PANEL PRESENTATION FROM THQ, DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT, VIZ MEDIA AND WORLD EVENTS PRODUCTIONS WITH VOLTRON PRODUCT GIVEAWAYS FROM MATTEL AND CLASSIC MEDIA OCTOBER 16

WHAT:
Voltron®, the franchise that began when the 1980s robot-themed television action series Voltron: Defender of the Universe® launched, will take part in New York Comic Con with a panel presentation, product giveaways, signing events and Voltron costume character appearances. The panel will feature all-new and classic Voltron content including toys and merchandise, a sneak peak of the Voltron video game presented by THQ, an early glance at Dynamite Entertainment Voltron comics, an exclusive preview of VIZ Kids’ Voltron Force™ graphic novels and a quick look at upcoming episodes of the television series Voltron Force on Nicktoons. Voltron-themed items including a Mattycollector.com “Club Lion Force” membership for Voltron collectibles from Mattel, t-shirts and DVDs will be given away as prizes throughout the panel presentation.

WHO:
Jeremy Corray, Voltron Force Supervising Producer, will moderate the event that will include artists, writers, producers and designers from the entire Voltron universe:

· From THQ, Peter Armstrong, Executive Producer;
· From World Events Productions, Jeremy Corray and Bob Koplar, Vice President of WEP
· From Dynamite Entertainment, Nick Barrucci, President, Dynamite Entertainment
· From VIZ Media, Traci Todd, Senior Editor, Jacob Chabot, Cartoonist and Illustrator for VIZ Media graphic novels, and Brian “Smitty” Smith, Writer
· From Mattel, Natalie So, Associate Marketing Manager

WHEN:
Panel – Sunday, October 16 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Room #1A24
Media Room – Sunday, October 16 noon to 1:00 p.m. in Room #1E15
Mattel Booth (#1222) – During the convention, the upcoming line of Voltron collectible toys will be displayed, and a limited number of “Blazing Sword Voltron” figures will be available for purchase.
VIZ Media Booth (#932) – Artists and writers of the Voltron Force graphic novels will be signing posters and greeting fans:

Saturday October 15th, 3-4PM Brian Smith (Writer) & Dario Brizuela (Artist) for Voltron Force, Volume 3
Sunday October 16th, 3-4PMBrian Smith (Writer) & Jacob Chabot (Artist) for Voltron Force, Volume 1

WHERE:
New York Comic Con The Jacob K. Javits Convention Center 655 West 34th StreetNew York, NY 10001

An exciting recurring tradition for fans of action-packed genre tales in comics and the pulp traditions, Dynamite is proud to announce another Savage Tales release this February.

Fan-favorite scribe and pulp fiction mastermind David Avallone (Elvira, Bettie Page) is back for the latest winter time gift for readers, contributing all three new original stories within this special oversized issue featuring cardstock covers. He's joined by a trio of rising star artists, two of which are recent graduates from the prestigious Kubert School for comics illustration.

"This was a great opportunity for me to go back to a trio of characters I've always enjoyed writing," said David Avallone. "I've been a fan of John and Dejah since discovering them in my early teens. Vampirella was the first comics character I ever wrote, and I'll always have a special affection for her. Finally, Dynamite gave me a chance to imagine a new future for Gullivar Jones in previous issues of Savage Tales, and I continue that story here."



One of the biggest power couples of pulp have an untold tale revealed, as Avallone pens "Mutiny on Mars" starring John Carter and Dejah Thoris. To draw the Barsoom-trekking adventure, Eman Casallos (Pathfinder, Army of Darkness) comes in with his honed skills.

An underrated and favorite pulp figure, Captain Gullivar Jones' next hotly anticipated tale is shown in "His War" drawn by Kubert graduate Hamish Munro-Cook.

Last but certainly not least, one of Dynamite's biggest heroines gets the spotlight, as Vampirella's "The Real Thing" is chronicled by Avallone and Mariano Benitez-Chapo, also a Kubie rising through the ranks.

It doesn't end there though, as those three are topped off with a special bonus reprinting the "Seeing Red" story starring Red Sonja by Kurt Busiek and Benjamin Dewey, originally seen in the pages of fellow anthology Red Sonja: Black, White, Red.

With the pages full of action, romance, and fearsome foes, such a book packed with classic reading mandates a crop of jaw-dropping covers in the pulp painting and illustration tradition. The quartet of take-no-prisoners covers are contributed by Arthur Suydam, Bjorn Barends, Joseph Michael Linsner, and cosplayer Rachel Hollon. It's all the perfect package to stave off cabin fever as fans enter the throes of winter.






SAVAGE TALES: WINTER 2025 SPECIAL is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ December 2024 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market, and slated for release in February 2025. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the issue with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!

Visit www.dynamite.com for more news and information

The Duck Knight returns this February, as Disney's beloved Darkwing Duck spreads his wings and dons his crime-fighting garb in a new ongoing comic book series! Fan-favorite writer and comedy virtuoso Daniel Kibblesmith helms the team, joined by artistic duo Ted Brandt and Ro Stein, as well as contributions from beloved original character creator Tad Stones!

"I am the writer who scripts in the night. I am (writing) Darkwing Duck. And I couldn’t feel luckier. Let’s get dangerous — and let’s get pre-ordered!" said writer Daniel Kibblesmith.

The fowl that felons most fear is back in action each and every month, upping the ante for Dynamite Entertainment's new era of comic book tales following the escapades of Disney's world-famous ducks. This new series takes a fun approach, courtesy of writer Kibblesmith, seeking to ask and answer all the essential questions about the beloved star. How did this avian exemplar develop his redoubtable reputation? What lessons did he learn in his earliest days of foe-foiling? His legion of fans, both within the story and reading these comics, as well as his adopted daughter, Gosalyn, want the lowdown on all these key questions. Darkwing is more than happy to revisit the highlights of his crime-busting career — though there can be no promise that these chronicles will not be embellished, organized, chronological, or verifiable in any way. But they will be a blast!

As fans return to the rooftops of St. Canard, they will learn that an unreliable narrator is better than no narrator at all. Readers are invited to revisit Darkwing Duck's formative years, and his most famous feats. It's up to them to determine what they can believe!



Joining the creative team of Kibblesmith, Brandt, Stein, colorist Dearbhla Kelly, and letterer Fabio Amelia, is the character's legendary original creator from the early 1990s. Artist, animator, writer, director, and producer Tad Stones is back with his most signature work. The debut issue of the new series sports an incredible cover newly illustrated by Stones.

“I was delighted with Dynamite bringing Darkwing Duck and family back to comics with three, count ‘em three, titles featuring his super pals and his ultimate nemesis, and then they dragged me into the craziness for a bunch of variant covers on this new series," character creator Tad Stones said. "The stories and art I’ve seen have captured the comedy and adventure of the original series while bringing a fresh take on it all. Thrilled to be a part of it!”

On the variant covers front, Tad is joined by another artistic great in Mark Bagley (Spider-Man), as well as Nicoletta Baldari, Ciro Cangialosi, and interior art duo Brandt and Stein.




DARKWING DUCK #1 is solicited in Diamond Comic Distributors’ December 2024 Previews catalog, the premier source of merchandise for the comic book specialty market and slated for release in February 2025. Comic book fans are encouraged to preorder copies of the issue with their local comic book retailers. It will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, Kindle, iBooks, Google Play, Dynamite Digital, ComicsPlus, and more!

Visit www.dynamite.com for more news and information

Everything’s not coming up Milhouse, it seems.

Pamela Hayden, who has voiced iconic Simpsons characters including Milhouse and Jimbo Jones, is retiring from the show after 35 years.

Hayden will voice her last episode – Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes – on Sunday, November 24.

In addition to Bart’s best friend Milhouse Van Houten and bully Jimbo Jones, over the years, Hayden has voiced secondary characters including Ned Flanders’ son Rod, Chief Wiggum’s wife and Ralph Wiggum’s mother Sarah and Lisa Simpson’s friend Janey Powell.

Hayden said, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to The Simpsons?……not easily. It’s been an honor and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show, and to give voice to Milhouse and Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Janey, Malibu Stacy, and many others.” (via Deadline)

From the terrifying Basilisk serpent to the majestic hippogriff Buckbeak, VFX giant Framestore brought to life many of J.K. Rowling’s magical creatures in the Harry Potter films.

Now Deadline is reporting that the British company is in talks to return to the world of Hogwarts as Warner Bros. Discovery steps up preparations for HBO‘s TV adaptation of Rowling’s books.

A source said Warner Bros. Discovery is also speaking to other visual effects companies, but Framestore is understood to be in pole position to clinch a contract. A deal is not yet done. Warner Bros. Discovery and Framestore declined to comment.

Framestore, which has won Oscars for work on Blade Runner 2049 and Gravity, provided visual effects for all eight of the Harry Potter movies between 2000 and 2011.

Marvel Comics’ historic tradition of Star Wars comic book adaptations continues this February with STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER ADAPTATION. Written by Jody Houser and drawn by artist Will Sliney, the previously-announced five-issue limited series brings 2019’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker film to the page at last. In addition to retelling the Resistance’s desperate last stand, the shocking return of Emperor Palpatine and more, the series will include all new scenes not in the final film.

The comic adaptation arrives just in time for the launch of Charles Soule and Luke Ross’ Star Wars: Legacy of Vader, a new ongoing series set between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. While Legacy of Vader reveals Kylo Ren’s evolution as Supreme Leader of the First Order and his daring quest into his grandfather’s tragic past, the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker comic adaptation gives fans a chance to experience the dramatic end of the character’s journey in an all-new way.

THE FINAL BATTLE FOR THE GALAXY BEGINS! As the Resistance struggles against the First Order’s dominance, Poe Dameron discovers an unthinkable threat on the horizon. As the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance, Rey must find a way to the hidden Sith hideout, putting her on a collision course with Kylo Ren! With only hours to act, will our heroes avert the devastation of the FINAL ORDER?

“There’s a resurgence of interest in these characters, especially Kylo Ren, Darth Vader’s blood heir,” Editor Mark Paniccia shared. “Jody’s script captures the impact of these iconic moments between the film’s heroes and villains, while the art by Will Sliney and dazzling colors by Guru-eFX give a visually unique experience of this epic finale.”

Preorder STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER ADAPTATION #1 at your local comic shop today!

Disney and Lucasfilm have revealed that animated anthology series Star Wars: Visions is coming back for a third volume in 2025. The news was announced at Disney’s Content Showcase event in Singapore.

Volume three of Visions will return to Japan, with 9 new animated shorts from anime studios in the country. The Japanese studios involved include David Production, Kamikaze Douga+ ANIMA, Kinema Citrus, Polygon Pictures, Production I.G, Project Studio Q, TRIGGER and WIT Studio.

When it debuted in 2021, Visions was a bold creative choice by Lucasfilm as it was a collection of non-canon animated shorts created by different Japanese animation studios and featuring different animation styles. The lack of restrictions led to wildly imaginative interpretations of the Star Wars mythos that proved incredibly popular with fans and critics alike. (via The Hollywood Reporter)

Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige can hardly wait for the Fantastic Four‘s entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Feige made a live virtual appearance at the opening of the Disney APAC Content Showcase, held in Singapore, and talked up the future of the MCU ahead of The Fantastic Four: First Steps‘ release next year. Appearing onscreen at the showcase wearing a blue Fantastic Four cap, he pointed at the hat when asked which Marvel title he was most excited for in 2025.

“Finally, [we’re] bringing Marvel’s First Family into the MCU,” said Feige about the long-in-the-works project. “They wrap next week, the movie comes out next summer, and then all those characters go right into the next Avengers movies, so I’m very excited for the future of the Fantastic Four.”

The film stars Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Josephine Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bacrach, Julia Garner and others in an ensemble cast. It will start Phase Six of the MCU, with Feige producing. A Fantastic Four reboot has been in the works since at least 2017 and the current iteration has been in production for most of 2024. (via Deadline)

Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking has cooked up some solid numbers at Warner Bros. Discovery.

The competition series, which Deadline revealed back in May, premiered on November 14 on Food Network and Max. It scored a 0.57 rating in the 25-54 demo and a 0.74 across women in the same bracket, more than doubling the benchmark over the previous six weeks, per Nielsen live+three day data.

The show, which comes from Warner Horizon and theoldschool, is on pace to be Food Network’s highest rated freshman series of the year and helped the network to its highest Thursday night prime rating since 2021.

Harry Potter: Wizards of Baking features a range of cake creations. Shot at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, which was where the Harry Potter movies were filmed, the series gives bakers and pastry chefs access to the actual film sets, revisiting locations – including inside The Great Hall at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Platform 9¾, Gringotts Wizarding Bank and The Burrow.

Is “Glicked” the new “Barbenheimer”?

Whether “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” inspires an unorthodox double feature à la last summer’s simultaneous blockbusters “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” remains a question. Either way, there’s a box office battle brewing between Universal’s pink-and-green musical and Paramount’s bloody sword-and-sandal epic, both of which open on Friday.

“Wicked,” director Jon M. Chu’s big-screen take on the beloved Broadway show, is expected to lead with a huge $100 million to $110 million from 3,880 North American theaters over the weekend. The PG-rated film landed on tracking with projections of $80 million to $85 million, but estimates have increased in subsequent weeks. Given the ubiquity of the stage show, the omnipresence of the Oz-themed marketing campaign and enough brand partnerships (more than 400 in total) to fill Emerald City, rival studio executives and independent tracking services believe that ticket sales could fly to $130 million in its first weekend of release. Even a start on the lower end of projections would rank as the best debut for a Broadway adaptation, a record that currently belongs to 2014’s “Into the Woods” ($31 million).

Though “Wicked” will loom large at the domestic box office, “Gladiator II,” Ridley Scott’s quarter-century-in-the-making sequel, should open solidly in second place. The R-rated follow to 2000’s “Gladiator” is aiming to collect $65 million from 3,500 cinemas over the weekend. It’s pacing above other post-pandemic big-budget tentpoles aimed at older males, such as James Bond installment “No Time to Die” ($55 million debut in 2021) and “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” ($60.3 million in 2023). “Gladiator II” already entered the international box office arena with $87 million from 63 markets, standing as the biggest R-rated opening weekend overseas for Paramount Pictures. (via Variety)

BOOM! Studios today revealed a first look at MINOR ARCANA #4 from one of the most renowned creators in comics, New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning writer and artist Jeff Lemire, along with the incomparable letterer Steve Wands. MINOR ARCANA is his first ever creator-owned, ongoing series at BOOM! Studios, continuing December 2024.

In a desperate bid to free herself of this new “curse,” Theresa finds herself thrown into the Unseen World once again. Delving deeper into the mysterious realm, Theresa uncovers secrets that will prove vital to her understanding of this power… but also finds herself stalked by a Dark Figure whose presence grows increasingly sinister.

MINOR ARCANA #4 continues the first of the four major story arcs of the new ongoing series from Jeff Lemire and BOOM! Studios. Mirroring the suits of a tarot deck, the story arcs will be collected into The Book of Wands, The Book of Swords, The Book of Cups, and The Book of Pentacles respectively.

MINOR ARCANA #4 features main cover art by series creator Jeff Lemire, and variant covers by highly acclaimed illustrators Megan Hutchison (The Department of Truth), Raúl Allén (Once & Future), and DANI (Grim) with Jordie Bellaire. Additionally, each issue of MINOR ARCANA will feature a special tarot card variant cover illustrated by Jeff Lemire culminating in a full tarot deck at the end of the series!

MINOR ARCANA is the newest release from BOOM! Studios’ eponymous imprint, home to critically acclaimed original series, including BRZRKR by Keanu Reeves, Matt Kindt, and Ron Garney; Something is Killing the Children by James Tynion IV and Werther Dell’Edera; bestselling horror anthology Hello Darkness; Grim by Stephanie Phillips and Flaviano; Stuff of Nightmares by R.L. Stine and A.L. Kaplan; A Vicious Circle by Mattson Tomlin and Lee Bermejo; Ghostlore by Cullen Bunn and Leomacs; Rare Flavours by Ram V and Filipe Andrade; Underheist by David and Maria Lapham; Animal Pound by Tom King and Peter Gross; Vicarious by Ryan Parrott and Eleonora Carlini; and The Creeping Below by Brian Azzarello and Vanesa Del Rey. The imprint also publishes popular licensed properties, including Dune: House Corrino from Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson, and Simone Ragazzoni; Mighty Morphin Power Rangers by Melissa Flores and Simona Di Gianfelice; and The Expanse: Dragon Tooth by Andy Diggle, Rubine, and Francesco Pisa.

MINOR ARCANA #4 will be available in comic shops December 11, 2024. It is available for pre-order at your local comic shop. Digital copies can be purchased from content providers, including Kindle, iBooks, and Google Play.

Minor Arcana #4 A Main: OCT240059

Minor Arcana #4 B Variant: OCT240060

Minor Arcana #4 C 1:10 INCV Tarot Card Variant: OCT240061

Minor Arcana #4 D 1:25 INCV: OCT240062

Minor Arcana #4 E FOC Reveal Variant: OCT240063

Minor Arcana #4 F Unlockable Variant: OCT240064Minor Arcana #4 G Holiday Variant Cover: AUG248695