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IDW Publishing Launches First-Ever Digital-Only TRANSFORMERS Comic Series, AUTOCRACY

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12-Issue digital-exclusive series comes to iPad, iPhone, Android and the Web courtesy of writers Chris Metzen & Flint Dille
IDW Publishing proudly announces a new digital comics event five million years in the making: TRANSFORMERS: Autocracy. Released exclusively on digital platforms, this 12-part series will be released on multiple digital platforms as 8-page chapters every two weeks starting January 18th and running through June. Each episode will be priced at 99¢.

TRANSFORMERS: Autocracy has ties to the two new TRANSFORMERS comics series based on the iconic TRANSFORMERS brand from Hasbro and launching this month, Robots in Disguise and More Than Meets the Eye. “Those series look to the future,” said IDW Senior Editor John Barber, “but they have strong ties to the past. And Autocracy fills in some of the gaps in that past by telling one of the most important stories to ever appear in TRANSFORMERS comics.”

Before OPTIMUS became a PRIME… he fought for order. Before MEGATRON became a conqueror… he fought for freedom. Before they were enemies… they stood against — AUTOCRACY.

Autocracy features the stunning TRANSFORMERS writing debut of Chris Metzen – SVP, Story and Franchise Development at Blizzard Entertainment and one of the main creative minds behind the company’s Warcraft®, StarCraft®, and Diablo® universes. Metzen is joined by co-writer Flint Dille, a fan-favorite for his work on the original TRANSFORMERS animated series.

“This project is a dream come true for me,” said Metzen. “I’ve loved the TRANSFORMERS brand all my life – and the chance to take these characters for a drive with my good friend Flint has been an incredible privilege. But I think it’s Livio Ramondelli’s gritty, cinematic vision that really brings this story to life.”

Artist Livio Ramondelli came to fans’ attention last year with the world-shattering TRANSFORMERS: Chaos series. “I feel beyond thankful to be a part of this project,” said Ramondelli. “These two have written a truly epic TRANSFORMERS story for the ages. I can’t say enough good things about Chris Metzen, and we should all feel lucky that Flint Dille is returning to TRANSFORMERS.”

“IDW is very excited to launch this digital-exclusive series,” said IDW CEO and Publisher Ted Adams. “The TRANSFORMERS brand has a broad international fan-base, this series will continue to increase the comics audience.” The Autocracy series will help bring these new readers to comic shops, by including a page featuring the Comic Shop Locator service and best-selling TRANSFORMERS collections and comics.

Autocracy can be found in IDW’s Apple iPad™, iPhone® and iPod touch®, apps – Transformers Comics and IDW Comics, and on the Web at read.idwpublishing.com. The series is also featured in the Comics by comiXology platform for iOS, Android, Web and Kindle Fire, and Comics + by iVerse.

IDW to Appear at First UK Convention in February

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Publisher will have booth, panels, exclusives at the inaugural London Super Comic Convention
IDW Publishing will be attending our first-ever UK comic convention when the inaugural London Super Comic Convention, kicks off the weekend of February 25th. In addition to having a booth on the show floor, IDW’s Chief Creative Offier/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall will be in attendance participating in an IDW panel, doing portfolio reviews, and promising an exclusive announcement or two as well. The show is billing itself as “the U.K.’s Biggest American Creator-Driven Comic Convention.”

“I’m very happy to be present at the debut London Super Comic show and meeting the fans,” said Chris Ryall. “In fact, I feel like I owe it to our loyal UK fans to make a good first impression at one of their cons, so I’ll be announcing at least one gigantic new series, if not more.”

In addition to portfolio reviews, fans will have chance to pick up a con-exclusive cover for Infestation 2: Transformers, and get books signed by Ryall and creators such as Tony Lee, J.K. Woodward, Phil Jimenez, and others. A full signing and panel schedule will be announced as soon as it is finalized.

Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books.

Visit http://www.londonsupercomicconvention.com for more information on the show. Or check out www.facebook.com/LondonSuperComicConvention and http://twitter.com/#!/LSComicCon

ALL-NEW TRANSFORMERS SERIES DEBUTING IN JANUARY “Two Titles, One Universe”

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Two Series to follow shattering TRANSFORMERS: THE DEATH OF OPTIMUS PRIME issue in December” ”

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TRANSFORMERS and comics fans everywhere have two new ongoing TRANSFORMERS comics series–TRANSFORMERS: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE andTRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE. Under license from Hasbro, the two interrelated series are a direct continuation of IDW’s CHAOS event and spring directly out of the special TRANSFORMERS: THE DEATH OF OPTIMUS PRIME issue releasing in comic stores and online on December 21st. Both series will appeal to existing TRANSFORMERS fans and new readers. Featuring two great stories under one TRANSFORMERS comic universe, each series offers never-before-seen action, new threats and new villains that both current readers and those new to the series will enjoy.

“The response to the TRANSFORMERS ongoing series has been phenomenal,” says IDW senior editor John Barber. “This relaunch is a chance to jump onboard for anybody who might have been missing out. We’ve got big stories planned, and there’s never been a better time to read TRANSFORMERS.”

Created as a stepping on point for both fans of super-heroic and science fiction comics, as well as fans of the TRANSFORMERS characters, TRANSFORMERS: ROBOTS IN DISGUISE and TRANSFORMERS: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE each explore the new status quo coming out of IDW’s CHAOS event including BUMBLEBEE’s new leadership position for all TRANSFORMERS. The war between AUTOBOT and DECEPTICON is over, and now the hard part begins. In the new world of CYBERTRON, there are only two choices: stay or go

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Helmed by writer James Roberts with art and covers by Nick Roche, RODIMUS calls on his fellow AUTOBOTS to leave CYBERTRON in search of the KNIGHTS OF CYBERTRON in TRANSFORMERS: MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE. This lost tribe of TRANSFORMERS characters is, according to legend, the guardian of the original Cybertronian culture and RODIMUS and his followers begin a quest that will stretch to the farthest reaches of the galaxy to find the KNIGHTS and restore CYBERTRON to its past glory.

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New COBRA COMMANDER Revealed

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After the bloody COBRA Civil War, a new commander is crowned.

COBRA will never be the same.
IDW Publishing’s COBRA CIVIL WAR end today when the new COBRA COMMANDER is crowned in G.I. JOE: #8, and the stunning aftermath will infect all three intertwined G.I. JOE series—G.I. JOE, COBRA, and SNAKE EYES. This December and under license from Hasbro, IDW’s G.I. JOE universe will never be the same, and each issue reveals a piece of this brand-new direction.

In stores December 7th, G.I. JOE: #8 features writing by Chuck Dixon (Batman, Superman), art by Will Rosado (Green Arrow, Robin) and a cover by Tom Feister (Iron Man, Green Lantern). After months of COBRA CIVIL WAR, the kills have been tallied and it’s time to name the all-new COBRA COMMANDER. Marking this once-in-a-lifetime event, G.I. JOE: #8 will feature a special scratch-off lottery cover, revealing the identity of the new COBRA COMMANDER.

The action and aftermath continue on December 14th in SNAKE EYES #8, written by Dixon with art by Casey Maloney (Star Trek, Children of the Grave), as the ninja commando attempts to rescue his teammate, DUKE, who’s been infected by a lethal virus that’s diving him violently mad. If SNAKE EYES cannot save him in time, DUKE could be the last casualty of the COBRA CIVIL WAR.

In COBRA #8, available on December 21st from writer Mike Costa (Blackhawks, Smoke & Mirrors) and artists Antonio Fuso (Wolverine: Origins, G.I. Joe: Hearts and Minds) and Werther dell’Edera (X-Force, Punisher), the reign of the new COBRA COMMANDER begins—leading to January’s status-quo shattering COBRA COMMAND crossover series. An unstoppable series of events is set in motion, the world is about to learn what COBRA already knows: this is a very different kind of COBRA COMMANDER.

All three issues are part of IDW’s photo-cover month, each sporting a variant action cover featuring classic G.I. JOE toys.

Also available on December 7th, G.I. JOE: COBRA: COBRA CIVIL WAR, VOL. 1 takes fans back to the beginning of the COBRA CIVIL WAR, with the first four issues of the COBRA series plus the 10-page prologue from G.I. JOE #0, including origins of the Cobra candidates who aspired to be the next COBRA COMMANDER. Readers can relive the early battles of this unprecedented war.

“Mike Costa has delivered readers with what could well be one of the best BARONESS stories to ever show up in a comic.” – TheTerrordrome.com

IDW and Barnes & Noble Partner to Bring Graphic Novels to NOOK®

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Major comics publisher launches graphic novel catalog on new NOOK Tablet™

Continuing to lead the charge of digital comics, IDW Publishing proudly debuted a collection of graphic novels for the new Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet, the company’s fastest and lightest tablet with the best in HD entertainment. IDW’s initial NOOK entrée features over thirty complete graphic novels, including award-winning books and works by bestselling authors.

“We’re excited to partner with Barnes & Noble to bring IDW graphic novels line to NOOK,” stated Jeff Webber, IDW’s director of ePublishing. “With the NOOK Tablet, Barnes & Noble has developed a stunning display that works perfectly for viewing comics and graphic novels. Our digital graphic novels include all the special features and content found in the print versions also available through Barnes & Noble.”

IDW’s rich graphic novel catalog of top prose authors and comics creators is especially suited for eReaders. Fans of IDW writers such as Joe Hill, Anne Rice, Max Brooks, Peter S. Beagle, Steve Niles, or James Patterson can now find those graphic novels right next to their respective prose stories. Award-winning creators like Darwyn Cooke and his acclaimed adaptations of Richard Stark’s Parker books and the first installment of the BLOOM COUNTY: THE COMPLETE LIBRARY are also included in IDW’s diverse NOOK line.

IDW’s NOOK launch offers something for readers of all ages, from classics like Eric Shanower’s OZ series for younger audiences and Joe Hill’s best-selling LOCKE & KEY series for mature readers.

“Barnes & Noble is excited to offer IDW Publishing’s graphic novels on NOOK Tablet,” said Theresa Horner, vice president of Content and Digital Products for Barnes & Noble.  “With the launch of NOOK Tablet, we now offer a vast collection of full-color comics, graphic novels and kids’ comics in high resolution that makes the action virtually jump off the page.  IDW’s graphic novels are a great addition.”

NOOK devices are the perfect choice for anyone who wants access to their favorite reads anywhere they go.  NOOK Tablet is the company’s fastest and lightest tablet with the best in HD entertainment. NOOK Tablet offers access to popular movies, TV shows, music and more through the top entertainment services, including Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora and others, plus a collection of high-quality apps, fast Web browsing and e-mail. NOOK Tablet features Barnes & Noble’s award-winning color reading experience, with access to the world’s largest digital bookstore via Wi-Fi®.

IDW Infestation 2 Preview!

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By Chuck Suffel

I was privileged to (virtually) attend an IDW Press Event today where Chris Ryall (Chief Creative Officer and Editor-in-Chief @ IDW) and Bobby Curnow (long time Editor @ IDW) announced their second mega ultra huge crossover event!

INFESTATION 2!

Spanning four months and totaling thirteen issues (though I only count 12, hmm), it’s bigger than last time it’s freakier than last time, it’s Elder Gods! Yes ladies and gentleman the Lovecraftian terrors are coming to the IDW universe! And they’ll be attacking some of your favorite worlds. After the events of Infestation 1 the barriers between realities have been weakened allowing the Elder Gods to cross over to wreak havoc on the worlds of The Transformers, G.I. Joe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, 30 Days of Night and Dungeons and Dragons! And by the way, this crossover is considered in continuity!

It all begins with Infestation 2 #1 in January (1/25/12) written by Duane Swierczynski and drawn by David Messina. Duane is the story architect for this event, it was his job to take all  the disparate universes and come up with a way for this invasion to work. He places the CVO (Covert Vampire Operations) team first in line to take on the Lovecraftian threat but they’re in way over there heads. Expect one hell of a cliff hanger in issue 1.

Next book out is Infestation 2: TRANSFORMERS #1 (2/1/12) & #2 (2/15/11) written by Chuck Dixon with art by Guido Guidi. It takes place in the Hearts of Steel Continuity, Steampunk Transformers! So I’m expecting some big gross tentacled monster on big tough robot action! Look out for historical characters appearing in this one, they let slip that Thomas Edison is one but not the most exciting one…

Alternating weekly with Transformers #1 and #2 we have Infestation 2: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: Eberron #1 (2/8/12) & #2 (2/22/12). Written by Paul Crilley (who has written several Eberron books) with art from Valerio Schiti, cover by Menton Matthews. Introducing for the first time in comics The Eberron Campaign! According to the Eberron wiki: “Eberron combines a fantasy tone with pulp and dark adventure elements, and some non-traditional fantasy technologies such as trains, skyships, and mechanical beings which are all powered by magic.” and it’s that magic aspect that they want to capitalize on for this story as Bobby Curnow said “less swords and more sorcery and black magic that ties in very well with Lovecraft”.

In the midst of all this maddening horror we have Infestation – Team Up (2/29/12) written by Chris Ryall, art by Alan Robinson and cover by Eric Powell. Featuring Archie (Groom Lake) and Batboy (Weekly World News) this is the breather book, our two characters hang out and poke fun at “Event” comics.

March begins with Infestation 2: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #1 (3/7/12) & #2 (3/21/12) TMNT fan favorite Tristan Jones writer & Mark Torres art, cover Livio Ramondelli. Taking place in the sewers of NYC (of course) we’re promised a dark and creepy tale of disappearing Con Ed workers and weird creature sightings in the deep dark tunnels, deeper than the Turtles have gone before.

Also in March Infestation 2: G.I. JOE #1 (3/14/12) & #2 (3/28/11) written by Mike Raicht (Stuff of Legend), art by Valentine De Landro (X-Factor), cover Valentine De Landro. One of the most highly anticipated chapters in the story the arc the cover alone is worth picking this one up. Cobra uncovers a hidden relic that begins driving people insane and only the previously insane can resist it’s influence. Crystal Ball, Storm Shadow and Interrogator form a team with some of the Cobra insane asylum inmates to face this threat. Will any of our favorite Joe’s be involved? We’ll have to wait and see! Bobby Curnow says “a cross between One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and your favorite horror movie”.

The second one-shot is 30 Days of Night (4/4/12) written by Duane Swierczynski with Stuart Sayger supplying the art. How will the 30 Days vampires handle something this big and mean invading their hunting grounds? Duane takes us to the North Pole to find out. I’m looking forward to a bloody epic knockdown drag out battle in this one, and I’m probably right because it’s followed by…

Infestation 2 #2 (4/11/12) also written by Duane Swierczynski and drawn by David Messina. The second bookend title, this is where it all wraps up. This is also where some cool character crossovers should popup. We all know the publishers always say after this event nothing will ever be the same. Well we were assured today that things will actually be changed by this event and some of those changes may be very surprising.

There are a couple of neat incentives in this event. Interconnected covers, every licensed book is going to have the tentacled background drawn and painted by Livio Ramondelli. Put them all side by side and all the different licensed characters (drawn by the interior artists) will be standing side by side.

Also temporary tattoos!

Ask your LCS about the Infestation 2 ashcan that should be in shops this week. It’ll have a four page preview of Infestation 2 #1 as well as a timeline of all the issues being released and info on all the series that are involved.

Please feel free to ask questions in the comments, there was so much info I know I haven’t gotten to it all!

Come see me @ http://charlessuffel.com

The Legends Begin Here

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Godzilla Legends #1 now in stores, First of five monster spotlight issues

IDW Publishing is proud to launch the first issue in a new mini-series, GODZILLA LEGENDS. The series features five self-contained stories, each centering on one of Godzilla’s fearsome foes. Beginning with Anguirus in issue #1, each issue focuses on a Toho monster that has never been closely examined in comics—ever! Through its action-packed run, GODZILLA LEGENDS will treat readers to all-new stories of Anguirus, Rodan, Titanosaurus, Hedorah and Kumonga, each spotlighting in their own issue. This miniseries will also offer stunning interconnected covers by Arthur Adams.

In GODZILLA LEGENDS #1, drawn and co-written by Matt Frank, Anguirus, the  perpetual underdog, goes toe-to-toe with one of the most devastating monsters of all time-Destoroyah! This is a classic tale of David vs. Goliath… monster style!  Writers Jeff Prezenkowski and Matt Frank keep readers on the edge of their seats throughout the entire issue. Readers are encouraged to ask their retailers about a variant Matt Frank cover, as well as a unique hand-sketched Matt Frank cover.

The action continues with GODZILLA LEGENDS #2, coming in December. Writer Jonathan Vankin and artist Simon Gane create a sure-fire hit featuring the master of the skies—the mighty Rodan! In January, Titanosaurus headlines his very own comic, courtesy of writer Mike Raicht and artist Tony Parker for GODZILLA LEGENDS #3. February brings GODZILLA LEGENDS #4 and the first-ever fight between Hedorah and Mechagodzilla, with writer Chris Mowry and artist E.J. Su. This epic series closes in March when the government asks renowned, retired adventurer Bryson Allworth to do the impossible – climb Godzilla! Helmed by writer Bobby Curnow with artist Dean Haspiel, GODZILLA LEGENDS #5 is a fittingly thrilling end to this must-have series.

Each issue will feature covers by renowned Godzilla artists. In addition to the interconnecting, series-long covers by Adams, Bob Eggleton will create covers for issues 1, 3 and 5, with covers from Chris Scalf for issues 2 and 4.

Review-HAWKEN #1 Begins Tomorrow

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All-new miniseries illustrated and co-created by comics legend Tim Truman

IDW Publishing is proud to announce the launch of HAWKEN, the all-new weird western series co-written and drawn by Tim Truman, best known for his work on Grimjack and Hawkman. The industry legend teams with his son, writer Ben Truman, to co-develop this original series.

“I’ve been affiliated with a lot of great co-creators and titles in the past, but I can safely say that none have effected me the way HAWKEN has,” says Tim Truman. “Something happened while doing this project with Ben. As far as my artwork goes, it’s been shot full of high-octane fuel.”

Starting tomorrow, HAWKEN follows the tale of Kitchell Hawken, an old man in search of revenge against the Ring, a brotherhood of arms merchants and corrupt politicians who once employed him. Scalped, tortured, and left for dead by the Ring, he arises from his near-death experience able to see the ghosts of everyone he’s killed. Are the phantoms real, or illusions from Hawken’s blood-soaked past?

“The ghosts provide a direct link between the readers and Hawken,” says Ben Truman. “He’s a tough old bastard on the outside, but his relationship with the ghosts provide insights into his inner world. I think readers will come for the two-fisted, six-gun action and stay for the character.”

In addition to co-writing HAWKEN, Tim Truman will also provide illustrations for this six-issue series using his Wild West-style art to bring this eerie story to life.

“Shepherding HAWKEN has been an absolute pleasure, very much the opposite of the character himself,” says editor Denton J. Tipton. “Ben’s scripts are tough-as-nails and have spurred Tim into producing some of the finest work of his career. Saddle up and come along for the ride of a lifetime, or afterlife, as it were.”

Readers are encouraged to ask their retailers about the special “wanted poster” edition signed by Tim and Ben Truman.

HAWKEN #1 ($3.99, 32 pages, partial color) will be available November 16, 2011.

LONG BEACH COMIC-CON 2011 IDW EVENT SCHEDULE!

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OOTH #201

Saturday Oct. 29th
12:00 – 2:00 Kevin Eastman – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
*Ask about the convention exclusive Ultimate TMNT Hardcover!

2:00 – 3:00 IDW: The Big Panel! – Darwyn Cooke & Scott Dunbier celebrate the release of Parker: The Martini Edition, and reveal a top secret new image!
Room 103A

2:00 – 3:00 Thom Zahler – Love & Capes

2:00 – 3:00 Chris Ryall – Zombies vs Robots
*Ask about the convention exclusive Zombies vs Robots Hardcover!

3:30 – 5:30 Darwyn Cooke – Richard Stark’s Parker
*Ask about the convention exclusive Parker: The Martini Edition!

6:00 – 7:00 Steve Niles & Bernie Wrightson – Monstrous Book of Steve Niles & Bernie Wrightson, Frankenstein: Alive, Alive
*Ask about the convention exclusive Monstrous Book of Steve Niles & Bernie Wrightson!

Sunday Oct. 30th

11:00 – 12:00 Ben Wagner – Baja

12:00 – 1:00 Steve Niles & Bernie Wrightson – Monstrous Book of Steve Niles & Bernie Wrightson, Frankenstein: Alive, Alive
*Ask about the convention exclusive Monstrous Book of Steve Niles & Bernie Wrightson!

1:00 – 3:00 Darwyn Cooke – Richard Stark’s Parker
*Ask about the convention exclusive Parker: The Martini Edition!

3:00 – 4:00 Livio Ramondelli – TRANSFORMERS

Check out IDW on Twitter @IDWPublishing