Offred wakes in Nick's bed and ponders her affair and her conflicted emotions. She misses Luke but she also enjoys being with Nick and how it's the one good thing she has to enjoy when the rest of her life is hellish.

Flashbacks show Luke struggling to find work. A work counselor invites him out for coffee and tells him he isn't alone, inviting him to join a group called Sons of Jacob, with the promise of potential work. He was the driver and overheard the conversations that developed the idea for handmaids, the ceremony, etc. He was also the one that cut down the previous Offred from the ceiling after she killed herself. When her body was taken away by authorities, Serena says to her husband, "What do you think was going to happen?" Nick is eventually promoted to being an Eye when he reports a Commander for breaking protocol with his handmaids.

Commander Waterford brings Offred a dress and some makeup, also taking time to shave her legs in preparation for a night out together. Offred thinks to herself that this isn't the first time he's done this. Nick drives them out to Boston where they have dinner at an underground brothel prostitutes known as "Jezebels" work. Offred is shocked to find Moira working there but is overjoyed to have a brief reunion in the bathroom.

Nick gets alcohol from one of the brothel's Marthas by trading some drugs and pregnancy tests. The Commander brings Offred up to a room where the two seemingly have sex. She sneaks out of the room after he falls asleep and goes to search for Moira. When Offred finds Moira, she learns that Moira got the train and was working with some Quakers that were trying to help her escape but she ended up caught once again. Since she was deemed a corrupting influence, she wasn't brought back to where the other handmaids were held. She was given the choice to either be sent to the colonies or one of the brothels. She chose to stay at a brothel believing it to be a better, more free way of living than the colonies. Moira tells Offred to forget about escaping and that no one gets out of Gilead. Offred shares the revelation that Luke is alive and gives Moira her love, assuring her that they will get out.

Nick drives the Commander and Offred home. The Commander is reunited with Serena and Nick ends his affair with Offred, devastating her further. She asks why he's ending things and Nick says it's too dangerous to carry on or else they may end up on a wall. Offred says that being remembered by someone that cares is something meaningful. Nick tells her his name is Nick Blaine and he's from Michigan but Offred leaves, still angry. She begins to head upstairs but is stopped by Serena who presents her with a gift: a music box with a key she had as a child growing up. Offred thanks her and brings it upstairs to her room, where she scratches a message of her own into the wall: You are not alone.

The Handmaid's Tale is available for streaming on Hulu.

‘Cable,’ ‘Deadpool,’ ‘X-Force,’ ‘Youngblood’ Creator Rob Liefeld Named As First Recipient, To Be Honored At Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, June 2

LOS ANGELES, May 29, 2017 – For more than a quarter-century, the name Wizard World has represented the best in comics and pop culture. As one of the media pioneers in the space, Wizard World is proud to be honoring and respecting the legacy of the comic arts through the  Wizard World Hall of Legends, a new initiative to celebrate the artists, writers and insiders who have built the industry and those continue the traditions.

The first recipient of the Wizard World Hall of Legends award is Rob Liefeld, creator of the popular Cable, Deadpool, X-Force and Youngblood franchises. Liefeld will be presented the inaugural award at Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia in a ceremony on Friday, June 2, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

“I'm honored to be inducted into the Wizard World Hall of Legends and have my 30 years of contributions to the industry recognized,” said Liefeld. “I have tremendous love and affection for this art form, its community and the business of creating and selling comic books and graphic novels. It was a passion of mine long before it was my vocation.”

“Comics is where Wizard World began, and the community continues to be a vital part of all facets of our company,” said John D. Maatta, Wizard World President and CEO. “We have worked diligently to make Artist Alley at our shows even more engaging for attendees, and we encourage fans to let us know what else they’d like to see as we continue to improve the experience for the many fans who love comics as much as we do.

“Rob Liefeld is a perfect first Wizard World Hall of Legends recipient: a top creator whose work has gained worldwide acclaim in various media forms, all the way to the big screen,” added Maatta.

Following the success of X-Force (#1 went on to sell an unprecedented five million copies in the United States alone making it the #2 selling comic book of all time), Liefeld teamed with his peers to launch Image Comics, the most successful independent comic book label in comics history. Youngblood, created and illustrated by Liefeld, went on to sell 1 million copies, shattering the sales record for an independent comic book. Liefeld created a comic production label, Extreme Studios which went on to publish Liefeld creations, Brigade, Bloodstrike, Supreme, Glory, Prophet and Avengelyne, many continue their publication at Image today.

More than 25 years after introducing the world to his brilliant creations, Liefeld continues to enjoy the fruits of his imagination as Cable, Deadpool and others expand into multi-media platforms including cartoons, video games and motion pictures.

The Wizard World Hall of Legends initiative, which will honor one or more figures from the comics world at each convention, is one in a series of enhancements that Wizard World is making in the comics area. Artist Alley in Philadelphia features a standout lineup of creators from the worlds of: Marvel Joe Rubinstein (Wolverine inker), Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies artist),  Steve Geiger (Spider-Man, Hulk, Wolverine, Punisher artist) and more, DC (JG Jones  (Y the Last Man cover artist), Keith Giffen ( Omega Men, Lobo), Tony Kordos (Cyborg  inker), Indie (Stuart Sayger (Walking Dead, ROM, Shiver in the Dark),  Simon Fraser (UK's 2000 AD), Amy Chu  (Kiss writer), animation (Phil Ortiz ( Simpsons), Sam Ellis (Archer creator), Tom Cook (He-Man) and many more.

Comics creators at Wizard World Comic Cons are engaging with fans more than ever. The Creative Stage, active throughout every show, provides attendees additional opportunities to interact with artists and writers, with demonstrations, interactive Q&As, informative discussions, art raffles and auctions, learn-to-draw instruction and more.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The seventh event scheduled on the 2017 Wizard World calendar, Philadelphia show hours are Thursday, June 1, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, June 2, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult.

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening.

Leading up to the series premiere of THE MIST, on Thursday, June 22 at 10 PM, ET/PT, Spike will rolling out digital features introducing viewers to the main characters of the series.

Today, “Meet Eve Copeland,” played by Alyssa Sutherland (“Vikings”).

Based on a story by Stephen King, THE MIST has been re-envisioned for television by Executive Producer and Writer Christian Torpe and produced for Spike by TWC-Dimension Television.  THE MIST centers on a small town and a family torn apart by a brutal crime.  As they deal with the fallout an eerie mist rolls in, suddenly cutting them off from the rest of the world, and in some cases, each other.  Family, friends, and adversaries become strange bedfellows, battling the mysterious mist and its threats, fighting to maintain morality and sanity as the rules of society break down.   The series premieres on Spike starting Thursday, June 22 at 10 pm, ET/PT.

 

For all the news on Spike’s THE MIST, make sure to follow:

 

• Website: http://TheMist.spike.com
• Hashtag: #TheMist
• Twitter: @TheMist
• Instagram:  @TheMist
• Facebook: @TheMistSpike
• YouTube:  youtube.com/spike

Plethora Of Ongoing Live Shows, Trivia, Giveaways On Show Stages Provide Wizard World Fans With Non-Stop Entertainment All Weekend Long

PHILADELPHIA, May 30, 2017 - From magicians to tap dancers, martial arts demos, music and personality Kato Kaelin  to a varied lineup of singers, songwriters, bands, dueling pianos and other options, Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD) today announced the highlights of its new non-stop entertainment lineup at Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia, June 1-4 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The initiative, designed to keep the show floor buzzing throughout the weekend, will feature national and local acts of all kinds, allowing fans to enjoy more of the best of pop culture during the event and into the evenings. Nearly all of the entertainment is included free with any admission to the show.

"We want Wizard World Philadelphia attendees to come away from our show with a full pop culture experience that goes beyond meeting celebrities and getting autographs and photographs," said John Maatta, Wizard World CEO. "Whether it’s world-class magicians, interactive Q&A’s with interesting personalities, live music, dance and art demonstrations, it will be wall-to-wall entertainment all weekend. These are in addition to the celebrity sessions, creator panels and other topical programming fans have come to expect at Wizard World events.”

Among the highlights of the Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia entertainment lineup are:

• Hypnotist Eric Mina daring audiences to dream with this comedy hypnosis show (Friday and Saturday)
• Rock It Man Entertainment Dueling Pianos (Thursday and Sunday)
• Illuminated weapons experts Rogue Alliance demonstrating stage combat (Saturday and Sunday)
• White Wedding band playing 80’s tribute music (Saturday)
• The Zings, Philadelphia’s popular pop cover band (Saturday)
• Lou Dotolli performing the Sinatra songbook (Friday)
• Ari Paul with a variety of magic tricks (Friday)
• Venriloquist Scott Capri (Friday)
• Britishmania, a Beatles tribute band (Thursday)
• The Honey Taps, a professional song-and-dance group paying homage to chorus girls of the 30’s and 40’s (Friday)
• Chris Stevens Band, covering 35+ years of everything from classic rock to country (Friday)
• The WMD’s cover band (Sunday)
• Master Pagano's Red Dragon Martial Arts, mixing the various skills of martial arts and karate (Saturday)
• Philadelphia Insectarium & Butterfly Pavilion, showcasing the superpowers of insects in a living-panel presentation (Saturday)
• DJ spinning all weekend
• Kaelin hosting many of the performances during the event, including trivia and giveaways right from the entertainment stage
• An array of Kids programming all day Saturday and Sunday, including costume contests both days!

The full schedule of entertainment and programming can be found at http://wizardworld.com/programming-entertainment/philadelphia.

The entertainment offerings supplement a top-flite celebrity lineup which includes  Jesse Eisenberg (Batman v Superman, The Social Network),  Chuck Norris (The Delta Force, “Walker, Texas Ranger”), John Cusack (Say Anything…, Better off Dead…), Gene Simmons  (KISS Frontman), Famke Janssen (X-Men, GoldenEye), Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, The Avengers ), Guardians of the Galaxy stars Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead”) and  Sean Gunn (“Gilmore Girls”) and the “Riverdale” foursome of K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes and Cole Sprouse  and many others. The event marks Wizard World’s 18th annual show in Philadelphia and the seventh on Wizard World’s 2017 calendar.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The seventh event scheduled on the 2017 Wizard World calendar, Philadelphia show hours are Thursday, June 1, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, June 2, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult.

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening.

For more on the 2017 Wizard World Philadelphia, visit http://wizd.me/PhiladelphiaPR.

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com ), a premium subscription-based monthly box service and Wizard World Touring. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2017 Wizard World convention schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.

The Shaman brings Bruce to the Court so they can discuss the death of the Waynes. But the Shaman betrays the Court by having the Talons murder them all. When the GCPD arrives, one member is still alive and able to inform them of the Shaman and Bruce's involvement in their deaths before succumbing to his own wounds.

Ed tells Barbara, Butch, and Tabitha about Oswald being alive and returning to Gotham. They all decide to go after him, as it's only a matter of time before he comes for all of them for conspiring against him.

Jim goes to Lee's house, having learned that she was the one that stole the vial of the virus. She is waiting for him, already infected, and tries to seduce him while talking about the darkness already inside of him before knowing him out.

Oswald meets with Ivy and Selina at a hideout before they are attacked by Ed and Butch. Selina runs away, but everything was part of a larger plan of Oswald's. He traps Ed and Butch in the hideout and gets away with Ivy while Selina is the one that ends up caught.

Bruce and the Shaman go to meet with Strange who shows them the bomb that will unleash the virus on Gotham. The Shaman says that this bomb will lead the rise of a dark hero (these are more references for DC fans to geek out over). Bruce, the Shaman, and some Talons get away with the bomb when their place is raided by Harvey and Alfred, who are able to capture and arrest Strange. Alfred tries to get Bruce to come home but Bruce is too brainwashed to listen to him.

Strange is kept in a cell at the GCPD, while Lee returns to the station. When Jim wakes, he finds he has ben buried alive in a coffin. His oxygen supply is limited and the only thing he has is a radio transmitter and a syringe containing a sample of the virus. She informs the GCPD that if they do not find Jim in time, the only way he will be able to survive is to infect himself with the virus so he can use the enhanced strength to get himself out of the coffin. Lee is arrested while Harvey leads the other officers on a full investigation into finding Jim.

Alfred interrogates Strange, who eventually reveals that Bruce is at Wayne Enterprises. The bomb will detonate at a train station very soon.

When Jim realises that the GCPD will not reach him in time, he injects himself with the virus and escapes the coffin. Harvey is busy ordering a full evacuation of the station.

Oswald and Ivy arrive at her home but Ed, Barbara, and Tabitha arrive to recapture Oswald, as Selina gave them the address after she was left behind. But Fish Mooney returns yet again with a full squad of henchmen and she takes Oswald for herself.

Jim makes it back to the station and is determined to stop the bomb. But Lee intervenes after escaping her cell. Bruce is prepared to pull the trigger but Alfred arrives at Wayne Enterprises and implores him to remember who he is and not do this. The Shaman orders Bruce to detonate the bomb, which he does. Alfred proceeds to shoot the Shaman, who uses his dying moments to tell Bruce to find the Yuyan Building and the "Demon's Head" so that he can fulfill his destiny. Bruce, still brainwashed, attacks Alfred for killing the Shaman but the GCPD arrive and arrest Bruce. The bomb explodes in the GCPD station and the virus begins to spread through Gotham.

Gotham airs on Mondays on FOX at 8/7c.

The episode opens with an animated story about an ancient tribe travelling across the Bering Strait. This tribe prays to a god names Nynyunnini for help in their travels. But when the tribe faces great difficulty and obstacles on their journey, they begin to lose faith in Nynyunnini which results in the god being forgotten and dying.

Returning to the motel, Shadow must deal with the fact that Laura is alive and waiting for him. She admits to her affair and the events that led to her death. He struggles to understand how she is alive again but still somewhat dead. When she kisses him, she feels her heart give a beat and she is amazed.

Media summons Technical Boy, while assuming the form of David Bowie and brings a message from Mr. World who is the New God of Globalisation. Technical Boy is in trouble for his attack and attempted lynching of Shadow and reprimanded accordingly.

Shadow and Wednesday are arrested for bank robbery and interrogated at the police station. While Shadow is away, Mad Sweeney tracks Laura down and confronts her about having his coin. He wants her to return it but she refuses to give it back, as it was given to her by Shadow and is now inside of her giving her life. Mad Sweeney threatens her but Laura easily overpowers him and questions him. Mad Sweeney warns her not to trust Wednesday.

Media visits Shadow and Wednesday in the jail, this time assuming the form of Marilyn Monroe. Together, Media and Mr. World bring out Technical Boy and force him to apologise for his assault. These New Gods propose an alliance with Wednesday in which they will help him to 'find his audience' by sending a missile named Odin to attack North Korean. Following the discussion, they murder the police so that Shadow and Wednesday can escape from the station and consider their offer.

Finally, we see Laura break into a morgue and steal a bag of blood.

American Gods airs on Sundays on Starz at 9/8c.

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Gene Simmons
has selected local Philadelphia band Mach 22 to perform as an opening act at the Wizard World: An Evening with Gene Simmons and His Band," Friday, June 2, at the The Trocadero Theatre (1003 Arch St. in Center City).

Mach 22 (http://www.mach22music.com/) was selected via a search over the past six weeks. The band will play a set beginning at 7:45 p.m., followed by Creem Circus at 8:30 and Gene Simmons at 9:30 p.m. Doors open a 7 p.m.

As the name implies, MACH22’s rise is set to mach speed, with no turning back. Their presence, attitude, and sound, are winning audiences over at every show.

MACH22 is as authentic as you can get in a pure rock and roll band. Their songs span the emotional spectrum, capturing that classic feel with a modern rock edge. With their killer riffs, bluesy rhythms, and soulful delivery, they keep their audiences hooked for the entire set. The MACH22 sound echoes the tone of classic rock but imprints a style all their own.

Tickets start at $38, with VIP and meet-and-greet packages available. Tickets are available at http://www.thetroc.com.

Renewed Commitment To Anime Includes Special Category in Costume Contest, Maid Cafe, Interactive Game Shows, Added Programming, More Beginning At Pennsylvania Convention Center

PHILADELPHIA, May 26, 2017 – The vibrant, creative world of anime has for years been a part of Wizard World Comic Cons, from attendees’ cosplay to the variety of programming and exhibitors committed to the Japanese animation craft. Now, Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB: WIZD) is unveiling a series of initiatives to bolster this popular element of its shows, beginning in Philadelphia, June 1-4.

Cosplayer extraordinaire and anime uber-enthusiast Super Kayce is leading the effort, introducing enhanced activities that Wizard World attendees can enjoy all weekend, including the Anime Pavilion, which features:

• The return of the dedicated Anime category to the world famous Wizard World Costume Contest
• Maid Cafe open all four days, provided by local cafe Moe Mahou Maid Cafe, with “maids” in full uniform with lots of personality
• Interactive Anime & Pokemon game shows
• Cosplay character Meet & Greet on Saturday in the Maid Cafe
• Voice actors Lex Lang (“Kuzuki” in Fate Stay Night, “Maxie” in Pokemon Generations), Sandy Fox (“Haruna” in Durarara!x2, “Mina” and “Momiji” in Naruto) and Steve Blum (“Spike Spiegel” in Cowboy Bebop, “Zeb Orrelios” in Star Wars Rebels)
• Anime vendors
• Cosplay photo Meet-ups throughout the entire weekend!
  
  

“We have seen the influence and popularity of anime at Wizard World shows, so we are proud to enhance this area with a huge boost in offerings for fans of the genre,” said John D. Maatta, Wizard World President and CEO. “We will look to Kayce and anime enthusiasts for ways to help us make this an even better experience moving forward.”

Some of the planned future initiatives include a manga library for fans to share and view collections, a dedicated streaming anime room, anime gaming as part of Wizard World Gaming, hands-on workshops and more.

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia also features standout celebrities Jesse Eisenberg (Batman v Superman, The Social Network),  Chuck Norris (The Delta Force, “Walker, Texas Ranger”), John Cusack (Say Anything…, Better off Dead…), Gene Simmons  (KISS Frontman), Famke Janssen (X-Men, GoldenEye), Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, The Avengers ), Guardians of the Galaxy stars Michael Rooker (“The Walking Dead”) and  Sean Gunn (“Gilmore Girls”) and the “Riverdale” foursome of K.J. Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes and Cole Sprouse  among those scheduled to attend the comic con and pop culture extravaganza in Center City Philadelphia.

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia will also feature non-stop live entertainment, gaming, exclusive Q&A sessions with top celebrities, movie screenings hosted by stars and directors and more. The event is held in conjunction with the Wizard World Horror Festival. Additionally, there will be a screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show on Saturday, June 3, at 9 p.m., hosted by star  Barry Bostwick.

Wizard World is the home of the most creative comics artists and writers on the planet. Artist Alley in Philadelphia will feature Guy Gilchrist (“Muppets,” “The Pink Panther”), Jordan Gibson  (“Howard the Duck,” “Where is Jake Ellis?”), Phil Ortiz (“The Simpsons,” “Muppet Babies”), Tom Cook (“The Smurfs,” “He-Man”),  Danny Fingeroth (“Spider-Man,” “Iron Man”), Victor Dandridge (“The Samaritan,” “Origins Unknown”), Bob Camp  (“Ren and Stimpy,” “G.I. Joe”), Arthur Suydam (“Marvel Zombies,” “Deadpool”), Clinton Hobart (licensed Disney fine artist),  Victor Dandridge (“The Samaritan”) and many others.

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. The seventh event scheduled on the 2017 Wizard World calendar, Philadelphia show hours are Thursday, June 1, 4-9 p.m.; Friday, June 2, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, June 3, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, June 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids 10 and under are admitted free with paid adult.

Wizard World Comic Con Philadelphia is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday evening.

For more on the 2017 Wizard World Philadelphia, visit http://wizd.me/PhiladelphiaPR.

About Wizard World (OTCBB: WIZD)

Wizard World, Inc. (www.wizardworld.com) produces comic, gaming and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming and entertainment takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched ComicConBox™ (www.comicconbox.com ), a premium subscription-based monthly box service and Wizard World Touring. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2017 Wizard World convention schedule is available at: http://www.wizardworld.com/comiccon.