Ape Entertainment Joins ComiXology

ComiXology has had many comic companies joining recently and Ape Entertainment is one of them. One amazing series to come from Ape was Freakshow. We do hope Freakshow joins the list to be featured in ComiXology. If you have not read this series, we highly recommend it! 

Here is the Official Press Release to come from ComiXology to welcome Ape Entertainment:

During New York Comic-Con 2013, Ape Entertainment, publisher of high-quality original graphic novels and comic books, entered into a digital distribution agreement with comiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform with more than 40,000 comics and graphic novels that have seen over 200 million downloads to date.

Ape Entertainment has carved a significant position as the premiere licensor of content based on wildly popular mobile gaming apps like Pocket God and Temple Run. In addition to the gaming sector, they have been successful with their KiZoic kid’s line of licensed content that runs the gamut from Richie Rich and Strawberry Shortcake to Kung Fu Panda and Puss In Boots.

“We’ve pursued Ape Entertainment and their fantastic catalog of kids and game comics for years,” said comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. 

To kick off the relationship, Ape Entertainment and comiXology are debuting these Ape Entertainment titles:

Casper #1 

Casper Classic #1 

Croods #1 

Donarr #1 

Helldorado #1 

Hero of Alexandria #1 

Kung Fu Panda #1 

Little Green Men #1 

Mecha-Nation #1 

Old McMonster’s Haunted Farm #1 

Penguins of Madagascar #1 

Pocket God #1 

Poison Elves #1 

Puss In Boots #1 

Richie Rich #1 

Richie Rich Classic #1 

Rise of the Guardians #1 

Scouts #1 

Squids #1 

Strawberry Shortcake #1 

Temple Run #1  

Ape Entertainment fans across the globe can experience these titles through the power of comiXology’s Guided View and in stunning CMX-HD on compatible iOS and Android devices.

With over 40,000 comics and graphic novels from more than 75 publishers, comiXology offers the widest selection of English language digital comics in the world. ComiXology’s immense catalog and unique Guided View reading experience is available across the iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web – making it the best digital platform for comic and graphic novel fans worldwide. 

*****

Why did it have to be Snakes?- Temple Run 6 LIVE

Direct from Ape Entertainment...

Why did it have to be Snakes?Temple Run Issue 6 is live at the app store

Ape Entertainment and Imangi Studios announced today that issue six of the Temple Run Digital Comic is available at the app store. This issue is part six in The Chosen One story arc and can be downloaded at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/temple-run-comics/id571061997?mt=8&ls=1.

So…that’s one freaking big snake!   And you thought the Demon-Monkeys were bad!

Does Guy have a plan to keep the team from turning in to snake-food?  Sure he does…. RUN!

Delving deeper into the temple, will Guy, Scarlett, and Zack get some answers or just more questions?

Hey Guy, why not ask the two new people you meet this issue!  Yep.  New faces!  But are they friend or foe?

Get your adrenaline rush and cardio workout from the story that expands the world of the TEMPLE RUN app game!

…That is, unless you have a fear of freaking big snakes!

Get the whole Temple Run history in the ‘Point One’ issues available in the App.  They are all free short stories and many fill in some of the background for characters and events in the Temple Run world.  Our little gift to you, our loyal fans!

So lace up and keep runnin’!

Temple Run is a ™ and © of Imangi Studios, LLC.  © 2013 Imangi Studios.  All rights reserved.

www.templerun.com

Ape Entertainment to Publish Poison Elves

Ape Entertainment, in partnership with Sirius Entertainment, is proud to announce a new POISON ELVES on-going series as the flagship title of Ape Entertainment’s soon to be launched mature readers label. The new POISON ELVES series is not a spin-off, side story or ‘What-If’. This is a continuation of the DREW HAYES POISON ELVES SERIES which ended, essentially, with issue #79 published before Mr. Hayes passed away on March 21st, 2007.

Ape Entertainment is well aware of the thousands of fans of POISON ELVES who loved its’ creator, Drew Hayes, just as much as they loved his creation. Ape Entertainment understands the gravity of what we are attempting and we have done everything in our power to make sure we are staying true to the heart of the original series.

The creative team behind this series is comprised of people with an intimate understanding of not only the material Mr. Hayes produced but of the man himself. Through exhaustive research of the existing material and with the extensive notes Mr. Hayes left behind for continuation and completion of his epic series, we are creating new works that are absolutely going to thrill readers, new and old.

“Drew Hayes’ Poison Elves comic series was one of the biggest influences in my decision to become a comic book professional,” said David Hedgecock, CEO of Ape Entertainment. “This book is one small way for me to say ‘thank you’ to Mr. Hayes and to the legacy he left behind.”
DREW HAYES’ POISON ELVES hits the comic shop shelves on March 20th, 2013. The first issue is 32 pages of glorious black & white comic book art and story, featuring covers by Darick Robertson, Terry Moore, and interior artist, Osvaldo Montpeller. The cover price will be $2.99.
For more information, please visit www.ape-entertainment.com

Ape Entertainment Launches DreamWorks Comics App

Ape Entertainment has just launched the DreamWorks Comics App, which is currently featuring the Madagascar 3 Prequel graphic novel in anticipation for the movie debut next week.

Free to download, the app includes 40 pages of free content including previews, prequels, short stories and more from Kung Fu Panda, Megamind, The Penguins of Madagascar, Puss In Boots and Shrek comics. Most individual comics are available for $1.99 each through In-App purchase.

Sesame Street Comes to Ape Entertainment

Ape Entertainment announced today that they have entered into a licensing agreement with Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization, to produce a series of print and digital comic books featuring the cast of the beloved children’s show Sesame Street. The new and original comic book series will emphasize educational and entertaining content for younger readers.

From television to the comic panel, Ape Entertainment will portray the characters that millions of parents and children have come to know and love in a comic series that will be produced in full color and available in stores this fall in standard comic sized printed editions for $3.99 and digest sized hardcover comic book editions for $7.99. They will also be available as a digital comic book that will be available through Apple’s App Store for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.



"We are excited about our new relationship with Sesame Workshop to bring the Sesame Street characters to comics, which is a dream come true for all of us here at Ape,” said Ape Entertainment COO Brent E. Erwin. “Elmo, Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Grover, and the whole Sesame Street gang have always been a part of our lives, now we feel like a part of their family, and that’s a great feeling."



“We look forward to collaborating with Ape Entertainment to create a series of Sesame Street comic books, for all ages” said Jennifer A. Perry, Vice President, Worldwide Publishing, Sesame Workshop. “The Sesame Street Muppets and comic books go together like Cookie Monster and snickerdoodles, so we can’t wait for Sesame Street fans to have the chance to learn and laugh in the unique way comics draw readers in and keep them turning the page.”



Ape Entertainment’s mission to grow the comics industry by increasing awareness about comics among a new generation of readers; Ape takes a step forward with the announcement of its new relationship with Sesame Street. Ape Entertainment hopes young readers and their parents will discover the exciting world of comics and start visiting a local comic book shop. Parents can find a local comic shop in their area by visiting the Comics Shop Locator service at http://www.comicshoplocator.com.


For more information, please visit www.apecomics.com or www.sesameworkshop.org.

Ape Entertainment: Pocket God Comics #14

Ape Entertainment and Bolt Creative announced today that Pocket God Comics issue No. 14 is now available on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. In “Para-Abnormal Activity,” the last issue before a new story arc begins, the two-tribes crash into a mysterious island while trying to get home from their previous adventure.

Straight from the spooky aisles of ghostliness and with the girls unable to regenerate, this may not be the best time to hang out on a haunted island. Yep... ghosts, a mystery, and a dubious murder make this an ooky-spooky, extra-kooky issue of Pocket God.

Based on Pocket God, one of the best-selling iPhone apps of all-time, the full-color digital comic book series is one of the most successful digital comics to-date. The comics are available on the App Store via iVerse Media, a digital distribution partner of Ape Entertainment.

And remember, the Pocket God Comics App is updated frequently with all kinds of free extras including The Pygmy Peril newsletter, an exclusive re-mastered version of the first Pocket God animated short, free Little Green Men comic short stories, and more cool stuff!

Pricing and Availability:

The Pocket God Comics App is available for $.99 USD from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or at www.itunes.com/appstore.

For more information, please visit http://www.ApeComics.com or www.boltcreative.com.



Ramiel-Wrath of God Preview from Ape Entertainment

Ramiel- Wrath of God
Writer/Creator: Javier Grillo-Marxuach
Colorist: Peter Wonsowski
Lettering: Deron Bennett

Available in stores this April!!

In God's army, there is no warrior more fearsome than the Angel Ramiel - but when this enforcer of the Almighty is plagued by visions calling him away, he must make a decision that will shake the pillars of Heaven and Earth. A bold new vision of heroism from Javier Grillo-Marxuach, writer on the hit television series Lost and creator of The Middleman.

Preview Pages in Ramiel-Wrath of God

About Javier Grillo-Marxuach

Though best known as one of the Emmy Award-winning writer/producers of ABC's groundbreaking hit series  "Lost," Javier Grillo-Marxuach is a prolific creator of television, comic books and films. His TV credits include the Peabody Award-winning, AFI-Honoreee "Boomtown" as well as "Medium," "Charmed," "The Pretender," "Charlie's Angels," "Jake 2.0," "The Chronicle," "The Dead Zone" and "Law & Order: SVU." Grillo-Marxuach is also the creator of the critically-acclaimed "The Middleman" graphic novels and television series. In comics. Grillo-Marxuach wrote "Annihilation: Super-Skrull" and "Annihilation: Conquest - Wraith" for Marvel and "Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse" for Dynamite. He is currently writing a pilot for TNT is association with Tom Clancy as well as "Unfathomable," a new graphic novel from APE which will premiere in early 2013.

Pocket God Comic Celebrates with "Best Comic App" of 2011

There’s plenty to celebrate in the dangerous universe that is Pocket God and now there’s even more. Ape Entertainment, Bolt Creative and iVerse Media are pleased to announce that Pocket God Comics was recently chosen as the “Best Comic App” of 2011 for iOS by readers from the 148Apps Network. In its fourth year of the award and with the goal of honoring the best, not just the best selling, the Best App Ever Awards accumulated more than 1.5 million votes.


“We could feel something special was brewing with the amount of buzz surrounding the Pocket God Comics series and are very honored that the readers have chosen it as the top comic app of 2011,” said Brent E. Erwin, Ape Co-Publisher. “Now, in 2012, fans of the series have a lot more to celebrate as we’re introducing a new story arc and more characters to help wet fans’ appetites.”


The Pygmies of the Pocket God universe thought they were cool when their comic series surpassed 500,000 downloads making it one of the best-selling digital comic series of all time, but now they know they’re headed to the history books with the latest award.


Based on Pocket God, one of the best-selling iPhone apps of all-time, the full-color digital comic series recently introduced issues No. 12 and No. 13, which are available on the App Store via iVerse Media, a digital distribution partner of Ape Entertainment. In No. 12, Sun has convinced the Guys to help her find her tribe’s Gem of Life - a quest that will take them deep below the waves to find the rest of Sun’s missing tribe, this 4-part underwater adventure is completed in issue No. 13. All back issues, including the first half of the “A Quest Called Tribe” story arc are all available via the App.
Created by Dave Castelnuovo and Allan Dye, founders of Bolt Creative, Pocket God has consistently maintained a spot in the “Top 25” games in the iTunes App Store for two and a half years running. With total sales of 7 million downloads since release, the success of Pocket God comes from a combination of endearing characters, unique art style and an incredibly fanatical community of followers.


Don't forget that the Pocket God Comic is updated frequently with all kinds of free extras including The Pygmy Peril newsletter, an exlusive re-mastered version of the first Pocket God animated short, free Little Green Men comic short stories, and more cool stuff!


For more information, please visit http://www.ApeComics.com or www.boltcreative.com.

Richie Rich is Back!

We loved watching the cartoon Richie Rich. Did you know that there was a comic book series? We are excited that Ape Entertainment is going to release two follow ups to their limited series. The covers for the two titles are above. You can check out the info from Ape Entertainment below.

Ape Entertainment- Black Dynamite: Slave Island Sold Out

If you did not pick up your copy of Ape Entertainment's Black Dynamite: Slave Island, it is not too late to still get your copy of this great comic. The first printing is now sold out, but you may be lucky to find a copy out there. Otherwise, you are in luck to order the second printing coming out this May. We did a review on Black Dynamite: Slave Island a couple of weeks ago and all I can say is that it is a great comic and feels like a sequel to the movie. The story is great and has that humor that we saw in the movie. We will post a picture soon of the cover to the second printing when available. 

San Diego, CA - Ape Entertainment announced today that a second printing of BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND will soon be on the way. The second printing, scheduled for an early May release, will give fans who missed the instant sell out debut of BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND a chance to check out what is soon to be the most talked about comic of the year. Please note that Copies of the first printing may still be available at your local retailer. 

“We just want to thank all the fans of the book, old and new, for giving BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND a try” said David Hedgecock CEO of Ape Entertainment. Hedgecock went on to say “We know there are a lot of you who missed out on the first printing and we are moving as quickly as we can to make sure all of you who still need a copy will be able to get one with as little delay as possible.”

“Between the streets, Vietnam and the C.I.A., Black Dynamite thought he had seen it all. But nothing could have prepared him for his most dangerous mission yet! In BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND, the world’s greatest Blaxploitation sensation uses his fists of fury to shut down a secret island where The Man still plays by 1850’s rules!”  Inspired by the 2009 feature film BLACK DYNAMITE, SLAVE ISLAND is based on a story by Michael Jai White, Byron Minns and Scott Sanders; written by Brian Ash (The Boondocks), with art by Jun Lofamia.

“We couldn't be happier with the response the book is getting,“ says author Brian Ash.  “What's even more exciting is it’s just the tip of the iceberg for what's in store for the fans.  The movie's cult following seems to be growing by the day and with the Animated Series coming to Adult Swim next year, we're looking forward to exploring this character in all his iterations.”

Ape Entertainment Presents: Black Dynamite "Slave Island" Review

I really enjoyed Black Dynamite: Slave Island. If you enjoyed the movie, you will definitely enjoy the comic. Great story and it makes you feel that you are watching a sequel to the original film. It continues with the great action and humor the film provided to the audience. Ape Entertainment did the right thing in teaming up with Ars Nova to bring a great new comic to fans. In my review, I will give a little detail about the art and who provided the artwork, and I will provide some of the story and who wrote the comic.

Art

Pencils, Ink, and Cover by Jun Lofamia

I will be honest, I am not really familiar with Jun Lofamia's work, but I think his style is a perfect fit for Black Dynamite. He captures the scenes very well with the story and makes you feel you are watching an addition to the original movie. Jun Lofamia is from the Phillippines and has been an illustrator/artist since the late 1960's. His work has been present in DC mysteries in the 1970's, including the House of Mystery and he also has worked on Vampirella. Once I did a little research on Lofamia, I see how the comic brings that classic look I was familiar with in comics growing up. Great retro style to the comic and look forward to future Black Dynamite comics.

Ape Entertainment: Black Dynamite #1

In an earlier post, we mentioned that Ape Entertainment will be releasing its Black Dynamite comic in April. Scott Sanders, the director of Black Dynamite has made a very special announcement to all of the Black Dynamite fans, especially if you live in the Los Angeles area. 

 Hey there BLACK DYNAMITE fans:
Scott Sanders here, with a personal invitation to join me in celebrating the next iteration of the BLACK DYNAMITE brand:NERDIST INDUSTRIES and ARS NOVA present: Nerdist Podcast Live @Meltdown: BLACK DYNAMITE!
...to celebrate the release of issue #1 of the new comic BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE ISLAND!

Ape Entertainment Presents "Black Dynamite: Slave Island"

Black Dynamite is the greatest African-American action star of the 1970s. When his only brother is killed by The Man it's up to him to find justice. The Man is pumping heroin into the local orphanages and filling the streets with drugs. The ghetto is being flooded with malt liquor. Who can protect the streets? BLACK DYNAMITE!! He is skilled in Kung Fu too.

 BLACK DYNAMITE EXPLODES IN YOUR FACE

First issue of the BLACK DYNAMITE Comic Book to release April 2011

(March 17, 2011)Ape Entertainment, in partnership with Ars Nova, is proud to announce the release of the original 48 page one-shot Black Dynamite: Slave Island, inspired by the major motion picture BLACK DYNAMITE.

“Between the streets, Vietnam and the C.I.A., Black Dynamite thought he had seen it all. But nothing could have prepared him for his most dangerous mission yet! In BLACK DYNAMITE: SLAVE
ISLAND, the world’s greatest Blaxploitation sensation uses his fists of fury to shut down a secret island where the Man still plays by 1850’s rules!” SLAVE ISLAND is based on a story by Michael Jai White, Byron Minns and Scott Sanders. Written by Brian Ash (The Boondocks),with inks by Jun Lofamia, one-shot is due in stores April 2011.

“We pick right up where the movie left off and continue with the same over the top action in the one-shot,” explained Brent E. Erwin, COO of Ape Entertainment. “When you are dealing with the quintessential badass, tough-as-nails hero, why would you change a thing?”

"SLAVE ISLAND is a blacktastic journey into a dynamite new world,” says the film’s director, Scott Sanders. “Ash and LoFamia created a spot-on recreation of the comics I loved as a kid, with an added Black Dynamite twist!”

If the comic ends up being like the movie, this is sure to be a very funny story. I can not wait to pick this up in April.