San Diego Comic-Con 2008, San Diego, CA Options

[ChuckMoore]

Comic-Con Redesigns Their Update Magazine

Comic-Con, the largest comic book and popular arts convention in the United States announced today that they have implemented a major redesign of their Update Magazine.

“With all three of our shows, Comic-Con, WonderCon and APE, the Alternative Press Expo, continuing to grow both in terms of size and scope, it made sense to increase the amount of space in our magazine to highlight all the cool things happening at each of our shows,” commented David Glanzer, spokesperson for the non profit event.

The Update Magazine, which was printed three times a year and distributed via direct mail to 150,000 recipients as well as 100,000 to select comic book shops and specialty stores, will now be called Comic-Con Magazine. The print run and distribution will remain the same.

Glanzer continued, “Comic-Con Magazine will be standard magazine size which allows us more room for content, photos and up to date information on all of our events.” The inaugural issue features special reports on Comic-Con, WonderCon and APE as well as exclusive interviews with Comic-Con guests Bryan Hitch, and Rutu Modan.

Comic-Con Magazine will also feature contributions from leaders in the comics and popular arts fields. Issue one of Comic-Con Magazine features articles from contributors Mark Evanier, Shaenon K. Garrity, Maryelizabeth Hart and Jason Thompson.

Look for Comic-Con Magazine at your local comic shop, or email cci-info@comic-con.org to request a free copy.

Comic-Con International, is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms, primarily through the presentation of conventions and events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

[ChuckMoore]

"Naked Fat Rave" Portfolio to Debut at SDCC--
Adams, Campbell, Chin, Conner, Golden, Johnson, Noto, Sale, Timm, Wagner!

The "Naked Fat Rave" artist contingent will once again convene at the SDCC in their action-packed booth, heavy-hitter booth! But this year, the must-go-to destination is even more so, as the group offers their exclusive limited edition portfolio featuring ten plates--signed by all the creators--for the very first time!!

Published by Eva Ink , the portfolio includes one plate from each renowned artist-- Art Adams, J. Scott Campbell, Joyce Chin, Amanda Conner, Michael Golden, Dave Johnson, Phil Noto, Tim Sale, Bruce Timm and Matt Wagner.

The Naked Fat Rave Booth is located at #4601, the price of the portfolio is $65.00. ISBN: 1-978-60643-0545. Get there early to meet all the creators at NFR. Portfolios available while supplies last!



Contact Renee at evaink@aol.com for more details. And see you in San Diego!

[Gonzogoose]

Are you going to San Diego, Chuck?

[ChuckMoore]

No, but I'm hoping to get a few people who are going on the phone each night so I can put together a few audio SDCC correspondent podcasts. I'm still nailing down the details for that plan, but I'm staying strictly eastern US this year.

[ChuckMoore]

Convention Exclusives Celebrate DC Direct's Tenth Anniversary!

Two decades of collaboration have led DC Direct and Graphitti Designs to join forces once again to bring very special products to the summer comics conventions. These tenth anniversary, convention-exclusive figures are sure to excite DC Direct enthusiasts and collectors, as well as fans of Batman!

San Diego Comic Con, July 24-27, 2008 — To coincide with the heat of THE DARK KNIGHT, look for two strictly limited convention exclusives at the San Diego Comic Con: THE JOKER is limited to 2000 and BATMAN is limited to 6000. These are only available for sale at the GRAPHITTI DESIGNS booth #2315!

DON'T WAIT, QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED!!!

[ChuckMoore]

Radical, Fusion Publishing to send a fan to SDCC

Fusion Publishing, the publisher for Play Magazine and Geek Monthly Magazine, has teamed up with Radical Publishing to send one lucky winner and friend on an all expense paid trip to the 2008 San Diego Comic-Con along with a prize package of posters, limited edition books, Radical brand T-Shirts, Hats, Sweatshirts and a free one year Radical Comics subscription.

"This is our way of giving back to the fans that have supported us since our debut at last year's San Diego Comic-Con." states Radical Publishing's President and Publisher, Barry Levine. "The support for our debut titles, Hercules: The Thracian Wars and Caliber: First Canon of Justice has been amazing and we want to show our appreciation to all the fans. We are happy to be working with Fusion Publishing in making this contest a reality. Radical is going all out at San Diego with another contest with Fusion Publishing, a Friday Comic-Con panel, signing schedule that includes Jim Steranko, Yoshitaka Amano, Steve Niles, Arthur Suydam , a FREE daily raffle with prizes that include an iPhone, and some very special announcements."

To participate in the random drawing for an all expense paid trip to Comic-Con, simply go to either www.playmagazine.com or www.geekmonthly.com and click on the link to the contest showcased on the front page. On the contest page, fill out the information and submit. Contest ends this Friday, July 11th and the winner will be notified before July 14th.

"Can work really be this much fun??" jokes Shawn Sanders, Fusion's Executive Director, Integrated Business. "This is exactly the type of work that makes me feel like a kid in a candy store...or rather a comic book shop. Radical has been and are continuing to pump out top-notch products from some of the industry's best and brightest. Partnering with them on a major event like San Diego Comic-con has been both an honor and a pleasure."

For those already with plans for Comic-Con, Fusion Publishing is giving away one Sony PSP and a Radical Publishing prize package worth over $500. To register for the free Sony PSP and Radical prizes, visit Fusion Publishing at booth #4512 for details

For those interested in registering for Radical's FREE daily raffle with prizes that include an iPhone, Radical clothing, books and posters, visit Radical Publishing at booth #2806 to receive your FREE raffle ticket.

About Radical Publishing
Radical Publishing is founded by BARRY LEVINE (Producer for Rogue Pictures' BLOOD ON THE TRACKS, Executive Producer for the in development Warner Brothers' REX MUNDI movie, written by JIM UHLS, starring JOHNNY DEPP and Universal Pictures' R.I.P.D), his protege JESSE BERGER, and longtime writer/publisher DAVID ELLIOTT (Atomeka Press and Tundra Publishing).

Radical Publishing is bringing the best in writing, storytelling and fully-painted cover and interior artwork to the global comic book market by prominent international talents such as YOSHITAKA AMANO, JOHN BOLTON, LUIS ROYO, JIM STERANKO, STEVE NILES, IAN EDGINTON, STEVE MOORE, SAM SARKAR, STJEPAN SEJIC, DAVE WILKINS, STEVE PUGH, JAMES HEFFRON, TOMM COKER, CLAYTON CRAIN, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, WETA WORKSHOP, IMAGINARY FRIENDS STUDIOS, and many more.

www.radicalcomics.com
www.myspace.com/radicalpublishing

About Fusion Publishing
Fusion Publishing, Inc. is the publisher of GEEK Monthly and our flagship brand - PLAY Magazine. PLAY Magazine Presents: Girls of Gaming and Playmagazine.com (PLAY.Online).

Founded by industry veteran - Dave Halverson, Fusion took its first breath in the winter of 1999 with the goal of producing the first pop-culture focused multi-media publication aimed at the emerging teen-to-adult audience. Fusion Publishing is devoted to quality entertainment across all genres and age demographics with an emphasis on video games, anime, movies and comics. Collectively our brands embrace and blanket the aforementioned industries with a confluence of creative talent who are passionate about everything they produce regarding entertainment. From our editors to our amazing designers, Fusion is the culmination of many years of dedication to the gamut of entertainment mediums.

www.playmagazine.com
www.geekmonthly.com

[ChuckMoore]

Arthur Suydam Limited Sketchbook at SDCC

It's just been announced that award-winning creator and cover artist Arthur Suydam will be making a West Coast appearance at this year's San Diego Comic Con, AND he'll also be offering a limited edition sketchbook at the show as well!

The new sketchbook, entitled "Mostly Zombies," features an array of Suydam pencils, preliminaries and finished compositions, serving as a must have package for collectors of his eye-popping horror pieces, while sneaking in a healthy bite of his other stellar work as well.

A master illustrator and haunting storyteller, Suydam is routinely cited for his unique style of blending classical painting with the art of comics. In addition to his creator-owned work, Arthur's run on the wildly popular "Marvel Zombies" series unarguably set comic book collecting on fire--spawning a slew of reprints, retrospective hardcovers, T-shirts, statues and toys! In juxtaposition to his zombie work, his recent gorgeous "Red Sonja" covers for Dynamic Forces, clearly showcases his riveting and romantic classical flair.

It's no wonder that within recent years, Arthur has been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from both the University of Maryland and the San Sebastian Film Festival, as well as receiving Guest of Honor nods from numerous conventions, including the legendary Dragon Con. Other recent accolades include the Spike TV Award for Best Comic, and the Gold Award for Artistic Excellence from Spectrum Magazine.

So get in on the excitement! The new sketchbook, "Mostly Zombies," will be signed by the popular creator while supplies last. And, Arthur will also be available all days of the SDCC, accepting a limited number of commissions. The sketchbook is priced at only $20.00!

For more information, visit Suydam all days of the San Diego Comic Con at the "Arthur Suydam Art" booth located at #4301.

[Chris Pitzer]

AdAssociated Creator SDCC List:

• James Jean signing XOXO. Details: Date: Saturday, July 26, 2008, 2:00pm - 3:00pm, Chronicle Books Booth 1637

• Paul Pope signing Karimbah! Details: Date: Saturday, July 26, 2008, 1:00pm - 4:00pm, Kid Robot Booth 4529

• Fred Chao hanging with his homies: All the time? Table M14. Special deal: Buy all three issues of Johnny Hiro and receive a free limited edition S&N print!

[ChuckMoore]

GET INFECTED! ZOMBIE-FY YOURSELF DURING SDCC '08 AT THE BOOM! BOOTH (#2543) WITH MAKEUP ARTIST JOHN WRIGHTSON
Now you don't need to bring a costume to the Con!



Run, don't shamble! Renowned monster makeup artist John Wrightson will turn you into a zombie at this year's San Diego Comic-Con without all the unpleasantness of eating your flesh! Every fan that buys a BOOM! Studios Zombie t-shirt ($20) at the BOOM! booth (#2543) will get a chance to have Wrightson transform them into a shambling mockery of humanity!

"It's the perfect plan! People will be paying us to turn them into mindless drones who will follow my every whim!" said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Mark Waid. "Soon, the world will be mine! Don't quote me."

BOOM! t-shirts, featuring ZOMBIE TALES #3 cover art by Shane Oakley will be on sale at the BOOM! Studios booth while supplies last!

Having worked for such prestigious effects companies as Stan Winston Studios and Tatopoulos Design Studios, Wrightson got his start with makeup effects and monster design when he was a child and has been working professionally in the makeup effects industry for the past three years. Skyrocketing to the top of his field, Wrightson has become the "go-to guy" for everything from sculpting, painting, prop-making, makeup application and creature performance.

Wrightson's most recent film credits include work on the highly anticipated TERMINATOR 4, RACE TO WITCH MOUNTAIN and BEDTIME STORIES, all due out next year!

And yes, you guessed right! John Wrightson is the son of famed horror artist Bernie Wrightson. Horror runs in the blood!

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios (http://www.boom-studios.com) is a unique new publishing house specializing in high-profile projects across a wide variety of different genres from some of the industry's biggest talents. In its inaugural year, Wizard Magazine named BOOM! "Best New Publisher." Founded by the creator of the TV show EUREKA, Andrew Cosby, and his partner Ross Richie, BOOM! Studios continues to be on the leading edge of comic and graphic novel publishing.

[ChuckMoore]

Radical Publishing Welcomes Arthur Suydam to San Diego Comic-Con 2008 (Radical Booth #2806)

At SAN DIEGO COMIC CON 2008 Radical Publishing will be proud to host award winning creator Arthur Suydam, as he signs his work on the new release of Steve Niles’ CITY OF DUST #1.

Arthur Suydam will be present at the RADICAL PUBLISHING BOOTH (#2806) on SATURDAY, JULY 26th from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. appearing alongside Lucio Parrillo and Steve Niles.

Created by comics pioneer Steve Niles(30 Days of Night), CITY OF DUST is the dark and challenging tale of Detective Philip Khrome, a cop in a futuristic society that has outlawed all forms of imagination. When a series of horrifying murders leads Khrome to the city’s dark secret, he must risk everything to stop the crimes and discover the truth.

“Arthur’s work has continually been on the cutting edge of the industry and I’m elated to have his vision on CITY OF DUST” states Radical Publishing’s President and Publisher, Barry Levine. “Here at Radical we aim to collaborate with the best artists, writers and creators working in the medium and Arthur’s unique talent certainly puts him in that category. I’m proud to have him and his work at our booth during this year’s Comic-Con.”

In addition to providing the cover to Radical’s upcoming CITY OF DUST #1, Sudyam painted the cover of HERCULES: THE THRACIAN WARS #5 (Available in the current July Previews from Diamond). His other work includes: Marvel Zombies (Spike Scream Award for Best Comic of the year), Black Panther, Ghost Rider, Hellstorm, Wolverine Origins, Moon Knight and Wolverine for Marvel Entertainment.

Arthur Sudyam will be signing on Saturday, July 26h at the Radical Publishing booth.

Radical Publishing booth #2806

Saturday
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

About Radical Publishing
Radical Publishing is founded by BARRY LEVINE (Producer for Rogue Pictures’ BLOOD ON THE TRACKS, Executive Producer for the in development Warner Brothers’ REX MUNDI movie, written by JIM UHLS, starring JOHNNY DEPP and Universal Pictures’ R.I.P.D), his protégé JESSE BERGER, and longtime writer/publisher DAVID ELLIOTT (Atomeka Press and Tundra Publishing).

Radical Publishing is bringing the best in writing, storytelling and fully-painted cover and interior artwork to the global comic book market by prominent international talents such as YOSHITAKA AMANO, JOHN BOLTON, LUIS ROYO, JIM STERANKO, STEVE NILES, IAN EDGINTON, STEVE MOORE, SAM SARKAR, STJEPAN SEJIC, DAVE WILKINS, STEVE PUGH, JAMES HEFFRON, TOMM COKER, CLAYTON CRAIN, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, WETA WORKSHOP, IMAGINARY FRIENDS STUDIOS, and many more.

www.radicalcomics.com
www.myspace.com/radicalpublishing

[ChuckMoore]

Hero Begins Five Spectacular Ebay Auctions Today For San Diego Comic Con International

The Hero Initiative announces five fantastic Ebay Auctions with Stan Lee, Joe Quesada, David Bullock, Dawyn Cooke and Cameron Stewart, major Marvel and DC talent and CGC’s Steve Borock at this year’s San Diego Comic Con International!

MEET STAN LEE AT SAN DIEGO!

This auction is for the ultimate opportunity to hang with Stan Lee on a private yacht. Five winners will receive • Photo and face time with Stan aboard a private yacht anchored in the beautiful San Diego Marina right behind the convention center. • Two autographs from Stan on your own personal items, which you must bring. A CGC witness will be on hand if you choose to get comic books signed by Stan Lee and then certified by CGC with the prestigious Signature Series label. • ComicBookResources.com will be on hand to document the event, and will run an article on the affair complete with pictures of the winners!

WHEN: Friday, July 25 at 6 pm
WHO: It’s Stan Lee, ‘nuff said.
EBAY LINK: http://qurls.com?i=37404
DINNER WITH JOE QUESADA AT MORTON’S SAN DIEGO!

You are bidding on the ultimate opportunity to hang with Marvel Comics Editor in Chief Joe Quesada and enjoy fine dining at Morton’s in San Diego during the San Diego Comic-Con! Think of it like one of Joe’s famous “Cup o’ Joe” panels…but with a medium-rare ribeye! Six winners will receive • Food! Drinks! Even those little after-dinner mints and toothpicks! Also, a nice sit-down with a real bigwig in the comics biz in a classy setting. • A copy of the Marvel Then and Now DVD signed by Joe Quesada, AND STAN LEE AS WELL! This is a social opportunity and no autographs will be allowed.

WHEN: Thursday, July 24 at 8 pm
WHO: Joe Quesada, need we say more?
EBAY LINK: http://qurls.com?i=37402
BREAKFAST AND ART WITH DAVID BULLOCK, DARWYN COOKE AND CAMERON STEWART

This auction includes breakfast and an original Batman sketch from one of the three artists (randomly selected) plus a chance to get an additional “jam” piece by all three modern masters for three lucky winners! The artists will arrive with three sealed envelopes, each containing a 7-by-10 inch Batman sketch, one by each artist. Each winner will get a random envelope, and the art is theirs to keep! Bullock, Cooke and Stewart will also bring an additional “jam” 7-by-10 drawing of DC’s “Trinity,” Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman, and THAT piece will go to whichever of the three winners will donate the most additional money to The Hero Initiative. If you win this breakfast auction, it’s also your buy-in to a special, private, three-man auction!

WHEN: Friday, 25 JUL at 9:00 AM

WHO: David Bullock is a world-famous animation director, cover artist for Action Comics, and director of Justice League: The New Frontier. Darwyn Cooke is the award-winning writer and artist of DC: The New Frontier, The Spirit, Batman: Ego, and more. Cameron Stewart is the visionary artist of Catwoman, Seaguy, The Other Side, and many, many more top books!

EBAY LINK: http://qurls.com?i=37403

THE ULTIMATE COLLECTOR EXPERIENCE: LUNCH WITH CGC!

Win the ultimate behind-the-scenes experience – a grading and restoration detection class “basics 101” and lunch with former CGC President and Primary Grader Steve Borock. Learn what a lifetime of experience in our hobby as collectors and sellers, grading for Sotheby’s and Christies auction houses, spending eight years at CGC, and having graded over one million comic books has taught Steve Borock! Not only that, but after your hour-long class you will enjoy a free lunch with Steve

WHEN: Saturday, July 26 at approximately time 12 noon
WHO: Former CGC President and Primary Grader Steve Borock

EBAY LINK: http://qurls.com?i=37405

MARVEL VS DC COMICS THIRD ANNUAL SOFTBALL GAME

This is a once-in-a-lifetime fantasy sports (and fantasy comics!) opportunity: a chance to play either on the Marvel Comics softball team or the DC Comics softball game in their annual game! The winner of each team’s auction will get an official Marvel or DC uniform, receive luxury motorcoach transportation to and from the game on the team bus roster and get their position assigned by either Marvel captain Mike Pascuillo or DC captain Adam Schlagman.

WHEN: Thursday, July 24, buses leave at 3:30 pm, game begins at 4:30 pm

EBAY LINK: Marvel auction: http://qurls.com?i=37399
EBAY LINK: DC Comics auction: http://qurls.com?i=37401

Auction notes:

• You must be present and on-site to participate.
• No convention admission is included. If you attend the San Diego Comic-Con, you are responsible for your own admission.
• This auction is non-transferable and is for the winners only. Any attempts at resale or transfer by winners will be immediately voided, and no refunds given.
• No additional guests are allowed. Your winning bid allows ONE admission only.

These auctions are benefits for The Hero Initiative, the first-ever federally chartered not-for-profit corporation dedicated strictly to helping comic book creators in need. Hero creates a financial safety net for yesterdays' creators who may need emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. It's a chance for all of us to give back something to the people who have given us so much enjoyment. For more information, call 310-909-7809 or visit www.HeroInitiative.org.

[ChuckMoore]

Marvel Unveils Convention Central: San Diego Comic-Con International 2008
Your spot for Marvel's signing and panel schedules, as well as news, notes and more

Marvel writes...
It's that time of year again, true believers! The one, the only, the stupendous San Diego Comic-Con International is mere days away! We have (and will have) all the goodies a Marvel Zombie could want right here, from panel and signing schedules to news, links and photos. Check it out!

Check it out here.

[ChuckMoore]

Golden and Texeira set Signing Times for SDCC
Michael signs at Vanguard Productions! Tex offers new prints

The much anticipated "Michael Golden: Heroes & Villains Sketchbook" from award-winning artist Michael Golden will be debuting at this year's San Diego Comic Con! AND In addition, renowned painter Mark Texeira will also be attending the SDCC, where he will be offering new prints and accepting limited commissions!

The new sketchbook from Golden features an array of pencils, preliminaries and finished compositions, serving as a must have package for collectors of his trendsetting heroic pieces, while also sneaking in some of his favorite machinery-heavy works, army characters, action shots, and yes, of course, a few villains to boot. He'll be located at NFR, booth #4601, where he'll also be signing the NFR Group Portfolio!

Golden will be on the TwoMorrows panel Thursday, and will be signing at the Vanguard booth on Thursday from 10-11 and on Sunday from 1-2. Check your SDCC schedule, or the Vanguard Booth for times and details.Golden will be signing the second printing of the sold-out "Excess: The Art of Michael Golden" for Vanguard.

Mark Texeira will be at booth #1423, where he will be offering those three new prints, as well as accepting commissions to be done at the show. All leading up to the upcoming debut of his art book, "Tex: The Art of Mark Texeira" coming out later this year from Vanguard Productions.

At both booths--#4601 and #1423, you will find representatives from the Creator Chronicles DVD series, who are doing video retrospectives on both of the creators. Check with either Robin Dale of Woodcrest or Eva Ink's Renee Witterstaetter for information on all these projects and more.