Mass Effect: Foundation Announced at Emerald City Comicon by Dark Horse

Today at Emerald City Comicon, Dark Horse Comics announced a new ongoing canonical entry in the Mass Effect series!

Mass Effect 2 and 3 lead writer Mac Walters kicks off a new ongoing series, set in the vibrant, engaging world of BioWare’s blockbuster science fiction epic! Fans of the award-winning franchise will find new characters tied directly to the newly announced Mass Effect 3: Citadel single-player DLC.

Mass Effect 3: Citadel will release worldwide on March 5 on Xbox 360, PC, and PS3, and on March 6 on PS3 in Europe. Price: $14.99, 1,200 Microsoft Points, or 1,200 BioWare Points.

In addition, fans can read the exclusive interview with Mac Walters on Comic Book Resources. 

Mass Effect: Foundation #1 is on sale July 24 in comic shops and on Dark Horse Digital.  

Emerald City Comic Con 2013 Aspen Comics Exclusives

Aspen Comics heads north to Seattle on March 1^st – 3^rd for the Emerald City Comicon 2013 and will be continuing their huge push for their “10 for 10” anniversary initiative at the show. Creators Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged, Awaken Skies/Overtaken), Peter Steigerwald (Zoo Hunters, Lady Mechanika), Siya Oum (Charismagic, Executive Assistant: Iris) and David Wohl (Legend of the Shadow Clan, Executive Assistant: Iris) will be appearing all weekend long at the Aspen Comics Booth #2206.

To celebrate the successful launch of the debut “10 for 10” title, Legend of the Shadow Clan, Aspen is making a special Emerald City variant for the second issue. The Legend of the Shadow Clan #2 Emerald City Comicon 2013 exclusive cover is fully illustrated by Seattle native Siya Oum and is limited to only 200 copies. Oum and Legend of the Shadow Clan creator Wohl will be at the Aspen Booth all weekend long to sign copies of this limited exclusive.

In addition to all new editions of their industry-leading art prints for the con, Aspen will also be unveiling their second offering in their Aspen Tour Print 2013 Anniversary Edition series by Michael Turner and Peter Steigerwald, which debuted earlier this year in Arizona to sold-out success. The Aspen Tour Print Anniversary Edition is limited to 125 editions. Aspen encourages fans to arrive early to ensure their print edition of this highly limited product. Aspen will also be offering two new Legend of the Shadow Clan prints by J. Scott Campbell and Cory Smith, respectively. The publisher will also feature an all new print featuring popular characters Aspen and Grace by Michael Turner and Peter Seigerwald, limited to 125 editions.

For more info on Aspen’s Emerald City Comicon plans check www.aspencomics.com and the following Aspen media outlets:

#Aspen10

Facebook.com/aspencomics

Twitter.com/aspencomics

Instagram: aspencomics

Emerald City Comic Con Annoucement of Axe Cop: President of the World

Direct from Emerald City Comicon, mad-scientist brotherly duo Ethan and Malachai Nicolle are back with Axe Cop: President of the World!

 This brand-new, print-exclusive story written by eight-year-old Malachai Nicolle and drawn by his older brother Ethan Nicolle promises to be as wild as the last series. Upon its debut as a webcomic in December of 2009, Axe Cop was instantly hailed by the entertainment press as a hit.

  “The new Axe Cop miniseries President of the World is a follow-up to Bad Guy Earth. It picks up right where Bad Guy Earth leaves off, when Axe Cop is made the president of all presidents,” said Ethan. 

 Axe Cop has been appointed president of the whole world! But what will Axe Cop and his friends do in a world with no bad guys? Look to defeat the bad guys from outer space, of course! Axe Cop is commander in chief of hilarious adventures as only a kid could imagine.

 “This miniseries, much like Bad Guy Earth, was created during a monthlong visit with Malachai. It includes a lot of new characters, good and bad. It’s apocalyptic and charming just like a good Axe Cop comic should be. Obviously, way back when we wrote Bad Guy Earth we did not plan for an Axe Cop comic about his presidency to come out right in the middle of the elections, but that is what happened. Perfect timing,” Ethan explained. “I think anyone who loves Axe Cop will love this one. I really tried to make it a continuation from the last miniseries and not a ‘sequel’ that tries to top the last one. Malachai and I had a blast making it.”

 

Axe Cop: President of the World #1 is on sale July 25, 2012!

The Return of the Ghost Series Announced at Emerald City Comic Con

A thrilling announcement coming from Emerald City Comicon: the Dark Horse title Ghost will be returning to single-issue monthly format!  

Ghost debuted in 1993 as part of Dark Horse’s Comics’ Greatest World series. The fan-favorite title ran for ten years and featured crossovers with Hellboy, X, The Mask, and Barb Wire.

  Comic Book Resources recently broke the exclusive that Ghost would be returning this summer in Dark Horse Presents #13. This new incarnation of Ghost is written by Kelly Sue DeConnick and illustrated by Phil Noto. Fans can pick up the critically acclaimed series in September, beginning with a zero issue that collects the Ghost stories from Dark Horse Presents.

 “There’s something about her, something about the way Phil draws her . . . I think it’s in the eyes. It’s like he’s given her a soul. She’s equal parts charismatic and creepy for me to work with, honestly,” said DeConnick. “The new series is a fresh start, an alternative take. No prior knowledge of the character or the universe is necessary. There’s a good chance you’ll be into this one too.”

 Ghost #0 is on sale September 19, 2012!

Ghost #1 is on sale October 10, 2012!

Dark Horse Comics Schedule at Emerald City Comic Con

Here is the Dark Horse Comics information on their panels for Emerald City Comic Con this weekend.

Friday • March 30^th

 ECCC Spotlight Series: Brian Wood
  Room: 211
Time: 3:00 - 4:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, join creator Brian Wood as he talks about his work on Conan, DMZ, Northlanders and many others.

 Falling Skies Screening and Q&A
  Room: 4C1-2
Time: 3:00 - 4:00

TNT's epic drama Falling Skies makes its debut appearance at Emerald City Comicon this year. Watch a never-before-seen clip from the season 2 premiere episode and hear from the show's actors and producers about the new season. Falling Skies, basic cable's #1 new series of 2011, is set to return this June to continue its extraordinary story about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle (ER) stars as Tom Mason, a former college professor and father of three, who has become an unlikely leader for the 2nd Massachusetts civilian resistance group. The series chronicles the chaotic aftermath of an alien attack that has left most of the world completely incapacitated. Falling Skies comes to TNT from DreamWorks Television and is executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Television heads Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank. Remi Aubuchon and Greg Beeman also serve as executive producers.

Drawing Inspiration: The Art of the Whedonverse  
Room: 4C1-2
Time: 5:00 - 6:00

Join us for an exclusive behind-the-panels look at the dynamic artwork of Dark Horses Joss Whedon titles, from pencils to inks to colors to print. Dark Horses public relations director, Jeremy Atkins, will lead a discussion with artists Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Phil Noto (Angel & Faith, Dollhouse), Chris Samnee (Serenity), and inker Andy Owens (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) for an inside look at the artists processes. We'll be showcasing a variety of art from past and future issues of these best-loved titles, including exclusive reveals and first looks!

ECCC Spotlight Series: Camilla d'Errico
  Room: 211
Time: 6:00 - 7:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, Camilla d'Errico talks about how she made her dreams reality by giving up on the 9 to 5 grind and becoming a full time artist.

EXPANDING THE EXPERIENCE: VIDEO GAMES TO COMICS AND BACK AGAIN  Room: TCC 102 Time: 6:00 - 7:00

When Dark Horse partnered with BioWare to expand the Mass Effect story line into comics, video-game tie-in comics were finally legitimized. Now, Dark Horse is widely recognized as the leading publisher of video-game comics, with launches throughout 2012 digitally and in print. Join us for an hour long preview of what’s to come this year, with exclusive news and announcements on current and upcoming projects with BioWare, Valve, and Activision!

Saturday • March 31^st

ECCC Spotlight Series: Rick Remender
 Room: 211
Time: 11:00 - 12:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour Uncanny X-Force writer Rick Remender joins us. Rick is also the writer/creator of comics such as Fear Agent, The End League, Strange Girl, Black Heart Billy, Last Days of American Crime, Sea of Red, Sorrow, Night Mary, XXXombies and Doll and Creature.

Dark Horse Comics: Powered By Creators 
Room: 4C1-2
Time: 4:00 - 5:00

Just over twenty-five years ago, Dark Horse stepped into the comics-publishing arena with a different agenda. While the publisher has gained much notoriety for its popular licensed titles, like Buffy and Star Wars, one mission remains the same: to give comics top creators a venue for showcasing their work and retaining their ownership of it. Join Dark Horse's public relations director, Jeremy Atkins, along with a cast of premier talent, for news on all of Dark Horse's 2012 publishing launches and new Dark Horse Presents stories. Guests include Steve Niles (Criminal Macabre), Steve Lieber (Alabaster), Francesco Francavilla (Black Beetle), Sanford Greene (Rotten Apple), Ethan Nicolle (Axe Cop), Adam Warren (Empowered), Paul Tobin (Falling Skies), and Brian Wood (The Massive), and a few surprise drop-ins!

Sunday • April 1^st

ECCC Spotlight Series: Steve Niles 
Room: 211
Time: 12:00 - 1:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. This hour, modern master of horror, Steve Niles, talks about what it takes to craft a good horror story, working with artists like Sam Kieth and Ben Templesmith and how his creation of 30 Days of Night changed the face of horror comics.

 Axe Cop
 Room: 3AB
Time: 1:00 - 2:00

Ethan and Malachai Nicolle, creators of Axe Cop, will do a live Q&A, show images and videos of new Axe Cop material, etc. Always a fun and highly interactive panel.

Mythic Fiction Comics: The Next Mega-Genre?
Room: 3AB
Time: 12:00 - 1:00

From Mage, Sandman and Bone to Fables, Castle Waiting, Hellboy and more, mythic fiction has been a fascinating -- and growing -- presence in comics. What is mythic fiction? Why is it so popular? And could it really become the next big thing in the comics field? Join moderator Kurt Busiek (Arrowsmith), Matt Wagner (Mage), Rachel Edidin (Dark Horse Comics), Bill Willingham (Fables) and Chris Roberson (Memorial) for a lively discussion about mythic fiction in comics, from its roots to it future.


ECCC Spotlight Series: Brandon Graham and Adam Warren in Conversation
  Room: 211
Time: 1:00 - 2:00

The Emerald City Comicon Spotlight Series is designed to give you an intimate look into the minds of some of comics greatest creators. Brandon Graham and Adam Warren join you this hour for a conversation talking about finer points of their work. Their western takes on manga have delighted readers locally and abroad. Expect a vivid and lively discussion.  

 

 

EXPANDING THE EXPERIENCE: VIDEO GAMES TO COMICS AND BACK AGAIN  Room: TCC 102 Time: 6:00 - 7:00

When Dark Horse partnered with BioWare to expand the Mass Effect story line into comics, video-game tie-in comics were finally legitimized. Now, Dark Horse is widely recognized as the leading publisher of video-game comics, with launches throughout 2012 digitally and in print. Join us for an hour long preview of what’s to come this year, with exclusive news and announcements on current and upcoming projects with BioWare, Valve, and Activision!

The Walking Dead Vol. 1 Free from ComiXology Booth at Emerald City Comic Con

 
 

ComiXology and Skybound partner up to give out 2,500 free digital copies of The Walking Dead Vol. 1 first come, first serve ComiXology @ ECCC ’12: Giveaways, Panels, and more!

  Following the unprecedented demand for the free Walking Dead Vol.1 giveaway at WonderCon '12 earlier this month, comiXology - the world’s largest digital comics platform available on iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire and the Web- will be at Emerald City Comicon’12 doing it again! So make sure you visit comiXology (booth #308) during Emerald City Comicon at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington from March 30^th-April 1^st to get one of 2,500 free digital comic giveaway codes for The Walking Dead Vol.1. 

 Teaming up once again with The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman’s Skybound, comiXology is out make ECCC’12 unforgettable for comic fans with a free “taste” of the first graphic novel — regularly $8.99 for 140 pages —that the hit The Walking Dead TV show is based on. The first 2,500 Emerald City Comicon’12 attendees to come by comiXology’s booth (#308) will receive a limited edition promotional postcard imprinted with a unique download code redeemable for The Walking Dead Vol. 1 exclusively on comiXology.com in exchange for an email sign up.

 In addition to the must-have The Walking Dead Vol. 1 giveaway, comiXology will be providing a hands on demonstrations of it’s Comics by comiXology digital comics platform at their booth all weekend long. Comic fans should not miss their chance to get a look at the all new 3.1 iOS upgrade that includes the CMX-HD digital comics format for the new iPad and features new sharing capabilities.

All ECCC ’12 attendees are invited to attend the special “ComiXology Open Discussion Panel” where comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger will answer questions from the audience on “Everything Digital” with no topic off limits. The “ComiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital Panel” will be on Saturday, March 31^st from 2:00pm- 3:00pm in Room 3.

Most recently, comiXology was in the news for their Comics by comiXology 3.1 iOS update. This update featured not only new sharing capabilities but also the debut of CMX-HD digital comics format to meet the challenge of the new iPad screen. ComiXology debuted 3.1 with a little over 100 titles in this new format. And, only five days later, comiXology was able to offer over 1,000 titles in CMX-HD format. CMX-HD upgraded files are a free upgrade to those who have previously purchased and at no additional cost for new purchases.

Shortly before the 3.1 announcement, comiXology announced they had surpassed 50 million comic books and graphic novel downloads since the inception of their Comics by comiXology digital comics platform - with 5 million of those downloads happening in this past December alone. In addition, this past October saw Comics by comiXology start to consistently chart as the top grossing iPad app in the entire iTunes App Store on new comics release day — a trend that has continued throughout 2012. Then in November, Comics by comiXology was selected as a pre-loaded app on Amazon’s Kindle Fire alongside Facebook and Twitter. By the end of 2011, comiXology had powered three of the top 20 grossing iPad apps — with Comics by comiXology coming in at number 11 for the entire year.

What: Emerald City Comicon 2012
When: March 30^th - April 1^st, 2012
Where: The Washington State Convention Center, Seattle WA
Booth #: 308


Giveaway: Limited edition promotional postcard imprinted with a unique download code redeemable for The Walking Dead Vol. 1 exclusively on comiXology.com in exchange for an email sign up.

Panels: Saturday, March 31^st from 2:00pm - 3:00pm - ComiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital Panel with comiXology’s David Steinberger - Room 203.

Very Cool Emerald City Comic Con Exclusives from Boom! Studios

BOOM! STUDIOS @
EMERALD CITY COMIC-CON 2012
BOOTH #502 and #402
BOOM! GUESTS INCLUDE:

ADVENTURE TIME Creator: Pen Ward
ADVENTURE TIME  Writer: Ryan North
ADVENTURE TIME  Artist: Shelli Paroline
ADVENTURE TIME  Artist: Braden Lamb
 ADVENTURE TIME  Artist: Jen Bennett

&

PEANUTS Writer: Shane Houghton
PEANUTS Artist: Matt Whitlock

&

HIGHER EARTH & FANBOYS VS. ZOMBIES’ Sam Humphries

PLANET OF THE APES’  Daryl Gregory
VALEN THE OUTCAST's Michael Alan Nelson
I THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE FUNNIER's Shannon Wheeler

SCHEDULED SIGNINGS & PANELS

BOOM! Studios Booth #502


BOOM! Studios All Day Signing

Michael Alan Nelson, Writer (Valen the Outcast, 28 Days Later)

Sam Humphries, Writer (Fanboys v.s. Zombies)

Daryl Gregory, Writer (Planet of the Apes)

Shannon Wheeler, Cartoonist (I Thought You'd Be Funnier)



KaBOOM! All Day Signing Booth #402


Matt Whitlock, Artist (PEANUTS)

Shane Houghton, Writer (PEANUTS)

Ryan North, Writer (ADVENTURE TIME)




KaBOOM! All Day Sketching

Shelli Paroline, Artist (Adventure Time)

Braden Lamb, Artist (Adventure Time)

Jenn Bennett , Artist (Adventure Time)


BOOM! and KABOOM! Panels and Signing Schedule
Friday 3/30/12

2:00PM : Emerald City Comic Con opens, KaBOOM! booth begins giving out lottery tickets for Saturday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

3:00PM-4:00PM : Chris Roberson, Writer (ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST)


Saturday 3/31/12

10:00AM : Mitch Gerads signing, Artist (PLANET OF THE APES) BOOTH #502

11:00AM : Lottery ticket cut-off for Saturday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

12:00PM : The winning fifty fans’ lottery ticket numbers posted at the KaBOOM! booth (#402) for Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

1:00PM-2:00PM : ADEVNTURE TIME Panel - Room 4C3-4

2:30PM-3:30PM : ADVENTURE TIME Signing With Pendelton Ward Booth #402
NOTE: Lottery tickets will be given out when the show opens Friday all the way to 11:00AM Saturday morning (or until we run out); 50 random fans will be chosen for this event from the lottery and their numbers posted at the KaBOOM! booth at noon on Saturday.

3:30PM : KaBOOM! booth begins giving out lottery tickets for Sunday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

6:00PM : BOOM! Studios Panel - Room 4C3-4


Sunday 4/1/12

10:00AM : Emerald City Comic Con opens, KaBOOM! booth begins giving out lottery tickets for Saturday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

11:00AM : Lottery ticket cut-off for Sunday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.

11:30AM : Fifty fans’ lottery ticket numbers posted at the KaBOOM! booth (#402) for Sunday’s Pendleton Ward ADVENTURE TIME signing.
NOTE: Lottery tickets will be given out after Saturday’s signing all the way to 11:00AM Sunday morning (or until we run out); 50 random fans will be chosen for this event from the lottery and their numbers posted at the KaBOOM! booth at noon on Saturday.

12:00PM-1:00PM : ADVENTURE TIME signing with Pendleton Ward and Chris Samnee - Booth #402

1:00PM-2:00PM : Editing Comics the BOOM! Studios way Panel - Room 201

3:00PM : Mitch Gerads signing, Artist (Planet of the Apes) - Booth #502

3:00PM-4:00PM : PEANUTS Comic panel - Room 3AB

4:00PM-5:00PM : Breaking into Comics panel - Room 4C1-2

Image Comics Programming at Emerald City Comic Con

Image Comics is showing up in a big way at Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) in Seattle, Washington this March 30 through April 1, with a slew of convention exclusives (announced here) and an extensive signing and programming schedule. Many Image creators will be at the Image, Skybound, and Top Cow booths, as well as manning their own tables in the Washington State Convention center.

A panel schedule, signing schedule, and full list of Image creators attending ECCC follow. If you are interested in scheduling an interview with any of the Image creators regarding their Image titles, please contact Jennifer de Guzman at jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com.

There will be six Image Comics-related panels during ECCC:

Creator Spotlight: Marc Silvestri
Join Top Cow founder, Image partner, movie producer and top industry artist Marc Silvestri (THE DARKNESS) as he takes a retrospective look at his legendary career spanning three decades. Moderated by Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, Silvestri will look back at everything from his early years on such top titles as X-Men and Wolverine to the founding of Image Comics and Cyberforce to the redefining of his company and the creation of mini-icons like Witchblade and The Darkness. Friday, 4pm, Room 211

Robert Kirkman Q&A
Kirkman, one of the most successful writers in comics today, best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible, and Super Dinosaur, will offer fans some insight into the genius behind their favorite hit comics. After becoming an Image Comics partner in 2009, introducing the internationally renowned hit TV show based on the comic, "The Walking Dead" on AMC, and recently announcing an upcoming video game adaptation of the same series from TellTale Games, he has proven to be an unstoppable creative force. Friday, 7pm, Room 4C1-2

Image Comics - 20 Years of Creator-Owned Independence
Some of the most exciting rising stars in comics today and established creators alike will be coming together to talk about the past, present, and future of Image Comics. Join Ed Brubaker (Fatale), Joe Casey (Butcher Baker, Officer Downe, Haunt), Brandon Graham (King City, Prophet), Joe Keatinge (Glory, Hell Yeah), Emi Lenox (Emitown), Nathan Edmondson (Who Is Jake Ellis?, The Activity, Dancer), and Natalie Nourigat (Between Gears) to experience this lively conversation and be among the first to hear some big announcements! Saturday, 12pm, Room 4C3-4

Image Comics Emerald City Comicon Exclusives

Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2012, and Image Comics, commemorating its twentieth anniversary, is hitting the fan-favorite Northwestern convention in a big way. Previously announced was the programming guide cover and exclusive poster and T-shirt art by Marc Silvestri. Now, in advance of the March 30-April 1 convention, taking place at Seattle's Washington State Convention Center, Image Comics is announcing a trove of convention-exclusive covers, posters, prints, and T-shirts for some of their hottest titles.

A blood-smeared variant cover of BLOODSTRIKE #26, the relaunch of Rob Liefeld's Extreme title by Tim Seeley and Franchesco Gaston, pays homage to BLOODSTRIKE #1. The cover of the 1993 debut of the series invited readers to "RUB THE BLOOD!" This ECCC exclusive will be at the Image Comics booth, #310 for $5.00.

THE WALKING DEAD ECCC-exclusive T-Shirt will be the shirt to be seen in to show off your love of the undead, featuring an illustration by TWD artist Charlie Adlard. The T-shirt will be available in men's and women's sizes for only $20.00 at the ECCC show booth, #514.

 

Image Comics and Top Cow Invade the Emerald City Comic Con

Top Cow Productions, Inc. and Image Comics invite you to join them from March 30th through April 1st at the 10th annual Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) held at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington.

Special Guest and Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri provides this year’s ECCC program guide cover, which features iconic characters from each of the current Image partners. Witchblade, Spawn, Savage Dragon, Shadowhawk and Invincible crouch atop the iconic Space Needle in an homage to the classic King Kong scene. Silvestri penciled and inked the incredibly detailed image and Sunny Gho of IFS provided the colors. 

To commemorate the decade-long Seattle institution, the artwork will also be available as an Exclusive Print at the Top Cow Booth (#414), and an Exclusive T-Shirt will be available at the ECCC Booth (#514).

“ECCC is known as one of the best comic shows around and I can't wait to hang out with the fans and share the love of comics!” said Silvestri. “I was honored when asked to do the cover for the con program to help celebrate ECCC and the 20th anniversary of Image Comics, and I couldn't think of anything more appropriate than a West Coast version of King Kong! But, unlike the original chest-thumping ape, these Image monkeys aren't falling off the building!”

“Marc Silvestri is a creator that our fans have been asking about for a long time,” commented ECCC Convention Director Jim Demonakos. “To not only have him appear at the show, but for him to have created this amazing piece that celebrates both Emerald City Comicon and Image Comics, is really something special.”