GeekRoundTable.com

Michael "King of Pop" Jackson Dead at age 50

The entertainment world has suffered another loss following the deaths of Tonight Show co-host Ed MacMahon ,Kill Bill and TV show Kung Fu star David Carridine, and Charlie's Angel Farrah Fawcett, with the stunning loss of music powerhouse, Michael Jackson from cardiac arrest in Los Angeles.

Jackson was born on Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children. Five Jackson boys -- Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael -- first performed together at a talent show when Michael was 6. They walked off with first prize and went on to become a best-selling band, The Jackson Five, and then The Jackson 5.

Jackson made his first solo album in 1972, and released "Thriller" in 1982, which became a smash hit that yielded seven top-10 singles. The album sold 21 million copies in the United States and at least 27 million worldwide.

The next year, he unveiled his signature "moonwalk" dance move while performing "Billie Jean" during an NBC special.

In 1982, Jackson released the 27 million-selling album 'Thriller.' It was monumental moment in music history that yielded seven Top Ten singles. His albums include 'Off the Wall,' 'Bad,' 'Dangerous' and 'Invincible.'

R.I.P Michael Jackson 1958-2009

geekroundtable episode #18 - Summer Movie Madness

Hey there everyone!

Ths summer movie season is well upon us, and we're here to recap the best and the worst geek-centric films that have come out thus far, and we're doing it in proper GeekRoundTable style (otherwise known as lots of geeky debating)! 

Download a copy of the episode here:  Download Download GRT_Episode_18

 

Here's a rundown of this episode of the podcast:

• Intro/Geek Cred

• Review - X-Men Origins: Wolverine

• Review - Star Trek

• Review - Terminator: Salvation

• Debate Topic - Geek Stereotypes & Sexism

• Old School Reviews -  Outland & Seventh Voyage of Sinbad

• What's Cool

 

And finally, here's some show notes for you about some of the stuff we talk about during the podcast:

• Here's a link to that Onion Star Trek video Chris mentions.

• Here's the original post on Geek-tastic about the Girls Guide to Comic Con.

• Here's a direct link to the LA Times Article entitled The Girl's Guide to Comic Con.

• And in case you've never heard of these films before, here's the trailers for Moon and Free Enterprise.  These are two amazing films that every self respecting geek needs to see:

Girls Guide to Comic-Con Rant

Mundanes should not write articles about geeks if they do not understand us, but they do, and we have to beat them.  On June 12, The Los Angeles Time published an article called "The Girls guide to Comic-Con", a list of people and events that they thought girls would like to see.  The list works if you are a 14 year old girl only obsessed with boys.  The article failed to notice that there are adult women who attend the show every year.  And that there are programs, presentations, and orginizations that are like geek women, a vital part of Comic-Con International San Diego.

GeekRoundTable panelist Mary Sturhann has a blog that she posts weekly about her place in the world of geek.  When she found out about this article, lets just say she was not pleased.  Rather than paraphrase what she wrote, I will present in it's entirety the blog entry she posted....

Posted to Live Journal 6-24-09
Girls Guide to Comic-Con, Balderdash!
Did you happen to read that silly little article in the LA Times (6-12)? I refuse to post a link. I will paraphrase: "Girls go to see big media panels with hunky movie stars or cute TV stars." That is all. Balderdash! Men & Women alike prefer to see attractive people. No shock there. But Damn It, women help run Comic-Con! Women Help Run Everything! Until fairly recently, the last 10 yrs, CCI did not even have a lot of flashy media events that these imaginary "girls" are going to see. It always had something awesome, just not so many. Since this is the 40th Anniversary I would like to ask the lazy writer of that Fluff piece what he thought "Girls" were doing at Comic-Con the previous 30 years?
I would also like to ask the LA Times writer some basic logic questions based on stupid stereotypes they are helping to promote. I'll take it slow so they can follow along:
#1 Where is the best place for all Geeks & Nerds to meet? Answer: Conventions like Comic-Con, Anime Expo & E3.
#2 When people with similar interests meet they tend to date & eventually marry. Doesn't this usually require a girl? Answer: Yes, Girls Rock!
#3 Where do Comic-Con attendees come from? If Geeky men are the only ones who attend Comic-Con who gave birth to them and who are they dating? Answer: Geeky parents! Once again this usually require a girl.
#4 Who do you think reads all the female lead comic books? Answer: Everyone, not just men!
#5 Who do you think reads all the Harry Potter, Dresden Files, True Blood books before they were ever put on film? Answer: Everyone!

I did want to wait until the CCI schedule was posted online before I commented on this silly article, but my rant could not wait. There are plenty of legitimate panels & programs that are totally female centric. But I thought I would focus on just a few of the couples or teams. There are several well-known husband & wife teams including:
Gene & Majel Roddenberry who, before their deaths, did more SciFi than just Star Trek. Look it up!
Phil & Kaja Folio who produce Girl Genius - http://www.studiofoglio.com/girlgenius.html
Batton Lash & Jackie Estrada who produce Supernatural Law: Wolff and Byrd, Counselors of the Macabre - http://www.webcomicsnation.com/supernaturallaw/index.php
Richard & Wendy Pini who created Elfquest. At the time this wonderful universe was created they were a husband & wife team. They are still creating - http://www.elfquest.com/
Clamp is a prolific female Manga group from Japan. Their work is Great and it is not just for women - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clamp_(manga_artists)

There are so many more examples of women artists, writers & filmmakers the list is wonderfully endless with possibilities. I attended my first Comic-Con in the very early 1980's and I assure you I was not the only woman in the building at the time. In 2009 I am literally surrounded by other women. Yea, Girl Power!

Captain America rises from the dead for new series

By ERIN CARLSON, AP Entertainment Writer Erin Carlson, Ap Entertainment Writer 

NEW YORK – Captain America is rising from the grave.

The Marvel Comics superhero returns for the five-part series "Captain America Reborn," beginning July 1.

But Marvel won't disclose how he rises from the dead. Executive Editor Tom Brevoort teases that the character has been "on a Vonnegut-esque metaphysical journey," including some soul-searching about his place in the world.

"He hasn't just been lying in a cold grave for these many months," Brevoort says. "While he seems to be dead, his mind and his spirit" are active elsewhere.

Captain America, the superhero alter ego of Steve Rogers, was apparently shot and killed two years ago on the steps of a courthouse in lower Manhattan. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Rogers' sidekick Bucky Barnes took his place, continuing the series. Brevoort says Barnes will embark on a quest to revive Rogers after tracking down what really happened to him.

"There's definitely a question that must arise, which is `Can there be more than one Captain America?'" says Brevoort. "And if not, even if there can't, what does this mean for Bucky? Where does he fit in the world now?"

According to Brevoort, some Bucky fans are none too pleased.

"Right this second, it's kind of a split," he says. "When Steve was first killed, there was great outcry. But then as Bucky has taken over as Cap, and has sort of struggled to fill those big shoes, a lot of our readers have really taken to him as a character."

He says Marvel planned to bring back Rogers in one shape or form and, given the general mood of the country, the timing seemed right to resurrect one of the comic book empire's most patriotic icons.

"It feels like there's a desire for hopefulness," he says. "A desire for heroes and for somebody to show us that we can be our better selves, and to help pull us all up by our bootstraps and get out of the situations that we find ourselves in."

The Jim Henson Company Forms Publishing Partnership with Archaia

THE JIM HENSON COMPANY AND ARCHAIA COMICS FORM GRAPHIC NOVEL PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP
 
NEW COMICS AND GRAPHIC NOVELS WILL BE BASED ON FAVORITES FROM
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY’S LIBRARY AS WELL AS ORIGINAL CONCEPTS

Hollywood, CA (June 22, 2009) –The Jim Henson Company and Archaia announced today that they have entered into a partnership that will publish comic books and graphic novels based on popular Henson titles as well as new co-branded original properties.
 
The multi-year partnership will draw from The Jim Henson Company’s extensive film and television library, including Fraggle Rock, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Mirrormask, The Storyteller and other titles. The agreement also allows The Jim Henson Company and Archaia to partner with talent in the comic book, television and film industries to create brand-new stories under a co-branded banner, building on the legacy of quality and creativity of The Jim Henson Company brand and strengthening Archaia’s relationships within the entertainment sector.
 
“Some of the best storytellers in the world are flocking to comic books and graphic novels, making them the foremost platform for innovative and imaginative storytelling,” said Joe LeFavi, Director of Publishing and Development at The Jim Henson Company and who will serve as story editor on all the books. “Archaia has always epitomized artistic integrity, and their passion and support for our brands ensure that fans will receive the very best from the properties they know and love as well as from the new stories we will tell.”
 
“This is a truly groundbreaking agreement, as it is not just a licensing deal but a partnership in every sense of the word,” said Stephen Christy, Archaia’s Director of Development. “To work with the entire Jim Henson Company and with new talent to create the next generation of Jim Henson Company fan favorites is an unprecedented opportunity, and a dream come true for all of us at Archaia. Creating comics that become a part of the incredibly rich Jim Henson Company legacy is an exciting challenge, and I think fans will share our excitement when they see the talent we’re bringing in to help make these comics a reality.”
 
Representatives from Archaia and Henson will announce creative teams and a release schedule for the initial slate at San Diego Comic-Con International, with the first title tentatively scheduled for winter 2009.
 

About The Jim Henson Company

The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 50 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include “Sid the Science Kid”, and “Pajanimals”. Features include “The Dark Crystal,” “Labyrinth,” “MirrorMask,” and “Unstable Fables.” Television productions include “Fraggle Rock” and the sci-fi cult series “Farscape.” With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. Independently owned and operated by the five adult children of founder Jim Henson, the Company is also home to Jim Henson's Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character-building and visual effects group with international film, television and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry's top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state of the art and vintage equipment. The Company is currently in production on 40 episodes of “Dinosaur Train,” an animated preschool series teaching concepts of natural science and history, set to debut on PBS KIDS in fall 2009. The Company’s Henson Alternative brand continues to produce “Puppet Up! - Uncensored,” a live puppet improvisational show that runs monthly at the Avalon Hollywood. The Company has also announced the creation of Jim Henson Designs, a merchandise collection inspired by Jim Henson’s earliest sketches, and The Jim Henson Company: Discoveries, an acquisitions banner that celebrates outstanding third party produced independent film, television and video productions from around the globe embodying the Company’s enduring legacy. www.henson.com

First creative team on DAYS MISSING announced/Issue #1 Only 99¢

 

ARCHAIA AND RODDENBERRY PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCE
PHIL HESTER AND FRAZER IRVING
AS FIRST CREATIVE TEAM FOR ‘DAYS MISSING’
 
FIRST ISSUE OF NEW SERIES WILL RETAIL FOR ONLY 99 CENTS

Los Angeles, CA (June 18, 2009) – With an eye toward recruiting top creators as part of their exclusive partnership, Archaia and Roddenberry Productions have brought on writer Phil Hester (Firebreather, The Darkness, Green Arrow), artist Frazer Irving (forthcoming Batman and Robin arc, Seven Soldiers of Victory) and cover artist Dale Keown (The Incredible Hulk, Pitt) to create the first issue of Days Missing, a new five-issue mini-series continuing Roddenberry’s tradition of producing sophisticated, intelligent and entertaining science fiction.
 
In an effort to give as many readers an opportunity to discover this exciting new mini-series, Archaia will offer the full-length, full-color issue #1 for just 99 cents when it arrives in stores this August. An exclusive, limited-edition version of the issue, with a variant cover drawn by Keown, will be on sale for $5 at the Archaia and Roddenberry Productions booths at San Diego Comic-Con (July 23-26).
 
Based on a concept by Roddenberry Productions executive Trevor Roth, Days Missing tells the stories of a mysterious being known only as “The Steward.” His ability to literally “fold” days of time has allowed him to secretly remove critical days from our shared history that have forever changed the course of mankind…or so he thinks.
 
Adding to the fan buzz and excitement surrounding Days Missing, Archaia and Roddenberry Productions are bringing together four all-star creative teams to each work on a standalone, reader-friendly issue of Days Missing that ties into the overall mini-series storyarc.
 
“Building on the science fiction legacy of the Star Trek franchise, we are excited to make a unique contribution to the comic book landscape with this extraordinary series,” said Roth. “We’ve assembled some of the best talent in the industry to deliver a great comic book that we hope will captivate fans.”
 
“All of us at Archaia are huge fans of Star Trek and to work with Roddenberry Productions to create a comic like Days Missing is a huge honor,” said Stephen Christy, Archaia’s Director of Development. “The incredible creative team we’ve assembled for issue #1 of this book is among the best in the industry and it’s been a huge thrill to see the work that's coming in.”
 
The announcement of the creative teams of future issues will be made in the weeks leading up to San Diego Comic-Con. For the latest information on Days Missing, please visit DaysMissing.com and Archaia.com.
 

About Archaia

Founded in 2002, Archaia is known for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. The winner of multiple Eisner awards and nominations, Archaia has come to represent the pinnacle for creator-owned titles. With a slate including such popular titles as Mouse Guard, The Killer, Awakening, Gunnerkrigg Court, Robotika, Killing Pickman and Artesia to the Publisher’s latest additions of Titanium Rain, God Machine and Days Missing, Archaia has become synonymous with quality content that only creators can provide.
 
 
About Roddenberry Productions

Roddenberry Productions is a science-fiction leader with a tradition of groundbreaking entertainment and quality merchandise. Originally founded in 1967 by Gene Roddenberry, the company has since led a steady stable of science fiction successes including Gene Roddenberry’s Earth: Final Conflict, Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and, most notably, the Star Trek brand. Roddenberry Productions continues to produce entertainment for all audiences, employing a viewer-centric creative process and resulting in insightful visions of humanity. Its merchandising business is based on quality and authenticity providing memorabilia for fans in today’s new multimedia generation. Roddenberry Productions has set itself apart by creating content that surpasses mere entertainment; it acknowledges the intelligence of audiences by challenging them to think, question and explore the world, and those potentially beyond.

Top Cow Announces Berserker #1 Back-to-Back Launch Parties!

MILO VENTIMIGLIA & CO. HIT THE STREETS OF L.A. FOR BACK-TO-BACK SIGNINGS

BERSERKER #1 LAUNCH PARTIES!

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 15th 2009– Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that fans of Heroes star Milo Ventimiglia will get to meet and greet the actor/producer during the last weekend of June at two separate Los Angeles area comic book stores.  Ventimiglia will be promoting the release of Berserker #1, a comic book published by Top Cow Productions, Inc. in conjunction with Ventimiglia’s production company, DiVide Pictures.
    Ventimiglia will be signing copies of Berserker #1 on Saturday June 27, at Golden Apple Comics in Hollywood from 1 to 3 P.M.  Joining Ventimiglia at the store located on 7018 Melrose Avenue will be DiVide Picutures’ partner Russ Cundiff and Berserker artist Jeremy Haun (Battle for the Cowl: Arkham, Chuck), 
    On Sunday June 28, the Berserker crew proceeds to Collectors Paradise, located at 7131 Winnetka Avenue, where they will be signing from 12 to 2 P.M.  Fans are encouraged to visit the store websites at www.goldenapplecomics.com and www.comicsandcards.net respecitvely to learn more about the signings and Berserker.
    A special “RAGE” edition of Berserker #1 with cover art by Dale Keown (The Darkness, Hulk: The End) exclusively produced by Top Cow Productions, Inc. just for the signings will also be available for purchase. The limited variant edition carries a $10 SRP.
While series writer Rick Loverd will not be present at either signing due to prior obligations, copies of the book will be available pre-signed by Loverd so that fans may have a copy of Berserker #1 signed by the entire creative team.
The brutal new series, which debuts Wednesday June 24, offers a blend of Norse mythology with contemporary characters. The story focuses on an American war veteran and a high school athlete coming to grip with the animalistic and uncontrollable rage living inside them. 
“Berserker is a feel good kill.  This is the book I wish I read as a kid,” explains Venitmiglia.
“We are incredibly excited by the way Berserker has come together. On every level, from the concept to Rick’s writing to Jeremy’s art to Dave McCaig’s colors to the involvement from Milo and Russ at DiVide, this book is firing on all cylinders,” added Filip Sablik, Top Cow Publisher, “We can’t think of a better way to kick off the series than with back to back signings at two of our hometown’s best comic stores in Golden Apple and Collector’s Experience.”
Fans received a glimpse of the new series in a zero issue that debuted at the 2009 New York Comic-Con.  Berserker #0 has been extensively reviewed by various review websites, creating a media buzz after Ventimiglia discussed the comic in an interview aired on a February episode of the TODAY Show on NBC.

 

Top Cow Reveals June Retailers and Comic for "Let Us Win YOU Over" Promotion

BRAND NEW SERIES LAUNCH INCLUDES 5000 FREE COMICS

BERSERKER #1 KICKS OFF WITH JUNE’S “LET US WIN YOU OVER” PROMOTION

Publisher unveils 25 participating retailers for month of June

LOS ANGELES, Calif., June 9th, 2009 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. revealed today the names of the participating retailers in their “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative for June and the next free issue in the program – Berserker #1.
The “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative is a yearlong campaign by Top Cow Productions to give out free copies of its regular comics to potential fans in the U.S. and Canada through participating comic book stores. Each month, a different set of stores, each month a different free comic. The stores vary by geography and demographics. Top Cow has partnered with ComicsPRO to bring this promotion to fans and a portion of June’s retailers are members of ComicsPRO. Top Cow reminds retailers that any direct market retailer with a Diamond account is eligible to participate and should contact their Diamond Customer Service representative for information on signing up.
Berserker #1 is a brutal new series, co-produced with DiVide Pictures, offers a blend of Norse mythology with contemporary characters. The story focuses on an American war veteran and a high school athlete coming to grip with the animalistic and uncontrollable rage living inside them.  Berserker #1 is written by screenwriter and creator Rick Loverd and drawn by artist Jeremy Haun (Battle for the Cowl: Arkham Asylum). Series artist Haun and artist Dale Keown (The Darkness/Pitt) will provide illustrations to the two cover variants featured on Berserker #1. The issue will be in comic shops on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 and normally retails for $2.99.
“We're incredibly proud of the work Rick and Jeremy have done on Berserker #1 and excited that Top Cow believes in the series enough to give out free copies to retailers and fans,” said Milo Ventimiglia, star of NBC’s Heroes and co-founder of DiVide Pictures.

“We are very much looking forward to the being a "Let Us Win You Over" store. Not very many promotions come along where we can give away free comics and when they do we try our hardest to take advantage of them to help both the publisher and ourselves,” explained Mike Cresser of Crush Comics in Castro Valley, CA, “We are hoping to increase our sales on Top Cow titles due to this and very much appreciate the effort being put forward by Top Cow.“

A list of the participating retailers during the month of June (listed alphabetically by state) is included below. Additional information can be found at the official online home of the “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative – www.topcow.com/freecomics. Customers who currently purchase Berserker at the stores below will be able to purchase an extremely limited “All Beef” Edition (limited to just the stores listed below) at the regular cover price. Fans are encouraged to contact the retailer they wish to visit for specific details:

Atomic Comics
10215 N 28th Dr #A1
Phoenix, AZ 85051
602...
www.atomiccomics.com

Comickaze Comics Books & More
5517 A/B Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92117
858...
www.comickaze.com

Crush Comics
2869 Catro Valley Blvd
Castro Valley, CA 94546
510...
www.crushcomics.com

The Comic Bug
1807 Manhattan Beach Blvd
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310...
www.thecomicbug.com

4-Colour, 8 Bit Comics & Games
348 Princess St
Kingston, ON Canada K7L 1B7
613...
www.4c8b.com

Galactic Quest
481 West Pike St
Lawrenceville, GA 30045
770...
www.galacticquest.com

Captain Comics, Inc.
710 Vista Ave
Boise, ID 83705
208...
www.captain-comics.com

Dreamland Comics
1415 W Schaumburg Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60194
847...
www.dreamlandcomics.com

Comic Carnival North
7225 N Keystone Ave Ste B
Indianapolis, IN 46240
317...
www.comiccarnival.com/CCN

Prairie Dog Comics
4800 W Maple Ste 122
Wichita, KS 67209
316...
www.pdcomics.com

Rubber Chicken Comics
15 N Main St
Bellingham, MA 02019
508-966-2210
www.rubberchickencomics.com

Comic City
466 N Telegraph Rd
Pontiac, MI 48341
248-334-4139
www.comiccity.com

Comic Book Adventures
3151 Hennepin Ave So
Minneapolis, MN 55408
612-822-2309

Paradox Comics-N-Cards, Inc.
26 Roberts St N
Fargo, ND 58102
701-239-9505
www.paradoxcnc.com

Game On
220 Westview Plaza
McCook, NE 69001
308-345-8888
www.gameongames.com

All Things Fun!
185 C Route 73 North
West Berlin, NJ 08091
856-719-1414
www.allthingsfun.net

Wishing Well Comics
5706 W Charleston Blvd
Las Vegas, NV 89146
702-870-1268
www.wishingwellcomics.com

Upstate Comics
1097 RT 55 Freedom Business Center
LaGrangeville, NY 12540
845-452-3320
www.upstatecomics.com

Impulse Creations, Inc.
5840 S Memorial Dr Ste 209
Tulsa, OK 74145
918-284-2913
www.impulsecreations.net

New Dimension Comics
516 Lawrence Ave
Ellwood City, PA 16117
724-758-2324
www.ndcomics.com

Lone Star Comics-Mesquite
3600 Gus Thompson Rd #107
Mesquite, TX 75040
972-651-2040
www.lonestarcomics.com

Benders Books
22 S Mallory St
Hampton, VA 23663
757-723-3741

Comic Cubicle
4809 Courthouse St #2
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-5299

Cascade Comics and Games
226 E North Bend Way
North Bend, WA 98045
425-888-0880
www.cascadecomicsandgames.com

Comic Boy
3462 Fairmont Rd
Morgantown, WV 26501
304-296-3100

 

GeekRoundTable Episode # 17 - We're Not Dead Yet

Ok, so we know it's been a long time since we last posted an episode of the podcast up for you to listen to and to love.  We're sorry about that.  Sometimes in life, since we're not fortunate enough to be full time bloggers or podcasters, the real world steps in and prevents us from doing that which we love . . . namely entertaing you and talking about nerdy stuff. 

It's been a busy couple of months for everyone on the GeekRoundTable and getting everyone's schedules to sync up together to make recording a show possible isn't always easy.  But a new we do have nonetheless.  Well . . . New-ish anyways.

This episode of the podcast was recorded back in April, so some of the references may be a little out of date, but that's ok.  The show is still as entertaining as hell, especially when Matt and Wes start doing Terrence and Philip impersonations. 

You can download the episode here:  Download GRT_Episode_17

And here's a breakdown of Episode 17 for you:

• Intro - Geek Cred

• Discussion of Wonder Con

• A review/discussion of The Watchmen

• Geek News - The Sci-Fi Channel renaming themselves SyFy

• Discussion of Joss Whedon's Dollhouse

• Rolling for the next episode's Old-School Reviews

Oh, and this is the Zombie Web Comic that people discuss.

And this is the Watchmen Condom Chris refers to in the episode.  No, he didn't make it up.  It's real.

Top Cow Reveals May Retailers and Comic for "Let Us Win YOU Over" Promotion

SPRING BRINGS NEW FREE COMICS FROM TOP COW

DARKNESS #77 HEADLINES MAY’S “LET US WIN YOU OVER” PROMOTION

Publisher unveils 25 participating retailers for month of May

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 11th, 2009 – Top Cow Productions, Inc. revealed today the names of the participating retailers in their “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative for May and the next free issue in the program – The Darkness #77.
The “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative is a yearlong campaign by Top Cow Productions to give out free copies of its regular comics to potential fans in the U.S. and Canada through participating comic book stores. Each month, a different set of stores, each month a different free comic. The stores vary by geography and demographics. Top Cow has partnered with ComicsPRO to bring this promotion to fans and the majority of May’s retailers are members of ComicsPRO.
The Darkness #77 finds the titular character, Jackie Estacado fighting for his life against an ancient djinn protecting a mysterious and enchanting woman. The issue also finds Jackie confronting a mysterious new character who claims to have been a previous Darkness bearer and reveals something to Estacado that will send him on a new dangerous path. Regular writer Phil Hester writes the story with art by ongoing artist Michael Broussard. The issue will be in comic shops on Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 and normally retails for $2.99.

“Hester and Broussard re-launched The Darkness to a ton of critical and fan acclaim so we wanted to spotlight their talents in one of their newest issues. Both guys have come a long way since their first arc ‘Empire’ and with new colorist, Arif Prianto on board this issue really shines,” said Filip Sablik, Publisher of Top Cow. “This issue has it all – action, an ancient mystery, compelling characters and choices, and of course beautiful art.”

“Top Cow rocks!  It's great to see them reaching out to new readers with this awesome promotion,” exclaimed Neal Rhone of Boomerang Comics Lewisville, TX, “Readers make weekly decisions on what titles they will pick up, this is the perfect way for everyone to try some something new.“

“The single most effective marketing tool we have as retailers is getting a comic book directly into the reader's hands,” commented Mike Banks of Samurai Comics in Phoenix, AZ, “Top Cow is allowing us to take this one step further by allowing us to get their comics into the reader's hands, AND letting them take the book home with them... for free!”

“Top Cow is doing an excellent job of reinvigorating its' core titles!  Darkness has an intriguing storyline portrayed with exceptional art.  I look forward to sharing this book with new readers,” added Ernie Pelletier of Friendly Neighborhood Comics in Bellinghma, MA.

A list of the participating retailers during the month of May (listed alphabetically by state) is included below. Additional information can be found at the official online home of the “Let Us Win YOU Over” initiative – www.topcow.com/freecomics. Customers who currently purchase The Darkness at the stores below will be able to purchase an extremely limited “All Beef” Edition (limited to just the stores listed below) at the regular cover price. Fans are encouraged to contact the retailer they wish to visit for specific details:

Samurai Comics
10720 W Indian School Rd Ste #61
Phoenix, AZ 85037
623...
www.samuraicomics.com

A-1 Comics
818 Sunrise Ave
Roseville, CA 95661
916...
www.a-1comics.com

Beach Ball Comics
3024 W BaLinkll Rd Ste G
Anaheim, CA 92804
714...
www.beachballcomics.com

Castle Comics & Games
4100 Cameron Park Dr Ste #111
Cameron Park, CA 95682
530...
www.castlecomics.net

Metropolis Toys and Games
4039-106 St
Edmonton, AB Canada T6J 2S3
780...
www.metropolistoys.com

Dragon’s Tale
1525 Atlantic Blvd
Neptune Beach, FL 32266
904...

Galactic Quest
4264 Sudderth Rd
Buford, GA 30518
770...
www.galacticquest.com

Hometown Comics
110 E Vandalia St
Edwardsville, IL 62025
618...
www.myspace.com/hometowncomics

Reader Copies
2135 N Scatterfield Rd
Anderson, IN 46012
765...
www.readercopies.com

Comic Book World, Inc.
6905 Shepherdsville Rd
Louisville, KY 40219
502...
www.comicbookworld.com

Friendly Neighborhood Comics
191 Mechanic St
Bellingham, MA 02019
508-966-2275
www.friendlyneighborhoodcomics.com

Comics MD
15901 Indian Head Hwy
Accokeek, MD 20607
301-203-8500
www.comicsmd.com

Comic City
42727 Ford Rd
Canton, MI 48187
734-981-3561
www.comiccity.com

Mind’s Eye Comics
1565 Cliff Rd Ste #2
Eagan, MN 55122
651-683-0085
www.mindseyecomics.com

Newcastle Comics & Games
2294 McKelvey Rd
Maryland Heights, MO 63043
314-392-9322
www.myspace.com/newcastlecomics

Heroes and Dreams
5352 Hwy 25 Ste #1650
Flowood, MS 39232
601-992-3100
www.heroesanddreams.com

Comic Envy
1 Kenilworth Knolls Unit #4
Asheville, NC 28805
828-252-7600
www.comicenvy.com

Little Shop of Comics
393 Park Ave
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
908-322-9402
www.littleshopofcomics.com

The Comic Depot, LLC
2538 Route 9N
Greenfield Center, NY 12833
518-893-2900
www.comicdepotllc.com

New Dimension Comics
101 Clear View Circle
Butler, PA 16001
724-282-5283
www.ndcomics.com

Planet Comics
2704 N Main St
Anderson, SC 29621
864-261-3578
www.planetcomics.net

Boomerang Comics
729 Hebron Pkwy Ste #190
Lewisville, TX 75057
972-315-5291
www.boomerangcomics.com

Lone Star Comics-Fort Worth
5429 S Hulen St
Fort Worth, TX 76132
817-346-7773
www.lonestarcomics.com

HeeBeeGeeBeez
1986 N Hillfield Rd Ste #2
Layton, UT 84041
801-779-4965
www.heebeegeebeez.com

Gary’s Comics & More
314 High St
Morgantown, WV 26505
304-296-3100

Top Cow & DiVide Pictures Partner with CBLDF with exclusive Berserker #1 variant cover!

TOP COW AND DiVIDE TO HELP SUPPORT THE COMIC BOOK LEGAL DEFENSE FUND
BERSERKER #1 IN RETAILER SUPPORT PACK

LOS ANGELES, Calif.,  – Top Cow Productions, Inc. proudly announced today that a limited signed variant cover of Berserker #1 will be included in a Retailer Support Pack for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.  The Support Pack will be an incentive for retailers who become members of the CBLDF.  The publisher is proud to help support the CBLDF, which has fought censorship and protected the First Amendment rights of creators, publishers, and retailers in the comic book industry. 

“Top Cow has long supported the mission of the CBLDF and we are thrilled to be able to help the fund in such a direct way,” said Top Cow Publisher, Filip Sablik. “And what better way than by including a title like Berserker, which is definitely going to push the envelope on violence in comics.”

Berserker #1 is the first full-length comic book to be published by Top Cow Productions, Inc. in conjunction with DiVide Pictures, the production company co-owned by Heroes star, Milo Ventimiglia and producer Russ Cundiff. The Berserker #1 limited variant produced for the Retailer Support Pack will be signed by Ventimiglia as well as the creative team of writer Rick Loverd (Friday Night Lights) and artist Jeremy Haun (Chuck, Leading Man) and come with a Certificate of Authenticity. 

The brutal new series offers a blend of Norse mythology with a story of contemporary Americans coming to grip with the animalistic and uncontrollable rage living inside them.  Before the formation of the CBLDF in 1986, comics with content similar to Berserker #1 would have been targeted for censorship by various organizations and lobby groups.  Despite the neutralizing of the Comics Code, the CBLDF has become more valuable and instrumental in protecting individual creators, publishers, and retailers through First Amendment related lawsuits.  The CBLDF is also responsible for organizing fundraisers to aid in financing legal fees that could otherwise debilitate such individuals and small businesses from doing business.