May 14, 2012

For more information:

Noah Fleisher, Public Relations Director

214-409-1143; NoahF@HA.com

First Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Illustration brings $71,700 at Heritage Auctions

Auctioned by Turtles co-creator Kevin Eastman via Heritage Auctions; The first full artwork of the TMNT, which led to one of the most successful comics character franchises in history

DALLAS – The first-ever full artwork of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird – the illustration that launched one of the most successful character franchises inhistory – sold for $71,700 on Friday, May 11, at Heritage Auctions in Dallas as part of aVintage Comics & Comic Art Auction. It sold to an anonymous buyer.

The drawing was consigned by Turtles Co-Creator Kevin Eastman, who drew it with Laird one night in late November, 1983. Eastman has designated an undisclosed percentage of profits from the auction proceeds to benefit The Hero Initiative, a non-profit he is active with that provides a financial safety net for comic artists and writers (www.heroinitiative.org).

“What an incredibly exciting week this has been! The Turtles have been blessed with the best fans on the planet, so I chose this event to make available personal historical TMNT items for those really hardcore supporters – but WHOA – what a response!” wrote Eastman in a statement to the auction house. “My many, many, thanks to all the fans that have given me the best job in the world, and for their love for a great, goofy, bunch of green guys that just wanted to be normal teenagers – Mutant Ninja ones anyway!”

“There was widespread international interest from collectors and fans of the Turtles alike,” Barry Sandoval, Director of Operations for the Comics Department at Heritage, “and the impressive price realized for this artwork is tribute to that. For 30 years the Turtles have been a worldwide phenomenon, entertaining hundreds of millions of children and that influence shows no sign of slowing with the upcoming TV and film projects featuring the team. This is a piece of pop culture that will only increase in value and influence over the coming decades.”

Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $800 million, and 700,000+ online bidder members. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com. 

Want to get the up-to-the-minute updates and breaking news stories about Heritage Auctions? Get them as they happen at:HA.com/Twitter; Facebook: HA.com/Facebook.To view a complete archive of Heritage press releases go to: HA.com/PR. To link to this press release on your blog or Website: www.HA.com/PR-2209.

Hi-Res images available:

Noah Fleisher, Public Relations Director

214-409-1143; NoahF@HA.com

(April 24, 2012-New York NY)Autobiographical sequential art storyteller Jonathan Baylis announced today that the issue of So Buttons #4 to be sold at the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Festival will have a special edition cover with the creator standing on the new One World Trade Center, in a tribute to the 1976 King Kong movie poster. Recently featured on AMC’s The Comic Book Men, Baylis realized just how much his fans appreciate his love of New York and he wanted to do something to give to comemerate New York rebuilding such an important building. This issue contains artwork from Noah Van Sciver (Fantagraphics), Fred Hembeck (Marvel), Thomas Boatwright (Slave Labor Graphics), and many others. The cover art is courtesy T.J. Kirsch (She Died in Terrebonne).  Video of his appearance can be viewed at http://sobuttons.tumblr.com/post/19000020789/i-was-on-tv-with-my-comics-please-feel-free-to.

Recent Reviews:

Forbidden Planet – Daily Planet:

http://www.fpusadailyplanet.com/2011/09/08/morgan-piellis-pile-of-minis-so-buttons-4/

So Buttons… [provides] the reader with many fun and engaging vignettes
all of the artists are very strong. Issue #4 is a very strong offering and well worth your attention.

Comics Worth Reading:

http://comicsworthreading.com/2011/09/06/so-buttons-4/
The stories are told with a nice blend of nostalgia and humor. Baylis always finds great artists to work with

Comics Bulletin:
http://www.comicsbulletin.com/reviews/131551308753331.htm
I’m really happy to say that the latest issue is just as much fun as the previous issues.
stories that are just a heck of a lot of fun.

Check out a preview at: http://issuu.com/jonathanbaylis/docs/sobuttons4issuupreview

So Buttons is carried in the finest independent bookstores and retailers wishing to place an order should email Tony Shenton atshenton4sales@aol.com

Issues of So Buttons are becoming available in many formats including:

Graphicly: http://graphicly.com/so-buttons/so-buttons/4

Facebook: https://apps.facebook.com/graphicly/issues/9213

Kindle Fire: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=baylis+so+buttons&x=0&y=0

Nook Color: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/baylis-so-buttons?keyword=baylis+so+buttons&store=allproducts

Friend us on Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/3lmej8m

Follow Jonathan at http://twitter.com/#!/JonathanBaylis

About Jonathan Baylis:
Before Jonathan Baylis wrote auto-bio comics, he interned at Marvel Comics, Valiant/Acclaim Comics, and was an Associate Editor at Topps Comics. His comics have been published locally in New York City in Free Comics NYC, The Comical Magazine, & The Comedians Magazine. “So… Only Nixon Could’ve Gone to China” was the first comic story to be published in The Florida Review. His first fiction story with David Beyer was published by Arcana Press in Dark Horrors 2. Jonathan & T.J. have two-pagers that were published in the Random House/Three Rivers press collection edited by Julia Wertz, “I Saw You… Missed Connections”, as well as Poseur Ink’s “Side B: The Music Lover’s Comic Anthology”.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

COSMIC HORROR MEETS TECHNO-THRILLER ESPIONAGE IN ‘DELTA GREEN: STRANGE AUTHORITIES’

Arc Dream Publishing Presents a Collection of the Award-Winning Cthulhu Mythos Horror Fiction of John Scott Tynes

April 18,  2012 — John Scott Tynes merges Lovecraftian cosmic horror with techno-thriller espionage in “Delta Green: Strange Authorities,” now available from Arc Dream Publishing.  

“Delta Green: Strange Authorities” is a 388-page collection of award-winning Cthulhu Mythos horror fiction. It includes the short stories “The Corn King,” “Final Report,” “My Father’s Son,” and “The Dark Above,” and the Origins Award-winning novel “The Rules of Engagement.”

“Delta Green: Strange Authorities” is available in trade paperback from Amazon.com, Ingram Book Company, and Arc Dream Publishing, and in ebook for Kindle, Nook, iBooks and other devices.

Shane Ivey, editor and president of Arc Dream Publishing, says: “John Scott Tynes’ stories of ‘Delta Green’ are obsidian splinters of fear and beauty. John brings a sense of humanity, of its love and confusion and despair, to the mind-bending terror of the Cthulhu Mythos. These stories have been too hard to find for far too long and I am thrilled to make them available to new readers.”

The sequel to “Strange Authorities,” Dennis Detwiller’s “Delta Green: Through a Glass, Darkly,” is also available in trade paperback and ebook from Arc Dream Publishing.

ABOUT JOHN SCOTT TYNES: John Scott Tynes is a game designer and writer in Seattle. He currently designs Xbox 360 videogames for Microsoft Studios. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of Pagan Publishing and Armitage House and his best-known projects include “Unknown Armies,” “Puppetland,” “Delta Green,” “The Unspeakable Oath,” and “Call of Cthulhu D20.” His film “The Yellow Sign” is available on DVD from Lurker Films.

ABOUT ARC DREAM PUBLISHING: Arc Dream Publishing produces novels and tabletop roleplaying games that have won awards and wide acclaim. Its product lines include “Delta Green,” “The Unspeakable Oath,” “Monsters and Other Childish Things,” “Wild Talents,” and “Godlike.” In 2011 Arc Dream Publishing released the novel “Delta Green: Through a Glass, Darkly,” which continues the tale that began with the stories in “Delta Green: Strange Authorities.”

ABOUT DELTA GREEN: “Delta Green” is a modern setting for H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. Delta Green itself is a conspiracy of federal agents, soldiers, intelligence officers, and “friendlies” who secretly and without sanction use the resources of the U.S. government to thwart supernatural horrors that no legitimate agency could face. Delta Green agents slip through the system, manipulating the federal bureaucracy while pushing the darkness back for another day — but often at a shattering personal cost.

###

FOR INTERVIEWS, EXCERPTS AND REVIEWS: Contact Shane Ivey (shane.ivey@gmail.com) to make any of these arrangements or to suggest others:

• An interview or live online chat with author John Scott Tynes about “Delta Green: Strange Authorities.”
• An excerpt to run in print, on the Web or in audio.
• A review copy in print or digital format.

Please include a summary of your publication’s history, circulation and target audience.

CONTACT:
Shane Ivey — president, Arc Dream Publishing
shane.ivey@gmail.com
PHONE: 205-296-6670

WEB: deltagreen.com
TWITTER: twitter.com/#!/shaneivey
FACEBOOK: facebook.com/deltagreenrpg
DELTA GREEN MAILING LIST: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/dglist/

Reading With Pictures begins fundraising push for The Graphic Textbook

(Chicago, IL- April 19, 2012) Reading with Pictures, a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity, announced today the official launch of their fundraising campaign to create The Graphic Textbook. This groundbreaking project will enable educators to take comics beyond supplementary reading and into the core curricula.

The Graphic Textbook brings together some of the finest creative talents in the comics industry – including Fred Van Lente, Ryan Dunlavey, Janet Lee, Amy Reeder, Katie Cook and Roger Langridge – with the leading experts in visual literacy and comics-based curriculum – including Dr. Katie Monnin and Dr. James Bucky Carter – to create a gamechanging educational tool for the classroom and beyond that’s tied to a revolutionary impact study overseen by Dr. David Rapp of the Learning Sciences Department of Northwestern University.

Aimed at grades 3-6, The Graphic Textbook features a dozen short stories (both fiction and non-fiction) that address topics drawn from the list of Common Core Standards. The accompanying Teacher’s Guide will include Standards-correlated lesson plans customized to each story, research-based justifications for using comics in the classroom, a guide to establishing best classroom practices and a comprehensive listing of additional educational resources, both in print and online.

Josh Elder, President and Founder of Reading with Pictures, explains “This project has been years in the making, and it’s been developed with input from hundreds of educators, academics and students nationwide. With their help, we’re going to create a comic that teachers will actually want to use and a textbook that students will actually want to read. And we’ve done it while respecting our contributor’s rights and keeping our product price below the gong market rate. We know that there’s a need for this product, now we just need your help to prove it.”

The Graphic Textbook will be financed entirely through a Kickstarter campaign set to launch on April 13 and run through May 17. The finished product is set for a spring 2013 release in both print and digital formats.

Back us on Kickstarter at http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/readingwithpictures/the-graphic-textbook

Visit our website at www.readingwithpictures.org

Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ReadingWithPictures

Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/ReadingWithPix

Don Bluth’s Dragon’s Lair Digital Comic Series Debuts on the App Store

Santa Barbara, Calif. – April 18, 2012 – zuuka Comics, developer of the Cut The Rope digital comic engine, are proud to announce the launch of Don Bluth’s Dragon’s Lair Comic App for for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, now available on the App Store. The first-ever digitalrelease of Don Bluth’s Dragon’s Lair Comic series debuts with the original issues No. 1 through No. 6.

iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/dragons-lair-comics/id500760670?ls=1&mt=8

Based on the original classic arcade game released in 1983, the Dragon’s Lair Comic series is celebrating its launch by offering fans the first issue for free.

“Don Bluth’s vision and creative genius with Dragon’s Lair set a new standard for animation and since then has entertained millions through video games and graphic novels,” said Woody Sears, founder of zuuka. “We are very honored to be bring fans the first-ever digital comic series of such a popular title as Dragon’s Lair and know they’ll enjoy it just as much as we do.”

“We are proud to be associated with zuuka Comics and their line up of digital comic books,” responded Don Bluth.

Gary Goldman said, “We hope the fans of comic book stories will enjoy having this series on their Apple mobile devices, the presentation of the Dragon’s Lair Comic series looks great!”

Dragon’s Lair Comic issue No. 1 begins the adventure with the deadly dragon Singe swearing revenge on Dirk the Daring for killing his offspring as he swoops up Princess Daphne in his razor-sharp claws. Now, armed with his courage and skills, the brave knight must survive the dangers of the Dark Kingdom to save his Princess. It’s swordplay, sorcery, dragons, and damsels…plus a pinch of humor. Lead on, adventurer…your quest awaits! Credits: Andy Mangels (writer), Fabio Laguna (pencils/inks), Tony Washington (color) and Don Bluth (cover art – pencil).

Pricing and Availability:
Don Bluth’s Dragon’s Lair Comic App is available for free from the App Store on iPad, iPhone and iPod touch or atwww.itunes.com/appstore <http://www.itunes.com/appstore> . Issue No. 1 is free, and issues No. 2-6 are available for $1.99 each through In-App Purchase.
Credits:
Writers
Andy Mangels (Chapters 1 – 4)
Ryan Foley (Chapters 5 and 6)
Jimmy PS Hayes (Bonus Story)

Art
Fabio Languna (Trade Covers, All Chapters, Bonus Story and Chapter Covers 2 – 6)
Don Bluth (Chapter Cover 1 and Bonus Story)

Colors
Tony Washington (Trade Cover, Chapters 1 – 3 and Chapter Covers 2 – 4)
Arcana Studio (Chapters 4 – 6)
Val Staples (Chapter Covers 1, 5, and 6)
James Offredi (Bonus Story)
Brian Miller (Bonus Cover Story)

Letters
Bill Tortolini (Chapters 1 – 5)
Ed Dukeshire (Chapter 6 and Bonus Story)

Graphic Design
DMF Comics

About zuuka

zuuka Comics is part of zuuka who publishes iTalk and iStoryTime – an interactive storytelling experience delivered to the convenience of your mobile device – which features a series of illustrated and narrated books created by parents for kids. iStoryTime books have been highlighted in the New York Times, LA Times, CBS Early Show, theiPhoneMom.com, CNET and is decorated with Publisher’s Innovation Award, PTPA Media’s Parent Tested Parent Approved Seal of Approval, the Children’s Technology Review’s Editor’s Choice Award and Reader’s Choice for Best Apps for Kids. With over 100 titles to choose from including favorites such as Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Peter Pan and Binky the Pink Elephant, iStoryTime books are an excellent tool for both educating and entertaining children ages two years and up. These storybooks can be enjoyed in several different modes ranging from automatic to manual, depending upon the development and preferences of the user. For additional information, visit www.iStoryTime.com<http://www.iStoryTime.com> .
About Don Bluth Films, Inc.
Established in 2000, Don Bluth & Gary Goldman continue their independence with their production company, Don Bluth Films, Inc., developing feature-length properties, short projects and video games.  While at Walt Disney Productions, Bluth and Goldman worked on classic animated features including Robin Hood, Winnie the Pooh and Tigger Too, The Rescuers, Pete’s Dragon, The Small One and The Fox and the Hound.  As independent filmmakers Bluth & Goldman have produced a number of hits including: Banjo the Woodpile Cat that started their long career and a legacy of animated films.  Other projects include: The Secret of NIMH, Dragon’s Lair, Space Ace, An American Tail, The Land Before Time, All Dogs Go To Heaven, Rock-A-Doodle, Thumbelina, Anastasia, Bartok the Magnificent and Titan A. E.  Today Bluth & Goldman are synonymous with traditional animated films, shorts and video games.  These filmmakers continue to develop and create heartwarming stories for everyone.  Currently Producers/Directors Bluth & Goldman have nine new film projects in the works, three scripted and five in various states of creative development.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ATTENTION COMIC NEWS EDITOR

CONTACT:
Brent E. Erwin
Ape Entertainment; COO
(BErwin@Ape-Entertainment.com)

APE ENTERTAINMENT DRAWS SESAME STREET

Ape Entertainment and Sesame Workshop to Create Entertaining Educational Comics for Young Readers

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – April 06, 2012 – 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 athttp://www.comicshoplocator.com.

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

About Sesame Workshop
Sesame Workshop is the nonprofit educational organization that revolutionized children’s television programming with the landmark Sesame Street. The Workshop produces local Sesame Street programs, seen in over 150 countries, and other acclaimed shows including The Electric Company, to help bridge the literacy gap. Beyond television, the Workshop produces content for multiple media platforms on a wide range of issues including literacy, health and military deployment. Initiatives meet specific needs to help young children and families develop critical skills, acquire healthy habits and build emotional strength to prepare them for lifelong learning. Learn more at www.sesameworkshop.org.

ABOUT APE ENTERTAINMENT:
Founded in 2003, Ape Entertainment is the brainchild of lifelong comic book devotees David Hedgecock, and Brent E. Erwin.  Ape Entertainment is the comic book home to innovative new titles as LITTLE GREEN MEN, SCOUTS, and HEROIC.  Ape is also the North American publisher for licensed properties POCKET GOD, THE PENGUINS OF MADAGASCAR, KUNG FU PANDA, RICHIE RICH, CASPER, STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE, and CUT THE ROPE.

Visit Ape Entertainment online at http://www.ApeComics.com .

CONTACT: zomboobiesmovie@gmail.com

A Lust for Human Flesh With A Brand New Twist!
ZOMBOOBIES! (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!) TEASES with a 40 second mini trailer

ZOMBOOBIES! (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!) is a Sexy Japanese Horror Comedy filmed in Los Angeles, Ca in the winter of 2011. Starring an entirely Asian cast shot in Japanese and intended for the international market. The film is currently in post-production with a release date planned for later in 2012. 

PLOT: While conducting experiments to create “the perfect breasts” a group of doctors are transformed into EVIL MUTANT CREATURES with an unstoppable hunger for BOOBIES! See hot action women fight to keep their perfect breasts out of these evil doctors’ mutant hands!!!

View the teaser trailer by visiting www.youtube.com/francoisfujimoto or by visitingwww.zomboobies.com.

ABOUT THE FILM MAKERS:

FRANCOIS FUJIMOTO: ZOMBOOBIES! (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!) is the feature film debut of Director Franky Fuji (Francois Fujimoto). Franky is the son of a French fashion model and a Japanese business man. Raised by his globe trotting mother, Franky developed a love for the films of his Father’s homeland from spending much of his youth in Liberdade, the worlds largest “Japan Town” in São Paulo, Brazil. In his late 20’s Franky made a life changing trip to Tokyo where he realized his true destiny! “To make the world’s best Japanese horror comedy movies; full with giant monsters and giant-er breasts.” ZOMBOOBIES! (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!) is the first of many such films soon to arrive from this talented new film maker.

Follow Francois on twitter @frankyfuji or www.youtube.com/FrancoisFujimoto

MIKE L TAYLOR: Executive Producer and Co-Director (B-Unit and FX Shots) of ZOMBOOBIES! (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE! A Veteran Reality TV Director and Dp (Rock Of Love, The Bachelor, Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood,The White Rapper Show), For the past six years Mike has also owned and operated “pretend for real studios”a boutique animation and digital fx studio.

Taylor commented: “When Franky contacted us and described his movie we were very excited to be a part of it! I don’t think any of us realized exactly how involved we would become. I am still picking boobs and bloody mutants out of my hair!!”

Follow Mike on twitter @pretendforreal

PRETEND FOR REAL STUDIOS: (TWIZTID’s Buckets Of Blood, Diamondback Entertainment’s

The Purple Plague, GIRLS and CORPSES’ Crazy F’ed Up Bitch) produced the art direction, creature concept designs and storyboards/animatics for ZOMBOOBIES!  (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!). They are currently providing all of the post and digital fx on the project as well. Patrick Starr is Digital FX Supervising with Adam Klein overseeing 3D VFX.

www.youtube.com/PFRstudios

www.pfrstudios.com

CATHY SHIM: Co-Producer/Lead-Actress (RENO 911, MAD TV), “At first when I heard the name I thought they were joking, then I read the script and fell in love with the characters. I would’ve sold my soul to bring this movie to life…and I just may have!” As well as casting the majority of the movie, Cathy went the extra mile and took a crash course in Japanese to fulfill her lead role in ZOMBOOBIES! (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!).

MEL: Make-Up and Effects Laboratories: Co-Producers MEL provided all practical make-up fx and animatronic creature fx for ZOMBOOBIES! (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!).

Mike Spatola: Make-up FX Supervisor (Edward Scissor Hands, T2, Star Gate, The Monstrous Make-up Manual) and Paul Elliott:Animatronic FX Supervisor (True Lies, Star Trek: TNG, Voyager, Enterprise) over saw a team that included sculptor Todd Rex (Land Of The Dead, I Am Legend) and puppeteer Brandon Guilbeault.

The majority of the film was shot at the MEL stages in North Hollywood, Ca.

DIAMONDBACK RECORDS AND FILMS: Co-Producers. A music management and film production company from Northern California provided Co-Producer support for the project.

SCREEN PLAY: The screen play for ZOMBOOBIES (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!) was written by Francois Fujimoto, Mike L. Taylor and Thomas Patterson based on a story by Francois Fujimoto.

SOUND TRACK: ZOMBOOBIES (OPAI-ZUKI-ZOMBIE!) is scored by Michael Cudahy (The Millionare) who’s credits include 4 Rooms and Combustible Edison. Additional Sound design by Richard Arenas.

Want to stay up to date on the latest developments with Zomboobies?

Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ZOMBOOBIES
Friend us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zomboobies/230579610374723
Visit www.zomboobies.com for more information!

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse™ Epic Graphic Novel Series, “What’s Your Vision of Pestilence?” Art Contest, Comic Cons and Retail Promotions headline Heavy Metal Magazine’s 35^th Anniversary Celebration!

Epic end-of-days tale “Helldiver” featuring the artistic genius of Simon Bisley hits retail shelves April 13, 2012

LOS ANGELES, CA – (March 27, 2012) –Heavy Metal Magazine’s 35^th Anniversary year-long celebration hits the ground running with the epic graphic novel series, The Four Horsemen of theApocalypse. Book One: HELLDIVER(ISBN: 978-1935351498) hits shelves on Amazon, comic book shops and retailers on April 13, 2012. Kevin Eastman, owner and publisher of Heavy Metal Magazine, states “This incredible three-book series featuring the stories of Michael Mendheim and art of Simon Bisley have sparked special fan incentives promotions and contests like the “What’s Your Vision of Pestilence? Art Contest that aim to thrill our die-hard Heavy Metal followers.”

What is your vision of Pestilence? Heavy Metal Magazine and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse invite artists to submit their original artwork or photography interpretations to the Pestilence Art Contest through April 28, 2012. Top 10 Finalists will have the honor of their artwork celebrated in Heavy Metal Magazine’s September 2012 issue and receive a subscription to Heavy Metal Magazine, Top 5 Finalists will also receive signed copies of “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Book One: Helldiver” and Dystopia Rising: Table Top RPG from Eschaton Media with the Grand Prize Winner also taking home an original, signed Simon Bisley painting of Pestilence!

The contest is simple. Submit your vision of Pestilence through original artwork or photography through April 28^th 2012 athttp://www.facebook.com/thefourhorsemenoftheapocalypse. The Top 10 Finalists will be chosen by Simon Bisley, Kevin Eastman, Dave Elliot and Michael Mendheim. Fans will choose the Grand Prize Winner from the Top 10 Finalists by Votes at the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/thefourhorsemenoftheapocalypse.

“I feel we have created a top-notch horror story that combines the feel of the Matrix with Hellraiser.” said Michael Mendheim, creator and writer. “We’ve already received a lot of great reviews and response from fans who’ve got an early peek at the story. We’re running the Pestilence Art Contest as a way of saying thank you to Simon’s fans as well as the life-long fans of Heavy Metal.”

Comics legend Simon Bisley adds “This book demanded a lot from the team and I think we all have something to be proud of. I’m thrilled to be a part of the story and to give Kevin Eastman and Heavy Metal Magazine a great way to celebrate 35 years of publishing incredible stories. I can’t wait to share one of my paintings with the winner of the Pestilence Art Contest.

“35 years is a long time for many people in this industry and we have a lot to celebrate at Heavy Metal”, says Kevin Eastman. “We’re coming out guns blazin’ with special retail promotions for our retailers and appearances at many of the upcoming Comicon’s.”

We have stuff for retailers! Retailers will soon be receiving news about a special incentive program and exclusive promotions.

Comic Con Tours for The Four Horsemen: Michael Mendheim will be at Wildcat Comic Con in Williamsport PA April 13 and at C2E2 in Chicago on Saturday April 14. Simon Bisley will make his return to the U.S. when he hits the Boston Comic Con on April 21^st -22nd. Keep checking the Four Horsemen website for updates.

For more information about the books, contests, events and promotions, be sure to check out our Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/Thefourhorsemenoftheapocalypse and our homepage:http://fourhorsemen.heavymetal.com/.

About The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse:

The End is Here- Welcome to the Apocalypse! Adam Cahill is a warrior bound by bloodline to guard the Seven Holy Seals that contain the End of Days. But sinister forces strike against him and send him into Hell itself. There, he must find three corrupt souls, chosen by Divinity, to join him in battle against the Four Horsemen to not only save their own souls, but to decide the very fate of Humanity. In addition to the works of Simon Bisley, the series will feature additional art by the late Stan Winston, Tim Bradstreet, Chad Fidler, and Dave DeVries, and script written by co-writers Mike Kennedy and Sean Jaffe. The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: Book One: Helldiver is available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1935351494/ref=cm_cd_asin_lnk

About The Writer: Michael Mendheim
Michael Mendheim has worked as an Executive Producer and Creative Director in the videogame industry for over twenty years. Some of his projects include the #1 hit, Mutant League Football, the hugely successful, Army Men series and the critically acclaimed Robocalypse. Michael is currently producing the Free-to-play online shooter CrimeCraft.

About the Artist: Simon Bisley
Simon Bisley, world-famous fantasy painter/illustrator, started his career when he signed up with 2000 AD, a British comic book company, where he was assigned “ABC Warriors,” “Sláine” and “Judge Dredd.” Following his massive success in the U.K., Mr. Bisley American invasion started with DC Comics, where he produced award-winning work on “Doom Patrol,”  ”Lobo,” and fan favorite “Batman vs. Judge Dredd.”

About Heavy Metal Magazine:
Founded in 1977, Heavy Metal has become an iconic American science fiction and fantasy comics magazine known world-wide for its incredible blend of dark fantasy/science fiction and erotica. Kevin Eastman, co-creator of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, purchased the world re-known “Heavy Metal Magazine” in 1990 and serves as Publisher and Editor-in-Chief.

PRESS CONTACT: John Shableski, John.shableski@heavymetal.com, PH: +1 443-257-7292

Members of the Press: Please visit http://fourhorsemen.heavymetal.com/PressRoom-id-60.html for logos, graphics and to request a review copy of the book.