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Steampunk World’s Fair pulls into New Jersey this week

May 13, 2012 in News

Next weekend, thousands of well-dressed musicians, dancers, and sideshow & theatric performers, will converge in – of all places – Piscataway, New Jersey for the third annual Steampunk World’s Fair. The historically-based theme of the event should make for fascinating role-playing and cosplay attendees, and the entertainment line-up should appeal to the dedicated and the novice to the Steampunk culture.

CLICK HERE for a look at the performers, musicians, dance, sideshow, and theatric performers, and literary & academic guests. Many have called The Steampunk World’s Fair a music festival, with the most incredible Steampunk-related shopping in the world.

The first Steampunk World’s Fair brought together more Steampunk entertainment, and a greater variety of it, than any Steampunk event ever. Organizers have promised to continue that tradition, and add to it with a number of special events, including an outdoor Midway, which should be very interesting.

The Steampunk World’s Fair takes place from May 18th through the 20th, and will be held at The Radisson Hotel of Piscataway, located at 21 Kingsbridge Road, in Piscataway, New Jersey.

Find out more about The Steampunk World’s Fair at www.steampunkworldsfair.com.

DEXCON 15 organizers inviting artists to display for free at this year’s event

April 29, 2012 in Events, News

The organizers of DEXCON are inviting established and emerging artists to be a part of DEXCON 15. Organizers have confirmed to MyFantasyArt that they will provide display space, two free memberships to participating artists, was well as access to the DEXCON 15 hospitality suite. Organizers expect more than 1,500 attendees over the five days of the unique gaming convention, and will feature over 1,000 events, including several artists’ showcases.

DEXCON 15 takes place from July 4 – 9, 2012, at the Hyatt Morristown located in Morristown, New Jersey. For additional information on DEXCON, visit dexposure.com.

For more details on how to take advantage of this amazing opportunity, email artists@dexposure.com.

Preview image of first statuette from Dark Horse Deluxe

February 11, 2012 in Events, Figure and Collectibles Previews, Media Images, News

Artist and designer Camilla d’Errico’s paintings, comics, apparel, toys, and licensed merchandise items are found in trendsetting venues worldwide, and her unique art style sets these items apart from the crowd. Dark Horse Deluxe, a division of Dark Horse Comics, announces the latest step forward for d’Errico, a limited-edition sculptural bust inspired by her painting No Ordinary Love.

Slated for release in late June of this year, the meticulously painted sculpture measures approximately 8 inches tall and 5 inches in width. It is strictly limited to only 950 hand-numbered copies for worldwide distribution. It will be packaged in a full-color collectible box, with a certificate of authenticity inserted to certify it for collectors.

According to Dark Horse Deluxe, Camilla d’Errico supervised every aspect of the sculpting and paint application as the piece took shape, providing additional reference, commentary, and color notes throughout the prototyping process.

The painting No Ordinary Love was included in the Dark Horse art book of d’Errico’s work, Femina and Fauna, which has gone into multiple printings and can be found in a diverse array of retail venues, such as bookstores, art galleries, pop-culture and designer-toy emporiums, and comic shops. A second hardcover collection of Camilla d’Errico’s paintings, titled Helmetgirls, is scheduled for publication by Dark Horse this July.

Dark Horse will display No Ordinary Love to the trade for the first time at its booth during International Toy Fair, at Jacob Javits Center in New York, from February 12–15, 2012.

New logo and identity for DC Comics

February 1, 2012 in Book Previews, Media Images, News

DC Entertainment recently revealed a new brand identity for DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine. According to a post on the company’s blog, the new identity is reflective of the it’s mission to fully realize the value of a rich portfolio of brands, stories and characters, distinguished by incredible breadth and depth across publishing, media and merchandise. A new logo for DC Comics was also introduced, closely aligning with DC Entertainment’s new mark.

“It’s a new era at DC Entertainment and the new look reflects a dynamic, bold approach while at the same time celebrates the company’s rich heritage and robust portfolio of characters,” said DC Entertainment’s John Rood. “It was just a few months ago that Superman, Batman and many of our other Super Heroes were updated when we launched DC Comics – The New 52 and now it’s time to do the same for the company’s identity while remaining true to the power of storytelling which is still at the heart of DC Entertainment.”

DC Entertainment worked with leading brand consulting and design firm Landor Associates to develop the new identity, meant to create a visual connection among the company, its three brands DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD, along with its vast array of properties. The design of the new DC Entertainment identity uses a peel effect, with the D strategically placed over the C with the upper right-hand portion of the D peeling back to unveil the hidden C – symbolizing the duality of the iconic characters that are present within DC Entertainment’s portfolio.

The new brand identity will come to life across all consumer touch points in order to create a clear and consistent message in support of DC Entertainment. The new identity will begin to appear on comic books and graphic novels as well as new websites in March. Consumers will also see the new identity rolled out over time on other DC Entertainment products from Warner Bros. including film, television, interactive games and merchandise.

“We believe our new brand identity will strongly resonate with our loyal fans who will want to proudly express their affinity for DC Entertainment and their passion for their favorite stories and characters, this new look allows them to easily do this. In addition we were excited to update our identity, it’s not often a company gets to revisit something as important as its brand and we took the opportunity to make sure it represented the multi-media business we set out to build with the formation of DC Entertainment,” said DC Entertainment’s Amit Desai.

Check out a gallery featuring the new brands, below.

Dark Horse offering incentive to comics retailers

January 19, 2012 in Book Previews, Media Images, News

Dark Horse is offering comics retailers a special stock-up incentive tied to five new Star Wars series in 2012.

Retailers who order fifteen copies of any of the following titles will receive 5 percent off of their initial orders for that title: Knights of the Old Republic: War, Dawn of the Jedi, Knight Errant III, Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison, Blood Ties: Boba Fett Is Dead.

Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison—Ghost Prison takes place a year after Revenge of the Sith and will showcase Darth Vader’s impact on the galaxy in ways fans have never seen. Darth Vader will serve the Emperor to the best of his abilities. After all, Darth Vader makes no mistakes.

Knights of the Old Republic: War—The Knights of the Old Republic video games and comics chronicle one of the most popular eras in Star Wars, making Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic—War the perfect entry point into the Star Wars galaxy.

Dawn of the Jedi—Here’s your first look at the Star Wars of 25,000 years ago—before there were lightsabers, when the ties to the Force were new, and before the Jedi spread out into the galaxy. It began with the mysterious pyramid ships—the Tho Yor—scattered to the eight corners of the galaxy, and ended with the establishment of an order that would change the universe forever.

Blood Ties: Boba Fett Is Dead—Boba Fett is dead. The most infamous hunter in the galaxy has been hunted. He’s lying, broken, on the desert floor. He’s more blaster holes than man. It’s the ultimate ending. However, this is just the start of our story. With the fall of Fett broadcast across the galaxy, someone rises to avenge him.

Knight Errant III—Jedi Knight Kerra Holt continues her one-woman crusade against the Sith from behind enemy lines on her most dangerous mission yet.

Below is the cover of Dawn of the Jedi Number 1.

A Girl Called Ana Teaches Kittens How to Draw on Kickstarter

December 6, 2011 in Book Previews, News, Videos

Josh Hagen sent in a note about a former college professor of his that’s got a new project up on Kickstarter. Support him if you’re able, looks like a great project. More information is below and CLICK HERE for the Kickstarter page.

Hi! My name is Bob Pendarvis and 20 years ago I was asked to create and teach the first comic book illustration classes at the Savannah College of art & Design. They were so successful that I was asked to develop comics-based BFA and MFA degree programs. At Atlanta’s Dragon Con, I recruited artist Bo Hampton and writer Mark Kneece to help me found this new major, which I decided to call Sequential Art (as a tribute to the legendary Will Eisner).

During the 18+ years I worked at SCAD, my focus was to concentrate on storytelling, allowing students to write and draw stories using their own unique approaches and styles. I was especially dedicated to making sure my classes were as female-friendly as possible.

My new graphic novel, A GIRL CALLED ANA TEACHES KITTENS HOW TO DRAW, is meant to provide inspiration for the next generation of young sequential artists and storytellers. It is the first in a series of books aimed especially at young girls, but hopefully entertaining for readers of all ages, girls or boys. Each 8.5″ x 11″, hardcover, full color book has over 200 pages and tells the story of how ANA helps kittens realize that communicating with art is simpler than they’d suspected, yet much more complicated than they’d ever imagined. The goal of my kickstarter project is to be able to produce a high quality, full color hardcover book and send copies to potential publishers and school libraries. My ultimate goal would be to develop the ANA books into an animated tv series.

New MFA Group aims to inspire ideas to help artists during difficult times

September 11, 2011 in Events, News

@knightmarian has started a new Group that I feel is very worthwhile and fits into the mission of MyFantasyArt.com. The Group is called “Helping out in Crisis”, and is designed to inspire creative ideas to help recent hurricane victims and those in financial crisis due to the economic downfall. Ideas are welcomed and encouraged, so please feel free to post your recommendations, which could for example, be a project or show your doing that could be related or inspiring, potential collaborations, or perhaps something along the lines of what VIZ Media is doing with the Art for Hope Japan disaster relief project.

“Helping out in Crisis” is located at http://www.myfantasyart.com/groups/helping-out-in-crisis/.

Sideshow Collectibles to create high-end line of statues for DC Comics, plus The Dark Knight Rises and Man of Steel

July 14, 2011 in Contests, News

Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope Collector’s Edition BookWarner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) announced today that, along with DC Entertainment, it has enlisted Sideshow Collectibles to create a signature line of premium statues, busts and other collectibles inspired by DC Comics’ stable of iconic super heroes and villains.

This heroic alliance paves the way for Sideshow Collectibles to offer products featuring DC Comics’ most revered super heroes and villains including Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, as well as items inspired by the upcoming theatrical releases The Dark Knight Rises and Man of Steel. In addition to premium statues and busts, Sideshow Collectibles will produce limited edition art prints and high-end 1/6 scale articulated figures. These all-new collectible lines will complement offerings available from DC Direct.

“We are truly excited to be bringing our expertise and experience in the area of collectibles to the vast DC Comics universe of characters,” said Sideshow Collectibles president Greg Anzalone. “The opportunity to create items inspired by these iconic heroes is an incredible opportunity to provide the fans with a number of very special offerings, which will be appreciated by casual and dedicated collectors alike.”

In addition to premium collectibles, Sideshow Collectibles’ limited edition 1/6 scale figures feature more than thirty points of articulation, highly detailed accessories, real fabric costumes, and an array of switch-out parts for customizable display potential. The art print products will capture the best of DC Comics characters and adventures in flat art form. Sideshow Collectibles will also be collaborating with Mondo Tees to create limited edition prints, each featuring original artwork which is screen printed on archival paper and highly limited.

In addition, Sideshow Collectibles is hosting a contest to win tickets to the movie premiere of Man of Steel starring Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Henry Cavill, and many more. Sideshow Collectibles and Legendary Pictures are giving fans a chance to win a trip to the premiere of the upcoming blockbuster film, Man of Steel! Our complete prize packages include ONE (1) Grand Prize – Two (2) tickets to the Man of Steel movie premiere for the winner and one guest and a $2,500 Sideshow Collectibles shopping spree and tour of Sideshow’s main headquarters in Thousand Oaks, CA, and ONE (1) Runner-up Prize – a $1,500 Gift Certificate to SideshowCollectibles.com.

Customers who purchase DK Publishing’s Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope Collector’s Edition Book through SideshowCollectibles.com will be automatically entered into the Man of Steel sweepstakes. The book is a visual guide companion piece to Morgan’s Spurlock’s upcoming Comic-Con documentary of the same name. The book has hundreds of stunning photos from acclaimed photographer Alba Tull, and features comments and insights into Comic Con by noted celebrities who regularly attend the event.

For complete details about this giveaway, go to SideshowCollectibles.com/manofsteel.

Comic artist Cliff Chiang creates movie poster for indie True Adolescents

July 11, 2011 in Events, News

True Adolescents DVD art by Cliff Chiang

True Adolescents DVD art by Cliff Chiang

Ahead of True Adolescents’ platform release, Flatiron Film Company will present a limited theatrical run of the film at Brooklyn’s reRun Theater in New York, starting Friday, July 29th, with a special Q&A with star Mark Duplass, the filmmakers, along with film critic and reRun curator, Aaron Hillis, following the 7:00 and 10:00 pm premieres.

True Adolescents premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in 2009 and was an official entry in several festivals including The Seattle International Film Festival, Nashville Film Festival, Raindance International Film Festival, and Sidewalk Film Festival. The film poster and DVD box illustration was created by acclaimed comic book artist Cliff Chiang (DC Comics’ Wonder Woman).

True Adolescents centers on Sam Bryant (Mark Duplass), a 34-year-old Seattle rocker with no job, no record deal, no girlfriend and no place to stay, until he finds room at his Aunt Sharon’s house in the suburbs. He’s the last guy anyone would pick to take two teens camping for some quality dude time.

Mark Duplass (Humpday, The League), Oscar-winner Melissa Leo (The Fighter), Bret Loehr (Identity), and Carr Thompson star in Craig Johnson’s feature directorial debut, releasing on VOD, digital platforms and DVD on August 30.

The movie follows an unlikely trio of two adolescent boys and one immature grown-up into the rugged Pacific Northwest, where unforeseen revelations and transformations force them to face adulthood—shot on location in Washington State’s scenic Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula. Set to an indie rock soundtrack featuring Band of Horses, The Black Keys and Devendra Banhart, among others, the film reminds us that sometimes you need to get lost to truly find yourself.

The reRun Theater is located at 147 Front Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Source: FilmFetish.com

Artists can now submit to art book anthology Art for Hope Japan disaster relief project

July 8, 2011 in Book Previews, Contract Positions, Events, News

VIZ Media announced today a collaboration with Autodesk to create a limited edition digital art book anthology that will be sold through VIZ Media’s Manga App, with 100% of VIZ Media’s net proceeds going to support disaster relief efforts in Japan. All of the artwork in the collection, titled Art for Hope, will be created using Autodesk SketchBook digital paint and drawing software applications.

VIZ Media and Autodesk have already started working with artists to create works that deliver a message of hope to victims of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Artists interested in submitting work to be considered for the collection can email artforhope@viz.com. The VIZ Media editorial team, together with Autodesk’s team, will select and curate the selections for the digital anthology, which will be released later this fall exclusively through the VIZ Manga App, available on iPad, iPod touch and iPhone.

“It has been several months since the earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, and financial support is needed now more than ever,” said VIZ Media President Hidemi Fukuhara. “Art for Hope is a very special project for VIZ Media, and we thank Autodesk for making it possible for artists and fans to support the relief efforts in such a unique manner.”

Autodesk and VIZ Media will unveil some of the artwork from the Art for Hope project at the VIZ Media 25th Anniversary Event to be held during Comic-Con on Thursday, July 21st at the Andaz Hotel in San Diego. VIZ Media will also announce a groundbreaking new initiative for the manga community.

Star Wars artist Kazuhiko Sano has passed away

June 29, 2011 in News

Artist and illustrator Kazuhiko Sano died from cancer on May 31, 2011. Sano is known for his work on a number of U.S. postage illustrations, as well as his 1983 posters for Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. His stunning depiction of Luke, Han, Leia, Lando and others is still remembered by Star Wars fans around the world. He was 59 years old.

A native of Japan, Kazuhiko Sano studied painting in Tokyo before moving to San Francisco in 1974 to study at the Academy of Art College, where he was awarded a merit scholarship and baccalaureate and masters degrees. During his nearly 30-year career as a freelance illustrator and painter, he created advertising art and movie promotions for such prestigious clients as Lucasfilm, Coca-Cola, and American Express. His beautifully conceived images featuring subjects from the 1970s appear on 12 United States postage stamps in the Celebrate the Century series. More recently, his stamp designs have included Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (2007), Charles W. Chesnutt and Frank Sinatra (both issued in 2008), and the 2009 Gary Cooper and Bob Hope issuances.

The artist’s original works have been exhibited at the Central Museum in Tokyo and the Museum of American Illustration in New York.

Stamp Designs

33¢ 1970s Celebrate the Century (12 designs) (1999) w/Howard E. Paine

39¢ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Literary Arts series (2007) w/Howard E. Paine

41¢ Charles W. Chesnutt, Black Heritage series (2008) w/Howard E. Paine

42¢ Frank Sinatra (2008) w/Richard Sheaff

44¢ Gary Cooper, Legends of Hollywood series (2009) w/Phil Jordan

44¢ Bob Hope (2009) w/Derry Noyes

Visit his website at kazusano.com to see more examples of his amazing work.

Sources: Tor.com, JediInsider, StarWars.com

Legendary comics artist Gene Colan passes at age 84

June 29, 2011 in News

Gene Colan, acclaimed comic book artist,whose career spanned over seven decades died Thursday, June 23, 2011 at the age of 84, in the Bronx borough of New York from complications of liver disease and cancer.

Born in 1926 Gene began working in comics in 1944 at Fiction House. After spending WW11 in the Army Air Corps, he attended the Arts Student League. Then in 1947 he applied to both National (now DC) and Timely (now Marvel) comics. Stan Lee at Timely comics was impressed enough to hire Gene at $60 a week. He worked on Menace, Mystic and Journey into Mystery. He then went to work for DC Comics, where he worked on Sea Devils and Hopalong Cassidy.

Returning to Marvel in the 1960′s he worked on Silver Surfer, Iron Man, Sub Mariner, Captain America and Dr. Strange. During comic’s Silver Age Gene became part of the fabled bull pen of artists which included Jack Kirby,John Romita Sr. and Sal Buscema,among others,along with writers such as Stan Lee.

Colan created Tomb of Dracula with Marv Wolfman, and with Steve Gerber he also created the wise-cracking fowl Howard The Duck. He broke ground when he created the first African-American superhero in mainstrem comics – The Falcon – who appeared in Captain America #117. He didn’t just draw the charcter, it was he who suggested introducing a Black superhero to Stan Lee. He also co-created with Marv Wolfman the African-American character “Blade” (The Tomb of Dracula #10 ) in 1973.

The Tomb of Dracula

The Tomb of Dracula

Publisher seeking sci-fi and fantasy art submissions for art book

June 7, 2011 in Book Previews, Contests, Contract Positions, News

Here is your chance to get published!

MyFantasyArt.com member Craig Musselman (MachinesAndMagic) is looking for very high quality submissions similar to those on his website’s favourites collection, for a sci-fi and fantasy artist showcase book. If you are interested, you can email Craig at machinesandmagic@gmail.com.

The FAQ and other information on the book can be found at the bottom of the homepage at MachinesAndMagic.com.

According to Musselman, he’s already received more than 100 entries, and is seeking another 150 – 200 for variety. Sneak peeks are available on the gallery of the website.

SEGA announces E3 titles plus screenshots for Super Soldier and Overkill Extended Cut

June 3, 2011 in Events, Gaming, Media Images, News

SEGA today announced its roster of titles to be presented at the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3 2011). The company will present more than 13 new games across all major platforms, including several games in stunning stereoscopic 3D, support for PlayStation Move for the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Kinect for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Nintendo 3DS. The lineup spans multiple genres and includes adaptations of blockbuster film franchises, an original squad-based shooter from the creative mind of some of SEGA’s most popular franchises, the first “M-rated” game on Kinect for Xbox360 , AAA digital titles, an all-new title from critically acclaimed developer PlatinumGames and many more!
 
To celebrate this year’s 20th birthday of Sonic the Hedgehog, one of gaming’s most iconic characters, SEGA will be hosting a celebratory community event featuring Sonic Generations on Wednesday, June 8th, 6PM at the Club NOKIA in Downtown Los Angeles.
 
The list of titles in display at SEGA’s E3 booth (South Exhibit Hall, Booth 2023) includes among others:
 

Aliens: Colonial Marines

(Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 system, PC) – Launch Date: Spring 2012
From the award-winning first-person shooter powerhouse Gearbox Software comes Aliens: Colonial Marines, the highly anticipated horror-based action FPS set in the Aliens universe with cooperative multiplayer at its core. Bringing new levels of bone-chilling suspense and adrenaline-filled action to the renowned franchise, the game pits players against the universe’s ultimate alien killing machines, the Xenomorphs, in claustrophobic environments guaranteed to produce horrifying shocks and surprises.
 

Anarchy Reigns

(Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 system) – Launch Date: January 2012
Anarchy Reigns is the much anticipated next title from critically acclaimed developer PlatinumGames. With Anarchy Reigns, PlatinumGames will be using their hallmark creativity and technical excellence to challenge the boundaries of the conventional brawler genre by allowing multiple players to get involved in heavy-hitting action simultaneously. Anarchy Reigns incorporates a diverse range of multiplayer modes to provide players with different challenges, including a co-op survival mode and an all-out Battle Royal mode, where players can challenge others in a full-on fight for victory. Additionally, all modes will be available as offline single-player experiences as well. In the single player campaign mode, players can choose between Jack and Leo for different story experiences.
 

Binary Domain

(Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 system) – Launch Date: Early 2012
Binary Domain is an original IP by Toshihiro Nagoshi, the creator behind some of SEGA’s most well-known video game franchises, including the critically acclaimed Yakuza series. The atmospheric squad-based shooter puts players in the middle of a fast-paced and intense battle against hordes of deadly robots, and a secret that could threaten all mankind. Fighting upward through the derelict lower levels of 2080 Tokyo into the beautiful upper city, players control an international Special Forces squad, specializing in covert ops, which sets out to battle to the heart of the crisis.
 

Captain America: Super Soldier

(Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 system, Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS) – Launch Date: (US) July 19; (EU) July, 15, 2011; 3DS in Fall 2011
Become Captain America, the ultimate Super-Soldier, in the darkest days of World War II as you face the Red Skull and his army in this epic third-person action adventure. Wield Captain America’s legendary shield to take out multiple enemies at once, deflect incoming fire back at your enemies, solve puzzles, and scale walls. Above all, hurl yourself shield-first into the fray, with the superior force of the world’s first Super-Soldier at your fingertips. Engage in devastating open combat and acrobatic platforming to infiltrate Hydra’s massive and mysterious castle complex and battle the infamous Iron Cross, the forces of Hydra, and a host of nefarious enemies serving the Red Skull in an all-new Captain America story and adventure.
 

CRUSH3D

(Nintendo 3DS) – Launch Date: (US) September 6, (EU) September 9, 2011
Redesigned for Nintendo 3DS, CRUSH3D is the unique platform game that gives you the ability to change perspective from 2D to 3D as you try to solve brain-teasing puzzles. Built on the foundation of the award winning CRUSH, CRUSH3D features a host of exciting new features specifically designed for the Nintendo 3DS system, including new locations, characters and an intuitive hint system. Navigate across the surreal platforms of Danny’s mind by ‘crushing’ your way from a 2-dimensional to a 3-dimensional world and back again whenever you need to.
 

Guardian Heroes

(Xbox LIVE Arcade) – Launch Date: Late Summer 2011
Coming exclusively to Xbox LIVE Arcade, get ready for more swords and sorcery than you can shake your magical staff at. An ancient evil threatens the world after years of peace. Step into the shoes of one of five mighty heroes; each with their own unique attacks and customizable stats. As you fight through forests, graveyards, castles and volcanoes, your every decision will decide the ultimate fate of the world. Do you have what it takes to be a Guardian Hero? Due out this summer, Guardian Heroes features Co-Op and Online play for you and your friends, multiple game modes, optimized graphics, and brand new achievements for Xbox LIVE .
 

House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut

(PlayStation Move for PlayStation 3 system) – Launch Date: (US) October 25, (EU) October 28, 2011
The pulp-style reinvention of the classic light-gun shooter comes to the PlayStation 3 in this exclusive Extended Cut with an avalanche of new content including brand new levels, weapons, mutants and more. Experience the over-the-top, mutant blasting madness with your PlayStation Move motion controller for PS3 all in stunning 3D and re-mastered HD graphics.
 

Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games

(Wii, Nintendo 3DS) – Launch Date: November 2011 (Wii), February 2012 (Nintendo 3DS)
Mario and Sonic will once again join forces on the Wii home video game system and, for the first time ever, on Nintendo 3DS  as  the much loved duo head to London to participate in the officially licensed Olympic-themed video game, Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games.  A host of exciting new headline events, including Soccer and Equestrian will debut on the Wii version appearing alongside classic Olympic disciplines, such as Athletics, Aquatics and Table Tennis.  The new handheld system from Nintendo will bring a whole new dimension to the Mario & Sonic universe with glasses-free 3D visuals and around 50 original Olympic themed events playable using the unique control systems of the Nintendo 3DS.
 

Renegade Ops

(Xbox LIVE Arcade, PlayStation Network, PC digital download) – Launch Date: 2011
Created by Swedish developer Avalanche Studios, Renegade Ops will unleash unprecedented mayhem and exhilarating destruction. Players are sent behind enemy lines in a mobile commando unit to defeat Inferno, a madman intent on global domination. Defeat enemies across a range of stunning environments using a wide variety of vehicles and weapons, from dispersing electromagnetic shock waves to the deployment of a huge Gatling gun armed to the teeth. Players have the choice to fight alone in single-player mode, team up offline with two-player split screen or join the dynamic 4-player online co-op experience.
 

Rise of Nightmares

(Kinect for Xbox 360 ) – Launch Date: TBA
Rise of Nightmares offers a spine-tingling horror experience unique to the massively successful Kinect. Using their whole body the player will experience fear and tension as never before in this first-person horror adventure. Fight off hordes of undead creatures and mad scientists in this uniquely horror themed adventure that sees players desperately searching for their kidnapped wife.
 

SEGA Rally Online Arcade

(Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 system) – Launch Date: Out Now on Xbox LIVE Arcade, Coming Soon on PlayStation Network)
When was the last time you enjoyed getting dragged through the mud? Race through five different types of terrain in more rally-bred vehicles than a baker can shake his dozen at – including the Ford Focus RS, the classic Lancia Delta Integrale and the ferocious Bowler Nemesis. Play through a slew of modes including Time Trials, Single Races, and Championship Events. Cut to the chase and face off online in a variety of 6 Player multiplayer racing events – isn’t it about time you showed your friends who’s numero uno?
 

Shinobi

(Nintendo 3DS) – Launch Date:  September 2011
Shinobi for the Nintendo 3DS sees the eagerly anticipated return of the legendary Shinobi. We follow our hero, Jiro Musashi, through a wide variety of exotic locations as he battles his way past hordes of enemies using magical Ninja powers in this intense action-filled title. Shinobi will include some classic gameplay elements found in previous Shinobi titles, while introducing several exciting new features and experiences specifically designed to take advantage of the technology offered by the Nintendo 3DS system.
 

Sonic Generations

(Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 system, Nintendo 3DS) – Launch Date: Holiday 2011
Delivering the definitive gaming experience for Sonic fans old and new and part of the celebrations for Sonic the Hedgehog’s 20th Anniversary, Sonic Generations sees Sonic the Hedgehog playable as both the much loved classic 1991 character, and the modern day video game hero he has become. In this exciting new fast paced adventure set across three defining eras from 20 years of Sonic the Hedgehog, you can now speed through some of the most iconic environments, playing as Classic Sonic in re-imagined 2D side scrolling levels, and as Modern Sonic in all new, stunning 3D levels.
 
SEGA will be located at BOOTH 2023 in the South Exhibit Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Check out screenshots from Captain America: Super Soldier and House of the Dead: Overkill Extended Cut below.

Former Marvel chief to oversee Valiant Entertainment comics reintroduction

June 2, 2011 in News

Which Valiant charatcers will return first?Valiant Entertainment, the character-based entertainment company with more than 1,500 characters in its library, announced that it will reintroduce the critically acclaimed Valiant Universe in print and digital comics in 2012. Valiant has hired accomplished industry executives and creative talent to expand its team, the first being former Marvel CEO and Vice Chairman Peter Cuneo, who has assumed the role of Chairman.

Valiant Entertainment, co-founded by Jason Kothari and Dinesh Shamdasani, has received a investment from private investment company Cuneo & Company. Peter Cuneo, Managing Principal of Cuneo & Co., recently concluded ten years of leadership at Marvel Entertainment, which achieved one of the most extraordinary turnarounds in entertainment history during that period. His tenure with Marvel concluded with Marvel’s sale at the end of 2009 to The Walt Disney Company for over $4 billion. He has spent over ten years working in investment banking and investment management and has been appointed to Valiant’s Board of Directors.

Originally founded in 1989, Valiant Comics quickly became one of the most successful comic book publishers by creating unique and compelling heroes and villains and focusing on storytelling. Valiant characters have been written and illustrated by many of the industry’s most famous creative talents, including Jim Shooter, Bob Layton, Barry Windsor Smith, Joe Quesada, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Garth Ennis, Warren Ellis, Bryan Hitch, Steve Ditko, Mike Mignola and Neal Adams, among many others. Previously named Publisher of the Year by Diamond Comics Distributors, Valiant characters have sold over 80 million comic books. After creating some of the most popular comic book characters, Valiant was acquired by video game company Acclaim Entertainment. Acclaim used the characters as the basis for a number of successful video game franchises. Acclaim went out of business in 2005 due to issues unrelated to Valiant, including the loss of key sports video game licenses. This enabled Valiant Entertainment to acquire all the rights to the Valiant Comics library at the end of 2007. Valiant Entertainment began operations in 2008 and has made significant progress in the licensing and development of major motion pictures that will be communicated in the coming months. Valiant now expands into publishing.

“We have been planning the reintroduction of the Valiant titles for some time and I’m excited to announce our scheduled launch for 2012,” said Director Dinesh Shamdasani. “Cutting-edge characters and stories were the core tenants of the original Valiant and are the core tenants of the new Valiant.”

“Valiant owns and controls a universe of some of the most recognizable characters in the comic world,” added Peter Cuneo. “To this day, despite interruptions in its history, Valiant has retained an extremely passionate fan base. We are keenly focused on bringing the original Valiant Universe back for these fans as well as introducing these powerful characters and stories to new readers.”

Valiant Entertainment logoValiant Entertainment is a character-based entertainment company that owns and controls some of the most cherished comic characters ever created across all media, including film, television, video games, new media, publishing, and consumer products. Since their creation in 1989, Valiant characters have sold 80 million comic books and have been the basis of a number of successful video game franchises. Valiant’s extensive library includes over 1,500 characters, such as X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Harbinger, Shadowman, and Ninjak.

Find out more about the resurgence of Valiant at ValiantEntertainment.com.

DC Universe getting historic renumbering along with day-and-date digital releases

June 1, 2011 in Book Previews, News

This year, change is in the air at DC Comics.

On Wednesday, August 31st, 2011, DC Comics will launch a historic renumbering of the entire DC Universe line of comic books with 52 first issues, including the release of Justice League by New York Times bestselling writer and DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns and bestselling artist and DC Comics Co-Publisher Jim Lee. The publication of Justice League issue 1 will launch day-and-date digital publishing for all these ongoing titles, making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.

DC Comics will only publish two comic books on August 31st: the final issue of this summer’s comic book mini-series Flashpoint and the first issue of Justice League by Johns and Lee, two of the most distinguished and popular contemporary comic book creators, who will be collaborating for the first time. Together they will offer a contemporary take on the origin of the comic book industry’s premier superhero team.

Source: DC Comics

Core list of graphic novels and manga updated

April 25, 2011 in Book Previews, News

GraphicNovelReporter.com has updated its Core Lists feature, a comprehensive compilation of graphic novels and manga designed to help booksellers and librarians – as well as casual readers and longtime fans – ascertain what books are key for a collection.

Featuring six lists in total – Graphic Novels for Adults, Manga for Adults, Graphic Novels for Teens, Manga for Teens, Graphic Novels for Children, Manga for Children – the Core List includes hundreds of titles that show the breadth and diversity of the graphic format. From such classics as Maus, the Contract with God Trilogy, Watchmen and Persepolis to relatively new bestsellers like The Walking Dead, 20th Century Boys, Pluto and Return of the Dapper Men, the list is a comprehensive look at one of the most dynamic and quickly growing segments of the publishing industry. The Core Lists were originally launched in Fall 2010, and with this new update, they maintain a current snapshot of the world of graphic novels and manga for booksellers and librarians. Each list also is listed in Excel format to ensure that institutional purchases can be expedited.

This is the first update to The Core Lists, which launched in the Fall of 2010. The lists will be updated every six months, with the next update coming in Fall 2011. CLICK HERE for more information, or to view all of the Core Graphic Novel and Manga Lists.

Mark Millar and John Romitar Jr. help create record-breaking comic book

April 12, 2011 in Events, News, Videos

Kapow Comic Con websiteGuinness World Records, the official authority on record-breaking, has confirmed that two new Guinness World Records were set at the Kapow Comic Convention in the United Kingdom over the weekend. Comic book artists from across the industry came together to achieve new records for the ‘Fastest Production of a Comic-book’ (11 hours 19 min 38 sec) and ‘Most Contributors to a Comic-Book’ (62 contributors).

Talent including Kick Ass creator Mark Millar, cult Glaswegian artist Frank Quitely, and iconic Marvel artist John Romitar Jr worked throughout the day to create a new Superior comic book title. There were 62 contributors that contributed to the comic-book, with the story concept, script, dialogue and all panels illustrated and lettered in one day.

Guinness World Record adjudicators were on-site to confirm all guidelines were followed and to determine the records had indeed been accomplished. Gaz Deaves, Editor of Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity to see some of the most successful comic creators in the world working together for this Guinness World Records title. Watching the components of a real comic book slowly emerge over the day and combine into the finished article was both deeply intimidating and hugely entertaining.”

The comic-book will be printed and distributed through Marvel’s Icon imprint, with all royalties being donated to Yorkhill Children’s Foundation, which provides enhanced medical equipment and resources which benefit sick children and babies who are treated at Yorkhill Hospital and within NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde. These can include innovative medical equipment, improvements in child and family facilities and paediatric research and training.

The Kapow! Comic Convention, an event dedicated to comic books and the films, TV shows and games they inspire, was held at the Business Design Centre in Islington over the weekend.

Find out more about the Kapow! Comic Convention at kapowcomiccon.com.

Top VFX talent joins Escape Studios

March 17, 2011 in News

Yesterday respected CG academy Escape Studios announced five new U.S. advisory board members, including Afonso Salcedo of Pixar Animation Studios, Ken Maruyama of Sony Pictures Imageworks, John Leonti of The Mill, Patrick Davenport of Method and Andrew Bell of MPC. The five new advisory board members will reinforce Escape Studios’ already strong ties to the CG industry.

Coming from diverse and qualified backgrounds, the advisory board members each bring a different perspective and knowledge base to Escape Studios.

“Aspiring technical directors typically don’t have the right skill sets, even after completing college courses. But Escape Studios emphasizes training that’s based on actual industry criteria and I hope to continue that tradition by sharing my insight as an advisory board member,” said Ken Maruyama of Sony Picture Imageworks.

The Advisory Board members include:

Afonso Salcedo
Afonso Salcedo is a full-time lighting artist at Pixar Animation Studios and has worked on Academy Award®-winning films Ratatouille, WALL•E, Up and most recently Toy Story 3. In his role, Salcedo works to create the atmosphere and final appearance a film’s director and director of photography are trying to achieve. He studied animation at Escape Studios.

Ken Maruyama
As vice president of recruiting, academic relations and animation artist management at Sony Picture Imageworks, Ken Maruyama manages the company’s animators and recruits fresh talent. Additionally Maruyama directs the IPAX program, which establishes training standards developed from actual production issues and provides guidelines that help member schools better train graduates to meet industry requirements. He works to build strong relationships with IPAX associated schools and contributes to growing VFX talent.

John Leonti
Working as the co-head of 3D at The Mill’s Los Angeles office, John Leonti has helped grow the burgeoning department from 4 to 20 artists in three years. Leonti has over ten years of experience in 3D and has worked on films like Casino Royale, Amazing Grace and The Other Boleyn Girl. His credits also include an array of high-profile commercials, such as this year’s cars.com Super Bowl spot featuring anthropomorphic cars — “Reviews Are In,” as well as projects for Nintendo, Gatorade, Audi and Pepsi.

Patrick Davenport
Patrick Davenport is the vice president of creative operations for Method’s Los Angeles and New York studios. With two decades of experience in VFX and production, Davenport has worked on award-winning projects such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Isuzu’s “Giant” (AICP Best Visual Effects and Clio Gold award for visual effects), Coca-Cola’s “Jitterbug” (Clio Gold award for best animation) and Iomega “Pool” (Clio Silver award for best animation). He also produced a variety of series and documentaries for Bravo, E! Entertainment, VH1 and MTV. In addition to being on Escape Studio’s advisory board, Davenport is a member of BAFTA and The Visual Effects Society.

Andrew Bell
As head of product for commercials at MPC’s Los Angeles studio, Andrew Bell is charged with winning business and managing several high profile agencies, including the likes of Grey, Wieden & Kennedy, Saatchi & Saatchi, Droga 5 and Team One. Bell came to MPC in 1999 and was a senior producer since 2002. Some of his recent projects include VES nominated DirecTV “Ice Cream” (Rupert Sanders), Travelers “Watering Hole” (Dante Ariola), Puma “BlamBlam” (Fredrik Bond) and Lexus IS “Which One” (Patrick Daughters).

Escape is one of the most successful and well-respected CG academies in the world. We’re the proving ground for a new generation of computer graphics stars breaking into film, TV, games and commercials. We’re a vibrant community of professional artists. We’re a specialist creative recruitment agency for entertainment, advertising, architecture and manufacturing businesses. We’re an authority on all things CG, offering informed opinions on cutting-edge creative, commercial and political issues. We are all of these things. We are Escape Studios.

For more information, visit escapestudios.com.

Anville takes on the Blade Runner Spinner

March 15, 2011 in Media Images, News

Anville has released the 3rd installment of the “Icons of Motoring” series he’s been doing in collaboration with Nakatomi Inc. This time he’s chosen the Spinner vehicle from the the sci-fi epic Blade Runner.

Visit this gigposters thread RIGHT HERE for details how the art work was created, from sketches to the final product, which you can see below.

You can also order a variety of editions (if there are any left), including regular, blue foil, or Stainless Steel variant, RIGHT HERE.

The Blade Runner Spinner

The Blade Runner Spinner

Find out more about Anville and see more of his work, at anville.net.

Comic writer and producer Dwayne McDuffie passes away

February 23, 2011 in News

Dwayne McDuffie as drawn by friend and collaborator Denys Cowan

Dwayne McDuffie as drawn by friend and collaborator Denys Cowan

Detroit native Dwayne McDuffie, who wrote comic for Marvel and DC, and later co-founded his own publishing company before crossing over to television animation, died Monday at the age of 49, according to Yahoo News. A representative of DC Comics said he passed just one day after his birthday. His cause and place of death weren’t immediately known.

McDuffie wrote comics for DC and Marvel, including runs on Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, the Fantastic Four and the Justice League of America, and wrote several animated television shows and features, including the just-released All-Star Superman and Justice League: Crisis on Two Earths, as well as the animated TV series Static Shock and Ben 10: Alien Force.

As recently as last week, McDuffie attended the premieres of All-Star Superman in Los Angeles and New York, and was scheduled to appear at an event Wednesday at Golden Apple Comics in Los Angeles. Instead, there would be a remembrance at the launch party that McDuffie was to attend, according to long time friend Reginald Hudlin.

In 1992 McDuffie helped form the comic book company Milestone Media, which gave him the freedom to create his own characters, which were from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. Milestone Media focused on creator-owned multicultural superheroes including Hardware, Icon, Blood Syndicate, Xombi and Static, which was turned into the children’s television show Static Shock, on which he served as a story editor. His work at Milestone set a new tone for the use of multicultural characters in the pantheon of heroes, something that lent itself to his television work, where characters of color became part of interlocking teams.

McDuffie also wrote for other titles, including Black Panther and Deathlok, but besides comics, the prolific writer was a producer and story editor on Cartoon Network’s Justice League Unlimited and wrote & produced episodes of other cartoons, including What’s New, Scooby Doo?, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien and Teen Titans.

Additionally, he had been nominated for two Emmy Awards for Static Shock, a Writers Guild award for Justice League, and three Eisner awards for his work in comics, according to the report.

Organizers of Seattle’s annual Emerald City Comicon said they planned to hold a memorial panel remembering McDuffie at the three-day event on March 5th.

Dwayne McDuffie is survived by his wife, Charlotte, and his mother, Edna McDuffie-Gardner.

Virtua Fighter and Shenmue creator to receive Pioneer Award at Game Developers Conference 2011

February 11, 2011 in Events, Gaming, News

Virtua Fighter 5 screenshot

Virtua Fighter 5 screenshot

SEGA announced that Yu Suzuki will be the recipient of the Pioneer Award, a special award presented as part of the 2011 Game Developers Choice Awards and one of the highest honors in video game development.

The Pioneer Award celebrates those individuals who developed a breakthrough technology, game concept, or gameplay design at a crucial juncture in video game history. Yu Suzuki will be accepting his award at the eleventh annual Choice Awards ceremony on March 2, 2011, during the Game Developers Conference 2011 at the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco.

Suzuki, a Special Advisor at SEGA overseeing worldwide content strategy, joined the company in 1983 and has been one of SEGA’s leading video game creators for almost three decades. Suzuki is known for many industry firsts and genre-breaking games, including critically acclaimed and renowned game franchises such as Virtua Fighter and Shenmue.

One of his earliest works was the first real-time simulation arcade racer Hang-On in 1985, followed by the immersive rail shooter Space Harrier, which featured the first full color computer graphics in Japan, along with the driving simulation Out Run. With the aerial combat simulation After Burner and the racing game F355 Challenge, Suzuki then delivered some of the world’s most celebrated games of all time. His internationally renowned 1993 creation Virtua Fighter spawned the 3D fighting genre and has been recognized for its contribution in the fields of art & entertainment by the Smithsonian Institution.

In 1999, the release of Shenmue for the SEGA Dreamcast console marked the first console title for Suzuki. Shenmue would break new ground with its open-world 3D gameplay, its non-linear story and revolutionized the adventure game genre by giving players unprecedented control over the game’s character through Suzuki’s “FREE” (Full Reactive Eyes Entertainment) concept.

In 2003, he became the sixth person to be inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Science’s “Hall of Fame.”

In addition to receiving the coveted Pioneer Award, Suzuki will also be presenting a lecture during the main conference portion of the GDC at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, March 2nd, discussing some of the landmark game titles that he has created over the past two decades.

For more information, visit gamechoiceawards.com.

Spectrum Fantasy Art 18 call for entries deadline coming soon

January 24, 2011 in Contests, News

The deadline for the fantasy art annual Spectrum 18 is this Friday, January 28th. Spectrum is dedicated to promoting the fantastic arts and providing an annual showcase for contemporary artists. According to the book’s publisher, the annual was created as a direct reaction to the lack of attention — the lack of respect — afforded to the creators of fantastic art in all its myriad forms. Spectrum’s goal is to provide a venue that acknowledges and credits artists often toiling in anonymity in the genre.

Here’s more from the publisher of Spectrum:

Spectrum, of course, isn’t about us: it’s about community. It’s about the creators joining together and deciding that we needed a forum that sets a standard of excellence; a venue that both promotes and establishes a criterium. Making it successfully through the judging process to be published in Spectrum has a significance that is noted and acknowledged. New artists emerge and break out every single year. The bar of excellence is raised, again, with each competition. Whether an artist has work selected by the jury or not is one thing, participating in Spectrum is an expression of belief that we NEED a gathering point, a symbolic place that tells everyone, “We’re here. And… we matter.”

Yes, the deadline is rapidly approaching. Yes, we require hard copies of everything for the judges (but, no, we don’t do it for fun — we have our reasons and… it’s worked great so far). Yes, we’re looking into a way to make digital entries a possibility in the future. But… NO, don’t break the bank by making oversized giclee prints. DON’T send your entries FedEx for morning delivery unless you want to. Mail them to us. Priority Mail dropped in the mailbox by the deadline is fine — and from Europe it’s anywhere from 3 to 5 Euros to mail us something. Just drop us an e-mail that they’re on the way and we’ll keep the door open, and if you’ve misplaced your submission forms they’re still available to download from our Entry Info page.

Download entry forms for Spectrum at spectrumfantasticart.com/entry_info.php.

Spectrum 18 Call For Entries poster by Bill Carman

Spectrum 18 Call For Entries poster by Bill Carman

Creative Capital to open new round of grant applications for artists

January 13, 2011 in Contests, News

Creative Capital’s next grant round, for Film/Video and Visual Arts, will open on February 1, 2011.

To be eligible to apply, an artist must be:

  • A U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
  • At least 25 years old
  • A working artist with at least five years of professional experience
  • Not a full-time student

Though the Inquiry Form will not be available until February 1, complete grant guidelines are now available on our website. We will also be hosting info sessions online and in select cities nationwide.

About the Projects We Fund

Creative Capital provides integrated financial and advisory support to artists pursuing innovative and adventurous projects. Acting as a catalyst for the development of exceptional and imaginative ideas, we support artists whose work is provocative, timely and relevant; who are deeply engaged with their artforms and demonstrate a rigorous commitment to their craft, yet are also boldly original and push the boundaries of their genre; who create work that carries the potential to reshape the cultural landscape.

About the Application Process

To apply for a Creative Capital grant, an artist must first submit an online Inquiry Form regarding his or her project. The Inquiry Form for Film/Video and Visual Arts will be available on the Creative Capital website on February 1, 2011. Inquiry Forms must be submitted by March 1, 2011. After the Inquiry phase, selected applicants will advance through two further application phases during the year, and grantees will be announced in January 2012. The Inquiry Form will reopen in February 2012 for Emerging Fields, Innovative Literature and Performing Arts.

About the Inquiry Form

Applying artists should be prepared to describe how a grant would be a catalyst for artistic and professional growth at this time, the influences that inform their work, and how their work takes an inventive and original approach to form and content. The Inquiry Form also asks for a total budget figure and for artists to identify audience(s) for their project and any possible presenting venues.

Any questions about Creative Capital or the projects it funds can be directed to grants@creative-capital.org.

Find out more about Creative Capital at creative-capital.org.

Marvel Comics launching all-new publishing imprint in March 2011

December 24, 2010 in Book Previews, Media Images, News

Marvel recently announced an all-new publishing imprint called Crossgen, launching in March 2011 with two series – Ruse and Sigil. This was reported by PopCultureWorldNews earlier in the week. Featuring some of today’s most acclaimed talents and crossing all genres, Crossgen aims to bring Marvel’s storytelling sensibility to new characters, concepts and audiences.

In the war for forever, time is only a small obstacle as the greatest warriors jump from century to century to ensure victory! Enter Samantha Rey, a 16 year-old girl from present-day South Carolina who discovers a mysterious symbol on her chest granting her the power to turn the tide of this war. But will she save us or damn all of creation? New York Times best-selling scribe Mike Carey (Age of X, The Unwritten) and Leonard Kirk (New Mutants) begin the next great comic epic in Sigil #1.

Legendary scribe Mark Waid (Amazing Spider-Man) and rising star artist Mirco Pierfederici (Tron: Original Movie Adaptation) present Ruse #1, the mystery series that’ll leave you breathless. Simon Archard is the world’s greatest detective, but when he crosses paths with the enigmatic Emma Bishop, the smartest man may have met his equal…and find himself embroiled in the greatest mystery of his career.

“Crossgen is one of the biggest comic book imprint launches this century,” said Marvel SVP David Gabriel. “You’ve seen Marvel redefine super heroes and now we’re taking on every popular genre you can imagine, with some of the most unique and compelling new series you’ll find in 2011, each priced at only $2.99 per issue. You’ve never read Marvel comics like these!”

RUSE Number 1 comic book cover

RUSE Number 1 comic book cover