Press Release: Boom! Studios to Publish a New Comic Book Series -- Misfit City

Misfit City #1 cover by Naomi Franquiz

Los Angeles, Calif. – BOOM! Studios is proud to announce MISFIT CITY, an all-new monthly comic book series from screenwriter Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith (”Legally Blonde,” “10 Things I Hate About You”) and Kurt Lustgarten, along with artist Naomi Franquiz, debuting in May 2017 from the groundbreaking BOOM! Box imprint.

Nothing’s happened in Wilder’s hometown since they filmed that cult kids’ adventure movie there in the ’80s…but that’s ancient history. Until one day, she and her friends come upon a centuries-old treasure map drawn by the infamous pirate Black Mary…and they find themselves on a real-life adventure in the town they dreamed of escaping.

"Much like our heroines, I grew up in a small town in the Pacific Northwest, yearning to have a life-changing experience,” says Kirsten “Kiwi” Smith.

“Everyone wishes their town harbored a deep dark secret, and for the girls of Cannon Cove, it does,” adds co-creator Kurt Lustgarten, who also spoke about the particular tone of the book. “We wanted to evoke the feel of every great 1980s kids classic adventure movie with a riot grrrl twist."

“We’re telling a treasure hunting story through a unique female lens,” says Kiwi Smith.  "Girls need their version of The Goonies—and with Misfit City, we’re giving it to them."

"Other than the guaranteed shenanigans I'm excited to draw in Misfit City, I mostly look forward to drawing a diverse and body-positive cast of characters that I hope young readers can really see themselves in. Plus, all faces of the cutest dog ever, Pippin!" remarks Franquiz. "Out of our main characters, I relate to Wilder most. I'm from a small-town city with a population that fluctuates every football season, so the urge to escape and do more is strong. I love her ambition and drive, and I think the internal conflict she's setting herself up for is something I see reflected in many people (including myself).

Misfit City #1 will feature a main cover by Franquiz, along with a variant cover by Ester Zejn and a treasure map variant by Paulina Ganucheau (Zodiac Starforce, Another Castle).

This series is the latest release from BOOM! Studios’ critically acclaimed BOOM! Box imprint, home to popular original series such as Lumberjanes by Shannon Watters, Grace Ellis, Brooke A. Allen, and Noelle Stevenson; Giant Days by John Allison, Lissa Treiman, and Max Sarin; The Backstagers by James Tynion IV and Rian Sygh; SLAM! by Pamela Ribon and Veronica Fish; and Goldie Vance by Hope Larson and Brittney Williams.

“Kiwi’s work has been a huge creative influence on me, and a massive influence on BOOM! Box,” says Shannon Watters, Editor, BOOM! Studios. “We’re so pleased to be shepherding this awesome team’s first comic book project!”

For more on Misfit City and more from BOOM! Studios, please visit boom-studios.com and follow @boomstudios on Twitter.

Misfit City #1 Treasure Map variant cover by Paulina Ganucheau

Misfit City #1 variant cover by Ester Zejn

Event: Writer Pamela Ribon to Appear at the Derby Dolls Fundraiser

If you're in California (or will be) this weekend, writer Pamela Ribon will be signing copies of her comic book Slam! as well as posters at the L.A. Derby Dolls Fundraiser.

WHAT:

Pamela Ribon will appear at the Derby Dolls Fundraiser: "WHIP IT" and CAST Q&A to sign limited-edition SLAM! prints to help the L.A. Derby Dolls raise money to keep their league rolling. Ribon is also currently a member of the L.A. Derby Dolls and skates under the name "May Q. Holla."
Published by BOOM! Studios, SLAM! is the critically acclaimed comic book series written by Ribon with illustrations by artist Veronica Fish. The series follows two friends as they navigate the world of roller derby.

Ribon is also the screenwriter of Moana, Smurfs: The Lost Village and Wreck-It Ralph 2 and the writer of best-selling books Why Girls Are Weird and You Take It from Here.


WHEN:

Sunday, February 12, 2017 from 7:30 PM to 10 PM


WHERE:

The Regent
448 S Main St
Los Angeles, California 90013
(213) 488-0599


For ticket information and additional details, visit the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1095650447214234/

The 11" x 17", limited-edition posters below will be signed by Pamela Ribon and sell for $15 each. All proceeds will go to the Derby Dolls.

Press Release: The Return of Justice League of America

DC Comics is bringing back Justice League of America in 2017, read the press release below to find out more about it.

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The JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA is back — just when we need it most!

Foes of evil! Enemies of injustice! As it began in DC UNIVERSE: REBIRTH, for the mighty heroes of the Justice League of America, all wrongdoing is a menace to be stamped out! Whether it comes from outer space, from the watery depths of the seven seas, or springs from the minds of men, the JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA is back — just when we need it most!

PR: Love Is Love Official Press Release

Yesterday I posted only a snippet of Comic Book News about the Love Is Love book that DC Comics and IDW Publishing are co-publishing. Here is the official press release that has been issued, it contains more detail about the book.

The next time I go to the comic book store, I'm going to see if I can order this book if it's not already going to be on the shelves in December. I hope there will be a lot of interest in this book and not only with comic book fans.

Comic Industry Unites With Love Is Love Benefit Book In Support of Orlando Tragedy

Artwork from Love Is Love by Elsa Charretier

IDW Publishing, with the support of DC Entertainment, will honor the victims of Orlando’s Pulse Nightclub tragedy by publishing LOVE IS LOVE, an anthology graphic novel curated by writer Marc Andreyko (BATWOMAN, WONDER WOMAN ’77). In the wake of this devastating event, Andreyko assembled a group of fellow comic book creators to contribute to the benefit project. Andreyko received an overwhelming response across the comic book community and beyond, with over 200 writers and artists lending their talents to LOVE IS LOVE, a collection of over 100 short graphic stories. All material has been donated by the writers, artists, and editors, with all proceeds going to victims, survivors, and their families via EQUALITY FLORIDA.

Event: Batman v Superman Day at Barnes & Noble

Barnes & Noble will be hosting a special event for the upcoming Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice movie.

Today (Saturday, March 19th) at 7 p.m. every Barnes & Noble store nationwide will host a Batman v Superman Day. According to the press release there will be a trivia event which of course is sponsored by DC Comics. The store is hoping fans will show off their incredible knowledge of all things Batman and Superman (and hopefully Lois Lane and Wonder Woman as well). Some of the winners may receive Batman v Superman-themed prizes!

There may be other events such as a DC Comics cosplay contests, superhero kids activity hour, bat-stache crafting, drawing demonstrations, and more. Please be sure to contact your local Barnes & Noble store for details.

Many of the prizes and giveaways may include superhero masks, posters, bookmarks, and comics. Plus, enter for a chance to win a Superman Daily Planet replica and a set of three movie posters. Supplies are limited, see store for details.

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I'm going to try to go to this but I'm supposed to be meeting friends around this time. Maybe I can convince them we should go to the bookstore instead. If I make it there I'll be sure to take pictures and post them.

Event: HSN Cares Star Wars Special (Press Release)

If you love Star Wars and supporting good causes tune in to HSN tonight for The Monday Night Show with Adam Freeman at 7:00 PM EST for a two hour HSN Cares Star Wars Special for UNICEF. For each product sold 20% will go towards charity.

Appearing will be special guest Ashley Eckstein, who is the voice of fan favorite Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels) and founder of Her Universe (heruniverse.com) an Sci-Fi apparel brand that's gear towards female fans.


For more information about this event please read the press release:


HSNi Cares Kicks Off Star Wars-Themed Special Event in Support of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF

ST. PETERSBURG, FL  – HSNi Cares, the philanthropic arm of interactive multichannel retailer HSN, Inc., announced today that it is partnering with Lucasfilm to come together in support of UNICEF's lifesaving work for children. As part of the retailer's third annual national campaign supporting the humanitarian children's organization, HSN will broadcast a special The Monday Night Show with Adam Freeman: HSN Cares Star Wars Edition on Monday, September 28 from 7-9 p.m. (ET).

During the 2-hour primetime special, Ashley Eckstein, voice of Star Wars character "Ahsoka Tano" and founder of the Her Universe sci-fi merchandise brand for female fans, will present exclusive items of Star Wars apparel to raise funds for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. Eckstein will appear on-air alongside CEO of HSNi, Mindy Grossman, and Caryl M. Stern, the President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, to not only raise funds but acknowledge and raise awareness of UNICEF's work to improve and save the lives of children in need.

Viewers can learn about UNICEF's work to provide clean water, lifesaving nutrition, education, medicines and emergency relief to children around the world. As Star Wars has been a long-standing supporter of charitable causes, during this event HSN will donate twenty percent of the purchase price for every item featured and sold during the special to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. In addition to apparel, the selection of Star Wars products being sold will include items like a Star Wars Walkie Talkie, Stormtrooper Watch, and Darth Vader Cuff Links.

"I recently returned from my second field visit to see UNICEF's programs for children firsthand and was inspired by their work to make a difference in the lives of children," said Mindy Grossman, Chief Executive Officer of HSN, Inc. "I am so proud of HSNi Cares, our partners and customers who support UNICEF's work to make an impact on the lives of children around the world."

HSNi Cares has activated a comprehensive, 360-degree national campaign that runs through September 30 across television, catalogs, digital and social channels, raising funds and awareness in support of UNICEF. All eight HSNi brands – HSN, Frontgate, Grandin Road, Ballard Designs, Garnet Hill, TravelSmith, Improvements and Chasing Fireflies – have come together to fulfill HSNi Cares goal of empowering women and supporting families in times of need globally, through interactive digital activations and customer donations across their channels.

HSN Cares has also been collaborating with four brand partners – Perlier, Giuliana Rancic, HP and Diane Gilman – who have generously supported the campaign with a donation and will raise funds and awareness for the campaign during their appearances on HSN.

For more information about the HSN Cares campaign for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF or to donate, please visit HSN.com (keyword HSN Cares).


About HSN

HSN is a leading direct-to-consumer live content retailer, offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers. HSN incorporates entertainment, inspiration, personalities and industry experts to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. At HSN, customers find exceptional selections in Health & Beauty, Jewelry, Home/Lifestyle, Fashion/Accessories, and Electronics. HSN broadcasts live to 95 million households in the US in HD 24/7 and its website - HSN.com features more than 50,000 product videos. Mobile applications include HSN apps for iPad, iPhone and Android. HSN, founded 38 years ago as the first shopping network, is an operating segment of HSN, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSNI). For more information, please visit HSN.com, or follow @HSN on Facebook and Twitter.


About HSNi Cares

HSNi Cares, the philanthropic arm of HSN, Inc., is dedicated to empowering women and helping families in times of need locally, nationally and globally. Together with trusted organizations and volunteers we are able to make a difference with hope, love and support.


About Lucasfilm Ltd.

Lucasfilm Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects and audio post-production, cutting-edge digital animation and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

Lucasfilm, the Lucasfilm logo, STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM 2015 Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Press Release: Scholastic to Publish 'DC Comics: Secret Hero Society'

Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs to bring beloved DC Comics Characters to Middle School in Three Original Illustrated Novels

 

New York, NY — Scholastic (NASDAQ: SCHL), the global children’s publishing, education and media company, has acquired rights to three ‘DC Comics: Secret Hero Society’ illustrated novels, based on beloved DC Comics Super Hero characters, to be written and illustrated by Eisner Award-nominees Dustin Nguyen and Derek Fridolfs. The first book in the series, Study Hall of Justice, will be published in February 2016 and presents a twist on the idea of junior sleuths, using comics, journal entries, newspaper articles, and doodles to reimagine Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman as middle-grade students in a mysterious school. Study Hall of Justice will be published in hardcover simultaneously in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

The deal was negotiated by Warner Bros Consumer Products and Lynn Smith, Global Licensing Director at Scholastic, and Samantha Schutz, Associate Publisher, Licensing and Nonfiction, Scholastic.

Event: 2015 BookCon

What:

BookCon

The event takes place the following day after BookExpo America in New York City—the publishing and cultural capital of the world. BookCon is the event where storytelling and pop culture collide. Consumers and brands will experience the origin of the story in all its forms by interacting with the authors, publishers, celebrities and creators of content that influence everything we read, hear and see. BookCon is an immersive experience that features interactive, forward thinking content including Q+A’s with the hottest talent, autographing sessions, storytelling podcasts, special screenings, literary quiz shows and so much more. BookCon is the ultimate celebration of books, where your favorite stories come to life.

For more information about the event, the guests, or to purchase tickets, visit the BookCon official website.



When:

Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31, 2015



Where:

Javits Center
655 West 34th Street
New York, N.Y. 10001

Event: 2015 BookExpo America (BEA)

What:

BookExpo America (BEA) is the #1 book and author event that offers the book industry access to new titles, authors, networking, and education about the publishing industry. BEA is the best place to discover new titles and upcoming books and meet face-to-face with favorite and up-and-coming authors. It is a dynamic environment for networking, sourcing, and relationship building in the publishing industry in North America. BEA offers four event-packed days, 800+ authors, hundreds of new titles, 1,000+ exhibitors, and Author Stages, along with the Digital Discovery Zone (D2Z) brought to you by IDPF.

BEA combines the largest selection of English language titles on the planet and is the largest gathering of booksellers, librarians, retailers, and industry professionals in North America, making it the #1 place to experience the latest technology trends, discover new titles, network with other industry professionals, and participate in a valuable educational program that will help you grow your business.



When:

Wednesday, May 27 - Friday, May 29, 2015

For more information or to register visit the BEA official website.



Where:

Javits Center
655 West 34th Street
New York, N.Y. 10001

PR: DC Entertainment Announces New Books, New Creators, Broader Focus for the DC Universe

From this press release, I see a lot of new changes (Cyborg will finally have his own series and Black Canary and Starfire are getting their own series as well) but also a lot of things that are still the same. I can't believe they are going to continue with that Superman/Wonder Woman fauxmance series and the Wonder Woman series is still saddled with the Finches (more on this in another post).

Tomorrow, I will post more information with all the new books and changes.

Book Girl

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Iconic Super Heroes & Super-Villains Universe is Diversifying To Make Room for More Types of Storytelling, More Fans
   

June Slate of Titles Includes Long-Awaited Return to DCU of Bryan Hitch, Garth Ennis; Gene Luen Yang & Ming Doyle Join Team of Top Talent

 

 

BURBANK, Calif. -- This summer, DC Entertainment launches a bold new direction for the DC Universe (DCU) that is even more inclusive and accessible to a wider group of readers as the publisher continues to evolve comic storytelling for its next generation of fans. Award-winning, critically acclaimed writers are headlining the June 2015 slate of DC Comics’ new periodicals and graphic novels, including Gene Luen Yang, Bryan Hitch, Garth Ennis and Ming Doyle.

 

Beginning June 3^rd, the DC Comics line of comic books will consist of 24 brand-new series that will begin at issue number one, as well as 25 on-going, bestselling fan favorite series that will continue without a break in the issue numbering. The total number of periodicals in the DCU will be 49, with additional new titles debuting throughout the year.

 

PR: BookLikes Launches Its New Look and Multilingual Book Database

May 22, 2014 -- BookLikes, a free and independent global blog platform designed for book lovers, is pleased to announce the launch of its new product: one of the biggest multilingual book database which gives BookLikes an insight into the reading preferences of book lovers from eight language zones. 
 

BookLikes is dedicated for all book lovers who want to share their reading life, meet other book bloggers, stay connected with the authors, and discover new books. Form today the blog platform is available with new, modern and clean design. With this change, the BookLikes’ layout received a simple, user friendly and straightforward look which encourages BookLikes Community to explore new books and to interact with other book reviewers and authors.  

 

One of the core component of the new design is the new book data base adjusted to language version of BookLikes member. The new book search options and book pages present the new ways of book discovery, including the language editions, the tagged posts and the reviews.  BookLikes members are able to switch between the language editions of a given title giving the blog platform a worldwide reach and an overview of the reading preferences on a global scale.

 

The fresh start with the new look and books is just the beginning. “The new book data base is a huge step for BookLikes development. I believe this will allow us to provide the best user experience for book bloggers from all around the world even faster.” says Dawid Piaskowki, BookLikes’ CEO.

 

Among the regular features that BookLikes Community will find are:

 

• A personal webpage with a blog, virtual bookshelf and reading timeline.
• Book Blog Directory: book bloggers, avid readers and writers categorized according to the book genres reviewed on their blogs.
• Verified accounts for authors, bookstores and publishers.
• Book promotions, Daily Deals and Giveaways presented by the bookstores, authors and BookLikes members.
• Discussion groups.
• Blog themes: three free default BookLikes design themes and 12 free and paid templates created by BookLikes designers.
• Reading Challenge, widgets, book import from other book social sites and other Goodies.
• Affiliate programs for book bloggers.

 

BookLikes’ new book data base includes catalogs of English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Dutch books. The upcoming releases include new book catalogs for other countries and new promotional opportunities for authors, publishers and bookstores on BookLikes.

 

During the week of May 28 - 31, 2014 BookLikes will be at Book Expo America in New York. On Wednesday BookLikes’ CEO Dawid Piaskowski will be a speaker at yje BEA Bloggers Conference panel session Design 201: Taking your Blog to the Next Level. From Thursday to Saturday BookLikes will be present at Digital Discovery Zone, booth #DZ2261.

For more information, please visit http://booklikes.com/press

 

Contacts:

Dawid Piaskowski, CEO

david@booklikes.com

Zachary Levi: "I Want My Nerd HQ" Pitch (video) and more information about the event

Actor Zachary Levi, most known for his roles in "Chuck" and in "Thor: The Dark World" is trying to help raise money and awareness for the Nerd HQ.

About Nerd HQ:

Nerd HQ is a FREE, four day event held the same weekend as San Diego Comic Con and offers exclusive gaming and tech activations, nightly events, and intimate celebrity panels benefiting Operation Smile. The event is scheduled to be held July 24-27, 2014 at Petco Park in San Diego, California.

For more information or if you would like to make a contribution click here: http://www.IWantMyNerdHQ.com

PR: Earth Hour And Spider-Man Join Forces To Save The Planet

CULVER CITY, Calif. Feb. 13, 2014 -- In a first of its kind partnership, Spider-Man will be the first Super Hero ambassador for Earth Hour, the global movement organized by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature), with a message to inspire individuals to use their power to become Super Heroes for the planet.

Andy Ridley, CEO and Co-Founder of Earth Hour, and Jeff Blake, Chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, Sony Pictures Entertainment, made the announcement in conjunction with the launch of Earth Hour Blue – a radical new digital crowdfunding and crowdsourcing platform for the planet, launched to engage people around the world and participants in the famous lights out event, which this year will be held on Saturday March 29, at 8:30pm.

This year, Earth Hour and the hero of the highly anticipated motion picture The Amazing Spider-Man 2 – along with the film's stars, Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone and director Marc Webb – are throwing their support behind Earth Hour Blue, which aims to harness the power of the crowd to raise funds for on-the-ground environmental projects from across the world.

"I'm proud Spider-Man is the first Super Hero ambassador for Earth Hour because he shows we can all be Super Heroes when we realize the power we all have," says Andrew Garfield, who plays Spider-Man in the upcoming film. "Earth Hour is a movement that has created massive impact around the world, so imagine what we can do this year with Spider-Man by our side."

PR: Paramount Currently Taking No Legal Action On Brand New Book Inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany's Movie

AUTHOR OF "NINE LIVES BY PAUL VARJAK" INSISTS IT STANDS ALONE

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 19, 2013 -- Paramount Studios, which released the classic 1961 comedy Breakfast at Tiffany's, is currently taking no legal action against Slavin, Joseph and Sons, publisher of the new book Nine Lives by Paul Varjak by Dave Dumanis—a fully original work inspired by a fictional book featured in the film but featuring no stories or characters from it.

 

The book, which in the film was written by lead male character Paul Varjak (played by George Peppard), contains nine stories which in Varjak's own words are "sensitive, intensely felt, and dirty, but only incidentally." Varjak does not appear in Truman Capote's original novel.

 

Brought to life by author Dave Dumanis (Cream), Nine Lives contains stories influenced by the film's characterization of Varjak himself—by turns wounded, haunted, and snarky—as well as 1961's cutting-edge issues like race, women's rights and feminism, sexuality and homophobia, and the environment.

 

Influences on the stories include early 1960's-era pulp writers like Ray Bradbury and Kurt Vonnegut, outsiders like Sylvia Plath and James Baldwin, the Beats, television shows like The Twilight Zone, and of course J.D. Salinger, on whose Nine Stories the film's fictional Nine Lives was partially modeled.

 

Dumanis commented, "As a pop art realization of the book Paul Varjak might have written had he been a real person, Nine Lives is a heart- and gut-felt postmodern pastiche that uses the film as a jumping-off point. It stands on its own as true literature, not tribute or fan fiction."

Paramount could not be reached for commentary.

 

Nine Lives is available through the usual online book distributors including Amazon, and can be purchased in both Kindle and paperback formats. For more information contact Dumanis via Slavin, Joseph and Sons: (415) 314-8926.

Scholastic Unveils 2013 "Give the Gift of Reading" Guide With Top Children's Books For Holiday Gifts

NEW YORK, Dec. 9, 2013 -- The editors at Scholastic have been publishing, curating and distributing quality and award-winning books for children for decades, and have become experts at choosing the perfect books for every child on your holiday list. Today, David Allender, Editorial Director of Scholastic Reading Club, unveils the Give the Gift of Reading Guide, showcasing the top book trends for the 2013 holiday season from Scholastic Reading Club and Book Fairs.

"The holidays are the best time to learn what your child wants in a good book," said David Allender, Editorial Director for Scholastic Reading Club. "The gift of reading is one gift your child will treasure all of his or her life."

The Scholastic Give the Gift of Reading Guide 2013
(list is not ranked in any order)


1.   Read Aloud Traditional Stories With a Twist – (Toddler – 2^nd Graders) Reading aloud is an ideal way to have some quality family time during the season and all year long – and it comes with great benefits for children. According to research, young children who hear more words through reading aloud have larger vocabularies than their classmates by the time they enter kindergarten. Fairy tales are the perfect read-aloud genre. Pick these attention-grabbing books that turn your favorite classics upside-down - guaranteed to be a family favorite.

Holiday Picks: Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella by Jan Brett (Putnam), The Three Little Pigs and the Somewhat Bad Wolf by Mark Teague (Orchard Books/Scholastic), and for holiday specific reads, Santa Claus and the Three Bears by Maria Modugno, illustrated by Jane Dyer and Brooke Dyer (HarperCollins) and Pete the Cat Saves Christmas created and illustrated by James Dean, story by Eric Litwin (HarperCollins).


2.  Get Funny to Foster Independent Reading – (Kindergarteners – 2^nd Graders) Pick books that will make kids erupt with laughter. Books that showcase humor help first-time readers equate reading with fun and enjoyment. Try these soon-to-be classics.

Holiday Picks: Elephant and Piggy: I'm a Frog by Mo Willems (Hyperion), Fly Guy Presents: Sharks by Tedd Arnold (Scholastic) and Splat the Cat: Blow, Snow, Blow by Rob Scotton (HarperCollins).


3.  Introduce Fantasy – (3^rd - 6^th Graders) Fantasy ignites the imagination in all of us. Select books that transport a child into another world. This genre will boost reading confidence and stamina through fast-paced and compelling tales.

Holiday Picks: Notebook of Doom: Day of the Night Crawlers by Troy Cummings (Scholastic), Geronimo Stilton: Kingdom of Fantasy: The Volcano Fire by  Geronimo Stilton (Scholastic) and the Special Edition Harry Potter Box Set by J.K. Rowling with artwork by Kazu Kibuishi (Scholastic).


4.  Choose Inspiring Underdog Stories for Tweens and Teens – (Middle School and up) Wherever you turn, these characters are everywhere! From a fun story of a middle-school aged boy facing hard-knocks, to a group of teenage gods on earth fighting evil, to a young woman living in a dystopian world, these books will be hard for your tween and teen to put down this holiday.

Holiday Picks: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney (Abrams), The Heroes of Olympus: House of Hades by Rick Riordan (Hyperion) and, for mature teen readers (ages 12 and up), The Hunger Games: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Scholastic).


All the books listed above are available through Scholastic Book Fairs, Scholastic Reading Club or book stores nationwide. Purchases through Scholastic Book Fairs and Scholastic Reading Club support your child's school and classroom. For more information about books or to find other great holiday books, visit www.scholastic.com/holidaygifts.  To learn more about Scholastic, visit mediaroom.scholastic.com.


About Scholastic: Scholastic Corporation is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children's media. Scholastic creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home. The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at www.scholastic.com.

PR: Target and Warner Bros. Consumer Products Team Up to Reimagine Justice League Merchandise

Summer collection inspired by exclusive visit to the DC Comics archives

 

 

MINNEAPOLIS --- In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Target^® Corp. (NYSE: TGT) and Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with DC Entertainment, have teamed up to introduce an extensive summer collection of exclusive Justice League merchandise. The summer collection was inspired by “DC Comics – The New 52” comic book character designs and holds surprises for fans young and old. Featuring the full lineup of DC Comics’ iconic Justice League Super Heroes – Aquaman, Batman, Cyborg, The Flash, Green Lantern, Superman and Wonder Woman – the summer collection will launch at all U.S. Target stores and on Target.com beginning May 19.

 

The summer collection was co-created by the Target and Warner Bros. Consumer Products design teams and features contemporary and nostalgic, vintage-inspired graphics and designs. With more than 50 summer products available exclusively at Target, guests will see the collection come to life in home, stationery, sporting goods, and lawn and garden. Some of the more unexpected items include melamine dinnerware that features a purple and pink-clad Wonder Woman; an apron that transforms the cook into Batman; sand toys that will help beach-goers create Gotham City; and children’s Batman, Wonder Woman and The Flash beach towels that double as capes.

 

“We know Target’s guests love discovering unique merchandise, and this collection delivers the unexpected with a dash of great design. Fans of all ages are sure to love these one-of-a-kind summer items,” said Greg Van Bellinger, director of product design and development, Target.

 

“DC Comics’ Justice League characters are a powerful assemblage of the most recognizable Super Heroes in the history of comic books. We are incredibly excited to offer fans of all ages a unique collection and collaboration that pairs the heroics of the Justice League characters with the product design and marketing super powers of Target,” said Brad Globe, president of Warner Bros. Consumer Products.

 

In addition to the exclusive summer collection, Target will be part of a broader partnership with Warner Bros. Consumer Products that will offer more traditional Justice League licensed products. The broader partnership will span more than 20 categories including home, stationery, toys, apparel and accessories. All Justice League licensed products will range from $1 for Justice League temporary tattoos to $59.99 for a Justice League Rocker Chair. Target will also offer Justice League Halloween costumes for kids later this year.

 

With the release of “Justice League #1” in 2011, DC Entertainment officially kicked off “DC Comics – The New 52” as part of a re-launch of their entire comic book line of 52 new number one issues. “DC Comics – The New 52” Super Heroes are presented in a more contemporary way, including new costumes, characters and storylines.

 

 

About Target

   

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,832 stores – 1,784 in the United States and 48 in Canada – and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $4 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/corporateresponsibility.

For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom.
   
About Warner Bros. Consumer Products
   
Warner Bros. Consumer Products, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is one of the leading licensing and retail merchandising organizations in the world.
   
About DC Entertainment
   
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What I'm Watching Tonight: Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines

Independent Lens will air "Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheriones" will air tonight on PBS (please check your local listing for time). Lois Lane will also be included in this documentary since, she was created a few years prior to Wonder Woman. And I feel both are important to women empowerment.

About the Film:

Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines traces the fascinating birth, evolution, and legacy of Wonder Woman, and introduces audiences to a dynamic group of fictional and real-life superheroines fighting for positive role models for girls, both on screen and off.

Female superheroes, warrior princesses, and other icons of women's empowerment in pop culture owe their existence to Wonder Woman — the unlikely brainchild of a Harvard-trained pop psychologist. From Wonder Woman’s original, radical World War II presence, to her uninspiring 1960s incarnation as a fashion boutique owner, to her dramatic resurrection by feminist Gloria Steinem and the women of Ms. Magazine, Wonder Woman’s legacy continues today.

Wonder Women! explores the nation’s long-term love affair with comic book superheroes and raises questions about the possibilities and contradictions of heroines within the genre. The film goes behind the scenes with Lynda Carter, Lindsay Wagner, Gloria Steinem, Kathleen Hanna, comic writers and artists, and others who offer an enlightening and entertaining counterpoint to the male-dominated superhero genre.

Exploring how our highly visual culture places more emphasis on the appearance of girls and women rather than on their deeds, Wonder Women! urges women to claim the action genre — and media in general — as their own, if they want to change how they are represented.

Wonder Women! harnesses the voices of literary critics, women writers, classicists, philosophers, impersonators, collectors, feminists and fanatics to explore the notions of “heroism” and “power.”

The film makers are: Kristy Guevara-Flanagan and Kelcey Edwards.