Kios Chronicles webcomic coming to bookstores

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Denise
Image: BookWhirl

Image: BookWhirl

Webcomics are definitely a great way to get your fix if you can’t get to your local comic-book shop.  I love Crossed: Wish You Were Here and The Eighth Seal myself.  The Kios Chronicles is a newbie to me, but they had me at manga so I had to share.  The press release below could use a few editorial tweaks (comma party y’all!) but other than that it’s intriguing.

Writer/artist Adam Stoak looks like he gives good pencils  & colors.  Read on for more info on the series….

Can a 12-Year-Old Shepherd Boy Be King?

An adventure-fantasy series begins with Kios Chronicles, which will be featured at this year’s Beijing Book Fair on August 27-31, 2014 in Beijing, China

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — A fantasy battle manga is sure to engage adventure comic book readers in author Adam Stoak’s Legend of the King: Kios Chronicles. Readers get to follow a 12-year-old Kios and the challenges and adventures he endures on his way to attain the throne of Kavalie. There’s fun, action, thrill, and so much more in the pages of this exciting read.

A fearless 12-year-old shepherd boy named Kios is living an ordinary life, when he meets the mystical seer, Zora, and his life is suddenly transformed forever. Zora selects Kios to be the newly anointed king of Kavalie. But attaining his throne won’t be easy because there’s already a king on the throne and King Azor is not willing to relinquish the crown to anyone – especially not to the likes of a young, unproven whelp. While on his journey to fulfill his new destiny, Kios finds that the journey is loaded with colossal challenges. At every turn, there are overwhelming obstacles to conquer.

Complicating matters for Kios even more is the ever present threat of the Dark Nation, which has been at war with the Kavalie people for more than 100 years. So, to keep his people safe, Kios must face off against, and defeat the 7 invincible Dark Lords. The first Dark Lord he would face is the Giant Gath who has no problem crushing him. Can Kios overcome these obstacles and claim his rightful place as king?

This book is available online and can be purchased at http://www.westbowpress.com, http://www.amazon.com and http://www.barnesandnoble.com.

Legend of the King: Kios Chronicles by Adam Stoak
Publication Date: August 20, 2012
Price: $16.95; 126 pages; ISBN 9781449762841

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The Best of Me: images and poster! Love! Heartbreak! Kleenex!

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Denise

The_Best_of_Me_Fin1_W17_theater_crop.jpg_cmyk

When it’s October, I’m usually hip-deep in horror.  But love is good too.

Michelle Monaghan (True Detective) and James Marsden (X-Men, 30 Rock) play the lovebirds.  The synopsis from IMDb is rather brief, but as this is a Nicholas Sparks joint, how in-depth does it have to be?  This is romance, not rocket science y’all.

A pair of former high school sweethearts reunite after many years when they return to visit their small hometown.

Expect the usual (re)meet-cute, falling-in-love montage, obstacle and besting of obstacle.  As I’m a chick-flick addict and a bona-fide Sparks junkie (see: The Lucky One, The Vow), I’m probably swinging to the “this’ll be fun” side of the fence with this latest Sparks cinematic outing.  I might just wedge it into my usual Halloween horrorfest.

The Best of Me opens October 17, 2014.  L’amour!  L’amour! (Points to the House that can tell me what movie that’s from….)

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Ready preee-verts? 50 Shades of Grey has first images for ya!

Posted on July 24, 2014 by Denise

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Mr. Grey will see you now y’all.

As I haven’t read the books — though I’ve totally enjoyed the snarkfest that is Linotte Reads 50 Shades series on Persephone  — all I know is that the 50 Shades of Grey series is wannabe S&M for soccer moms that seem to wish for spousal abuse.  (It ain’t all it’s cracked up to be, ladies.)

But, I’ll be there for the screening, because I love sculpted abs just as much as the next sculpted-ab lover.  ‘Til then?  Check out these images from the film.  And don’t forget; Fifty Shades of Grey (spelling out the number in the theatrical version, in case you were wondering) will open February 13, 2014.  Because nothing says I Love You more than a man that can’t feel love unless he’s beating someone!

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Ready for Insidious 3? Wanna visit the set?

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Denise

Gotta say that Insidious & Insidious 2 were great twists on the same-ol’ horror.  For folks who feel the same, Focus Features has started a FB & Twitter contest, with the winner getting a grand tour of the set.  Not to shabby, right?

You like Facebook.  You like Twitter.  Like a free movie-centric vacation?  Then read on for the deets!

If you win, take me?  Please?  Or just spam me with pictures.  Either one works!

***

<blockquotefocus features logo
>INSIDIOUS: CHAPTER 3 BEGINS PRODUCTION

FAN SWEEPSTAKES LAUNCHED ON SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANTA MONICA, July 22nd, 2014 – Focus Features, Entertainment One (eOne), Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions (SPWA), and Blumhouse Productions announced today that Insidious: Chapter 3 has begun production in Los Angeles. Leigh Whannell, co-creator of the terrifying horror franchise, is writing and directing the new movie.

To commemorate the start of production of the series’ newest chapter, Focus is launching a sweepstakes on the official Insidious Facebook (www.facebook.com/InsidiousMovie) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/InsidiousMovie) pages. Insidious buffs and fans will have the chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles to visit the set of Insidious: Chapter 3. The contest begins on Tuesday, July 22nd, and ends on Friday, July 25th. The contest’s complete official rules can be accessed at www.focusfeatures.com/article/insidious_set_visit.

Insidious: Chapter 3 stars Dermot Mulroney (of August: Osage County) and Stefanie Scott (of Blumhouse’s upcoming Jem and the Holograms) alongside Lin Shaye, Angus Sampson, and Mr. Whannell, with the latter trio reprising their roles from the first two movies in the franchise.

In Insidious: Chapter 3, a twisted new tale of terror begins for a teenage girl and her family, predating the haunting of the Lambert family in the earlier movies and revealing more mysteries of the otherworldly realm The Further.

Focus Features will release Insidious: Chapter 3 domestically nationwide on Friday, May 29th, 2015. eOne will distribute the picture in Canada, U.K., and Spain; and Sony will distribute the picture in the rest of the world. Jason Blum of Blumhouse, who produced both previous movies in the series, is producing the next installment with returning producer Oren Peli and franchise co-creator James Wan, who directed the two earlier films written by Mr. Whannell with story by Mr. Wan and Mr. Whannell. Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Steven Schneider, Charles Layton, and Xavier Marchand are executive-producing Insidious: Chapter 3.

Insidious, released in 2011, and Insidious: Chapter 2, released in 2013, grossed a combined $257 million worldwide.

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Diane Warren to receive Point Foundation’s Leadership Award

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Denise
[What a wonderful bit of news — I love Diane Warren’s work, and the Point Foundation is such a great organization. Two great tastes y’all!]

(Logo: PRNewsFoto/Point Foundation)

Diane Warren To Be Honored By Point Foundation

Prolific Songwriter To Receive Award at “Voices On Point” Concert and Dinner, September 13at Los Angeles’ Hyatt Regency Century Plaza

LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Point Foundation (Point) will present its Leadership Award to songwriter Diane Warren, whose work has been recognized with Grammy® and Golden Globe® awards and multiple Academy Award® nominations. The Point Leadership Award is given to an individual who has achieved prominence in their professional career and unequivocally supported the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. Warren has repeatedly spoken out against bigotry of all kinds, including discrimination directed at the LGBTQ community. The “It Gets Better” musical theater project that is touring the U.S. in support of LGBTQ youth includes songs of Warren’s alongside those of Gnarls Barkley, Kelly Clarkson and Alanis Morissette.

Diane Warren (PRNewsFoto/Point Foundation)

Diane Warren (PRNewsFoto/Point Foundation)

Warren has written music for and established friendships with top LGBTQ artists and important allies of the LGBTQ community such asElton John, Ricky Martin, Barbra Streisand, Cher, Kristin Chenoweth and Patti LaBelle. Popular stars she has recently been at work with include Celine Dion, Snoop Dogg, Carrie Underwood, Mary J. Blige, Demi Lovato, Jessie J, Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Kelly Rowland, Renee Fleming and Paloma Faith among many others. In addition, Warren has written a song for Baz Luhrmann’s stage production of “Strictly Ballroom The Musical“ which opened in Australia this spring.

To date, Warren’s songs have been nominated for six Academy Awards, five Golden Globes (winning for the song “You Haven’t Seen The Last of Me”) and 12 Grammys (winning for the song “Because You Loved Me”) and have been featured in more than 100 motion pictures. The impact of her music has resonated across the globe. Her “Anthem for Peace” was performed in Tel Aviv in 2008 for over 1,000 dignitaries, including Nobel Prize laureates. In 2012, her song “I Was Here” was named the theme for World Humanitarian Day and was performed by Beyonce live at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Her nonprofit, The Diane Warren Foundation has supported music education in schools, as well as programs to help those with serious illness and enrich the lives of the elderly. Warren is also a noted advocate for animal rights.

“Diane Warren has earned fame and respect not just through the creation of an incredible body of music, but also because of her empathy, integrity and her commitment to education,” said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation. “Our Point Scholars learn through their leadership training, that a leader is someone who uses their talent and position to ensure that others can live with dignity and respect. We are honored to recognize Diane Warren’s accomplishments by presenting her with the Point Foundation Leadership Award.”

“Voices On Point” is a benefit for Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ students. The evening features performances and appearances by celebrities, as well as some of Point’s 80 current scholars and 184 alumni, sharing their compelling stories of perseverance and success.

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Insight Studios Group coming to Baltimore Comic-Con

Posted on July 23, 2014 by Denise

 

BCCIcon2014More news for you Baltimore Comic-Con junkies!  Local-kids-made-good Insight Studios Group are coming to this year’s Comic-Con!  Mark Wheatley, Marc Hempel, Allan Gross, Robert Tinnell & Darrenn Canton will all be here to answer questions, sign stuff and generally be cool.

Read on for the full press release.  See you at the ‘con!  I’ll be the chick trying to work up the courage to get Thom Zahle to sign a MLP issue. Famous people are terrifying!

Continue reading →

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Free passes for the Baltimore screening of Guardians of the Galaxy!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Denise

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Yaaaaaay! They’re here y’all! The Guardians of the Galaxy passes are here!
Since you’ve been waiting all week, let’s do this easy like….

Where: AMC White Marsh

When: July 29th 8pm

Why: because c’mon, talking raccoons are awesome.

How: See it first! Head to http://www.seeitfirst.net/ and enter code 840731

Remember: seating for screenings are first come, first served and are not guaranteed even with passes. So get there early to get your seats! Seriously people, this screening is gonna be crazy, so getting there at 7:30pm will probably mean you’re out luck. Don’t be the We Missed It people!

Good luck everyone!

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Elsewhere Review — The Purge: Anarchy

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Denise
First posted on Geek for e, the original piece can be found here.

Nutshell: I give The Purge: Anarchy an A-.  Much more of a thriller than it’s original claustrophobic predecessor, Anarchy shows viewers all the chaos on the streets, and in the hidden enclaves of the über-rich.  It even gets a little class-warfare in, along with some serious thoughts on vengeance, entitlement, duty and civic responsibility. Oh, and it’s creepy as hell too.

Movie Review — The Purge: Anarchy

TwitView: Thought-provoking, violent and in-your-face.  This ain’t the first film. Cool. A-

Last year, people headed to the theater in droves to see The Purge.  Unfortunately, they hated it.   But with The Purge: Anarchy, writer/director James DeMonaco is hoping a more wide-scale view of his near-future distopia is more to your liking.  Apparently he knows the deal, and wants to give moviegoers what they wanna see in this new sequel.  Him-a culpa.

But is Anarchy any good?  If you like your satire jet-black with tinges of red, you betcha.  Class warfare, The Man as slaughter king, and shades of the Nuremberg Defense run rampant here.  I for one found it a fascinating look at how far things could get out of hand if absolute power was vested in people who may not have everyone’s best interests at heart.  In opening up the Purge landscape from a single house to the streets of LA, Anarchy gives us a taste of mayhem and the hopelessness of those who are unable to protect themselves.  There’s also a heapin’ helpin’ of old-school horror here, with the usual tropes played out.  In the Purge’s chaotic landscape, that’s comforting, and helps the film stay grounded rather than turning into an mish-mosh of aimless scenes.

No emergency services for 12 hours and all crime including murder is legal. Let the anarchy begin!
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Discounts on BronyCon registration tomorrow. Thanks, Ice Cold Water guy!

Posted on July 18, 2014 by Denise

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Friendship. Magic. And now tongue-in-cheek. This year’s BronyCon just got 20% cooler y’all.

How? Did Spike volunteer to make everyone S’mores? Applejack bringing pie? Derpy making muffins? (Aw now I’m hungry….)

No. Sorry. But there’s a discount on registration, and it’s thanks to everyone’s favorite street salesman. That’s right, the famous Baltimore Ice Cold Water guy has given the ponies-that-be at BronyCon the idea for a $1 discount Friday July 18th!

Not groovy enough for you? Well, with every 100 registers Friday, one lucky Brony (or Pegasister, perhaps?) will get his or her registration for only $1! That’s right, the same price as a bottle of ice cold wa-ta. Because Hydration is Magic too.

Yeah I’m excited about this. Time to sign up if you haven’t already!

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to find a piece of apple pie and a glass of water….

Read on for the full press release!

Continue reading →

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This year’s Harvey Award nominees announced!

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Denise

Terry Moore.  Mike Norton.  Stefano Gaudiano.  Jeff Stokely.  Ryan North.  Fiona Staples.  Brian K. Vaughan.  David Petersen.   If these names seem like a damn good way to get your comics on, you’d be right.  They’re also among those nominated for Harvey Awards this year.  Yaaaaay!  *flails arms around like Kermit*

To crib from the press release, the Harveys are “in honor of the late Harvey Kurtzman, one of the industry’s most innovative talents, the Harvey Awards recognize outstanding work in comics and sequential art.” They’ll be presented, as usual, at the Baltimore Comic-Con.

Congratulations to all nominees!!!

Read on for the full list, and more Harvey Award info in the full press release!

Continue reading →

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