Author Dirk Manning has compiled a series of stories seemingly unrelated save for one common theme: love. Those with less familiarity with the horror genre can still find something to appreciate in this compilation, so long as they are open to content with darker undertones. The stories span a wide array of genres, including sci-fi, supernatural, and zombies.

Each of Manning's stories effectively build up tension till the pressure bursts in the climax and readers are left to process the sombre conclusion before proceeding onto the next one. The variety in artists that have done the illustrations further enhances the scope of Manning's versatility as a writer. Though the stories can all tie into the horror genre to varying extents, it is a more intelligent approach than the stereotypes associated with the genre.

One disclaimer worth giving is that the "An Inability To Cope" story contains graphic illustrations and content pertaining to suicide. Those with a particular sensitivity to this issue may be better off skipping this story. All of the stories are much better suited to an adult audience, not only due to the more violent illustrations but the tone and plots also bear a weight unfit for a too-young audience without a parental pre-read approval given first.

But if you find yourself in the mood for some dark and twisted stories with tragic love components woven in, don't miss out on Dirk Manning & Friends' "Love Stories (To Die For)"!

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The Walking Dead Escape may just be the most fun you can have while running for your life. Based on the hit comic and über popular television show, The Walking Dead, the offsite event took over Petco park again.

This year there were three ticket options available. As a “survivor”, participants test their nerves and stamina as they navigate through an “Zombie infected Evacuation Zone”, dodging walkers while crawling, climbing and running through a variety of physical challenges; as a “walker”, where participants get full make-up treatment and step into the role of the undead on the course; and as an “spectator”, where folks can watch the action from the distance.

With the event, being described as an“obstacle course meets haunted house”, I chose to take part in this year's fun, and boy was I not ready. I really should have followed Columbus's Zombieland rule #1, cause Cardio. This was the first year that any of the Museled members accepted the offer to run the course, and really I wasn't sure what to expect. Armed with only stretch pant, sneakers and an ewoking dead shirt I headed into the fray as a survivor.

Before the obstacle begins your taken to the gates of the militarized zone where a speaker on the bullhorn warns everyone to stay away from the outbreak, and that you are safe from outbreak. The army reminds you that it's not real, but once those uniform clad “officers” begin yelling at you to run, that something has gone wrong and the walkers start appearing the sheer terror sets in as your lungs begin to give out.

That initial boost of adrenaline is put to the test as you hustle up the ramps of Petco park dodging and weaving, trying to avoid the infected. It's all about getting from point A to point B, with no time limit. All you have to do is survive it all. Choosing your running group is essential, as you'll need to not only navigate the course, but at times distract the walkers to get by them. The buddy system is certainly essential, but at the same time don't form attachments.

I went in alone, and made friends on the course, but completely lost my group at the first big scare, and my lone surviving partner was taken out via real paramedics before we were half way through. The night didn't feel all too hot, but the humidity can definitely fool you, and she became faint from dehydration. A long con day certainly takes its toll. But as I said “adieu” to Sara, I did get a very kick ass partner, Batman. Seriously, if you can't be Batman, you should run with Batman for the Walking Dead Escape.

Between some batastic moves and witty repartee those walkers didn't stand a chance. The course consists of plenty of running, stair climbing, but no real crazy obstacles. Batman did far more sliding under tables, and jumping on cars to avoid walkers than I did. I tried to take video during the course, but it wasn't clear at all with the running and screaming. The course did teach me that I'm definitely a screamer during the 45-minute experience, and that navigating a zombie apocalypse is way harder than it looks even with slow moving zombies. I'll have to give it another go next year and arm myself with a go-pro to get some good video.

The Walking Dead: Escape is currently touring the country and well worth experiencing if you’re a zombie enthusiast. So limber up and get ready to get in touch with your inner Daryl Dixon or Michonne, its a ton of fun, you definitely won't regret it. Tickets can be purchased via The Walking Dead Escape website or on Tickets.com as part of a marketing partnership with Tickets.com, and don't forget to bring your own Batman, you'll need him!

PHOTO CREDIT: Eric Charbonneau

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Released: July 9, 2013                  

Format: Hardcover                      304 pages

Publisher: Crown
ISBN-13: 978-0770436315


There are somethings that were never meant to happen. There was never suppose to be a zombie apocalypse, and if there was one, only the strongest should have survived. The ones that prepared, that were best suited to pick up the pieces of civilization and rebuild something better in the ashes. But author Peter Stenson instead gives us a world where the living may just be as empty and hopeless as the dead, they just don't know it yet.

The world has fallen, and all that remain are the dead and the junkies, both with driving needs that are rapidly becoming increasingly unavailable. For the dead, they of course crave the flesh of the living, but for the junkies, the very addiction that's killing them is also keeping them alive. 

In this twisted dystopian landscape Chase Daniels rises as the reluctant hero. Chase was never meant to be a hero. He's failed at love, at life, he's broken his parents hearts a million times, he's lied and failed at 12 steps; no, his is not the story of redemption, of overcoming all obstacles. I'm not even if its a story of hope or survival, or love, or if it's just a story of obsession.

Chase is obsessed with the girl who left him, KK, the one who just may be more messed up than he is. When his second chance to be near her comes along he chomps at the bit, but being clean and having a family just can't be in the cards.

Every single tweeker in the novel is obsessed with the meth that destroyed their preapocalypse life, and is currently keeping them alive. Why meth staves off the viruse that turned everyone into chuckling flesheating undead is never explained, but at the same time it doesn't need to be.

When I spoke to Stenson at comic con he described the book as Walking Dead meets Breaking Bad and I wondered how well the two genres could really mesh. The beautiful thing that Walking Dead captures and really works here is not the horror of the zombies, but the dehumanization of people. Stenson takes a page out of Kirkman's book, making the other survivors just as dangerous as the zombies. At it's core Fiend isn't just a horror novel. It's the gritty undertow of the lure of drugs, the bad decisions we make because of them, and how sometimes even when we know our actions are wrong we just can't force ourselves to do the right thing.

In an oversaturated genre Fiend is a breath of fresh air. Although this is Stenson's first foray into the novel field he certainly has a firm grasp on his material . His story sets a rapid pace delivering plenty of shocks and vivid imagery. The language is abrasive at time, and descriptions stomach churning, but they're certainly right on the money and realistic. I, for one, cannot wait to see what he comes up with next. 

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One-Of-A-Kind Zombie Obstacle Course Based On The Network’s Drama Series And Robert Kirkman's Comic Book Series Comes To San Diego Comic-Con 2013

(BOSTON, MA) – July 2, 2013 – AMC announced today it has joined forces with Skybound, Robert Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics, and Ruckus Sports for the second annual The Walking Dead Escape (www.thewalkingdeadescape.com), a zombie obstacle course at Petco Park during Comic-Con weekend in San Diego, July 19th and 20th. Last year, Skybound and Ruckus Sports brought the first The Walking Dead Escape to San Diego during the 2012 Comic-Con weekend. The Walking Dead Escape allows fans to live out the events from the groundbreaking, Emmy-award winning and top-rated AMC series, which is based on Robert Kirkman's Eisner Award-winning best selling The Walking Dead graphic novels. The course is open July 19 & 20 from 5:00 – 10:00 pm where Survivors can climb, crawl and slide as part of the adventure and to also avoid confrontation by hordes of Walkers. The Walking Dead Escape is not a race and Survivors are not timed. The goal is for the Survivors to reach the decontamination zone where their level of infection - if any – is determined by a confidential military scan. Walkers are transformed into the undead by professional makeup teams and released on the course to haunt the living. In addition, participants and spectators alike can immerse themselves in The Walking Dead Fan Festival, an interactive “after party” featuring games, food, and merchandise from all facets of The Walking Dead universe. "After overwhelming positive feedback from those who experienced ‘The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego’ last summer, we wanted to bring our fans an even bigger and better experience for 2013. As promised, we will be upping the ante as we bring on board celebrated and renowned new partner, AMC,” said Liam Brenner, founder of The Walking Dead Escape and Ruckus Sports. "With AMC’s creative prowess, we are confident that this year’s ‘Escape’ will be the most action-packed and thrilling event yet. We know fan expectations are high and hope to deliver beyond their wildest imaginations."  "The fan reaction to 'The Walking Dead" on AMC has been truly remarkable and exceeded our wildest expectations. It is the number one show on television among adults 18-49, and this live experience allows these passionate and dedicated fans to actually enter the zombie apocalypse that provides the backdrop for the series," said Theresa Beyer, VP of activation and promotion at AMC. "Whether acting as survivors, walkers or spectators, this perilous and immersive attraction allows fans of the show to put themselves in the world that they can't get enough of.” This year The Walking Dead Escape is elevated with new props, scenes and full Walking Dead experiences. Fans may choose among three ways to participate in this epic adventure; as a “Survivor” racing through the zombie-infested evacuation zone with familiar scenes and props from the show and comic book series; as a “Walker" in the undead horde or as a “Spectator” watching the apocalypse from sidelines at the Escape Party. For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.thewalkingdeadescape.com. To view video and photos from last summer’s event in San Diego go to www.facebook.com/TheWalkingDeadEscape. To receive updates about the Zombie Apocalypse, be sure to follow @TDWEscape on Twitter! Early registration is strongly recommended, as walk-ups may not be available on event day.  About Robert Kirkman Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty-one years ago. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. In 2010, Kirkman formed his own Image imprint, Skybound, which publishes his own work and Clone, Ghosted, Invincible Universe and Witch Doctor. Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and 2012. In April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com  and www.TheWalkingDead.com About Skybound Skybound is Robert Kirkman's imprint at Image Comics and home to his creator-owned works including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves. Skybound also develops and fosters other talented writers, creators and artists and publishes their comic book series and graphic novels: Clone, Ghosted, Invincible Universe and Witch Doctor. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S., where Kirkman serves as Executive Producer/writer. Kirkman is also developing a new show with FOX International Channels based on his upcoming comic book series set in the world of exorcism. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles arewww.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com * * * About AMC Whether commemorating favorite films from every genre and decade or creating acclaimed original programming, AMC brings to its audience something deeper, something richer, Something More. The network reigns as the only cable network in history ever to win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series four years in a row, and boasts the most-watched drama series in basic cable history with “The Walking Dead.” AMC’s original drama series include “Mad Men,” “Breaking Bad,” “The Walking Dead,” “The Killing” and “Hell on Wheels.” Its newest series, “Low Winter Sun,” premieres this summer.  AMC also explores authentic worlds with bold characters through its slate of unscripted original series like “Comic Book Men,” “Small Town Security,” “Talking Dead,” and “Freakshow.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, Sundance Channel, and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile. AMC: Something More. About Ruckus Sports, LLC Ruckus Sports, LLC, an innovator in mass-participatory events, creates compelling, exhilarating outdoor events designed for a wide range of people. Beginning in 2010 with its signature event, “The Ruckus Challenge,” these events reach multiple markets across the country, with thousands of participants from ages 2 to 72 having completed our premier obstacle races. As the creator and producer of “The Walking Dead Escape,” Ruckus continues to demonstrate that extraordinary mass-participatory events can take many forms and appeal to a variety of audiences. Ruckus Sports is a portfolio company of Steel Sports Inc., a network of branded, participatory and experience-based businesses.

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“Sword-fighting, blood-splattering, head-exploding action.”

-- Vanity Fair

“I wish they could have advertised Osombie during the Super Bowl”

-- Harry Knowles, Ain’t It Cool News 

THIS DECEMBER, BIN LADEN RISES FROM THE DEAD, LEADING AN ARMY OF ZOMBIE TERRORISTS IN AN AXIS OF THE EVIL DEAD…

ON DVD AND BLU-RAY!

OSOMBIE

Street Date: December 11, 2012

BD/DVD SRP: $19.98

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER HERE!

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Just when you thought it was safe to be a Westerner, Bin Laden rises from the grave to finish his jihad as a flesh-eating zombie in OSOMBIE, a “mayhem-filled[1]” horror flick arriving in the home entertainment marketplace as the world continues to be infected with love for all things undead.  For fans of “The Walking Dead”, “World War Z” or anything that shambles, Entertainment One debuts this highly anticipated release on Blu-ray and DVD for the collectible price of $19.98srp.

Dusty is a yoga instructor from Colorado who is on a desperate rescue mission to save her brother, Derek, a conspiracy theorist who is convinced Osama bin Laden is still alive. After arriving in Afghanistan, Dusty falls in with a team of NATO special forces on a secret assignment and soon discovers that Derek is not so crazy after all: Osama has in fact returned from his watery grave and is making an army of zombie terrorists!  When the soldiers crash headlong into the growing zombie apocalypse, Dusty and the troops must find and destroy the root of the zombie insurgency before it infests the rest of the world.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Type: DVD/BD

Catalog #:  EOE-DV-7284/EOE-BD-7356

Running Time: 94 mins.

Genre:  Horror

Aspect Ratio: 16 x 9 (1.78:1)

Audio: 5.1 Dolby Digital for DVD/DTS-HD Master Audio for Blu-ray

Language Tracks: English with SDH subtitles

---

[1] Entertainment Weekly

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From the Desk of Ryan Reiter |  Creator, Owner and President of ZomBcon International.

The fate of ZomBcon International lies before all of you today. As the owner and president, I am writing you all today to ask you for your support and help to return this convention back to Seattle for good and solidify it’s future for this great community.

I am offering a new opportunity to return ZomBcon to the fans and revive this amazing experience that once made Seattle “The Zombie Capital of the World” once again next September 27th.

After four years, I have witnessed  the loyalty and hearts of our fan base; having met many of you at the convention and Red, White & Dead Zombie walk in Fremont. It has been a truly amazing experience to be part of this community of Zombie fans and I want to help to revive this amazing experience back to my hometown once and for all.

After two amazing years of building the world’s first true Zombie culture convention experience right here in Seattle, it now comes down to helping us finance this event by fans for fans. In years past, we have been honored to host top media guests like Bruce Campbell, George A. Romero, Max Brooks, Tom Savini, Norman Reedus, Ted Raimi, Bill Moseley, Sid Haig and so many others notable guests in Seattle.

Last year, our convention battled a lot of unforeseen obstacles and challenges, along with false accusations of ownership. Not only was it untimely, it severely hurt the conventions operation and financial support success, thus putting our plans for 2012 and beyond on hiatus.

Almost one year later, we have prevailed and proud to say that our team is ready to revive the convention; despite last year’s hardships one last time for the community that built this convention together.

I have decided that is was time to revisit the state of affairs after last year’s convention and with 2012 being absent of the convention. As most of you know, we were faced with a legal matter that forced the convention into a hybernation. Now that it is finished and we are clear to rebuild, we want to infect our Emerald City once and for all and we want your help bigger than ever!

As the President and Artistic Director, I have enlisted in a brand new team of talented individuals and staff for our 2013 plans that share the same invested interest as myself and the thousands of fans around the world that have joined us for ZomBcon International. Some are volunteers and others have been part of my team since the beginning like our amazing Festival Director, Jerry Brooks.

It’s time to band together as a community and celebrate the Zombie Apocalypse in true undead fashion once again. For those who can’t buy tickets, then we ask you volunteer your time and help us get the word out. For those who can, we are counting on you large and small this year to show your support and buy your tickets much earlier and encourage your friends to do the same

I have received countless emails, Facebook posts and met people on the streets day after day that cheer us on and hope that we find a way to bring this convention back to Seattle. It’s time to return form the dead and bring this community together.

Our plans for 2013 include a Apocalypse Survival Tech and Gadget Expo that will feature the latest products to keep you safe and sound when the horde rises and shambles your way.

2013 is our goal and we are calling each fan on Facebook, Twitter and around the world to share this and support our convention and buy tickets to show your support and commitment ahead of time. We don’t have sponsors and investors behind us, so if we are truly going to return this convention to the community, then we need the community to show us you want it back in Seattle.

So with that, we offer the opportunity to bring the convention back to the Northwest and keep the blood and braaaaaaains flowing on the streets; making Seattle the “Zombie Capital of the World” once again as we announce plans starting next week to release advance ticket sales and announce a date for the convention.

Our plans are to turn our attention to the ZomBcon and move our annual Red, White and Dead Zombie Walk around the same date to bring these two amazing events closer to together and unite for for one massive Zombie outbreak. Our goal is to bring the convention back to Seattle on September 27th through September 29th. We haven’t decided on a specific location for the convention, but are actively looking at sutiable venues to host our event event and will update you every step of the way.

BUY YOUR TICKETS ON TUESDAY, OCT. 16TH ONLINE

For our loyal supporters, we want to encourage your time and investment by offering you a great opportunity. So we put a limited amount of advance ticket sales on sale starting Tuesday, October 16th online.

Our first goal is to raise $25,000 before December 1st. In an attempt to reach this mark fast and set forth the next stage is to offer a (1,000) Three-Day Pass for just $25 each Admission for Single admission and $49 for two people. If we can manage to sell a combined amount of 2,500 tickets, we can actually set forth and produce the festival.

We have almost 8,000 fans on Facebook and if every Facebook fan donated or bought a ticket, we could be well on our way to announce our plans for 2013 and 2014. We will be offering VIP Packages upon reaching our first goal of $25,000 and upon that provide the opportunity to make plans. So one step at a time. As I say this and set forth the plans, this is not a guarantee that the convention will happen, but an opportunity.

This offer is limited and will not be offered again to fans and ticket holders, as ticket prices will go up on each round of ticket sales. It’s simple, in order for us to make this festival a great success; both operationally and to ensure a premier convention, we must raise the money to support the hard costs of the convention. I believe in this community and know we can reach our goals and make this an annual tradition once again for all of the horror fans in Northwest and the world.

What happens if we don’t reach our goal of $25,000 by the December 1st date? If we do not reach our goal of $25,000, then subsequently each ticket holder will receive a 100% refund and we will not go forward, unless we receive a substantial sponsorship or investment, but presently, we are on our own and can’t do this alone without your help. If we reach our goal of $25,000, then we announce a venue for the 2013 convention and begin working on media guests for the convention.

Thank you all for your time and the opportunity to bring this great festival together back to Seattle.

Sincerely,

Ryan Reiter

President and Artistic Director

source:ZomBCon

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A. Zombie Enters the 2012 Presidential Race

NEW CANDIDATE VOWS TO RESTORE ZOMBIES TO

TELEVISIONS EVERYWHERE

A. ZOMBIE TO ANNOUNCE CANDIDACY AT SAN DIEGO’S WESTFIELD HORTON PLAZA ON AUGUST 20, 2012, OTHER CAMPAIGN STOPS INCLUDE

DALLAS, ATLANTA, NEW YORK AND THE REPUBLICAN

AND DEMOCRATIC CONVENTIONS

New York, NY -- August 20, 2012 – The 2012 Presidential race is about to get more lively thanks to something quite dead – the news that A. Zombie, America’s first Zombie Presidential candidate, is entering the race.

A formidable third party contender for the nation’s highest office, A. Zombie is slated to announce his candidacy at a high-energy rally on Monday, August 20^th at Westfield Horton Plaza in San Diego. The candidate and his human wife, Patty Morgan-Zombie, will then commence a cross-country bus tour that will take them to six major U.S. cities including Tampa and Charlotte, where they will bring their pro-zombie message to the Republican and Democratic Conventions.

“My husband is someone who has dedicated his life and his afterlife to bringing equal viewing opportunities to all Americans,” said Mrs. Zombie. He’s the right man to lead the fight to bring zombies to everyone in America, and he won’t stop -- even if it kills him, again.”

The A. Zombie for President Campaign is organized by AMC Networks, home to AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel. Satellite company DISH dropped these networks earlier this year because of an unrelated lawsuit and is now in the disadvantaged position of being the nation’s only major television provider without these channels and their popular shows.

A one-issue candidate, A. Zombie’s mission is to rally zombie fans around the country who don’t have access to these networks and shows to find an alternative television provider before the highly-anticipated third season premiere on October 14, 2012 of A. Zombie’s favorite show, AMC’s The Walking Dead, the most watched basic cable scripted drama series among DISH subscribers, according to the Nielsen company.

At present, A. Zombie’s campaign juggernaut is slated to motor to: San Diego (August 20); Dallas (August 24); Tampa for the Republican Convention (August 28); Atlanta (September 1); Charlotte for the Democratic Convention(September 3 - 4) and New York City (September 5).

About AMC Networks Inc.

Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. (Nasdaq: AMCX) owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, Sundance Channel, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates AMC/Sundance Channel Global, an international programming business, and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, a full-service network programming origination and distribution company.

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Fresh out of San Diego Comic Con, the Walking Dead Season 3 trailer!

We're gonna see lots of Michonne from the looks of things, because she's well, pretty badass. She and Andrea are gonna see a copter go down, and wind up at Woodbury with the Governor.Woodbury looks too good to be true, and Michonne doesn't trust the Governor. The Governor questions Andrea, and she tells him about her group. Clearly she'll continue to screw the group over, while thinking she's doing the right thing.

Rick and the rest are gonna find a prison, which although they're gonna need to clean out, is a sweet spot. They're gonna spill plenty of blood, and become territorial. I'm not sure who Lori is trying to convince more, Rick or herself when she tells him that he's not a killer, and that he's protecting the group.

Rick isn't willing to give up the prison, but the Governor feels like he has right to it. This is the Walking Dead, so things are not going to end well, especially when Rick starts making threats.

"If we see you out there, anywhere near our people....I'll kill you."

Oh and Merle is back!

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‘THE PEOPLE VS GEORGE LUCAS’ TEAM ANNOUNCES DEFINITIVE ZOMBIE DOCUMENTARY
 ‘WALKING DEAD’ ARTIST CHARLIE ADLARD TO SIGN POSTER ART AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON

DENVER, CO (July 5, 2012) – The creators of the groundbreaking participatory documentary THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS are already hard at work on DOC OF THE DEAD—the definitive and most comprehensive tribute to zombie culture and fandom ever made. Shot and edited in a cinematically edgy, high-octane style, DOC OF THE DEAD will host a rich pop culture dialogue with zombie experts and celebrities, seek participation from YouTubers and indie filmmakers, and even investigate the possibility and ramifications of an actual zombie outbreak with sociologists, virologists, chemists, and members of the Zombie Research Society.

The Exhibit A Pictures triumvirate—Writer/Director Alexandre O. Philippe, Producer Kerry Deignan Roy, and Producer/DP Robert Muratore—teams up again with Editor Chad Herschberger and the multi award-winning post-production facility Milkhaus (Oscar winner SAVING FACE; Sundance winner CHASING ICE) to stamp their unique brand of entertainment and pop culture commentary on one of the most viral and enduring fan phenomena in recenthistory. This will also mark their first full-fledged collaboration with Geekscape’s own Jonathan London and Red Letter Media’s massively popular Mr. Plinkett—both of whom will contribute recurring, fictionalized segments to the film. In other words: expect plenty of fan service and gory surprises!

Artist Charlie Adlard (THE WALKING DEAD), who created a stunning original poster for the film, will autograph a number of San Diego Comic-Con exclusive limited edition prints at the Geekscape Booth #3919 on Friday, July 13, 2012 at 4:30pm.

Filming is already under way, and the Exhibit A team is currently focusing on key interviews with countless personalities, critics, scholars, writers, filmmakers, comedians, and notorious zombie culture enthusiasts. Notables (to date) include Simon Pegg (SHAUN OF THE DEAD), and Matt Mogk (ZOMBIE RESEARCH SOCIETY). Zombie icon George A. Romero has agreed to participate, and will be interviewed in Toronto in early August.

Principal photography for DOC OF THE DEAD will begin in the Fall of 2012, with key interviews/B-roll/fictionalized segments filmed by the Exhibit A crew, and additional segments concurrently produced by Geekscape and Red Letter Media. Post-production is anticipated to begin in the Spring of 2013, with a completed film ready for delivery by Fall 2013. Crowdsourcing will be ongoing during the production and post-production periods. DOC OF THE DEAD will premiere in 2014.

For future updates, please follow DOC OF THE DEAD at: 
http://www.docofthedead.com
http://www.facebook.com/thedocofthedead

                              

• Exhibit A Pictures’ most recent feature doc, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF PAUL THE PSYCHIC OCTOPUS, is currently on the festival circuit. It recently premiered to rave reviews at Edinburgh International Film Festival, Filmfest München, and Sheffield Doc/Fest, and will soon screen at the famed Sitges Fantastic Film Festival (Spain), PiFan (South Korea), and Strasbourg European Fantastic Film Festival. Additional festival screenings will be announced in the near future.
• THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS is widely recognized as one of the best films ever made about geek culture, and remains groundbreaking in its use of crowdsourcing and fan participation. PvsG premiered at a number of top-tier festivals, including SXSW (Spotlight Premiere), Hot Docs, Edinburgh IFF, AFI Silverdocs, Filmfest München, Rome IFF, Stockholm IFF, Istanbul Film Festival, Los Angeles Film Festival, and CPH:DOX (among many others). Following a limited theatrical run, THE PEOPLE vs. GEORGE LUCAS was released on DVD/Blu-Ray by Lionsgate Entertainment (US), Wrekin Hill Entertainment (UK, Australia, NZ, South Africa), Kinosmith (Canada), Capelight (Germany, Switzerland), Initiative One/BAC Films (France), and Fine Films (Japan).
• Director Alexandre O. Philippe graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. He is Creative Director of Denver-based Cinema Vertige, and has also directed several documentaries and award-winning shorts, including LEFT and THE SPOT.
• LEFT was the first film in history to have been recorded, edited and mixed at the highest possible resolution (192kHz / 24-bit) for Dolby’s new process of lossless encoding in TrueHD 5.1 surround sound technology. It screened at 39 festivals around the world (including Montreal, BFI London, Sao Paulo, Bilbao, and Santa Barbara), and won the Governor Award at the Akira Kurosawa Memorial Short Film Competition in Japan, and the Special Jury Prize at Cinema Jove in Valencia, Spain.
• THE SPOT won the MySpace Award for Best Non-Fiction Film at IMAGO 2008 in Portugal, and has been selected by 25 international film festivals.
• Producer and Director of Photography Robert Muratore started his career with Trey Parker and Matt Stone. He shot their early efforts TIME WARPED and CANNIBAL! THE MUSICAL, in which he also starred as Frenchy Cabazon.
• GEEKSCAPE is a popular geek culture podcast and online community. The website receives 100,000 visitors a month, while the popular podcast has a subscription base of 20,000 weekly listeners.
• Geekscape is a sponsor of ZomBCon Seattle, an annual zombie culture convention that has featured horror guests Bruce Campbell, George Romero, Tom Savini, and Max Brooks—among many others.
• RED LETTER MEDIA (launched by Mike Stoklasa and Jay Bauman) was responsible for creating the infamous "70-Minute Phantom Menace Review" (4 million hits on YouTube), as well as other popular film reviews via an online persona named Mr. Plinkett.
• In 2010, Mike Stoklasa was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s top 25 filmmakers to watch, and his reviews have received praise from Damon Lindelof (Co-Creator and Executive Producer of LOST), Simon Pegg, Patton Oswalt, Rob Zombie, and Roger Ebert.

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FORENSIC PSYCHIATRISTS AND FORMER FBI PROFILER PUT ZOMBIES, WEREWOLVES, AND VAMPIRES ON TRIAL AND UNLOCK ARKHAM ASYLUM

Comic-Con 2012 Panels Apply Real-Life Forensic Psychiatry to Famous Monsters and Infamous Bat-Villains


Los Angeles, CA, June 2012 – After unprecedented audience response to previous presentations, the doctors of Broadcast Thought, H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., return to Comic-Con to lead two panels. On Thursday, July 12, 2012, from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm in Room 7AB , they team up with the star of TV’s “Killer Instinct,” Mark E. Safarik, M.S., V.S.M., FBI Ret., Supervisory Special Agent, Behavioral Analysis Unit, to present “Zombies, Vampires, and Werewolves on Trial: The Forensic Psychiatry of the Dead, the Undead, and the Unlucky.” The forensic psychiatrists determine whether these monsters are actually competent to stand trial for their killings or even not guilty by reason of insanity. The doctors offer fascinating real life medical and mental health takes on the lore of these flesh-eaters, blood suckers, and wild beasts, while Mr. Safarik compares the grisly behaviors of these fictional characters to those of real life predators.

Then, on Saturday, July 14, 2012, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, join Broadcast Thought again in Room 7AB as they present “Unlocking Arkham: The Forensic Psychiatry of Batman’s Rogues’ Gallery.” Applying real-world psychiatric diagnostic criteria, they explore the mental disorders that affect popular characters such as Two-Face, Harley Quinn, the Riddler, the Joker, and many more. The doctors examine the difference between psychotic and psychopathic villains, and in the process, boldly determine who truly belongs at Arkham Asylum.

About Broadcast Thought:

Broadcast Thought is comprised of H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., three physicians specializing in forensic, child and adolescent, and adult psychiatry, and fans of film, television, comic books, and other popular media. Broadcast Thought provides expert consultation to the media and entertainment industries and co-produces mental health content. Promoting "Accuracy in Entertainment and Entertainment in Accuracy," the group adds new dimensions to portrayals of mental illness, evolves perceptions of mental health matters, and advances popular media in innovative directions.


Broadcast Thought’s Comic-Con and WonderCon appearances have drawn capacity crowds, and their approach has been featured in The New York Times, The Huffington Post, Wired, ABC News, AOL News, British Medical Journal, Newsarama, Entertainment Weekly, and Discover.


About Mark Safarik:

Mark E. Safarik, M.S., V.S.M., (FBI Ret.), is a former Supervisory Special Agent of the FBI’s famed Behavioral Analysis Unit. Mr. Safarik is Executive Director of Forensic Behavioral Services, Inc., and the star of Killer Instinct, a television series based on high-profile murder cases from his career. He has also appeared as an expert on Dateline, Court TV, Forensic Files, and Discovery Channel, and has been a consultant to CSI: Las Vegas and Bones.

“Zombies, Vampires, and Werewolves on Trial: The Forensic Psychiatry of the Dead, the Undead, and the Unlucky” takes place on Thursday, July 12, 2012, from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm in Room 7AB of the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA.

“Unlocking Arkham: The Forensic Psychiatry of Batman’s Rogues’ Gallery” takes place on Saturday, July 14, 2012, from 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm, in Room 7AB of the San Diego Convention Center, San Diego, CA.

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The Walking DeadEscape: San Diego Partners with Make-Up Effects Company KNB EFX Group, Inc. Lead by Co-Executive Producer of AMC’s The Walking Dead Greg Nicotero

The Zombie Apocalypse Event Debuts at Petco Park to Celebrate Robert Kirkman's

The Walking Dead Issue #100 During San Diego Comic-Con July 12-14, 2012

San Diego, CA– June 19, 2012 – The Walking DeadEscape: San Diego announced its partnership with KNB EFX Group, Inc. and its founder Greg Nicotero, the force behind Special Effects Make-up for TV shows and movies such as AMC’s The Walking Dead, Kill Bill, Predators, Transformers 1-3, Pulp Fiction, Dances with Wolves, Land of the Dead, The Chronicles of Narnia, just to name a few. In conjunction with the release of Robert Kirkman’s Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead Issue #100 at San Diego Comic-Con, The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego takes place July 12 -14 at Petco Park, centrally located near the San Diego Convention Center. Registration is now open at www.TheWalkingDeadEscape.com.

There are three ways to participate in this epic adventure. Participants can be a Survivor and race through the zombie infested evacuation zone; a Walker who becomes one of the undead, embracing the inevitable; or a Spectator who watches the apocalypse from sidelines at the Escape Party. Greg Nicotero and his team at KNB EFX will transform those who sign up to be Walkers into the most terrifying zombies to grace San Diego.

With their work on AMC’s The Walking Dead, Greg Nicotero and his KNB EFX team have deep experience creating some of the most incredible zombies in the industry. Founded in 1988, they have become one of the most prolific Special Make-up Effects Studios in Hollywood. One look at Nicotero’s creations for the undead and The Walking DeadEscape: San Diego participants will know they are in for a zombie experience like no other.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have Greg and his KNB EFX team on board for The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego,” said event producer Liam Brenner. “People who sign up to be Walkers will have the opportunity to be completely transformed into zombies by the leader in the Special Make-up Effects industry. It’s really a chance of a lifetime!”

Skybound.com’s The Walking Dead Escape: San Diego is unlike any obstacle course event in the U.S., expanding on the best-selling The Walking Dead comic book series and graphic novel storylines, allowing Survivors and Walkers to explore the initial days of the apocalypse.

Survivors will climb, crawl and slide in an effort to avoid confrontation by hordes of Walkers, while achieving the ultimate adventure on The Walking Dead-themed obstacle course. The Walking Dead Escape is not a race, and Survivors are not timed, but the end is near, and they must move swiftly. If they’re lucky, Survivors will reach the decontamination zone at the end where it will be determined if they have been infected.

For more information or to register for the event, please visit www.thewalkingdeadescape.com.

About Greg Nicotero & KNB EFX Group, Inc.

Greg Nicotero is Co-Executive Producer, Director and Special Effects Make-Up designer on The Walking Dead. In 2011, he received two Emmy nominations and won the Emmy (his 3rd) for Outstanding Prosthetic Make-Up for a Series for The Walking Dead. The web series "Torn Apart" based on the WALKING DEAD Franchise which he co-wrote and directed, won the 2011 Writer's Guild Award for outstanding achievement in writing for new media.

His company, The KNB EFX Group (KNB) has contributed to such films as Dances with Wolves, The Green Mile, Sin City, Transformers and Pulp Fiction. Prosthetics and character make-up can be seen in everything from Kill Bill, Splice, Drag me To Hell, The Hills Have Eyes to Boogie Nights, Grindhouse, Austin Powers: Goldmember and Army of Darkness. Nicotero supervised make-up effects on no less than 90 films, from Inglorious Basterds to the Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks HBO series The Pacific and Predator. He also won a British Academy Award for Best Make-Up as well as an Oscar for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.

About Robert Kirkman

Robert Kirkman's success and passionate advocacy for creator-owned comics led him to become the first person invited to become a partner at Image Comics since the company's inception twenty years ago and he formed his own imprint there, Skybound, in 2010. Kirkman is the creator/writer of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur,The Astounding Wolf-Man, and new title Thief of Thieves, among many others.

Kirkman has earned the respect of the comic, writing and television communities and topped the New York Times bestseller list for graphic novels in 2011 and in April 2012, he took the top five spots on both the hardcover and paperback lists. He's the creator/executive producer and writer of the hit television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 120 countries and 250 million households. AMC is developing Thief of Thieves as a potential series with Kirkman serving as creator/executive producer and writer. www.Skybound.com is your destination for all news and merchandise for Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles.

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Since being abandoned on a rooftop in Season 1, Merle Dixon has been the source of fervent fan speculation. And we were only teased with him in Season 2 with Daryl's hallucinations, leaving none of the constant questions answered. (Where is he? Is he alive?) 

Today, AMC confirms that Merle (Michael Rooker) will return in The Walking Dead Season 3. Check out this first look at the character -- sporting a new arm accessory. Is anyone else hoping he straps a chainsaw on there at some point in the season?

Source : AMC

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Sac-Con is this Sunday June 3rd at the Scottish Rite Center in Sacramento (6151 H Street). 10am - 5pm. Admission is $6 at the door. Meet great guests like:

Billy West - The voice Futurama's "FRY", "REN AND STIMPY" and More!
Vince Locke - Artist & Co-Writer of "DEADWORLD"
Dan Brereton - The Nocturnals, Red Sonja, Vampirella
Tone Rodriguez - Simpsons Comic Book Artist















FREE Vampirella Art Print to the 1st 300 Fans!
This large limited edition print reprints the cover to Vampirella the Red Room Issue #3 painted by Dan Brereton. Thanks to Dan Brereton and Dynamite for allowing us to offer this cool exclusive to our fans.














FREE Zombie Art Print to the 1st 200 Fans!
Special Guest Vince Locke created the artwork for this Sac-Con exclusive.













Pre-Register for Sac-Con for only $4.00

Check out some of our great events at the show:

Cosplay Costume Contest
Classic Video Game Tournament
Huge Vendors Room
12pm Charity Auction
Panels/Q & A's with our guests as well as the Sac Geeks
Free Yugioh & Magic Tournaments
Console Game Room
and more!

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