“NEVSKY” GRAPHIC NOVEL ADAPTATION

IDW, Mosfilm and Russ Intellectual Properties announce NEVSKY THE GRAPHIC NOVEL

Website www.nevskythegraphicnovel.com

A timeless story of the battle for freedom through patriotism is retold in a vibrant new form this Spring with Nevsky, an original graphic novel adaptation of Sergei Eisenstein’s classic film “Alexander Nevsky” (1938). Written by Ben McCool (Memoir, Pigs) with art by rising star Mario Guevara (Solomon Kane, Victorian Undead) and edited by Scott Dunbier, this full-length graphic novel is a stunning re-imagination of Eisenstein’s famed film.

Alexander Nevsky – decidedly the most popular figure in Russian history – is a much-loved historical leader who helped establish the Russian nation by defeating the Teutonic Knights. These invaders were the last vestiges of the Holy Roman Empire and drove out from Germany bringing oppression and religious intolerance with them. In 1242, Nevsky with an army of soldiers and citizens defeated the Teutonic Knights in a spectacular battle on the frozen Lake Peipus, an achievement celebrated in Russia to this day.

Eisenstein was a revolutionary figure who is to Russian film what Chekhov and Tolstoy are to its literature. In 1938, Eisenstein, was already celebrated for his groundbreaking films “Battleship Potemkin” (1925) and “October” (1928), brought the story of Nevsky’s battles to life in a stirring epic that featured a score by Sergei Prokofiev. The spectacular closing scene of the Battle on the Ice has been studied by filmmakers from David Lean to Steven Spielberg to Walt Disney Animation. Although caught up in the politics of the time – Eisenstein was frequently out of favor with Joseph Stalin – the film became a worldwide classic.

Now, working together with Mosfilm, Trident Media Group and IDW Publishing have partnered to create the first-ever graphic novel adaptation of this classic Eisentein epic film, bringing it to a new generation of readers and film-goers through its wholly-owned subsidiary Russ Intellectual Properties. Russ is devoted to promoting Russian cultural properties across all media. To that end, they have assembled an international team of creators for this graphic novel, including English-born Ben McCool and Mexican artist Mario Guevara.

“Nevsky was as much a leader as he was a warrior,” says McCool. “His story isn’t just a page of little known history; it’s an inspiring tale full of strategy and battles and the fight for freedom.”

“Nevsky has a compelling story by Ben McCool and breathtaking art by Mario Guevara,” says IDW Senior Editor, Special Projects Scott Dunbier. “But the big picture here is Nevsky himself, a larger than life figure from Russian history who literally reaches out from the page and pulls you headfirst into the story-if you liked 300 you’ll love this!”

“Trident has had a long involvement with Russia, its culture and its people,” said Trident Media Group Chairman Robert Gottlieb. “We are excited to be able to spotlight a great filmmaker like Eisenstein and a thrilling page from history by reimagining the story in a new medium.”

“Russia has a rich history in all the arts,” says Mosfilm Cinema Concern Deputy Director Svetlana Pyleva. “We are very impressed by Robert’s knowledge and passion for Russian history, and Ben’s efforts to bring a great Russian hero to an international audience. Nevsky is a great hero to Russians, and this story does full justice to his story.”

This classic story is now told for a new generation in a graphic novel, which brings the heroes and villains of 13th century Russia into the 21st century with an exciting story of battles, heroes, and fierce warrior women: Nevsky, already battle weary from a campaign against the Mongols, who must defend his nation against a new and savage invader; Olga, a fierce shield maiden who cannot be stopped from joining the fray; Vasili and Gavrilo, two soldiers who must overcome their own personal demons to continue the fight; and Hermann Von Bolk, the brutal Grand Knight who leads the Teutonic Knights on a path of destruction.

The making of the novel will be discussed at the New York Comic Con panel “The Comics History of the World” featuring Ben McCool on Friday, October 12th at 1:30 PM.

Nevsky is a 110 page full color graphic novel to be published by IDW in Spring 2012.

Duggan & Noto Series “The Infinite Horizon” Returns

THE DISTANT HORIZON DRAWS NEAR
Duggan & Noto’s Critically Acclaimed Series The Infinite Horizon Returns

Berkeley, CA – 13 October 2011 – Soon, a comic book odyssey will reach it’s final conclusion. The much anticipated finale of THE INFINITE HORIZON, the critically acclaimed Image Comics miniseries created by writer Gerry Duggan and artist Phil Noto and based on Homer’s The Odyssey has finally returned. In just a couple weeks, the penultimate issue of their futuristic story of a war-weary soldier will arrive in stores, with the final issue completed and ready to ship out on time in November.

“I’m so glad to bring it back to the fans,” said Duggan. “We had such a fantastic reception for the series, and it’s just so satisfying to finally see it shipping again. We apologize for the delay in publication, but when we realized the last two issues were going to be late, we really embraced it. Committing to a multi-year gap in publication was hopefully a very immersive experience for fans of our comic inspired by ‘The Odyssey’.”

“Gerry’s full of shit. Now you see what I put up with. We’re glad THE INFINITE HORIZON is completed, and we hope you enjoy it. It feels good to be be back. I just can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to the end!”

THE INFINITE HORIZON takes place in the not-too-distant future and begins with a small group of abandoned soldiers being led home by one man: The Captain. To get back, he’s had to cross half the globe and endure deadly encounters with many enemies including the Cyclops, the Sirens… and the last breaths of a great and horrible war.

Now that the final two chapters of this epic are upon us at last, there will be many new dangers on the last leg of The Captain’s journey home! Now he must avoid the siren song of a post-apocalyptic cult and summon all of his remaining strength for one final, bloody battle to save his wife and son from criminals.

The praise critics have already given the series included enthusiastic recommendations such as these:

“…occasionally, a writer can tap into what makes the original story so special and is able to fit it into a new and exciting scenario. THE INFINITE HORIZON is that kind of modernization. …This was some heavy shit: topical, resonant, and possibly one of those stories that sticks with you long after its over.” Ain’t It Cool News

“Writer Duggan’s vision of a broken world is so grimly believable that it’s hard not to feel guilty about the many thrills to be found in his tale.” Clark Collis, Entertainment Weekly

“The art from Phil Noto completely compliments the story. His work perfectly represents the harshness and danger of the Middle East, the tension and distrust back home, and the grim determination and desperation of the characters…” Dominic Davies, The Escapist Magazine

“This is one of those comics that prove that comics can be better then TV, movies, or books.” Geoff Collins, Comics Bulletin

“THE INFINITE HORIZON is a smart, mature story about a husband and father’s single-minded mission to return home from a lost war in the Middle East as the world falls apart around his ears. The story is gripping. The characters are believable.” Comic Book Junkie

“…a must-buy title that reinterprets one of the great texts of Western Civilisation within an all too believable vision of a proto-apocalyptic future, while still paying dues to the original on all the right beats.” Matt Sargeson, Comics Bulletin

“Every couple of years or so a book comes along with a premise so insanely strong, yet overtly obvious, that both the readership and contemporary authors alike collectively bang their hands against their heads and scream, ‘Why didn’t I think of that!’” IGN

THE INFINITE HORIZON #5 (AUG110430), a 32-page full-color dramatic war epic for $2.99, will be on sale in stores October 26, and THE INFINITE HORIZON #6 (JUN082262) is available for order now in the November issue of Previews. Issues #1-4 are also available for reorder now.

Robert Englund CCEE Guest of Honor

Robert Englund announced as horror guest of honour for Calgary Comic & Entertainment Expo 2012.

Freddy Krueger slashes his way through Calgary April 27-29, 2012

Calgary, AB… One, two Freddy’s coming for you. During the Seventh Annual Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo, Robert Englund (Nightmare on Elm Street) will invade your dreams as the Calgary Expo’s horror guest of honour.

Robert Englund is renowned for his role as the deranged and disfigured serial killer Freddy Krueger from the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise. Englund portrayed Freddy in all eight of the original Elm Street films.

“Freddy Krueger is a pop culture icon because of Robert Englund. His frightening performance is why the Nightmare of Elm Street films are my favourite horror series,” said Kandrix Foong, Event Director of the Calgary Expo. “Robert is a guest that fans have wanted to see, so bringing him to Calgary brings chills up my spine.”

So don’t turn out the lights, don’t close your eyes and whatever you do – don’t fall asleep. This year’s Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo will be held April 27 – 29, 2012 at the BMO Centre, Stampede Park, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Advance tickets will go on sale December 1, 2011. For more information, please visit our website at www.calgaryexpo.com

BONUS EPISODE – Jason and JS talk apes

In this special bonus episode Jason and JS bring out the movie-cast again and talk some Planet of the Apes. They’re going to go through the new and the old, whatever movie you like – I’m sure they’ll talk about it here.

BONUS EPISODE - Jason and JS talk apes [ 1:21:13 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

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