Legendary Graphic Novel Publisher Humanoids Announces New Literary Imprint LIFE DRAWN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Legendary Graphic Novel Publisher Humanoids Announces New Literary Imprint LIFE DRAWN

March 28, 2018: Humanoids, the publisher of some of the world’s most iconic and groundbreaking science fiction and fantasy graphic novels, is launching a new literary imprint in 2018, timed to the company’s 20th anniversary of publishing its acclaimed books in the United States. Best known for seminal genre works including The Incal (Alejandro Jodorowsky, Mœbius) and The Metabarons (Jodorowsky, Gimenez) and internationally renowned creators, including Milo Manara and Jose Ladronn, Humanoids will make a bold break from tradition with its new endeavor. Launching on April 4th, the LIFE DRAWN imprint will publish graphic novels featuring deeply personal and powerful political narratives; these are stories grounded in life on earth, not among the stars.

“Since its inception in the ’70s, Humanoids has published some of the greatest science fiction and fantasy tales ever told—including international best sellers such as The Incal and The Metabarons,” said Humanoids CEO and Publisher, Fabrice Giger. “After so many years of exploring imaginary universes, I felt the urgency for us to also explore . . . real life. Our new imprint LIFE DRAWN will bring our readers down to earth, where humanity is just as captivating as any alien world. With LIFE DRAWN, Humanoids is committed to publishing diverse voices and stories from different points of view, whether it’s powerful political and personal stories from Afghanistan or Vietnam or a biography of Hedy Lamarr.”

LIFE DRAWN’s debut season features titles representing a wide spectrum of art styles, tone, and social and cultural perspectives:

Kabul Disco: How I Managed Not to Be Abducted in Afghanistan by Nicolas Wild

Publication date: April 4, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594658686; 160 Pages; $19.95

LIFE DRAWN debuts with the first volume of a satire-laced travel memoir by cartoonist Nicolas Wild about his experiences in Afghanistan, drawing an adaptation of of the Afghan constitution. Wild provides insights into international politics, a war-ravaged country and the lives of his fellow expatriates. In a dazzling passage, Wild explores the fragile state of American democracy through the story of a woman who was working for the Bush campaign in 2000 and was responsible for vote counting in one of Florida's three counties, ultimately making the fateful phone call that helped swing the election. Acclaimed cartoonist Guy Delisle (Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea) declares that Wild’s “satirical and at times absurdist perspective plunges us into the daily life of a group of expatriates in the heart of Kabul, a city still reeling from the last war. His witty sense of humor makes him an excellent travel companion.” Book Two will be published in September.

Vietnamese Memories: Leaving Saigon by award-winning writer and artist Clément Baloup

Publication date: May 29, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594656583; 164 Pages; $19.95

The first of a three-volume testimonial to the courage and endurance of five different families displaced from their native country by war and colonialism and forced to assimilate in unfamiliar lands, watching their heritage slowly disappear. As Doan Hoang, the award-winning director of Oh, Saigon, says in her introduction of Book One, “History is mostly told by the privileged and powerful, and rarely by those who are most affected. . . . In this sumptuously beautiful and important graphic novel, you will intimately bear witness to what so few in the world have been privy to.”

Luisa: Now and Then by Carole Maurel, Adapted by‎ Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer)

Publication date: June 20, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594656439; 272 Pages; $29.95

A queer transformative tale about self-acceptance and sexuality, written and illustrated by Carole Maurel and adapted by national bestseller Mariko Tamaki, Caldecott Award–winning creator of This One Summer. A disillusioned photographer has a chance encounter with her lost teenage self who has miraculously traveled into the future. Together, both women ultimately discover who they really are, finding the courage to live life by being true to themselves. The book will be published in June, timed to Pride Month.

Madame Cat by Nancy Peña

Publication date: July 4, 2018; ISBN: 978-1594658136; 128 pages; $12.95

Hilarious vignettes presenting the love, laughter and frustrations of a pet who thinks she’s an owner! With narrative mastery, creator Nancy Peña brings us bite-sized sketches that appeal to cat lovers of all ages.

With upcoming releases dedicated to subjects as diverse as the life of Hedy Lamarr and the New York Marathon, Humanoids’ LIFE DRAWN imprint will capture deeply personal stories that run the gamut from political travelogues to coming-of-age and coming-out stories. For more updates on LIFE DRAWN, follow Humanoids on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For review copies and additional information, contact:

David Hyde

Superfan Promotions LLC

917-803-6684; david.hyde@superfanpromotions.com

For interviews, contact:

Alisa Trager

Sales & Marketing Assistant

T: 323.522.5466 x107; alisa.trager@humanoids.com

 About the LIFE DRAWN Creators:

Comic book writer Nicolas Wild finds inspiration in the Indo-European world, and has earned critical acclaim with titles such as Kabul Disco and Silent was Zarathustra. He currently resides in Strasbourg, France.

Clément Baloup, acclaimed cartoonist of Vietnamese and French heritage, is exploring their stories and struggles in gripping and moving graphic novels. Clément Baloup has an atypical artistic trajectory through comics, moving from his experience as a comics reader to his artwork as a professional cartoonist.

Carole Maurel worked as a graphist and animator for TV programs, before she published her first graphic novel Les Chroniques Mauves, a collective work about the lesbian community. She has since published several graphic novels, always a characteristic mix of feminine sensibilities and humor.

Mariko Tamaki's works include the comics This One Summer (First Second/Groundwood Books), Skim (Groundwood Books), with Jillian Tamaki, Emiko Superstar (DC Comics), with Steve Rolston, and the YA novel (You) Set Me on Fire (Penguin Canada). Her upcoming YA novel, Saving Montgomery Sole (Roaring Brook Press), is about unsolved mysteries, California and frozen yogurt. You can read all about her adventures at marikotamaki.blogspot.com.

Nancy Peña is an author with a very distinctive style, one sure to delight readers. As an artist, her drawings are inspired by engravings, creating whimsically appealing pages. She is an Art Academy teacher in France and has published more than 12 graphic novels.

About Humanoids: HUMANOIDS released its first graphic novels 40 years ago in Paris, France, and has published thousands of titles since, including international bestsellers and iconic series such as The Incal and Barbarella. Based in Hollywood, California, with branches in Paris, London, and Tokyo, Humanoids is currently developing multiple film adaptations of its books.

Long Beach Comic Con 2018: 50% OFF TICKETS TO LBCC

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In honor of the 10th edition of LBCC, we have a special offer for our loyal patrons! Use code 'FIRST100' for 50% off ANY ticket! Hurry, offer only valid on the first 100 tickets sold, while supplies last. #LBCC2018

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BUFFER FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES EXPANSION INTO LOS ANGELES

BUFFER FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES EXPANSION INTO LOS ANGELES

The Digital Video Festival celebrating elevated, online content will make its way to Hollywood, California on May 17th, 2018. 

bufferfestival.com

Toronto, ON (March 20, 2018) - The creative team behind Buffer Festival is thrilled to announce the very first Buffer Festival LA set to take place on May 17th.  With the rise of on-demand content and each passing year breaking records for online consumption, this expansion solidifies Buffer Festival’s dominance in the digital festival world. The legendary Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood will play host to the one day event where top creators will screen exclusive video premieres, take questions, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing today’s Content Creator.

The day’s festivities will begin with Buffer Festival’s “Insight Series” featuring inspirational talks from some of the world’s leading Creators and industry innovators. This special program will be aimed towards the entertainment industry, aspiring Creators, and anyone who wants to learn from the Creators’ unique perspective. This will be followed by the famous Buffer Festival Red Carpet, where media and attendees will have the opportunity to interact and ask their favorite Content-Makers questions as they arrive for the evening Gala consisting of screenings and live entertainment.

“Buffer Festival was created in the spirit of celebrating the incredible work and art of today’s Creator, and all our programming is anchored in that mandate”, commented CEO Scott Benzie “We couldn’t be more excited to bring this unique experience to Los Angeles and are very thankful to our partners for making it possible”.

Created in Toronto in 2013 as a “Film Festival for YouTubers” Buffer Festival has evolved into one the largest festivals focused on elevated digital video content and is respected as a showcase of the highest quality productions for both established and up and coming Creators.

For Ticket and Show information please visit https://bufferfestival.com

About Buffer Festival
Buffer Festival is an annual showcase of YouTube world premieres, bringing the most acclaimed digital creators and their audiences together. The festival includes a variety of programming, including a red carpet gala and premiere screenings, with YouTube’s highest quality content on full display. Now entering its sixth edition, the festival will host its annual four day event in Toronto this September.

Long Beach Comic Con 2018: ST. PATRICK'S DAY UNREAL DEAL INSIDE!

TICKETS TO THE 10th EDITION OF LONG BEACH COMIC CON ARE ON SALE NOW! We're kicking off ticket sales with a St. Patrick's Day special discount! Now through March 17th Use Code 'SHAMROCK' For $17 off any ticket or package! CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS NOW

Comic Con Revolution 2018: Chris Claremont, Whilce Portacio, Jason Aaron, Fabian Nicieza come to CCR in MAY 2018!

(For a downloadable word doc and graphical assets scroll to the bottom of the email.) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   COMIC CON REVOLUTION RETURNS TO THE ONTARIO CONVENTION CENTER MAY 19 & 20, 2018 Chris Claremont Joins the Revolution for a Rare Southern California Appearance at Comic Con Revolution   Ontario, California March 14, 2018 – Comic Con Revolution returns to The Inland Empire and Ontario Convention Center, located at 2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario, California this May 19 & 20, 2018 with comic book icon Chris Claremont. Comic Con Revolution is proud to play host to this rare Southern California appearance. Chris Claremont, famous for his unparalleled 17-year unbroken run writing The Uncanny X-Men for Marvel Comics from 1976 to 1991 amongst other works, will be joining a guest list featuring some of the comic industry's most talented artists and writers. He will be signing autographs, talking with fans and participating in panels all weekend long. "So looking forward to spending time with fans in Southern California," said Chris Claremont. "Haven’t been in the LA area for quite some time. See you at Comic Con Revolution!" "When we wrapped up Comic Con Revolution last May we gave ourselves a challenge. Bring an even bigger and better experience to Ontario and The Inland Empire in 2018," said Atomic Crush Events co-founder Drew Seldin. He added, "I think the addition of Chris Claremont to our already stellar guest lineup is another step on that path." Comic Con Revolution will feature over 100 guests, two full days of programming totaling to over 100 panels, 70,000 square feet of exhibit space featuring over 150 Exhibitors, over 175 creators Artist Alley, the return of The Cosplay Revolution Costume Contest hosted by Ming Chen (AMC's Comic Book Men) and much more. Comic Con Revolution is an event for seasoned comic fans as well as first timers and families who want to experience the excitement of a true comic con. Our guest list features talent that fans will instantly recognize. Guests currently scheduled to appear include Jason Aaron (Star Wars, Thor, Scalped), Greg Baldwin (Samurai Jack, Avatar: The Last Airbender), Sandy King Carpenter (Film Producer & Comic Writer), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg!, Satellite Sam), Ming Chen (AMC’s Comic Book Men) Matthew Clark (Doom Patrol, Outsiders), Chris Claremont (Uncanny X-Men), Neo Edmund (Power Rangers), Carols Ferro (Gears of War), Derek Dridolfs (Li’l Gotham, Batman: Arkham Unhinged), Steven Gordon (X-Men: Evolution), Travis Hanson (Life of the Party: Realities of an RPG’er), Ray-Anthony Height (X-Men Blue, Superb), Tom Hodges (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Herb Jefferson Jr. (Battlestar Galactica), Doug Jung (Star Trek Beyond, The Cloverfield Experiment), Scott Koblish (Deadpool, Excalibur), Jim Krueger (Universe X, Earth X), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Shawn Martinbrough (Thief of Thieves, Luke Cage Noir), Ron Marz (Green Lantern, Witchblade), Mike Mathew (Star Wars, She-Hulk), Jonboy Meyers (The Inhumans, Teen Titans), Todd Nauck (Young Justice, Teen Titans Go!), Dustin Nguyen (Descender, DC Secret Hero Society), Fabian Nicieza (Deadpool & X-Force), Diane Pershing (Batman: The Animated Series – Voice of Poison Ivy), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Peter Shinkoda (Daredevil, Falling Skies), Cat Staggs (Wonder Woman, Smallville), Art Thibert (Ultimate Spider-Man, Trinity), Tommy Walker (Daredevil, Henry Danger), Marv Wolfman (Marvel’s Blade, New Teen Titans) and Timothy Zahn (Star Wars Novelist). Additional announcements will be made over the coming weeks. Tickets Adult (18+) full weekend tickets are $40, teen full weekend tickets (13-17 years-old) are $30, adult Saturday tickets are $25, teen Saturday tickets are $18.75, Adult Sunday are $20, teen Sunday are $15 and as with all out shows kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket. One paid adult ticket allows for up to two free children’s ticket.  Ticket prices increase when purchased on site so order in advance and save. Information about Comic Con Revolution is available at : http://www.comicconrevolution.com/ontario Social Media https://www.facebook.com/ComicConRevolution https://twitter.com/ComicConRvltn https://www.instagram.com/comicconrevolution ### About Comic Con Revolution Comic Con Revolution was founded on very simple principles. We are excited to celebrate comics and the creative arts. At the absolute core of what we do are the creators themselves. The people who create the comics, games, toys, film, movies and more that we all love. Without their tireless dedication to creating the fantastic worlds we all get lost in, events like Comic Con Revolution would not be possible. We strive to create the best possible experience for attendees, exhibitors and guests alike. Our team of event industry veterans are dedicated to working hard to create that experience for each of you. About Atomic Crush Events  Atomic Crush Events is an event consultation and management company that was founded on experience and innovation. Bringing together expertise in event management, marketing, sales and business development to create a unique team that can analyze and identify the best course of action when developing a live event. Our philosophy is simple – create the best experience possible for attendees, exhibitors and guests alike. More information is available at www.atomiccrushevents.com

Eisner-award Winning Creator Mark Buckingham Adapts New York Times Best-selling Author Neil Gaiman’s LIKELY STORIES for Dark Horse Books

Eisner-award Winning Creator Mark Buckingham

Adapts New York Times Best-selling Author Neil Gaiman’s  

LIKELY STORIES for Dark Horse Books

March 5, 2018) Eisner-award winning creator Mark Buckingham is adapting four of New York Times best-selling author Neil Gaiman’s prose short stories for the upcoming graphic novel anthology LIKELY STORIES, to be published as a hardcover original graphic novel by Dark Horse Book later this year. Buckingham (Fables), will adapt and illustrate the stories “Looking for the Girl”, “Foreign Parts”, “Closing Time”, and “Feeders and Eaters.” These dark and imaginative tales feature an odd and subtly linked world of bizarre venereal diseases, a creepy old woman who feasts on raw meat, a man obsessed with a skin model from a magazine, and a story within a story about ghosts. LIKELY STORIES will retail for $17.99 when it goes on sale in comic shops on August 29 and in bookstores on September 11, 2018.

“Having been friends and collaborators for over thirty years, Neil Gaiman and I have worked together in a variety of different ways, from illustrating his full scripts, to our current cowriting of new Miracleman stories. However, I had never adapted any of Neil’s prose stories before, so this was an irresistible challenge,” said Buckingham. “Not all of these stories were new to me. Feeders and Eaters started life as a comic strip Neil and I created for a UK publisher way back in 1990. When Neil revisited it as a prose story a few years later he added a lot of depth and richness, which opened up new narrative possibilities. Ever since then I have been eager to take another shot at it myself. So imagine my delight when Dark Horse approached me to do just that as part of the Likely Stories collection!”

LIKELY STORIES was previously adapted for television, originally airing on Sky TV before airing on Shudder in 2016. For the graphic novel adaptation, Buckingham will be working from the source material—the original prose stories.

“This will be quite a different experience to people’s previous encounters with these tales,” said Buckingham. “I knew I wanted this to read as a cohesive whole, rather than a set of short stories, so I have woven them together, Into a single narrative, linking them all to the Diogenes late night drinking club that plays such an important role in the Closing Time story.”

LIKELY STORIES is the latest adaptation to join Dark Horse Books’ prestigious Neil Gaiman Library, joining AMERICAN GODS: SHADOWS featuring script and layouts from P. Craig Russell and art by Scott Hampton; FORBIDDEN BRIDES OF THE FACELESS SLAVES IN THE SECRET HOUSE OF THE NIGHT OF DREAD DESIRE adapted by Shane Oakley; HOW TO TALK TO GIRLS AT PARTIES adapted by Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá; ONLY THE END OF THE WORLD AGAIN featuring script and layouts from P. Craig Russell, art by Troy Nixey and colors by Matt Hollinsworth; and TROLL BRIDGE adapted by Colleen Doran.  Rights were acquired from Gaiman’s literary agent, Merrilee Heifetz at Writers House.

About Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is the celebrated author of books, graphic novels, short stories, films and tv for readers of all ages.

Some of his most notable titles include the highly lauded 2017 #1 New York Times bestselling NORSE MYTHOLOGY, coming out in paperback March 6, the groundbreaking #1 New York Times Bestselling and Award Winning Sandman comics series; The Graveyard Book (the first book ever to win both the Newbery and Carnegie medals); American Gods, winner of many awards and recently adapted into the 2017 critically acclaimed Starz tv series (Season 2 slated to air in 2019); and The Ocean at the End of the Lane, the UK’s National Book Award 2013 Book of the Year.

The film adaptation of his short story How to Talk to Girls at Parties (directed by John Cameron Mitchell) will be in theatres in 2018.

Born in the UK, Gaiman now lives in America.

About Mark Buckingham:

Mark Buckingham has been working in comics for thirty years, building a reputation for design, storytelling and a chameleon like diversity of art styles.

He is known for his work on numerous comics series including significant runs on Hellblazer, Doctor Strange, Batman: Shadow of the Bat, The Titans, and Peter Parker: Spider-man. He has previously drawn for Dark Horse as a guest artist on Eric Powell's The Goon.

His most notable work, from 2002 to 2015, has been as the regular artist on Fables, working with its writer and creator Bill Willingham, for which they earned numerous comic industry awards.

Swapping pencils for the keyboard, Buckingham wrote "The Clamour for Glamour" the final story arc of Fairest, the companion title to Fables.

Mark's previous collaborations with Neil Gaiman include comics series Miracleman, Sandman, and Death, as well as illustrating his World Book Day edition of Odd And The Frost Giants.

Mark recently reunited with Neil Gaiman as they return to work, after a twenty four year wait, on Miracleman.

Born in the UK, Buckingham lives in Spain and the UK.

About Dark Horse


For more than thirty years, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, the company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman, and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X, and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga, and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, The Legend of Zelda, Halo, The Witcher, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.