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Warner Bros. Reveals Collectible Bags and Pins for San Diego Comic-Con

2017/07/14
boothby
Geek News, News, SDCC

BURBANK, Calif. (July 14, 2017) — It’s in the bag! Warner Bros. and Comic-Con® have joined forces again on the official bags of SDCC 2017, with new, unique versions for fans to enjoy, and this year, the cool convention carriers come with a hidden surprise — an exclusive DC Super Hero pin for fans to add to their collection. Fans can channel their inner Super Hero by proudly wearing the unique collector’s pin as they enjoy their unforgettable Comic-Con experience. With a total of six DC Super Heroes — including The Green Arrow, Batman, The Flash, Supergirl, Superman and Wonder Woman — featured on the pins, there’s something for every DC fan who can also swap pins with fellow enthusiasts.

With new shows added to the mix for 2017 and 20 bold designs, fans can collect all their Comic-Con swag in one super-cool, carry-everywhere companion. The bags are distributed to fans when checking in at the show, and this marks the eighth year that Warner Bros. is providing the official bag of the world’s leading comics and pop culture convention.

  • Designed by Warner Bros. Worldwide Television Marketing, each of the 20 different editions of the 2017 Comic-Con bag features iconic show-related imagery on one isde, with the Comic-Con 2017 official design appearing on the opposite side.
  • More than 135,000 bags have been produced and will be provided to Comic-Con attendees throughout the convention.
  • Warner Bros. Television series featured on the SDCC bags are The 100, Arrow, The Big Bang Theory, Black Lightning, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, Gotham, Lucifer, Riverdale, Supergirl, Supernatural and Westworld.
  • Warner Bros. Animation series highlighted are Justice League Action and Teen Titans Go!, along with Blue Ribbon Content’s upcoming digital series Freedom Fighters: The Ray.
  • Warner Bros. Consumer Products’ DC Super Hero Girls is also showcased.
  • Feature films highlighted include Blade Runner 2049, Justice League, The LEGO® Ninjago Movieand Ready Player One.

Halloween Horror Nights Coming to ScareLA

2017/07/13
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Geek News, Halloween, News

LOS ANGELES, CA – July 11, 2017 – ScareLA has been cooking up a witch’s brew of exciting announcements for this year’s convention and all monsters will be able to wet their bloody appetite with a feature presentation by Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights and special appearances that will make this the biggest and baddest show yet!

On Saturday, August 5th, the creative powerhouse behind Universal’s HHN, John Murdy and Chris Williams will return to the main stage to reveal the horrific details for the fall that are sure to terrify all and a very special surprise just for ScareLA fans! On the same day, fans will also have the opportunity to meet Robert Allen Mukes and cast at a special screening for “Coffin 2” where he will reveal the path that led him from basketball and WWF to the dark side of entertainment.

The thrills don’t stop there! Naomi Grossman who played Pepper on FX’s “American Horror Story” will also make an appearance. For those who are looking for a first-hand account of the paranormal, Patty Negri, President of the American Federation of Certified Psychics and Mediums will take the stage to talk to paranormal investigators about their experience with the horrors of the other side!

ScareLA will take place on August 5-6 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Tickets for the convention are still available for purchase, but all monsters must act now before quantities die out!

For more information, visit www.scarela.com.

FX Announces FXhibition for 2017 San Diego Comic-Con

2017/07/12
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Geek News, News, SDCC

LOS ANGELES – July 12, 2017 – FX Networks announced today, the return of “FXhibition” to San Diego Comic-Con with a slate of thrilling interactive experiences encouraging fans to bend the boundaries of reality.  “FXhibition” will take center stage on the lawn of the Hilton Bayfront Hotel July 20-23 with innovative installations from hit shows like Legion, American Horror Story, Atlanta, The Strain and Archer. 

As previously announced, FX will deliver SESSIONS: THE LEGION MIXED REALITY EXPERIENCE – powered by the Microsoft HoloLens – that will bring its critically-acclaimed series, Legion, to life at FXHibition. The HoloLens will transport fans into the headspace of the show’s lead character, “David Haller,” where they will be able to interact with his world and test the boundaries of their own reality.  Advanced reservations can be made at LegionSessions.com, beginning July 17.

American Horror Story fans can get a tease of the upcoming season through the mesmerizing, larger-than-life AHS Zoetrope.  The mind-bending experience promises to present the chilling series in a whole new way. 

The “FXhibition” space will also provide plenty of sharable moments for fans.  A unique photo booth inspired by breakout series Atlanta plays off the series’ mix of surreal elements with hyper-real themes.   Once inside, participants will be able to capture shareable videos of themselves walking up walls and treading on the ceiling as they experience life from every perspective. 

Other sharable video and photo opportunities at “FXhibition” include:

·         The FX Scene Stealer, which will use the power of green screen technology to allow attendants to star in personalized scenes from original series like It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Archer, Legion, and The Strain.

·         The Strain Sun Protection Station, which will feature some of the show’s iconic props including Bolivar’s head and multiple stingers, as well as provide life-saving sunscreen to protect fans from harmful rays.

·         Snowfall Lacing Station, where fans can get their own sneakers re-laced by experts in unique styles with FX-branded laces.

·         The Archer Wet Bar will encourage fans to rehydrate with water.

·         FX Swag Box, a branded claw machine to distribute limited edition prizes, an experience that fans will want to share.

The “FXhibition” space will also host an early screening of the first two episodes of the new and final season of The Strain on Friday, July 21from 7 – 9 PM.

 For details and more information on how to be a part of the “FXHibition” experience, visit FXSDCC.com.

Armored Warfare – Eye of the Storm Announced

2017/07/12
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Geek News, News, Windows PC News

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 — My.com, Developer and Global Publisher of Armored Warfare is proud to announce its next expansion – Eye of the Storm. This major update will bring new content including five, long-awaited, new progression vehicles, the new Waterway PvP map, and existing map overhauls to enable them to be played in Global Operations mode.

Next to brand-new content Eye of the Storm will also address community feedback to two backbone systems in the game. Enhancements will be introduced to the way shell damage works across the various ammo types as well as Economy changes that rebalance the rewards and their relation to in-game prices and costs. Eye of the Storm will make its appearance on the servers of Armored Warfare this summer!

Full set of features introduced with Armored Warfare – Eye of the Storm:
– New Progression Vehicles
– Waterway PvP Map
– PvP Map Overhauls
– Ammunition Changes
– Economy Changes
– Garage UI Improvements
– Visual Enhancement Program

Progression Vehicles:
In the expansion, My.com are introducing a series of Czechoslovak and Polish vehicles. It consists of Tier 6 to Tier 10 vehicles of various classes that are bringing new mechanics currently unique to their branch, such as the Spike-LR fire-and-forget guided missile system. The branch consists of both tracked and wheeled vehicles, which all have excellent firepower (often with very high rate of fire) and mobility for their respective tiers. Vehicles: BVP Šakal, KTO Rosomak, KTO Rosomak M1M, WPB Anders and Wilk XC-8

Waterway PvP map:
The next map called Waterway will take tank commanders to one of the biggest feats of engineering the world has ever seen – the Panama Channel! Recently, several rogue corporations hired an unscrupulous band of mercenaries to take over the channel to attack and pillage the ships passing through Panama’s massive waterway to drive the already exorbitant commodity prices even higher. The player’s task is to put an end to this and deal with the raiders once and for all.

For in-dept information on the further features of Eye of the Storm, please read more about them here: https://aw.my.com/gb/news/general/update-021-eye-storm-preview 

Battlefront II Beta Coming October 4

2017/07/10
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Geek News, News, PlayStation 4 News, Windows PC News, Xbox One News

Get ready to be a hero in Star Wars Battlefront II! This fall, step into the boots of a trooper, pilot or your favorite iconic character in epic Star Wars battles in authentic locations and thrilling dogfights in the far reaches of space.

Today on the EA Star Wars blog, we announced that the Star Wars Battlefront II multiplayer beta will be coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Origin for PC starting on October 4 for those who pre-order the game. Players can take their favorite heroes to battle in the large scale 20 v 20 Galactic Assault mode on Theed City, joining Republic clone troopers and Separatist battle droids in a wild melee on the streets surrounding the royal palace. Also included in the multiplayer beta is a Starfighter Assault battle, where fans can jump into the cockpit of some of the most memorable starfighters from Star Wars.

Fans who pre-order Star Wars Battlefront II will be able to play the beta early, starting October 4. In addition to early beta access, they will also get bonus content including Yoda’s Epic Lightsaber Mastery Star Card, which is only available while supplies last until October 9, 2017. The beta will open to the public two days later on October 6 and end on October 9.

Nickelodeon Announces 2017 San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive Items

2017/07/06
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Geek News, News, SDCC

July 6, 2017 – With San Diego Comic-Con 2017 fast approaching, we wanted to share with you the exclusive retail items available this year at Nickelodeon’s booth (#4113).

Nickelodeon is bringing three decades’ worth of iconic characters to life at this year’s SDCC, with retail items that celebrate memorable ‘90s shows like Hey Arnold!, Rocko’s Modern Life, The Ren & Stimpy Show and Rugrats, and fan-favorite properties including SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Loud House, Avatar and Danny Phantom.

Below are descriptions of the items that will be on sale at Nick’s booth.

The Nick Box
The Nickelodeon Nick Box is back with a Summer Block Party theme. Each Nick Box comes packed with one-of-a-kind collectibles, apparel, accessories and more featuring all your favorite classic Nickelodeon shows. The Nick Box is a quarterly, subscription service that brings your most memorable Nickelodeon experiences right to your front door, but the Summer Block Party Nick Box at SDCC features a SDCC exclusive. This installment features these items and much more:

  • Arnold Bobble Head – Your favorite football-headed dreamer is now here to cheer you on as you chase YOUR dreams.
  • TMNT Vinyl – Don’t worry — unlike your childhood nightmares, these gumballs will stay in place. Oh, and also… try not to eat it.
  • T-shirt – Good news! You no longer have to cram yourself and your friends into a TV box and stroll down a random street singing to be cool. Just wear this tee instead!
  • Mickey Kaline Card – Did Mom throw out your prized baseball cards? It’s okay–now is the perfect time to restart your collection with a SDCC exclusive Mickey Kaline trading card!

SRP: $50.00

Playmates Exclusive Samurai Rabbit Usagi Yojimbo Figure
In Nickelodeon’s 2017 Tales of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the samurai rabbit Usagi Yojimbo will reunite with the Ninja Turtles once again for a three-part story arc that begins airing July 23. The San Diego Comic-Con exclusive of the 2017 Usagi Yojimbo new character design action figure comes in a limited edition of 350.

This item features the newly designed Usagi Yojimbo action figure in a 5” scale, dressed in his classic blue robe, and comes with his traditional Samurai swords. Also included are two additional exclusive, interchangeable Usagi heads, his pet Tokage lizard, and a flag with Usagi’s signature emblem. All this is presented in a collector edition 5th panel storybook package, with a rerun of the 1987 Comic Book “Leonardo Meets Usagi Yojimbo in Turtle Soup and Rabbit Stew,” and the 1989 Comic Book “The Treaty.”

SRP: $30.00

Just Play Hey Arnold! Bean Plush Friends
Hey Arnold! is back! The collectibles fans have been waiting for since the ’90s are finally here with the Hey Arnold! Bean Plush friends. Now you can bring home Arnold, Gerald and Helga, the coolest kids from P.S. 118, and introduce them to your own cool kid. Each of these 8″ plush characters is made with super-soft fabrics and is great for taking on the go and displaying for all to see. Perfect for both kids and collectors alike. Each plush sold separately. $10/each, ages 3+

SRP: $30.00

Kidrobot Exclusive Powdered Toast Man “Wheat”
Who is this stranger from another land? Why does he walk among mortal men? What is his mission? Where can we get a pair of undershorts like his? Who is this man of toast?! Nickelodeon and Kidrobot team up to present the Powdered Toast Man Medium Figure. From the ‘90s hit The Ren & Stimpy Show and standing 8” tall, this figure is chalked full of tenacious butt clinging action. Collect yours today because he’s toast-a-ric!

SRP: $50.00

Zwyer Exclusive Avatar Aang Chibified Character
Following several years of SDCC tradition and Nickelodeon’s Avatar series, this Chibi Avatar Aang figure will come in a convention exclusive color variant. Available only at Nickelodeon’s booth, Avatar Aang is finished in a sepia color tone, paying homage to past exclusive Avatar prints at San Diego Comic-Con.

SRP: $25.00

Nickelodeon Customized T-Shirt Station
Set against a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles New York cityscape, fans can purchase a t-shirt from the retail shop and customize it on the spot with characters and art from their choice of seven fan-favorite Nick shows: SpongeBob SquarePants, TMNT, Hey Arnold!, Rocko’s Modern Life, The Loud House, Rugrats and Danny Phantom.

SRP: $20.00

The Laika Experience Announced for San Diego Comic-Con

2017/07/06
boothby
Geek News, News, SDCC

Hillsboro, OR; July 5, 2017 — Oscar®-winning animation studio LAIKA, creators of Coraline, ParaNorman, The Boxtrolls and Kubo and the Two Strings, brings its pop-up exhibit The LAIKA Experience to the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter from Friday, July 14th to Sunday, July 23rd.  Admission is free to the exhibit, which will feature props, puppets, monsters, and sets from LAIKA’s award-winning films as well as fan art, a photo/GIF booth with LAIKA characters, daily drawings for a pair of Nike’s LAIKA-themed shoes designed by Tinker Hatfield, social media activations, LAIKA merchandise offered for sale (including a new limited edition Coraline doll and display case), giveaways, and more.  In addition to the pop-up exhibit, LAIKA’s walkaround costumed characters will appear at various locations in the Gaslamp Quarter for fan interaction and photos.

Travis Knight, President & CEO of LAIKA and director of Kubo and the Two Strings, will autograph merchandise purchased at the exhibit on Friday, July 21st at 3pm.

The LAIKA Experience, the innovative and interactive pop-up event, will be located at 520 Fifth Avenue and will feature an up-close look at the artistic detail and imagination behind LAIKA’s groundbreaking films, all of which have been nominated for Academy Awards® and numerous other honors. The exhibit will showcase the evolution of the studio’s unique blend of handcrafted stop-motion animation and visual effects magic in four imaginatively themed rooms inspired by each of LAIKA’s films.  The extensive display of original sets, puppets and props will immerse guests in LAIKA’s fantastical worlds.

“LAIKA’s films are a unique fusion of art, craft, science, and technology, commingling cinema’s history with the future of film. But our techniques are often shrouded in mystery,” says President & CEO Travis Knight.  “The LAIKA Experience offers a rare opportunity to peel back the curtain, giving fans an immersive, up-close look at our process, characters, worlds, and dreams made manifest.”

“At LAIKA we’re thrilled to take our ‘act on the road’,” says Brad Wald, CFO and Senior Vice President of Business Operations.  “Past LAIKA exhibits at Universal Studios and the Japanese American Museum  have been fan favorites and proved very successful in launching our new consumer products initiative, leading us to bring several ‘exclusive’ items with us to San Diego.  All of these exhibits, including a major eight-month long retrospective at the Portland Art Museum starting this October, are a direct response to our global fans clamoring to see more LAIKA in the marketplace. We’re thrilled to bring LAIKA directly to them where they can connect with the studio in a more intimate way.”

Some highlights of LAIKA’s San Diego presence:

THE LAIKA EXPERIENCE (July 14-23)

Location: 520 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA  92101

What to See and Do:

  • Sets, puppets, monsters, props from LAIKA’s films: Kubo and the Two Strings (2016); The Boxtrolls (2014); ParaNorman (2012), Coraline (2009).
  • LAIKA merchandise available for purchase.
  • Nike’s customized shoes created for each of LAIKA’s films.
  • Take a photo with the main characters from LAIKA films.

Hours of operation:

  • Friday, July 14: 2 PM to 10PM
  • Saturday, July 15:  11AM to 10 PM
  • Sunday, July 16: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Monday –Tuesday, July 17-18: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday, July 19: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, July 20: 11:00 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday, July 21: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Saturday, July 22: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
  • Sunday, July 23: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM

Additional Highlights:

Sunday, July 16:

  • Watch for LAIKA walkaround costumed characters at the LAIKA Photo Booth inside the gates of Balboa Park during the PRIDE Festival.   Pose for a photo withParaNorman’s “Mitch Babcock,” the first gay character ever featured in an animated film.  Customized LAIKA headbands will be distributed.
  • LAIKA will host 25 BAFTA LA students at the Giants/Padres game in Petco Park onSunday, July 16.    

Friday, July 21

  • 2-3pm:  LAIKA President & CEO Travis Knight (director of Kubo and the Two Strings) will be joined by New York Times bestselling author Tony DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles; Star Wars: Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight) for a Facebook Live tour of The LAIKA Experience.  Travis will share LAIKA’s unique creative process with Tony as they take FB guests on a virtual tour of the pop up exhibit.
  • 3-4:30pm: Travis Knight autograph session.  (For merchandise purchased at The LAIKA Experience.)

SyFy Announces San Diego Comic-Con 2017 Panel Lineup

2017/07/05
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Geek News, News, SDCC

NEW YORK, NY – July 5, 2017 – As SYFY celebrates its 25th anniversary and its recent brand reboot, the network is headed to San Diego Comic-Con bigger and better than ever before. In addition to 15 SYFY series panels or screenings, the network is rolling out a host of events, activations and parties designed to leave no fan behind. And SYFY will once again extend the fun to fans nationwide, with a three-night live TV event, SYFY LIVE FROM COMIC-CON, hosted by Zachary Levi.

“San Diego Comic-Con is the pinnacle event of the year for sci-fi enthusiasts, and as the only network dedicated to the genre 24/7, we can’t wait to celebrate in a big way,” said Alexandra Shapiro, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital, USA Network and SYFY. “SYFY is going to San Diego this year with a singular focus: to put fans first.”

SYFY’s SDCC takeover includes:

PANELS AND SCREENINGS!

15 SYFY panels and screenings, including:

  • A frakking great BATTLESTAR GALACTICA reunion! With creator Ron Moore and cast from the hit series.
  • The ultimate sci-fi debate throwdown! Moderated by John Hodgman, the biggest names in the sci-fi universe duke it out over the most influential moments, milestones and people in the genre’s history. In “SYFY Hosts the Great Debate,” our expert panel will have the final word (or not!) on important topics like: “Star Trek” or “Star Wars”? Did Han or Greedo shoot first? And just who was the most influential captain of all time?
  • Panels for 11 SYFY shows! Including:
    • o SYFY’s upcoming Superman prequel series KRYPTON and the graphic novel adaptation HAPPY! (KRYPTON panel is co-hosted with Warner Bros. Television Group, and HAPPY! is co-hosted with Universal Cable Productions)
    • o Stars and creators of current SYFY hits THE EXPANSE, THE MAGICIANS and 12 MONKEYS (THE MAGICIANS and 12 MONKEYS panels are co-hosted with Universal Cable Productions)
    • o Fan favorites SHARKNADO, VAN HELSING, WYNONNA EARP, Z NATION and DARK MATTER — and upcoming new series GHOST WARS(All panels hosted by their respective studios)
  • Two big screenings! SYFY and Universal Cable Productions are screening an all-new episode of the grindhouse series BLOOD DRIVE and the premiere episode of “NO-END HOUSE,” the next installment in SYFY’s hit horror anthology CHANNEL ZERO.

EVENTS AND ACTIVATIONS!

  • SYFY fan parties! Stripping away the exclusivity of traditional Comic-Con parties, SYFY is throwing two nights of first-come-first-served bashes. Hosted at the Children’s Museum on Thursday, July 20 and Saturday, July 22, the themed parties feature photo booths, hourly surprises, live performances and more.
  • Superfan nuptials! Who says Comic-Con isn’t romantic? Actor Orlando Jones makes fans’ dreams come true, as he presides over pop-up nuptials at TBD locations throughout the weekend.
  • Trivia trolleys! Test your sci-fi knowledge and compete to win prize money and other giveaways on SYFY trolleys roaming the streets of San Diego.
  • Cosplay karaoke buses! Take the stage – and the mic – to belt out your favorite sci-fi theme songs on SYFY buses traveling throughout the city. You might even be surprised by one of your favorite stars!
  • Cosplay repair carts! Get an expert makeup touch-up or costume repair at these roaming carts, designed to ensure that all cosplaying ‘con-goers are at their camera-ready best.
  • A SYFY drumline! A drumline marching through the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter, playing sci-fi theme songs and commemorating major moments in science fiction history? Yes, please.
  • The Nerd Party lives on! SYFY is partnering with Zachary Levi to co-host his annual invitation-only Friday night party.

ROUND-THE-CLOCK COVERAGE!

  • Levi will host SYFY LIVE FROM COMIC-CON, a three-night live television event that allows fans across the country to experience the best Comic-Con has to offer, dissect breaking ‘Con news, and hear from their favorite stars and creators. Airing Thursday, July 20 through Saturday, July 22, the live event is produced by Wilshire Studios.
  • SYFY WIRE’s intrepid reporters and correspondents are providing 24/7 coverage of all the breaking news from the ‘Con, online via www.syfy.com and on air on SYFY (including SYFY LIVE FROM COMIC-CON).

AOC and Studio FA Porsche Unveil New Displays

2017/07/05
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Geek News, News, Tech News

Fremont, Calif. – July 5, 2017 – Renowned display specialist AOC and legendary design house Studio F. A. Porsche have collaborated to bring two incredible-looking monitors to the market. The new 24” AOC PDS241 and 27” AOC PDS271 come equipped with an almost frameless IPS panel, an asymmetrical metal stand and ultra-slim, premium design.

Innovative, sleek and elegant design

The design philosophy behind these monitors was inspired by the principals of Ferdinand Alexander Porsche: His approach was “If you analyze the function of an object, its form often becomes obvious.” In its purest sense, a monitor is just a screen. But the screen is meant to provide a beautiful visual experience, and that experience is often marred by unsightly cables hanging down from the monitor’s ports. The new AOC PDS series revolutionizes the traditional approach to monitor design.

“The expressive shape of the monitor stand emphasizes the simple idea of integrating the cables into the stand,” said Henning Rieseler, Head of Studio F. A. Porsche Berlin. “The form not only follows the function, but celebrates it through its asymmetrical shape in an elegant and sophisticated way.”

With the first modular input/output design on a monitor, the PDS241 and PDS271 combine power and HDMI outputs into a single cable coming out of the stand itself, adding to its beautiful minimalist design. Underneath their outstanding appearances, their full HD IPS panels provide great performance enhanced with AOC SuperColor Technology, which augments the color spectrum to cover a wider color gamut and provide excellent viewing angles of 178°. These monitors cover 100 percent of the sRGB and 90 percent of the NTSC color spaces. The PDS series is also equipped with AOC’s LowBlue Mode and FlickerFree technologies, providing a healthy and enjoyable viewing experience even during long periods of use.

The PDS 241 and PDS271 is available now, exclusively at Amazon for $199 MSRP and $249 MSRP respectively.