BABYMETAL IS HEADED FOR ANANIMATED ADVENTURE

JAPANESE POP-METAL SENSATION BABYMETAL IS HEADED FOR AN

ANIMATED ADVENTURE VIA A NEW SHORTFORM SERIES FROM

WARNER BROS.’ DIGITAL STUDIO BLUE RIBBON CONTENT, IN

COLLABORATION WITH AMUSE GROUP USA

 

Twitter Pitch: WB’s Blue Ribbon Content & Amuse USA develop series w/Japanese pop-metal sensation@BABYMETAL_JAPANhttp://bit.ly/BRC-BabyMetal #BABYMETAL

 

BURBANK, Calif. (September 28, 2016) — Fresh off the triumphant finale to their unforgettable 2016 world tour in front of more than 110,000 fans at the Tokyo Dome, Japanese pop-metal sensation BABYMETAL will embark on a new adventure with an original shortform series from Warner Bros.’ digital studio Blue Ribbon Content and Japanese powerhouse Amuse Inc’s subsidiary, Amuse USA. Manager and creator of BABYMETAL Key Kobayashi (a.k.a. KOBAMETAL) is also producing. The hybrid live-action and animated project is currently in development, it was announced today by Sam Register, President, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Digital Series.

 

Sam Register said: “BABYMETAL have to be seen to be believed — a mind-blowing, fun combination of pop vocals, heavy metal music and dance choreography brought to life by three incredibly talented teenage stars. We are huge fans here at Blue Ribbon Content and are extremely excited to help bring the BABYMETAL phenomenon to U.S. audiences through this upcoming digital series.”

 

Tatsuro Hatanaka, President, Amuse, Inc. and Amuse USA, commented: “We are grateful for Warner Bros. and Blue Ribbon Content’s interest in BABYMETAL, and to be moving onward with the project. We are very much looking forward to working on this project with Sam and his team, and hope everyone will enjoy our completed work.”

 

The action-adventure will take viewers inside the magical world of heavy metal music as it comes under attack, and one lonely god, Kitsune, forms the warrior band BABYMETAL to save the day. In the series, SU-METAL, YUIMETAL and MOAMETAL join together to ultimately redefine the genre. The series will also feature new live-action performances from the group, who will enter the animated world through a secret portal.

 

Fronted by three teenage girls with choreographed dance moves to accompany their vocals, BABYMETAL is making waves in the music industry with two chart-topping albums that have solidified the Japanese pop-metal band’s cross-continent success. In fact, the buzz-worthy group recently caught the attention of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who are taking them on their first UK tour in five years.

 

With a name inspired by “the birth of new metal” and a goal of fusing metal and pop music, the BABYMETAL lineup includes SU-METAL, YUIMETAL and MOAMETAL. BABYMETAL has already achieved two major debut singles, both of which ranked in the Top 10 Oricon chart in Japan. Their first studio album also earned the #1 spot on Billboard’s World Album chart, and the official live music video for their debut album’s lead single,“Gimme Chocolate!!,” has garnered more than 60 million views on YouTube. Their sophomore album,METAL RESISTANCEmade them the first Japanese act to make the Billboard200 album chart’s top 40 in 53 years. They have also won several awards, including:

 

·       The Breakthrough Act award at the 2015 Metal Hammer Golden Gods

·       The Spirit of Independence award at the 2015 Kerrang! Awards

·       MTV Europe’s Wildcard Best Japanese Act

·       The Discovery Prize at GQ Japan’s Men of the Year 2015 Awards

·       Women of the Year prize at VogueJapan’s Women of the Year 2015 Awards

·       Best Live Act award at the 2016Kerrang! Awards

·       Best Live Act award at the 2016 AIM Independent Music Awards

 

Since its inception, the Japanese metal dance unit has developed a devoted fan base that describes their concerts as both energetic and unforgettable. The band has also received glowing praise from the industry’s top acts, includingSlipknot’s Corey Taylor, Guns N’ Roses’ Slash and Rob Zombie, who toldBillboard that BABYMETAL “are like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” The new series will take their energy from the stage to the screen with a can’t-miss adventure for all ages.

 

Lionel’s DC Comics™ Batman™ Phantom LionChief™ Train Set 

Calling all diehard Batman fans

Lionel’s DC Comics™ Batman™ Phantom LionChief™ Train Set offers a unique way for fans to showcase their superhero affection. Fans can forget the Batmobile and stay five steps ahead of their foes with this dark and brooding BATMAN Phantom Set! The ready-to-run train set includes 3 cars (a powered Phantom engine, non-powered dome car and non-powered dome end car); as well as track, a wall pack power supply and LionChief™ remote for the Phantom engine. The engine even features a RailSounds RC™ sound system with special Phantom background sounds, horn, bell and user-activated announcements, including “That’s Commissioner Gordon Calling,” “Next Stop Gotham City” and more!

 

The train set is available at select Lionel dealers nationwide for a MSRP of $399.99.

 

Batgirl Makes Her Way Home to Burnside With a New Artist!

Batgirl Makes Her Way Home to Burnside With a New Artist!

Christian Wildgoose announced as new artist on the Batgirl ongoing series 

 

This January, Batgirl is headed home— with a new artist and new villain to kick off the next arc! Artist Christian Wildgoose (GOTHAM ACADEMY) will take over art duties once Rafael Albuquerque’s run concludes with BATGIRL #6. Wildgoose joins writer Hope Larson upon Batgirl’s return home in “Son of Penguin.” Since the launch of Rebirth, Barbara Gordon has left Burnside and Gotham behind for some well-earned time off. Traveling to Japan, Singapore and more she’s been on a quest to train with the most elite masters of the East— as well as taking a break from her everyday crimefighting life. But where she goes, danger always follows. 


“I’m still in shock to be working on Batgirl, probably more so than the readers, so I’m feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves as I take on one of my favorite characters,” says Wildgoose. “Despite any nerves, I know I’m in safe hands working with Hope. She’s doing an awesome job with her current run and I’m looking forward to teaming up with her.  After Rafael’s run, I know I have some pretty big yellow boots to fill. Hope and Rafael’s amazing work makes Batgirl larger than life and I hope to keep their fire and energy burning. Most of all, I’m going to have fun. I think that’s something even Batgirl would approve of.” 


In BATGIRL #7, the Batgirl we know and love returns to Burnside to find an entirely different city than the one she left behind. Due to a boom in tech start-up companies, Burnside is now trendier than ever, leaving Babs to feel out of place in her newly gentrified neighborhood. But it’s not all a loss. She’ll soon meet a dashing and handsome techie named Ethan, only to find out that her striking beau has a familiar last name—Cobblepot! Will her new found romance bring her more trouble than she was ready for? You’ll have to find out. 

 

“I’m thrilled to be working with Christian on this next arc, which will bring Batgirl back to her familiar stomping grounds in Burnside,” says writer Hope Larson. “You can never really go home again, and a lot has changed since she left, both in her friends’ lives and in Burnside, which is rapidly becoming even more gentrified. Most interestingly of all, there’s a new player on the scene: charming, handsome, tech-savvy, and possibly evil Ethan Cobblepot, the Penguin’s son. Christian’s art is fresh, charming, and delightful, and he’s the perfect artist to bring this story to life.”

 

Check out these beautiful promo pieces from Christian Wildgoose here! The new arc “Son of Penguin” debuts January 25th in BATGIRL #7. 

U.S.Avengers

MARVEL INTRODUCESU.S.AVENGERS #1 STATE VARIANTS

New York, NY—September 21, 2016 — The security of the Marvel Universe is fractured. The world’s first line of defense, S.H.I.E.L.D., can no longer be trusted. The United States no longer has a super-spy agency with its best interests at heart – until now. Prepare for theU.S.AVENGERS!

They’re the team you can trust!

For the launch of this all-new series, U.S.AVENGERS#1 will feature over 50 unique variants assigning one Avengers to that state! Sam Wilson soars high over Maryland, Iron Man rockets across the Golden State of California, Black Widow defends the Constitution State of Connecticut, and Spectrum shines a light on evil in Louisiana. With more state variants to be revealed in the upcoming days, which Avenger will be protecting you?

“Marvel’s U.S.AVENGERS State Variants are a chance for our fans and retailers to show their home town patriotism paired with some of the biggest Avengers from the Marvel Universe,” says SVP Sales & Marketing for Marvel, David Gabriel. “We knew that a series with the name U.S.AVENGERS would evoke a sense of honor with all of our fans and we really wanted to go that extra step and offer a variant campaign that would allow our readers to show their hometown pride across this great nation – even our neighbors Canada and Puerto Rico! Expect their own variants as well.”

Action, adventure and intrigue draped in the red, white and blue! The U.S.AVENGERS are here and bringing along Avengers for every state.  And eagle-eye readers may notice that all 50 variants will connect to form Old Glory herself, the flag of the United States of America.

Show you pride by tracking down the variants that speak the most you. Which of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes do you want protecting your home state? #USAvengers

U.S.AVENGERS #1
Written by AL EWING
Art by PACO MEDINA
State Variant Cover Art by ROD REIS

Marvel Presents MONSTERS UNLEASHED

Marvel Presents MONSTERS UNLEASHED

                                                                                                              

New York, NY—September 16, 2016— Raining down from the outer reaches of the galaxy, rising up from the depths of the ocean, and emerging from the recesses of the Earth – monsters are staking their claim to the planet.  The only thing standing in their destructive path: the united Super Heroes of the Marvel Universe. 

 

It’s all hands on deck, as the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, Inhumans and Champions, joined by a who’s who of solo stars – Deadpool, Spider-Man, Black Panther – battle an endless deluge of monsters and the mysterious force that controls them.  Will the combined might of the Marvel Super Heroes be enough to save the day?  Or will they need help to arrive from the unlikeliest of places?

 

Marvel Comics is excited to present MONSTERS UNLEASHED coming January 2017.

 

#MonstersUnleashed

 

Josie and the Pussycats #1 Exclusive Cover

Friday, September 16 at 9am MDT
Josie and the Pussycats #1 Exclusive Cover

J. Scott Campbell announces his exclusive variant cover for Josie and the Pussycats #1 featuring an editorial layout inspired by Rolling Stone magazine.


Pre-Order Schedule
Starting at 9am on September 16, 2016 (MDT Mountain Time)
Available exclusively on JScottCampbell.com online store.

Walker Stalker Con is only two weeks away and we will cover it

WALKER STALKER CON BRINGING THE WALKING DEAD TO PHILADELPHIAStars From Popular Shows Anchor Interactive Convention and Fan Meet-Up Oct. 1-2


FRANKLIN, Tenn. — Zombie enthusiasts and fans of the number-one show on television, The Walking Dead, will have the opportunity to meet their favorite stars at the upcoming Walker Stalker Con at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks, October 1-2.

Walker Stalker Con has become an incredibly popular convention, offering something for everyone from the diehard fan to families to those with a growing interest in the genre. More than 30 of the most popular actors from shows such as The Walking Dead, Bates Motel, Gotham and more will speak to the audience, meet fans, pose for photos and sign autographs.
Attendees can also participate in a range of engaging and unique activities, including:

  • Free panel sessions led by stars from some of television’s most popular shows. 
  • The Walking Dead Experience, is an immersive theatrical attraction in which small audience groups are placed in the middle of the action as either “walkers” or “survivors” and moved through a story by performers.
  • Zombies and cosplayers roam the convention floor, making for interactive experiences attendees will never forget.
  • Bringing the Dead to Life with Tate Steinsiek, a two-hour demonstration showcasing intermediate and advanced zombie special effects. This is a chance to get up close and personal with one of the stars of Face Off as he explains and demonstrates his incredible craft. There will also be a “Custom Convention Make Up Session” with Tate.
  • Vendors who deal in the comic, entertainment, zombie and other genres and industries.

There are even a number of opportunities to volunteer at the event, which can be found on the Walker Stalker Con website.
One of the most popular elements of the convention is the chance to meet and hear from stars from popular shows. In Philadelphia, attendees will be treated to sessions with:

The Walking Dead: David Morrissey (“The Governor”), Chandler Riggs (“Carl”), Emily Kinney (“Beth”), Laurie Holden (“Andrea”), Michael Cudlitz (“Abraham”), Josh McDermitt (“Eugene”), Christian Serratos (“Rosita”), Lennie James (“Morgan”), IronE Singleton (“T-Dog”) — in all, there will be 26 actors from the show in attendance.

Robin Lord Taylor (“Oswald”) and Drew Powell (“Butch”) from Gotham

Max Thieriot from Bates Motel 

Actors from Night of the Living Dead and Face Off, among others
The full lists of guests is on the Walker Stalker Con Philadelphia website.

About Walker Stalker Con

Walker Stalker Con is a convention for fans of zombies, horror, and sci-fi produced by Fan Fest. Fan Fest is the leading convention and entertainment news brand in North America, with shows in more than 15 cities worldwide, and an audience in the hundreds of millions. With exclusive guest appearances at Walker Stalker Con and Heroes and Villains Fan Fest, and behind-the-scenes access to the stars of The Walking Dead, Once Upon A Time, Arrow, and the DC Cinematic Universe at FanFest.com, Fan Fest gives their audience a truly one-of-a-kind fan experience. 

more info via this link : http://walkerstalkercon.com/philadelphia/

Follow me on Twitter @julianexcalibur 

WWE Superstars Take It to the Streets With New Racing Toys


WWE Superstars Take It to the Streets With New Racing Toys

 

Playmates Toys Introduces WWE Nitro Sprints and Nitro Machines featuring John Cena,

The Rock and Other Superstars to Rev Up Playtime for Fans

 

El Segundo, CA (September 12, 2016) – Playmates Toys, a leader in the action figure category with nearly 50 years of experience in creating innovative products, has partnered with WWE to launch a new line of racing toys that take the action out of the ring, called WWE Nitro Sprints and Nitro Machines. The collection, featuring popular WWE Superstars, is available now exclusively at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide.

 

WWE Nitro Sprints are mini, motorized figures that are stylized in WWE Superstar signature ring gear and feature a unique 2” flywheel. Each figure comes with a signature vehicle, allowing fans to rev up the mini figure, drop into the vehicle and send racing into action. The WWE Nitro Sprints include the following Superstars:

·         WWE Superstar John Cena with the CENArator

·         WWE Superstar The Rock with Bull Bruiser Truck

·         WWE Superstar Brock Lesnar with Beast Bike

·         WWE Superstar Undertaker with Night Hearse

 

WWE action is also expanding beyond the ring with the introduction of WWE Nitro Machines. The fast-rolling, die-cast vehicles feature iconic WWE Superstars bursting out of the top of the cars. Each 1/55th scale vehicle is ready to race and the WWE Superstar is permanently attached to the vehicle. The WWE Nitro Machines collection includes the following:

·         WWE Superstar John Cena in Muscle Monster

·         WWE Superstar The Rock in Bull Machine

·         WWE Superstar Undertaker in Reaper Hearse

·         WWE World Champion Dean Ambrose in Wheel Asylum

“Playmates Toys is thrilled to partner with WWE to bring the action from the ring to the streets with Nitro Sprints and Nitro Machines,” said Karl Aaronian, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Playmates Toys. “We designed the figures and vehicles to represent the personality of each Superstar and we anticipate that fans will enjoy the play experience of racing their favorite wrestlers.”

 

About Playmates Toys

With a history of nearly 50 years, Playmates Toys is today among the most well-respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven history in the creation of imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. Key brands include TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES, one of today’s top-selling male action brands. From its offices in Hong Kong and California, Playmates designs, develops, markets and distributes its products in over 60 countries worldwide. For more information,

 visit

http://www.playmatestoys.com 

http://facebook.com/TMNTPlay.

 

Star Trek Turns 50 today and Star Trek:Missions was here last weekend.

Today Marks the 50th Anniversary of Star Trek and what an long time it has been since it debuted. Last weekend was the Star Trek: Missions convention in New York City and we got the chance to cover it. There were many booths and products for display including the NASA section which i found very interesting once i seen it. The NASA section had displays on the future satellites and jets and spaceships that are currently being developed along with stardust and other things that were from mars. Call me weird on this, but i actually like science.


The main floor for Star Trek: Missions had the set from the very first season of Star Trek and i spoke to an guy over there about it and he told me that there is an whole museum dedicated to Star Trek as well (click this link for more info http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/Startrek.aspx)

There was also an section for the upcoming Playstation 4 version of Star Trek Online where players from all over the world can play which also has cross-platform capability to the PC and XBOX ONE version.


There were a few panels that i wanted to go to but i was only able to go to two and they were Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Next Generation. The original cast from both of those seasons were there to talk about their roles in their respective shows along with promoting Star Trek: Discovery which will be coming in 2017. 


And Finally here are cosplay pictures i have taken 



Overall, this was an great event but i think the panel room situation could have been handled better but i would come back next year.

Follow me on Twitter @julianexcalibur