Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Echoes First Look from Dynamite

Today, Dynamite Entertainment announced it is teaming up with Ubisoft to release Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Echoes, a thrilling comic book series based on the award-winning Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell video game franchise that has sold more than 27 million copies worldwide since its introduction in 2002.

Splinter Cell Echoes takes place between the events of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Conviction® and Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist™. The comic book series bridges the gap between the two games with a realistic, original story that sets the tone for the opening events in Splinter Cell Blacklist.

Sam Fisher, once a Splinter Cell--a clandestine elite operative operating in the shadows of the NSA--is now retired. His enemies, however, are not. Haunted by dreams and memories of his past, he struggles to put his life back together. But when a mysterious terrorist organization called KROWE begins pursuing targets around the globe, Sam's expertise is needed to uncover their endgame and stop them before the deadly plot unfolds.

Preview Pages in Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Echoes #1

The project is written by Nathan Edmondson, the critically-acclaimed writer of BLACK WIDOW and THE PUNISHER, who is working with Dynamite for the very first time.  Marc Laming, the artist behind EXILE ON THE PLANET OF THE APES, THE RINSE, THE ACTIVITY and Dynamite's own KINGS WATCH, will be joining him.

"With Ubisoft, Marc Laming and I had the unique opportunity to take on one of the most successful and recognizable franchises in video games," says writer Nathan Edmonson. "I'm telling a full and original story that stands on its own as an action-espionage tale that we're both proud of, bringing a narrative element to the thrill of the game in a way that only a comic can do."

"I've had a great time working with Dynamite on Kings Watch & Flash Gordon so it's really good news that the publisher is going to be the home for Splinter Cell Echoes. It's a rattling good spy-fi yarn full of the sort of story elements that Nathan does best. It's a tale that gives good fan service while equally accessible to folk who don't know the Splinter Cell world - this is a kick ass, globe-trotting secret operative without restraints," said Marc Laming.

"We are very pleased to be working with Ubisoft on this project, and know that it is just the start of a great relationship between the companies," said CEO/Publisher Nick Barrucci. "This book looks and reads fantastic, and we really thought it deserved getting out to a broad audience via Dynamite. When you read the series, you'll see why Ubisoft entrusted Nathan and Marc to be able to tell a story in continuity with the games, definitely a high honor.  Nathan Edmonson took a video game, and made it one of the best comics today. It doesn't shock me at all that Marvel entrusted him with such important properties with The Punisher and Black Widow. And with those books, he's knocking them out of the park! Combined with the art of the incredibly talented Marc Laming, it's just a perfect fit all around."

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Echoes was previously only available in a limited print run as part of the Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Blacklist Collector's Edition. Dynamite will release the project as a four issue mini-series shipping July to October, with a collection to be published shortly thereafter. The project will feature new covers by Marc Laming and include bonus behind-the-scenes material in each issue from Ubisoft.

Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Echoes #1 will be solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors' May Previews catalog, the premiere source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release on July 2nd, 2014. Comic book fans are encouraged to reserve copies of Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Echoes #1 with their local comic book retailers. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Echoes #1 will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.

McFarlane Toys Announces Ubisoft Rabbids Action Figures

McFarlane Toys announced it is creating a line of Ubisoft® Rabbids® action-figures, plush and novelty toys based on the successful Rabbids video game franchise and Rabbids Invasion, the new 26-episode CG animated television series,  which debuted  in August and became a hit on Nickelodeon. The extensive toy line will start hitting retailers in spring 2014.

McFarlane Toys will produce a full product line inspired by the hilarious, impulsive and pop-culture loving Rabbids.  Products will include figures, customizable figures, plush, collectible figures and accessories in a variation of sizes and materials, as well as novelty toys with electronic light and sound features. The suggested retail prices will range from $3.99 and up. 

Created in 2006, the wacky, mischievous Rabbids have become a global sensation with more than 14 million video games sold worldwide and hundreds of licensed products that feature the Rabbids characters.   Viral videos starring the Rabbids have attracted more than 71 million views on YouTube.   The Rabbids phenomenon currently extends across multiple genres including parodies, videos, illustrations and consumer products.  Ubisoft Motion Pictures has collaborated with Nickelodeon to produce the new hit television seriesRabbids Invasion based on the Rabbids franchise. McFarlane will capture the Rabbids humor and hijinks from the TV show with figurines based on specific characters from the series. 

McFarlane Toys’ Founder and CEO Todd McFarlane is working directly with creative teams from Ubisoft’s studios to capture fan-favorite and key iconic moments from the Rabbids history in order to bring to life the storytelling that McFarlane Toys is best known for with its fans.

“As an artist, I’m always looking for creative inspiration and I’m a big fan of humor, especially the irreverent and unpredictable humor theme that runs throughout the Rabbids franchise,” said Todd McFarlane. “I have completely been immersed in the Rabbids universe and it has allowed my and my company’s, creative juices to run wild.  We have been putting the full range of all my company’s talents toward creating some of the funniest and unique products McFarlane Toys has ever produced.”  

"The Rabbids have invaded the world and wreaked havoc through absurd and hilarious storylines,” said Tony Key, senior vice president of marketing and sales, Ubisoft. “We know Todd will bring the crazy and unique personalities to life in the products for consumers to enjoy.”

This exciting new line of merchandise from McFarlane Toys will be geared toward the youth to young adult market, both male and female, and will hit North America stores nationwide spring 2014.  McFarlane Toys, well-known for its enormously successful action figure collaborations with blockbuster entertainment and pop-culture properties, is developing one of its largest licensing programs ever around the Rabbids Invasiontelevision show franchise.

As for the furry creatures themselves, they had one thing to say about the news: “Bwaaaah!”