​SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER PULLS NO PUNCHES WITH NUDE “BEARIANT” COVER 
PORTLAND, OR, 05/26/2017 — From writers Jody LeHeup (former editor of Uncanny X-Force, Deadpool, Quantum and Woody) and Sebastian Girner (editor of SOUTHERN BASTARDS, DEADLY CLASS, BLACK SCIENCE), newcomer artist Nil Vendrell, colorist Mike Spicer (HEAD LOPPER, MYTHIC), and letterer Dave Lanphear comes a modern tall tale for the ages. Image Comics is pleased to reveal a limited SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 Nude variant (or shall we say, “beariant”?) cover.

After being betrayed by the bears that raised him, the legendary SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER wanders the forest he’s sworn to protect, fist-fighting bears, eating flapjacks, and being the angriest man the world has ever known! When wild-eyed, super-strong bears attack the citizens of Major City, Shirtless ventures into the human world to do what he does best… PUNCH THOSE BEARS IN THE FACE! But all is not as it seems. Someone is manipulating Shirtless… and only by confronting the demons of his past can Shirtless hope to save his future! 

SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER is a an over-the-top action/comedy chock full of humor, colorful characters, larger-than-life battles, and high adventure. It's the story of a wrathful man at war with himself, what happens when we allow anger to rule our lives, and what we can do to set things right. 

Four bros. Two shows. One epic quest.
Adventure Time/Regular Show #1 Connecting Main Cover A by Phil Murphy
Adventure Time/Regular Show #1 Connecting Main Cover B by Phil Murphy
Adventure Time/Regular Show #1 Subscription Variant Cover by Jorge Corona
Adventure Time/Regular Show #1 Homage Variant Cover by Dustin Nguyen

 BOOM! Studios and Cartoon Network Enterprises announce ADVENTURE TIME/REGULAR SHOW, a comic crossover adventure that’s anything but regular. The six-issue limited series launches in August and will bring together the casts of the two hit Cartoon Network series into one story.
 
When a powerful new villain threatens to conquer Adventure Time’s Land of Ooo, Princess Bubblegum sends Finn and Jake on a desperate quest to find The Power that can save the land—a power that Skips from Regular Show just happens to be hiding! Finn and Jake’s arrival only exacerbates an existing tension between Mordecai and Rigby, and the trip back to Ooo threatens to tear two sets of bros apart… forever.
 
Written by Conor McCreery (Kill Shakespeare) and illustrated by Mattia Di Meo(Uncle Grandpa), Adventure Time/Regular Show marks the first-ever crossover between the two properties, a fact that’s not lost on the creative team.
 
“When you get the opportunity to put your little flag into the surface of not one, but two of the greatest story worlds in recent history, you gotta say yes!” exclaims McCreery. “I'm excited, terrified, tickled, and tormented by all the amazing characters and storylines that could go into this crazy thing. Adventure Time and Regular Show are special to me because of the combination of out-of-left-field humor and really deep emotion. I'm going to try to honor those twin engines as best I can with a story that has a LOT of weird stuff, a whack of battles, a few tears, and at least one incidence of Ice King being a patoot."
 
“Being a super-fan of Adventure Time and Regular Show, this is really like a dream for me,” adds Di Meo. “I know it sounds kinda weird, but it feels just like being in love for the first time—that peculiar mixture of deep enthusiasm, and deafening emotion. Jokes aside, I want to deliver that special magic that those series always had for me. That sense of fun, adventure with that special levity that made all those stories special for me.
 
Through its award-winning all-ages imprint KaBOOM!, BOOM! Studios began publishing Adventure Time comics in 2012 and Regular Show comics the following year. Both comic series went on to break sales records for all-ages comic publishing. From the mind of series creator Pendleton Ward, the Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Adventure Time follows the unlikely heroes Finn and Jake, best buddies who traverse the mystical Land of Ooo and encounter its colorful inhabitants—and always find themselves in the middle of heart-pounding escapades. Created by J.G. Quintel,Regular Show chronicles the adventures of Mordecai, a blue jay, and Rigby, a raccoon, a couple of best bros in their 20s who work as groundskeepers at a local park—but would rather chill out for a bit.
 
“It’s almost silly that we haven’t had this crossover yet,” remarks Whitney Leopard, Editor. “Adventure Time and Regular Show are both incredible series with a great cast of characters that work amazingly together. Conor and Mattia bring both worlds together in such a fun and way, you’re not going to want to miss it!”
 
Adventure Time/Regular Show #1 features a connecting main cover by Phil Murphy (both covers will ship in a 50/50 intermix), a subscription cover by Jorge Corona that pays homage to an Avengers vs. X-Men #1 cover, and a mash-up homage cover by Dustin Nguyen, featuring Mordecai and Rigby emulating the Adventure Time title card.
 
Print copies of Adventure Time/Regular Show #1 will be available for sale at local comic book shops (use comicshoplocator.com to find the nearest one) or at the BOOM! Webstore in August. Digital copies will be available to purchase on digital book marketplaces, including ComiXology and the BOOM! Studios app.
 
Adventure Time/Regular Show is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ critically acclaimed KaBOOM! imprint, publisher of world-class licensed series such as Steven Universe, Over the Garden Wall, Peanuts, and Garfield, along with original series likeBrave Chef Brianna by Sam Sykes and Selina Espiritu, and The Deep by Tom Taylor and James Brouwer.
 
For news on Adventure Time/Regular Show and more from BOOM! Studios, stay tuned to www.boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.


Adventure Time/Regular Show #1 (of 6)
Publisher: KaBOOM!, an imprint of BOOM! Studios
Writer: Conor McCreery
Artist: Mattia Di Meo
Cover artists: 
   Main Cover A (Connecting 50/50 Intermix): Phil Murphy
   Main Cover B (Connecting 50/50 Intermix): Phil Murphy
   Subscription Variant Cover: Jorge Corona
   Mash-up Homage Variant Cover: Dustin Nguyen
Format: 32 pages, full color
Price: $3.99
On sale: August 2017
Synopsis:

• It’s a crossover for the ages in this first-ever mash-up of two of our favorite Cartoon Network shows!
• When a powerful new villain threatens to conquer Adventure Time’s Ooo, Princess Bubblegum sends Finn and Jake on a desperate quest to find The Power that can save the land—a power that Skips from Regular Show just happens to be hiding!
• Finn and Jake’s arrival only exacerbates an existing tension between Mordecai and Rigby, and the trip back to Ooo threatens to tear two sets of bros apart…forever.

 

About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios was founded by Ross Richie in 2005 with the singular focus of creating world-class comic book and graphic novel storytelling for all audiences. Through the development of four distinct imprints—BOOM! Studios, BOOM! Box, KaBOOM!, and Archaia—BOOM! has produced award-winning original work, including Lumberjanes, The Woods, Giant Days, Klaus, and Mouse Guard, while also breaking new ground with established licenses such as WWE, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Cartoon Network, and Jim Henson Company properties. BOOM! will also bring their original series to life through unique first-look relationships with 20th Century Fox for film and with Fox Television for the small screen. Please visit www.boom-studios.com for more information.

​MAGE IS BACK
The highly anticipated third and final story arc
THE HERO DENIED launches this July
 
PORTLAND, OR, 05/24/2017 — Legendary creator and indy-comics pioneer Matt Wagner returns to bring fans the highly anticipated third and final story arc to MAGE from Image Comics this summer. MAGE: THE HERO DENIED will kickoff with the intro-sized issue #0 in July and carry on as a regular, 15-issue series beginning with THE HERO DENIED #1 this August. 

This long-awaited conclusion to the epic fantasy trilogy MAGE follows the adventures of the reluctant everyman hero Kevin Matchstick who—after encountering a shaggy and beguiling wizard—discovers he is the reincarnation of the legendary Pendragon and able to wield the power of the mystical weapon, Excalibur. 

"The Hero's journey can be long and arduous… but returning to the world of Mage always feels incredibly empowering,” said Wagner. “I'm really excited to finally be presenting this dramatic conclusion to the epic tales of Kevin Matchstick… and his third Mage.”

MAGE #0 (Diamond Code MAY170639) will hit stores on Wednesday, July 12th at the introductory price of $1.99. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, June 19th.

For fans new to MAGE, a reprint of the MAGE, VOL. 1 trade paperback (Diamond Code MAY170640) will also be available on Wednesday, July 12th. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, June 5th. 

MAGE #1 (Diamond Code JUN170617) will hit stores on Wednesday, July 24th. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, August 16th. 

PORTLAND, OR, 05/24/2017 — Image Comics is pleased to announce Doug Wagner, Nic Rummel, and Charlie Kirchoff’s new high-energy action series THE HARD PLACE, which will launch this August.

In THE HARD PLACE, readers meet ex-con AJ Gurney, a legendary wheelman in Detroit, who has decided it’s time to go straight. He returns home to work in his father’s garage and disappear into anonymity.

But during a visit to the bank, AJ is recognized by two violent bank robbers, and they demand AJ be their getaway driver. To ensure his compliance, they take a young female hostage; unfortunately, she happens to be the daughter of a Russian crime lord. AJ now finds himself pursued by a bitter police department and hunted by every asset of the Russian mob. Without a doubt, he’s in a very hard place.

“This book is crazy,” said Wagner. “If you’re into high-octane car chases, badass Russian mobsters, and nonstop chaos, THE HARD PLACE delivers all that in spades.” 

THE HARD PLACE is a car wreck disguised as a comic book. Readers won’t want to miss a single second of it.

THE HARD PLACE #1 Cover A by Stelfreeze (Diamond Code JUN170668), Cover B by Rummel (Diamond Code JUN170669), and Cover C by Stelfreeze (Diamond Code JUN170670) will launch on Wednesday, August 23rd. The final order cutoff deadline is Monday, July 31st. 

 Image Comics is pleased to reveal the final five of the 11 variants planned for June’s 25th anniversary theme—“Pride Month.” The variants will serve to celebrate the LGBTQ community and the progress made by the Gay Liberation Movement in promoting inclusivity and support for all. 100% of the proceeds made from these June Pride variant covers will be donated to Human Rights Campaign. 

Each month of Image’s 25th year will boast a theme for special anniversary variants.

Available in stores on Wednesday, June 7th (Final order cutoff deadline Monday, May 15th):

• THE WALKING DEAD #168 by Robert Kirkman & Charlie Adlard, cover by Adlard (Diamond Code MAR178612)
• THE DIVIDED STATES OF HYSTERIA #1 by Howard Chaykin, cover by Chaykin (Diamond Code MAR178603)

Available in stores on Wednesday, June 14th (Final order cutoff deadline Monday, May 22nd):

• BITCH PLANET: TRIPLE FEATURE #1 by Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro, cover by De Landro (Diamond Code MAR178611)
• ROSE #3 by Meredith Finch and Ig Guara, cover by Guara (Diamond Code MAR178609)

Available in stores on Wednesday, June 21st (Final order cutoff deadline Monday, May 29th) :

• CROSSWIND #1 by Gail Simone and Cat Staggs, cover by Staggs (Diamond Code MAR178608)
• GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS #4 by Jim Mahfood, cover by Mahfood (Diamond Code MAR178610)
• THE OLD GUARD #5 by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernandez, cover by Michael Lark (Diamond Code MAR178604)

Available in stores on Wednesday, June 28th (Final order cutoff deadline Monday, June 5th):

• BLACK MAGICK #6 by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott, cover by Scott (Diamond Code MAR178605)
• DEADLY CLASS #29 by Rick Remender and Wes Craig, cover by Ed Luce (Diamond Code MAR178607)
• SHUTTER #29 by Joe Keatinge and Leila del Duca, cover by del Duca (Diamond Code MAR178606)
• REDNECK #3 by Donny Cates and Lisandro Estherren (Diamond Code MAR178737) 

SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER PACKS A PUNCH
New miniseries a knock-out read
“It’s perfect and I love it. We need more books like this out there.” —Skottie Young
 
 From writers Jody LeHeup (former editor of Uncanny X-Force, Deadpool, Quantum and Woody) and Sebastian Girner (editor of SOUTHERN BASTARDS, DEADLY CLASS, BLACK SCIENCE), newcomer artist Nil Vendrell, colorist Mike Spicer (HEAD LOPPER, MYTHIC), and letterer Dave Lanphear comes a modern tall tale for the ages. 

After being betrayed by the bears that raised him, the legendary SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER wanders the forest he’s sworn to protect, fist-fighting bears, eating flapjacks, and being the angriest man the world has ever known! When wild-eyed, super-strong bears attack the citizens of Major City, Shirtless ventures into the human world to do what he does best...PUNCH THOSE BEARS IN THE FACE! But all is not as it seems. Someone is manipulating Shirtless...and only by confronting the demons of his past can Shirtless hope to save his future! 

IGN calls the series, “As wonderfully wild as it is completely literal,” while Pixelated Geek describes it as “over-the-top, intentionally offensive, raunchy, cheesy, campy, and totally ridiculous. It’s also, not surprisingly, really fun.” Monkeys Fighting Robots declares, “This is one of the funniest comics I have read in a long time.” 

SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER is a an over-the-top action/comedy chock full of humor, colorful characters, larger-than-life battles, and high adventure. It's the story of a wrathful man at war with himself, what happens when we allow anger to rule our lives, and what we can do to set things right. 

The #WarOnBearror begins with SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER #1 (Diamond Code APR170718) on Wednesday, June 21st. The final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, May 29th.  
Select praise for SHIRTLESS BEAR-FIGHTER:

“I am pro all Bear vs. Man action and very excited.” --Kieron Gillen

“Shirtless Bear Fighter is the sort of uninhibited fun we desperately need in comics and you will love it.” --Rick Remender

“Listen up people! You HAVE to order this comic NOW. It has everything you can ask for. BEARS! FIGHTING! SHIRTLESSNESS! Did I mention BEARS?” --Declan Shalvey

“Shirtless Bear-Fighter is the most delightfully insane comic book I’ve ever read. If it clears customs from the Canadian printer—you must own it!” --Gerry Duggan 

“100% no bullshit. Shirtless Bear Fighter is one of the most insane and brilliantly engaging comics I've maybe ever read in my life. GOD DAMN this book is why comics exist. ORDER UP!” --Donny Cates

“This is one of the greatest Bear-Brawl'n, Wrestling, Maple Syrup, Bacon Love'n, Epic-stories never told...TOLD! Don't miss this!!!” --Nathan Fox

“There is no greater feeling than crushing friends’ spirits with honesty when I ask for my opinion of their work. Shirtless Bear-Fighter denies me that joy because it’s genuinely awesome.” --Jhonen Vasquez 

“This book is MARVELOUS.” --James Asmus 

“These dudes are insane. I mean that as a compliment. Give their book a look.” --Jason Latour

“Spend all your fish-money to get Shirtless Bear-Fighter… Hilarious animal abuse at its finest!” --Fred Van Lente

“I loved this book. Its only flaw is we never actually get to see Shirtless Bear Fighter's flap jack. Don't let bears wipe their ass on America, support Shirtless Bear-Fighter!” --Joshua Dysart 

“This is awesome in the crazy bananas way comics should be. You can feel Jody LeHeup & Sebastian Girner having a blast on every page. Pre-order.” --Paul Azaceta

“This is gonna be killer! Order today!” --Cliff Chiang

“Look, if even the NAME ‘ShirtlessBearFighter’ doesn't get your interest, I don't know what even...! Pre-order this thang! --Cully Hamner

“If you care about anything great in the universe, you'd be reading Shirtless Bear Fighter... Amazing!” --Jerome Opeña‏

“You really need this book in your life.” --Tom Muller

“Shirtless Bear-Fighter is a fun insane ride worth your attention. You won't have this much fun reading a comic! Get it!” --Mike Benson

“Some real depth behind the fun concept and humor.” --Paul Tobin

“Do you like crazy shit? Try this.” --David Lopez

“Shirtless Bear-Fighter is the only comic that will save you in the event of a global apocalypse! Hysterical work by Jody LeHeup, Sebastian Girner, etc.” --David Gallaher ​

Successful Releases Under Original Publishing Deal For the Brands Produced a
New York Times Best Seller and a Winner of The Diamond Comic
Distributors Gem Award

 The Jim Henson Company, an innovative leader in family entertainment for over 60 years, has signed a new five-year agreement with graphic novel and comic book publisher BOOM! Studios to develop and publish at least seventeen new titles for its beloved classic brands, The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, Fraggle Rock and The Storyteller.
 
An earlier agreement between The Jim Henson Company and BOOM! Studios resulted in the publication of twenty new titles under its Archaia imprint for the four brands, including The New York Times Best Seller and YALSA-nominated Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths; and two Harvey Award-nominees, Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock Classics Volume 2, for Best Domestic Reprint, and The Storyteller: Witches #4, for Best Single Issue or Story.  Additionally, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth Tales won The Diamond Comic Distributors Gem Award for Trade Book of the Year.
 
Also, to celebrate this year’s 35th Anniversary of The Dark Crystal movie release, Archaia began publishing an official sequel, a 12-issue comic book series titled The Power of the Dark Crystal that picks up long after the events of the original film.  Most recently, it was announced that Jim Henson's The Dark Crystal Tales, a children’s book by acclaimed writer and artist Cory Godbey (Have Courage, Be Kind: The Tale of Cinderella), will be released this summer. The publication is a follow-up to last fall's best-selling Jim Henson's Labyrinth Tales, also written and illustrated by Godbey.
 
“We have worked very closely with BOOM! Studios to develop and publish titles that represent the level of innovation, imagination, and quality our fans expect from these classic brands,” commented Nicole Goldman, Executive Vice President, Marketing/PR and Education Initiatives.  “There are so many compelling storylines and fascinating characters that our talented partners at BOOM! can continue to draw upon to deliver more magical experiences.”
 
“Jim Henson was a singular creative visionary whose imagination has influenced and inspired multiple generations,” said Filip Sablik, BOOM! Studios President of Publishing and Marketing. “Everyone at BOOM! Studios has been honored to work with The Jim Henson Company over the last nine years and contribute to the rich legacy of these magical properties. We cannot wait to share with fans all of the exciting things we have planned for the next five years. This is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg!”
 
Directed by visionary Jim Henson and executive produced by George Lucas,Labyrinth is a fan favorite and wonder of puppetry. Stuck babysitting her brother, teenager Sarah resentfully wishes the Goblin King (memorably portrayed by David Bowie) can take him away. When her wish comes true, Sarah must head into the Labyrinth herself to save him. Since its 1986 release, the film has become a fan-favorite and is still reveled in today’s era as a timeless classic.
 
The Dark Crystal, directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz, brilliantly weaves a timeless myth of good and evil. In another time, the Dark Crystal, a source of balance and truth in the universe, was broken, dividing the world into two factions; the wicked Skeksis and the peaceful Mystics. Now, as the convergence of the three suns approaches, the crystal must be healed, or darkness will reign forever. The Dark Crystal’s fanbase has only risen since the film’s debut, and the film has also developed a devoted following across the world.
 
From creative genius Jim Henson, Fraggle Rock stars a cast of puppet creatures called Fraggles, quirky cave-dwellers who live in an underground world alongside their industrious green neighbors, the Doozers, and a family of enormous Gorgs.  The series follows the fun adventures of the furry subterranean creatures and features a unique mix of music from all genres including folk, blues, gospel, country and rock, all while embracing themes of friendship, tolerance, diversity, and caring for the planet.  With 96 episodes, 100 original songs and millions of fans around the world, Fraggle Rock has been seen in over 98 countries.
 
The anthology series, The Storyteller, features both human actors and creations from Jim Henson's Creature Shop in this retelling of classic folk tales, fables, and legends. The series stars John Hurt in the title role. Aided by his cynical dog, Hurt narrates fascinating tales that combine humor, intrigue, and magic.


The Dark Crystal:Creation Myths Vol. 1 SC Cover by Brian Froud


ABOUT THE JIM HENSON COMPANY
The Jim Henson Company has remained an established leader in family entertainment for over 60 years and is recognized worldwide as an innovator in puppetry, animatronics and digital animation. Best known as creators of the world-famous Muppets, Henson has received over 50 Emmy Awards and nine Grammy Awards. Recent credits include Julie’s Greenroom (Netflix), Dot. (Sprout/Hulu), Splash and Bubbles (PBS), Word Party (Netflix), Doozers (Hulu/Sprout), and the Emmy®-nominated Sid the Science Kid (PBS), Dinosaur Train (PBS), and Pajanimals (Sprout).  Television productions include Fraggle Rock, The Storyteller and the sci-fi cult series Farscape.   Features include Disney’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, as well as The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, MirrorMask, and Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow.
 
With additional locations in New York and London, The Jim Henson Company is headquartered in Los Angeles on the historic Charlie Chaplin lot, complete with soundstage and postproduction facilities. The Company is home to Jim Henson’s Creature Shop™, a pre-eminent character- building and visual effects group with international film, television, theme park and advertising clients, as well as Henson Recording Studios, one of the music industry’s top recording facilities known for its world-class blend of state-of- the-art and vintage equipment. The Company’s Henson Alternative brand is currently touring Puppet-Up! – Uncensored, a live puppet improvisational show.

http://www.henson.com
www.facebook.com/hensoncompany
www.twitter.com/hensoncompany
www.instagram.com/hensoncompany


About BOOM! Studios
BOOM! Studios was founded by Ross Richie in 2005 with the singular focus of creating world-class comic book and graphic novel storytelling for all audiences. Through the development of four distinct imprints—BOOM! Studios, BOOM! Box, KaBOOM!, and Archaia—BOOM! has produced award-winning original work, including Lumberjanes, The Woods, Giant Days, Klaus, and Mouse Guard, while also breaking new ground with established licenses such as WWE, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Cartoon Network, and Jim Henson Company properties. BOOM! will also bring their original series to life through unique first-look relationships with 20th Century Fox for film and with Fox Television for the small screen. Please visit www.boom-studios.com for more information.
Links:
Web: www.boom-studios.com
Twitter: @boomstudios
Facebook: @BOOMStudiosComics
Instagram: @boom_studios