ARCHAIA ANNOUNCES
'HAWKEN: MELEE' MINISERIES, EXPANDING THE WORLD OF THE
AWARD-WINNING ONLINE
VIDEO GAME, 'HAWKEN'

Follow-up to the original graphic novel
'HAWKEN: GENESIS' debuts as a five-part Digital First title, then ships bi-weekly in print starting in December
 

  
Cover to HAWKEN: MELEE #1 illustrated by Tim Bradstreet   

September 11, 2013 (Los Angeles) - Award-winning publisher Archaia Entertainment, an imprint of BOOM! Studios, and free-to-play video game publisher Meteor Entertainment, have teamed up with comiXology to debut the Digital First title HAWKEN: MELEE, a five-part miniseries based on the celebrated online, free-to-play mech combat video game, HAWKEN. Featuring original stories from some of the top names in comics, the first digital issue is now live on comiXology.

The five Digital First issues will be released four weeks apart, and will be followed by the bi-weekly release of single-issue print editions starting in December. The print issues will contain additional backmatter that will appeal to gameplayers, such as mech and map schematics, combat strategies, and a peek behind the development curtain to enhance the gameplaying experience.

Following the success of HAWKEN: GENESIS, the previously released hardcover graphic novel that established the world history for the game,HAWKEN: MELEE focuses on high-stakes action and fast-paced combat in five standalone stories, each presented by a different creative team. The premiere issue features work by Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher), Dan Abnett (Legion of Super-Heroes), Federico Dallocchio (Suicide Squad), and Chris Northrop (The Reason for Dragons), while subsequent issues will feature work by Jim Mahfood (Grrl Scouts), Jock (The Losers), Nathan Fox (DMZ), Mike Kennedy (Bleedout), Andrew Gaska (Space: 1999 - Aftershock and Awe), Dan Dussault (Critical Millennium: The Dark Frontier), Michael O’Hare (Birds of Prey), Bagus Hutomo (HAWKEN: GENESIS), Francisco Ruiz Velasco (Thunderbolts), and Bengal (Flight Vol. 1).

“We really wanted to amp up the adrenaline factor for this second volume,” says Mike Kennedy, editor of the series, “and went after an A-list of amazing storytellers to bring their unique, individual vision to this rich universe.  Following the lush, painted concept style set by [game creator] Khang Le, we’re really excited by the quality of each standalone story.  We really think gamers and non-gamers alike are going to find this series pretty thrilling.”

The first two print issues of HAWKEN: MELEE will ship in December and will be available for pre-order through comic book shops starting Sept. 25.

HAWKEN is a free-to-play, online, multiplayer, mech combat shooter developed by Adhesive Games and published by Meteor Entertainment. It creates an intense and immersive battle experience that captures the feeling of piloting a heavy war machine while keeping the action fast-paced and strategic. Called one of the most anticipated games of 2012, HAWKEN won more than 22 press awards at industry events. For more information, visit playhawken.com.
 

About Archaia Entertainment

Archaia (archaia.com) is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 75 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Rust, Cow Boy, Cursed Pirate Girl,Gunnerkrigg Court, and Artesia. Archaia has also published an entire line of graphic novels in partnership with The Jim Henson Company, including the multiple award-winning Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand and such beloved tales asThe Dark Crystal, The Storyteller, and Fraggle Rock. In addition to its partnership with Henson, Archaia has forged creative partnerships with storytellers in all facets of the entertainment industry, resulting in print and digital expansions of such noted properties as Bleedout and HAWKEN (video games), Immortals and Planet of the Apes (film), and Space: 1999(television). Alongside these celebrated titles, Archaia has released English translations of numerous renowned foreign titles to much fanfare, includingThe Killer, Sergio Toppi’s Sharaz-De: Tales from Arabian Nights, and The Secret History. In June 2013, Archaia was acquired by BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com). Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent.

About Meteor Entertainment

Based in Seattle, Meteor Entertainment is focused on successfully publishing free-to-play games globally, with an emphasis on compelling content and setting the standard for customer service and community engagement. Meteor Entertainment’s first title, HAWKEN, developed by Adhesive Games, entered Open Beta on December 12, 2012 (12.12.12). To learn more about Meteor Entertainment, visit meteor-ent.com.

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ARCHAIA’S ADVENTURES IN WONDERCON!
 Archaia travels to WonderCon Anaheim for an exciting exhibit, cool creator signings, and fantastic promotions!

Los Angeles, CA (March 27, 2013) – Award-winning publisher Archaia Entertainment is excited to announce it will exhibit at WonderCon Anaheim, taking place March 29-31, 2013 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, California!

“With con season in full swing, we are excited to unleash our Spring lineup,” exclaimed Archaia President Jack Cummins. “We have seen great response to just-released titles like The Dark Crystal Vol. 2, Iron, Cursed Pirate Girl, Rust  Vol. 2, and others. At WonderCon, we will be showcasing our most immediate releases such as HAWKEN: GENESIS, Mumbai Confidential, and Pantalones, TX. Come by our booth and meet our creators—the best in the business!”

Many of these Archaia creators will be on hand to sign copies of their books or promotional items at the Archaia booth (#609), including:

Chris Northrop (writer: the upcoming The Reason for Dragons)
F.J. DeSanto (writer: Immortals: Gods and Heroes, the upcoming Cyborg 009)
Heather Nuhfer (writer: Fraggle Rock)
John Chandler (writer/artist: The Skrumps)
Khang Le (creator and story: HAWKEN: GENESIS)
Moro Rogers (writer/artist: City in the Desert)
Paul Morrissey (writer: Fraggle Rock)
R.J. Ryan (writer: Syndrome, the upcoming The Joyners in 3D)
Sam Humphries (writer: Fraggle Rock)
Saurav Mohapatra (writer: Mumbai Confidential)
Tom Pinchuk (writer: Hybrid Bastards!)

Fans who visit the booth will get sneak peeks of “look books” of several forthcoming Archaia titles in production, including Cyborg 009, The Reason for Dragons, and The Joyners in 3D.

In addition, a limited number of advance copies of Mumbai Confidential will be available for author Saurav Mohapatra to sign!

Promotions going on at the Archaia booth include:

• Using FourSquare, fans have a chance to win a Henson/Archaia graphic novel prize pack containing copies ofFraggle Rock Vol. 1, Fraggle Rock Vol. 2: Tails and Tales, The Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 1, andThe Dark Crystal: Creation Myths Vol. 2. Just be sure to check in at the Archaia booth through the FourSquare app on your iOS or Android phone once you’re at the show and you’re automatically entered! Winners will be contacted to receive their prize.

• Using Instagram, fans have a chance to win an all-ages prize pack containing copies of Mouse Guard Vol. 1: Fall 1152, Rust Vol. 1, and Cursed Pirate Girl. Take creative photos of the Archaia booth at WonderCon (#609), upload it using the Instagram app on your iOS or Android phone, and use the hashtag #ArchaiaWC13. Archaia will choose the best photo and contact the winner to receive their prize! Photos will be posted on the Archaia Facebook page!

• Customers who buy a copy of the recently released HAWKEN: GENESIS graphic novel at the Archaia booth will receive a scratch-off card containing a code they can redeem for 10,000 HAWKEN Credits in theHAWKEN video game!

• Fans who attend Archaia’s WonderCon panel (see below) will receive a coupon they can bring to the Archaia booth to receive a free copy of Archaia’s 2012 Free Comic Book Day hardcover, Mouse Guard, Labyrinth and Other Stories.

Archaia will put on an exciting, entertaining panel for aspiring comic book writers at the show:

Archaia Presents: Writing for ComicsSaturday, March 30, 11:30am – 12:30pm, Room 208AB
Writing a script for comic books and graphic novels is not unlike writing one for a film or TV show, but there are marked differences. Telling an artist to “go crazy” on a panel isn’t always the best option. What are some of the things aspiring comic book writers should know, and what are some resources they have available to them? Join a lively discussion with Archaia graphic novelists R.J. Ryan (Syndrome, The Joyners in 3D), Chris Northrop(The Reason for Dragons), Saurav Mohapatra (Mumbai Confidential, Devi), F.J. DeSanto (Immortals: Gods and Heroes, Cyborg 009), Mike Kennedy (Bleedout, Star Wars), and Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!) as they talk about their experiences and give their advice on how you can write a really great comic script!

See you at WonderCon!


About Archaia Entertainment, LLC
Archaia is a multi-award-winning graphic novel publisher with more than 75 renowned publishing brands, including such domestic and international hits as Mouse Guard, Rust, Cow Boy, Cursed Pirate Girl,Gunnerkrigg Court, and Artesia. Archaia has also published an entire line of graphic novels in partnership with The Jim Henson Company, including the multiple award-winning Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand and such beloved tales as The Dark Crystal, The Storyteller, and Fraggle Rock. Alongside these celebrated titles, Archaia has released English translations of numerous renowned foreign titles to much fanfare, including The Killer, Sergio Toppi’s Sharaz-De, and The Secret History.

In 2012, Archaia was honored with six Harvey Award nominations, two Harvey Awards, six Eisner nominations, and three Eisner Awards (Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand won for Best Graphic Album–New, Best Penciller/Inker, and Best Publication Design). Also in 2012, Archaia earned both Gold and Silver awards from ForeWord Reviews. Archaia was honored with nine 2011 Eisner Awards nominations and two Eisner Awards for Best Graphic Album and Best Anthology.

In addition to its partnership with The Jim Henson Company, Archaia has forged creative partnerships with storytellers in all facets of the entertainment industry, resulting in print and digital expansions of such noted properties as Bleedout and HAWKEN (video games); Immortals and Planet of the Apes (film); and Space: 1999 (television).

Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation within the creator community for producing meaningful, transformative content, building one of the industry’s most visually stunning and eclectic slates of graphic novels.

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