates in conjunction with a series of ancillary websites in addition to its auction house capabilities. Zaldiva's current collection available electronically of classic, pop-culture and modern memorabilia can be seen at www.Zaldiva.com.
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July 27,
2008 |
JOSE MARZAN JR. WINS TWO EISNER AWARDS
San Diego, CA — July 26, 2008 -- Inker Jose Marzan Jr. received two Eisner Comic Industry Awards. One award (along with penciller Pia Guerra) for Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team for their work on Y: The Last Man (Vertigo/DC Comics), and an award (alongside his fellow creators Brian K, Vaughan and Pia Guerra) for Y: The Last Man as Best Continuing Series. The awards were handed out in a gala ceremony at Comic-Con International: San Diego, the largest and oldest comics convention in the United States.
Y: The Last Man tells the story of Yorick Brown; who along with his capuchin monkey Ampersand are the sole surviving males after a devastating plague has killed all other males on Earth. Accompanied by the mysterious Agent 355 and Dr. Alison Mann, Yorick begins a worldwide journey to unite with his fiancée, and find out the reasons behind the plague.
Marzan is a 24-year veteran of the comic book industry, having started as an intern at Marvel Comics in 1983 at the age of 16. Following his internship, Marzan attended The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. During that time he worked as an assistant to various comic book professionals, and as an art assistant (or Romita Raider) for 2002 Eisner Hall of Fame recipient John Romita Sr.
He has continued his career in the comic book industry doing work for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Crossgen, and Disney Comics. He has worked with many notable talents such as John Romita Sr., Alan Weiss, Carlos Pacheco, John Byrne, Adam Hughes, Stuart Immonen, Greg Land, Steve Ditko, Bob Layton, Jim Starlin, and Mike Wieringo. Some titles from his long list of credits include Dr. Strange, The Silver Surfer, GI Joe, Marvel Comics Presents, Roger Rabbit, Time Masters, The Flash, Action Comics featuring Superman, and The Adventures of Superman.
Marzan recently completed a five year run on Vertigo Comics’ Y: The Last Man, having the distinction of being the sole inker on the title over its five year, 60 issue run. He is currently inking a 3 issue storyline in Jack of Fables, published by DC/Vertigo Comics.
Marzan’s illustration work was exhibited at The Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibition for the years 1989 and 1990.
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July 24,
2008 |
Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Darwyn Cooke brings four original graphic novels to IDW,
based on Richard Stark’s crime fiction series of “Parker” novels
(San Diego, July 24, 2008) IDW Publishing announced today that it will be releasing four original graphic novels created by Eisner-award winning comic book artist, writer and animator Darwyn Cooke. Based on the acclaimed “Parker” crime fiction series of novels by Richard Stark (pseudonym for renowned author Donald Westlake), the first of these graphic novels will be released by IDW in mid 2009. Many of Westlake’s books have been brought to the big screen, including Point Blank, The Hot Rock, and Payback. He also wrote the screenplay for Stephen Frears’ 1990 movie The Grifters.
Originally published in the 1960s, Stark’s novels featuring the Parker character - The Hunter, The Outfit, the Mourner and The Man with the Getaway Face - are tough and tautly composed. The Parker character is known as one of the most fascinating and compelling criminals in crime fiction. Lee Marvin played Parker in John Boorman’s film Point Blank.
Darwyn Cooke is the best-selling comics auteur who has been much lauded since he burst on the comics scene in 2000. His past projects include The Spirit and DC: The New Frontier, the latter of which was turned into a feature length animated film. “In his ruthlessness and unhesitating murderousness Parker is well up there with Simenon's tormented monsters and, especially, with Patricia Highsmith's Tom Ripley” according to Slate magazine.
“Working with Darwyn has been one of the highlights of my editing career; our sensibilities mesh on a lot of levels. It’s a true pleasure and privilege to be associated with him on this project,” says Scott Dunbier, IDW Publishing’s Special Projects Editor.
Fans will be delighted to hear that IDW is offering a set of three signature cards featuring original illustrations by Cooke - available only from specific locations at Comic-Con.
One card can be found at Darwyn Cooke’s booth (#2207), another at the IDW booth (#1705), and another at the 11:00 AM IDW panel on Saturday July 26 in Room 3. The cards are limited to 500 of each and will be available exclusively at Comic-Con.
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July 23,
2008 |
THE COMIC BOOK NOVICE RADIO SHOW WILL BE ATTENDING THE 2008 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL
SAN DIEGO, CA (JULY 23, 2008): The Comic Book Novice Radio Show announces its attendance and coverage of the 2008 Comic Con International, the nation's largest comic and entertainment show. The Comic Book Novice is available to conduct interviews and provide coverage to exhibitors, professionals and celebrities in attendance during the four-day event. To request an interview or coverage, please contact John M. Guthrie, Executive Vice President at jguthrie@thecomicbooknovice.com to schedule an appointment.
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July 17,
2008 |
IDW PUBLISHING RELEASES BEN TEMPLESMITH’S NEW MINISERIES, WELCOME TO HOXFORD
(San Diego, July 17, 2008) Werewolf necrophilia and talking rats are just a small part of the dark, creepy action in Ben Templesmith’s new miniseries, Welcome to Hoxford, debuting in August from IDW Publishing. The co-creator of 30 Days of Night (with writer Steve Niles), Templesmith has built quite a fan following in recent years, including critical and sales successes with titles he has both written and created artwork for, including Wormwood Gentleman Corpse and Singularity 7.
Written and illustrated by Templesmith, Welcome to Hoxford is a horrific new series that features a unique and nasty take on werewolves. In the debut issue, Raymond Delgado is the newest inmate at the Hoxford Correctional Facility and Mental Institution. He has no hope of release, parole, rehabilitation, or decent conversation. Ray hasn’t been taking his medication. No surprises there. On a good day, he’ll tell you he’s Zeus and only bite your arm off—literally. On a bad day, you won’t have time to scream to the prison guard for help. But Dr Jessica Ainley, his doctor for five years, wants to help Ray and can’t understand why the newly privatized, corporately-run prison won’t give her access to her patients. And why people are always transferred into Hoxford, but no records show anyone ever transferring back out.
“It’s odd,” said Templesmith. “But the whole reason this book exists is because my work has been banned from a few prisons. I’m told it’s among the darkest work I’ve ever done, and I don’t mean the amount of black ink I’ve been using.”
IDW will also release Templesmith’s The Art of Wormwood in August, the third such art book he has produced.
Welcome to Hoxford #1 will be available from Comic Book Retailers in August 2008.
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July 17,
2008 |
Dark Horse Comics – Booth #2615
2008 Signing Schedule!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 23 (Preview Night)
Domo raffle! Come to our booth to win one of our San Diego Exclusive
Domo Figures!
THURSDAY, JULY 24:
11:00 – 12:00 Rick Geary: The Adventures of Blanche
12:00 - 1:00 Joshua Dysart: B.P.R.D., Conan and the Midnight God
12:00 – 1:00 Bernie Wrightson: Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein
1:00 - 2:00 Gabriel Ba & Fabio Moon: Umbrella Academy, Myspace Dark
Horse Presents
2:00 – 3:00 Nathan Fox: Pigeons From Hell
2:00 - 3:00 Dean Motter: Mister X
3:00 – 4:00 Greg “Stainboy” Reinel: Vicious Intent
3:00 – 4:00 Gilbert Hernandez: Speak of the Devil
4:00 - 5:00 Jim Hardison: The Helm
5:00 – 6:00 Eric Powell: The Goon
FRIDAY, JULY 25:
11:00 - 12:00 Matt Wagner: Grendel
11:00 – 12:00 Mike Kennedy: Aliens Vs. Predator
12:00 – 1:00 Jim Hardison: The Helm
12:00 - 1:30 Yoshitaka Amano: Vampire Hunter D; Shinjuku (*ticketed
event: See Dark Horse employee for details)
1:00 – 2:00 Scrambled Ink: Dreamworks Animators – Ken Morrissey,
JJ Villard, Ennio Torresan, David Pimental, Keith Baxter, Jenny Lerew
2:00 – 3:00 Mike Mignola: Hellboy
(*ticketed event: See Dark Horse employee for details)
3:00 – 4:30 Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog: Joss Whedon, Neil
Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day
(*ticketed event: See Dark Horse employee for details)
5:00 – 6:00 Yasuhiro Nightow: Trigun (*ticketed event: See Dark
Horse employee for details)
6:00 – 7:00 David Lloyd: Kickback
ALSO, FRIDAY, JULY 25TH IS STAR WARS DAY! STAR WARS CREATOR SIGNINGS
ALL AFTERNOON:
1:00 – 2:00 Travis Charest: Star Wars cover artist
2:00 - 3:00 Matt & Shawn Fillbach: Star Wars – The Clone Wars
3:00 - 4:00 Jeremy Barlow & Dan Parsons: Star Wars: Rebellion, Star
Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
4:00 – 5:00 Dustin Weaver: Star Wars: Rebellion, Star Wars: Knights
of the Old Republic
4:00 - 5:00 Travis Charest: Star Wars Legacy
5:00 – 6:00 Dustin Weaver & Michael Atiyeh: Star Wars Knights of the
Old Republic
6:00 – 7:00 Dave Filoni & Henry Gilroy: Star Wars: Clone Wars
SATURDAY, JULY 26:
10:00 - 11:00 Stan Sakai: Usagi Yojimbo
11:00 – 12:00 Larry Marder: Beanworld
11:00 – 12:00 David Malki: Wondermark
12:00 – 1:00 Nicholas Gurewitch: Perry Bible Fellowship
1:30 – 3:00 Bruce Campbell: My Name Is Bruce
(*ticketed event, see Dark Horse employee for details.)
3:00 – 4:00 John Landis: Groundbreaking filmmaker
4:00 - 5:30 Gerard Way, Gabriel Ba: Umbrella Academy (*ticketed
event, see Dark Horse employee for details.)
6:00 - 7:00 Bryan Talbot: Celebrating 30 years of Luther Arkwright!
6:00 – 7:00 Matt & Shawn Fillbach: Roadkill
SUNDAY, JULY 27:
11:00 – 12:00 Emily The Strange: Creative team Rob Reger, Buzz
Parker, Nix Turner, Jessica Gruener
12:00 - 1:00 Yasuhiro Nightow: Trigun (*ticketed event: See Dark
Horse employee for details)
1:00 – 2:00 Steve Niles: Criminal Macabre
1:00 – 2:00 Tara McPherson: Lonely Heart
1:00 – 2:00 Frank Kozik: Plasticland
2:00 – 3:00 Eric Powell: The Goon
2:00 – 3:00 Greg “Stainboy” Reinel: Vicious Intent
2:00 – 3:00 Rich Black: Futura
3:00 – 4:00 Keith Knight: K Chronicles
ALSO, Weta WILL HAVE SIGNINGS ALL WEEKEND!
Martin Baynton – Jane & the Dragon, Richard Taylor/Paul Tobin –
Crafting of Narnia, Greg Broadmore – Dr. Grordbort’s Dingus
Directory
*See a Weta employee for details!
And Check out these Dark Horse Related Panels and Events!
THURSDAY JULY 24
Robert E. Howard Panel
1:30 – 2:30 Room 3
Dark Horse Horror Panel
4:00 – 5:00 Room 2
FRIDAY JULY 25
Joss Whedon Panel
1:30 – 2:30 Ballroom 20
Larry Marder’s Beanworld Panel
6:00 – 7:00 Room 2
Eric Powell’s Goon Panel
6:30 – 7:30 Room 30AB
Free Premiere! Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog: Join Joss Whedon and
the cast for the big screen premiere!
10:45 PM – Rooom 6B
SATURDAY JULY 26
Mike Mignola’s Hellboy Panel
11:00 – 12:00 Room 8
The Dark Horse Publishing Panel (Featuring a surprise guest!)
12:00 – 1:00 Room 2
Gerard Way with Grant Morrison
2:15 – 3:15 Room 6B
SUNDAY JULY 27
Emily the Strange Panel
12:30 – 1:30 Room 2
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July 15,
2008 |
IDW COLLECTS SNAKED - ITS MOST CONTROVERSIAL COMIC
\(San Diego, July 15, 2008) -- The SNAKED comic series, which IDW Publishing considers its most controversial comic series to date, is being collected in a new graphic novel with plenty of extras. A cleverly concocted political thriller, SNAKED tells the story of Bill Timmons, who is born with scales and a latent ability for bloody outburst... but when Timmons makes it to the high-profile political scene, he finds out who the *real* snakes are.
Conceived by author Clifford Meth and artist Rufus Dayglo, with cover art by Ashley Wood, the SNAKED graphic novel includes all three issues of the reality-based political thriller as well as the original short stories that inspired the series with illustrations from Dave "X-Men" Cockrum. In addition to never-before-seen art, there's also a new introduction by Gene Colan, the creator of "Blade."
SNAKED has been optioned by Elysium Films with Meth scripting.
TPB • FC • 104 pages • 6.625” x 10.187” • $17.99 • ISBN: 978-1-60010-304-9
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July 8,
2008 |
IDW RELEASES DEVICE, VOL. 1: FANTASTIC CONTRAPTION
(San Diego, July 8, 2008) — Device, Volume 1: Fantastic Contraption celebrates the genius of invention and ingenuity with a showcase of works from an international roster of artists including—H.R. Giger, Ashley Wood, Stéphane Halleux, Viktor Koen, Christopher Conte, Gregory Brotherton, Mike Libby, Nemo Gould, and many others.
Accompanying the book’s release is an exhibition of these “fantastic contraptions” at the Device Gallery in La Jolla, California, running from July 19 – September 2. The exhibition, much like the book, will present a remarkable collection of artwork thematically exploring the relation of man and nature to machine.
“Fantastic Contraption is as much as an experience as it is an exhibition and sets the tone for the unique aesthetic of the Device Gallery says gallery co-owner Amy Brotherton. It’s like being transported in time to Leonardi Da Vinci’s workshop and while the work cannot easily be defined by a genre or medium, the sheer genius is undeniable.”
The tie binding this international ensemble of artists is a common interest in the “fantastic.” Mike Libby, for example, mixes “science fact with science fiction.” His featured work customizes real insects with antique watch parts and electronic components, creating Kafka-esque creatures that come in many different colors, shapes and sizes.
Another artist’s work on show is that of internationally acclaimed illustrator, concept designer and comic book artist Ashley Wood is also featured in Device, Volume 1. Ashley, who lives in Australia, has worked for most major publishing and entertainment companies and his illustrations have appeared in books, movies, magazines, comics, television and video games.
Greg Brotherton has constructed a “Migraine Machine” from wood and steel. He also builds giant robots, atomic weapons or so-called “Brotron death rays,” and designed much of Device, Volume 1. Like most of the other featured artists in the book, Brotherton has worked across many different media forms, and was formerly a commercial designer and illustrator for movies and comic books, before returning to pursue his own art fulltime, and opening La Jolla’s Device Gallery with his partner Amy Brotherton earlier this year. See www.devicegallery.com for further information.
TPB • FC • 120 pages • 8-1/2” x 11” • $19.99 • ISBN: 978-1-60010-326
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July 8,
2008 |
IDW PUBLISHES AWARD WINNING ALL-AGES FANTASY THE DREAMLAND CHRONICLES
IN NEW MONTHLY FORMAT
(San Diego, July 8, 2008) The Dreamland Chronicles—an award-winning, all-ages fantasy online serialized story written and illustrated in colorful CGI style by Scott Christian Sava—is being published by IDW in a new monthly format!
With over 6 million fans and 100,000 hits a day on the daily site www.thedreamlandchronicles.com, the fantasy story has captured the hearts of young and old worldwide.
Dreamland tells the story of Alexander Carter and his discovery of a necklace that takes him to a magical world of his childhood dreams. There he finds danger, adventure, and romance. Every night he enters Dreamland, a world filled with Dragons, Fairies, and Giants. Reunited with his childhood friends Paddington, Kiwi, and Nastajia. Alexander embarks on a quest to save Dreamland from war with the nightmare realm.
The debut issue features a cover image by the late Mike Wieringo. Subsequent covers for the series will come from folks like Hero Bear’s Mike Kunkel, Frank Cho, and the great Jerry Bingham.
“With over 700 pages already complete… I guess retailers don’t have to worry about late comics for about 3 years,” joked Sava. “Seriously, though, bringing All Ages titles to comic retailers is something we all should be pursuing vigorously. I’m so proud that IDW is taking this to heart and helping bring back some of that good old fashioned ADVENTURE back into comic shops.”
Earlier in 2008, IDW announced that Christian Scott Sava’s Blue Dream Studios would become an imprint of IDW Publishing. Awarded Best Graphic Novel of 2007 in CBR’s 25th Annual Fan Award reader, The Dreamland Chronicles is the first of the titles from Blue Dream Studios to be published.
300 pages, $19.99, Publication date July 30
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July 7,
2008 |
IDW AT COMIC-CON 2008
SUPERSTAR PANELS AND SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENTS
BOOTH #1705
(San Diego, July 7, 2008) IDW Publishing is proud to present unexpected happenings and exciting news at this year’s Comic-Con. The Con runs from Thursday July 24 to Sunday July 27th, and throughout the show, IDW (booth #1705) will be offering a number of Con exclusive comic books and other items listed below that are only available during the show. IDW’s two panels will run down upcoming projects and feature special guests and surprise announcements.
Among the guests signing at IDW’s booth will be Comic-Con Guest of Honor Joe Hill, who will be signing copies of Locke & Key and a special L&K slipcase edition alongside the book’s artist, Gabriel Rodriguez.
Eisner award-winning creator Darwyn Cooke (DC’s The New Frontier) will be announcing an all-new project through IDW and signing an exclusive signature card when he speaks at IDW’s panel on Saturday July 26.
Exclusive IDW creators Ashley Wood (debuting his new World War Robot book) and Ben Templesmith (premiering Welcome to Hoxford in the form of an exclusive ashcan) will be appearing at the booth as well. Creators of titles like Angel: After the Fall, Igor, Ghost Whisperer, The Transformers, Fallen Angel, and many others will also be signing at the IDW booth. A full signing schedule will be released in the days leading up to the con and on display at the booth during the show.
IDW will be hosting two panels this year, too:
All Hail the Transformers (Friday, July 25 4:00–5:00 PM)
TF Editor Denton J. Tipton hosts a panel of Transformers creators including writers Shane McCarthy (All Hail Megatron), Chris Mowry (The Reign of Starscream), Marty Isenberg (TF Animated), artists Alex Milne (The Reign of Starscream), Marcelo Matere (TF Animated), Klaus Scherwinski (TF Spotlight: Wheelie) and more. Advance art, surprise announcements, pints of Energon all around! As if that wasn’t enough, all this will be topped off with a sneak peek of the new G.I. Joe comic! Room 2
IDW Publishing: Ideas and Dreams 2008 (Saturday, July 26, 11:00–12:00 PM - )
IDW Publisher Chris Ryall presides over a superstar panel including writer/Con Guest of Honor Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key), Ben Templesmith (Welcome to Hoxford), Darwyn Cooke, writers Brian Lynch (Angel: After the Fall), Steve Niles (Epilogue), IDW Special Projects Editor Scott Dunbier, and a special 30 Days of Night presentation from FEARnet.com plus some special announcements of all-new projects, too! Room
A list of the exclusive items being offered at IDW’s booth is as follows:
Darwyn Cooke’s Special Project signature cards
Eisner-winning writer/artist Darwyn Cooke presents his first title for IDW, a graphic novel that will be announced on Wednesday evening. Cooke will be talking up the project at IDW’s Saturday panel, and will even be offering T-shirts displaying the project during his signings at the IDW booth. Cooke will be signing exclusive signature cards after the panel and throughout the rest of the show at the IDW booth. - Free, limited to 250 copies.
Welcome to Hoxford Ashcan
Eisner Award-nominated artist Ben Templesmith presents the first look at his all-new, horrific series, Welcome to Hoxford, in this 16-page Ashcan featuring eight pages of story and exclu | |
