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‘AWAKENING’ CREATORS TO HOLD EAST COAST HALLOWEEN SIGNING TOUR
Sep 21st
This is it, kids! That October event I’ve been mentioning is revealed below!
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FANS WHO PURCHASE A COPY OF THE BOOK AT ANY OF THE FOUR SIGNINGS OR BRING ONE TO BE SIGNED WILL RECEIVE A FREE, EXCLUSIVE ‘AWAKENING’ PRINT AND ACCESS TO THE FIRST CHAPTER OF AWAKENING VOLUME TWO ONLINE!
FANS WHO PURCHASE A COPY OF THE BOOK AT ANY OF THE FOUR SIGNINGS OR BRING ONE TO BE SIGNED WILL RECEIVE A FREE, EXCLUSIVE ‘AWAKENING’ PRINT AND ACCESS TO THE FIRST CHAPTER OF AWAKENING VOLUME TWO ONLINE!
Los Angeles, CA (September 21, 2009) – To help get comics fans in the proper mood for Halloween, writer Nick Tapalansky and artist Alex Eckman-Lawn will embark on a four-stop tour to sign and promote their hardcover horror book, Awakening, and will even offer exclusive prints and a link to read a free, online preview of the first chapter in the next volume. Fans who are unable to attend any of the signings but purchase the book, or have purchased it already, will also get the opportunity to read the free preview.
“The amount of support we’ve received over the past few years has been mindblowing,” said writer Tapalansky. “When the volume was solicited back in April, we partnered with DCBS to offer an exclusive print to fans who ordered the book through their website and it was HUGE! Now that the book is available in stores we wanted to do something special for all of our fans, including those who might’ve been waiting to try it, as well as the local comic shops that support us.”
The stops on the tour are as follows:
Oct. 10, 10 a.m. -6 p.m.; Oct-11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m
Artist Alley, Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Convention Center
One West Pratt Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
(Separate admission fee required for entry into Baltimore Comic-Con)
Oct. 17, 1-5 p.m. [Nick Tapalansky only]
Upstate Comics
Freedom Business Center
1097 Route 55
LaGrangeville, NY 12540
(845) 432-3320
Oct. 24, 12-4 p.m.
Brave New Worlds Comics
45 North Second Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-6525
Oct. 28, 4-7 p.m.
Jim Hanley’s Universe
4 West 33rd St.
New York, NY 10001
(212) 268-7088
Fans who purchase a copy of Awakening at any of these appearances, or who bring their already purchased copy to be signed, will receive a free Awakening print created exclusively for the tour. Plus, by submitting their e-mail address they will be sent a link to read a free, online preview of the complete first chapter of Awakening Volume Two, due out next summer. The preview will be distributed at 12 a.m. ET on Halloween morning, Oct. 31, 2009
Fans who aren’t able to attend any of these appearances but would still like to gain access to the preview can send in a picture of themselves with their copy of Awakening standing in front of the local comics shop where it was purchased, along with the shop’s information, to AwakeningComic@gmail.com so that they can receive the link in return, while also getting their shop featured on the blogs of the Awakening creators.
Those readers who do not have access to a local comics shop and are only able to buy their copy online or at their local book store need only to send an e-mail to AwakeningComic@gmail.com.
Fans who have already purchased their copy of the Awakening hardcover won’t be left out! These readers can also e-mail a picture of themselves with their book to AwakeningComic@gmail.com and receive a link to the exclusive preview.
Awakening takes place in the once-peaceful city of Park Falls, where a series of gruesome murders and missing persons has put the town on edge, and Cynthia Ford, known as the town “crazy,” finds retired police detective Derrick Peters and relates to him her belief about what’s going on. Her explanation: Zombies. Unable to ignore Cynthia’s information, though not sharing her beliefs, Derrick and others in the town explore the mystery as weeks turn to months and the death toll rises. Could Cynthia be right or has she finally gone insane?
“I don’t think we can fall over ourselves enough to say how much our readers mean to us,” said Tapalansky. “Our readers have been amazingly patient waiting for this volume and, now that it’s available, we want to give them something cool to not only show how much we appreciate them, but that Volume Two isn’t so far away either.”
Aint It Cool News said Awakening is “a phenomenal achievement in writing and artistry and proof that, when done well, even when utilizing the most worn-out of genres there still can exist something special.”
Brian LeTendre of the Secret Identity podcast called Awakening “a unique take on the zombie genre that has a distinct noir flavor.”
Follow Awakening on Twitter: http://twitter.com/awakeningcomic
Trailer for Awakening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qJQB68NkP0
Nick Tapalansky’s website: http://www.nicktapalansky.com/
Alex Eckman-Lawn’s website: http://www.alexeckmanlawn.com/
Diamond Order Code: APR09 0649
ISBN-10: 1932386483
ISBN-13: 978-1932386486
About Archaia
Founded in 2002, Archaia has built an unparalleled reputation for producing meaningful content that perpetually transforms minds. With a slate including such popular Eisner-Award winning titles as Mouse Guard and The Killer, as well as Awakening, Gunnerkrigg Court, Robotika, Killing Pickman, Artesia and the Publisher’s latest additions of Titanium Rain, God Machine, Roddenberry Productions’ Days Missing, The Jim Henson Company library and Mr. Murder Is Dead and Lucid with Zachary Quinto’s production company, Before the Door Pictures, Archaia has become synonymous with quality content. For more information on Archaia or any Archaia titles please visit www.Archaia.com. Archaia can also be found on Facebook (www.facebook.com/archaiacomics), MySpace (www.myspace.com/archaiacomics) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/archaiacomics).
Almost heeeeeeere… Awakening Pre-Order Initiative
Jul 7th
OUR TOP STORIES…
HOLY SHIT IT’S ACTUALLY HAPPENING!
Got yer attention? GOOD! Because Awakening Volume One has just arrived in the states from the printer and should be hitting Diamond’s warehouse tomorrow. That means if we’re lucky, the books will be hitting stores next Wednesday or, at the absolute very latest, on July 22nd. Get ready, kids. And for all you California natives or intrepid travelers heading out that way in, oh I don’t know, two weeks or so, be sure to get your books and head on over to the San Diego Convention center to say hello. Don’t panic, ye of little faithers who might not have pre-ordered – we’ll have copies at the show too.
Those of you who want to take advantage of Amazon’s sweet discounting, though, can still do so of course!
As always, your friendly neighborhood Barnes & Noble is able to pre-order for you too.
AWAKENING IN THE PRESS…
Check out the newest issue of Rue Morgue (July – #91) for a full-page interview/preview (page 50, “Blood in Four Colors”) of Awakening Volume One! It’s just hit Newsstands last week so be sure to net your copy (not just because of us – it’s one of the best horror mags around with an eye towards culture and quality some other gore mags lack).
And in case you missed my ecstatic update last week, check out our sweet trailer for Volume One on the ol’ YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qJQB68NkP0
Big thanks to all our pals who’ve posted this puppy up for the world to see. Spreading the word about a new book these days ain’t easy and everybody’s help and support is HUGELY appreciated.
Last, though certainly not least, I’m happy to announce the launch of NickTapalansky.com! While some of it is still a work in progress, the site is up and mostly operational. It was designed by the illustrious Kate “Monster” Glasheen (http://www.katiecrimespree.com), the illustrator of Archaia’s Hybrid Bastards!. Check her out, check the site out (http://www.nicktapalansky.com), and check YOU out. Wrrd.
Not familiar with Awakening? Unsure still what it’s even about? Check out a sweet preview/interview and an exclusive preview of the full first chapter of Awakening Volume One, supplemental material and all! Get over CBR STAT!
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21437
And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter with @AwakeningComic.
LOCAL SIGHTINGS INCLUDE…
SUMMER/FALL!
San Diego Comic-Con (July 22nd – 26th with Archaia)
New York Anime Festival (September 25th – 27th in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago)
Baltimore Comic-Con (October 10th and 11th with Archaia)
Albany Comic-Con (November 1st with Jackie Santiago, Mark Holmes, and Luke Mierisch)
KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST AWAKENING UPDATES! WE WANT YOU TO JOIN…
…our brand spankin’ new Awakening mailing list! Sign up and receive release information, special promo news, signing and convention appearance updates and more! Just sling an e-mail* on over to AwakeningComic@gmail.com with the subject “Sign Me Up!” to get started. You’ll be happy you did.
First edition was held back until the book was confirmed as in-country and ready to roll – first edition due out pre-SDCC!
*Remember kids, ask a grown up first!
Awakening Pre-Order Initiative: Week 13
Jun 22nd
OUR TOP STORIES…
Thanks to everybody who stopped by the table at Wizard World Philly this past weekend! Thanks to you, we SOLD OUT OF AWAKENING VOLUME ONE AT THE SHOW! Wooo! We’ve finally arrived and Alex and I are PUMPED!! It’s been a looooong wait but we’ve made it. Thanks to everyone for your support so far and we can’t wait for the metric ton of you guys out there who couldn’t make it to the show to get your copies.
For those of you who didn’t get a copy, this weekend don’t fret. It’s coming…
But that leads to top story number two. Brace yourselves, kids…
There’s been a SLIGHT delay in shipping.
I know, I know, ARRRRRGH I know. It sucks. Everybody did everything they could but, somehow, the book just didn’t get out and on the way in time to make this Wednesday. They’re in transit now and, to be on the safe side, have a street date of 7/29. There’s a very good chance, however, that it’ll get to Diamond sooner and, therefore, shops sooner as it’ll ship as soon as it arrives.
Hang tight, I promise it’s coming. It’s a real book as Philly can attest, it’s been printed, and it’s on the way. We’ve waited this long, right? Believe me, when you see it you’ll agree – it’s been worth the wait. Maybe I’m partial, but whatever – it’s a freakin’ gorgeous book.
This means there’s still time to pre-order, of course…
As always, your friendly neighborhood Barnes & Noble is able to pre-order for you too.
AWAKENING IN THE PRESS…
This past weekend I had the great (surprise) pleasure of moderating not one but TWO panels at Wizard World Philly. One was a “How to Self-Publish” panel (”But Nick, you’ve never self-published before…” More on that in a bit) and the other was the “Archaia Returns” panel, which was covered by your favorite comic gal and mine, Jill “The Nerdy Bird” Pantozzi (Twitter – @TheNerdyBird) and Chris “Needs A Clever Nickname” Mautner. You can check out the coverage and see my name re-printed way too many times (I talk a lot…) here -
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21688
and here – http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21705
And in case you missed it, a sweet preview/interview and an exclusive preview of the full first chapter of Awakening Volume One, supplemental material and all! Get over CBR STAT!
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21437
And then there’s this kick-ass little nugget about the new Archaia/Jim Henson Studio partnership (!!!) -
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21700
And though not press related per se, if you’re sick of waiting for me to update on ye ole weekly blog here, check out @AwakeningComic on Twitter for up to the minute updates as they roll in!
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE PANEL…
So due to traffic, business stuff (publishers are a busy people) and a wedding, your pal and mine Mark Smylie (publisher at Archaia, creator of Artesia, and all ’round swell guy) didn’t make most of the show this weekend. As a result, his two panels became mine. Yikes! Now, the Archaia one wasn’t much of a worry since I’m pretty up to date on the comings and goings there (plus Mark was able to make the back third of that one). His second panel, however, was another matter entirely: “How to Self-Publish with Mark Smylie.”
I’ve never self-published. I’ve thought about it, considered it actively before hooking up with Archaia, and did a bit of research, but I’ve never actually done it, let alone successfully.
Luckily I’ve got friends who have, and four of us were able to equal one Mark Smylie.
Thanks to Dave Rodriguez (writer of Archaia’s Starkweather: Immortal and the immensely popular webcomic Shadowgirls – http://www.shadowgirlscomic.com – and all ’round great guy), Mark Holmes (of www.enigmaworks.net and one of my best pals) and Kensuke Okabayashi (manga artist extrodinaire – http://www.kensukeokabayashi.blogspot.com/ -), for helping me pull that panel together. We might not have the experience Mark has, but we were able to give a pretty full room a fun show and talk about what we DID know – some of the pitfalls in publishing and self-publishing, the advent of the web comic, creative collaboration, and self-promotion. It started off a bit rocky (my biggest lesson learned? Don’t lead with a bondage joke when you’ve just told the room the guy they’re expecting isn’t coming. Who knew?) but we were treated to a lively Q&A with the audience and left to a roomful of applause. Not bad at all!
LOCAL SIGHTINGS INCLUDE…
SUMMER/FALL!
San Diego Comic-Con (July 22nd – 26th with Archaia)
New York Anime Festival (September 25th – 27th in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago)
Baltimore Comic-Con (October 10th and 11th with Archaia)
Albany Comic-Con (November 1st with Jackie Santiago, Mark Holmes, and Luke Mierisch)
KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST AWAKENING UPDATES! WE WANT YOU TO JOIN…
…our brand spankin’ new Awakening mailing list! Sign up and receive release information, special promo news, signing and convention appearance updates and more! Just sling an e-mail* on over to AwakeningComic@gmail.com with the subject “Sign Me Up!” to get started. You’ll be happy you did.
First edition due out at the end of June – don’t miss out!
*Remember kids, ask a grown up first!
We love you.
Awakening Pre-Order Initiative: Week 11
Jun 9th
OUR TOP STORY…
Awakening Volume One. 32% off. DO IT NOW! And make sure you get all your friends to join in – tell them they’re not cool if they don’t get a copy (remember – it’s allllll about the peer pressure).
Or, if you prefer, you can go in to your local Barnes & Noble and reserve a copy. You know you want to.
AWAKENING IN THE PRESS…
Did you guys see CBR last week? No? Well then you missed Awakening on the front page with not only a sweet preview/interview but an exclusive preview of the full first chapter of Awakening Volume One, supplemental material and all! Get over there and peep it!
http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21437
And though not press related per se, if you’re sick of waiting for me to update on ye ole weekly blog here, check out @AwakeningComic on Twitter for up to the minute updates as they roll in!
LOCAL SIGHTINGS INCLUDE…
Before we get to the con schedule (which has been amended slightly, no Otakon this year, so take note), I’d like to pause for a moment and say thank you to all the convention goers at all these wide and varied comic-cons we do, just for being you. Over Memorial Day weekend I got to attend my first ever anime convention. And, while Jackie (http://volatile-tifa.deviantart.com) was hard at work…
I was behind the table with my jaw on the ground. Why?
This, folks, is a Mifa. It’s a man-Tifa (Final Fantasy VII) I can honestly say I’d never even contemplated a Mifa before, let alone imagined I’d see one.
I love my job.
Other notable cross-dressers include Mikku (man-Rikku from Final Fantasy X-2):
And Meach (man-Peach from Mario):
Some personal faves that I caught through the weekend included a nurse from Silent Hill:
The Thunderkittens:
Darkwing Duck (!!):
Dan (from Street Fighter):
And this guy:
The back reads “Seriously. Freaks.”
Love it.
Below is a listing of our upcoming convention and panel appearances – more to be added as they’re booked.
PRE-RELEASE! (No hardcover, no Alex – just my smiling face supporting my lovely and talented fiance, Jackie Santiago)
Big Apple One-Day Summer Show (June 13th with Jackie Santiago, Mark Holmes, and Luke Mierisch)
DEBUT! (First time the hardcover is available folks – get ‘em hot off the press and signed by the most daring and debonair comic creators you know)
Wizard World Philly (June 19th to the 21st in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago, Mark Smylie, Kate Glasheen, Dave Rodriguez, and a host of other friends)
Panel Announcement! In addition to debuting Awakening Volume One at Philly, Alex and I will also be taking part in a Return of Archaia panel at the show. It’ll be from 12pm-1pm on Saturday, June 20th in room 204A
The Return of Archaia
After a brief hiatus, Archaia, formerly known as Archaia Studios Press, has returned to publishing high-quality, creator-controlled comics, including titles like Mouse Guard, The Killer and Artesia. Join Mark Smylie (publisher of Archaia and writer/artist on Artesia), Nick Tapalansky (writer of Awakening), Alex Eckman-Lawn (artist on Awakening), Kate Glasheen (artist on Hybrid Bastards!) and David Rodriguez (writer of Starkweather: Immortal) for an inside look at Archaia’s returning titles, upcoming books and exciting new projects!
SUMMER/FALL!
San Diego Comic-Con (July 22nd – 26th with Archaia)
New York Anime Festival (September 25th – 27th in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago)
Baltimore Comic-Con (October 10th and 11th with Archaia)
Albany Comic-Con (November 1st with Jackie Santiago, Mark Holmes, and Luke Mierisch)
KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST AWAKENING UPDATES! WE WANT YOU TO JOIN…
…our brand spankin’ new Awakening mailing list! Sign up and receive release information, special promo news, signing and convention appearance updates and more! Just sling an e-mail* on over to AwakeningComic@gmail.com with the subject “Sign Me Up!” to get started. You’ll be happy you did.
First edition due out at the end of June – don’t miss out!
*Remember kids, ask a grown up first!
We love you.
Amazon.com! Awakening Pre-Order Initiative Week Seven
May 15th
OUR TOP STORY…
Awakening Volume One now available for pre-order at Amazon.com at a wonderous 32% off! Yeah, I said it: wonderous.
Get over there and pre-order your copy – organize the world and rise up, crying out with existential horror-driven glee: “We want Awakening!” Tell evvvvvvvvvvvverrrrrryyyyyybooooooooooody!
AWAKENING IN THE PRESS…
Alex just wrapped up a sweet-ass Making of Awakening feature for the good folks over at Comic Monsters. If you’ve ever wondered what black magic and sacrifices need to be undertaken to create those beautiful pages, now’s your chance to find out.
http://www.comicmonsters.com/section-article-252-The_making_of_Awakening_-_by__Alex_Eckman-Lawn.html
Check it out, join the forum, frollic and comment.
LOCAL SIGHTINGS INCLUDE…
Panel Announcement! In addition to debuting Awakening Volume One at Philly, Alex and I will also be taking part in a Return of Archaia panel at the show. It’ll be from 12pm-1pm on Saturday, June 20th in room 204A
The Return of Archaia
After a brief hiatus, Archaia, formerly known as Archaia Studios Press, has returned to publishing high-quality, creator-controlled comics, including titles like Mouse Guard, The Killer and Artesia. Join Mark Smylie (publisher of Archaia and writer/artist on Artesia), Nick Tapalansky (writer of Awakening), Alex Eckman-Lawn (artist on Awakening), Kate Glasheen (artist on Hybrid Bastards!) and David Rodriguez (writer of Starkweather: Immortal) for an inside look at Archaia’s returning titles, upcoming books and exciting new projects!
PRE-RELEASE! (No hardcover, no Alex – just my smiling face supporting my lovely and talented fiance, Jackie Santiago)
Anime Boston (May 22nd to the 24th in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago)
Big Apple One-Day Summer Show (June 13th with Jackie Santiago, Mark Holmes, and Luke Mierisch)
DEBUT! (First time the hardcover is available folks – get ‘em hot off the press and signed by the most daring and debonair comic creators you know)
Wizard World Philly (June 19th to the 21st in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago, Mark Smylie, Kate Glasheen, Dave Rodriguez, and a host of other friends)
SUMMER/FALL!
Otakon (July 17th – 19th in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago, Kate Glasheen, and Dave Rodriguez)
San Diego Comic-Con (July 22nd – 26th with Archaia)
Monster Mania (Tentative – August 21st – 23rd)
New York Anime Festival (September 25th – 27th in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago)
Baltimore Comic-Con (October 10th and 11th with Archaia)
Albany Comic-Con (November 1st with Jackie Santiago, Mark Holmes, and Luke Mierisch)
KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST AWAKENING UPDATES! WE WANT YOU TO JOIN…
…our brand spankin’ new Awakening mailing list! Sign up and receive release information, special promo news, signing and convention appearance updates and more! Just sling an e-mail* on over to AwakeningComic@gmail.com with the subject “Sign Me Up!” to get started. You’ll be happy you did.
*Remember kids, ask a grown up first!
We love you.
Awakening Pre-Order Intiative: Week 6.5
May 12th
OUR TOP STORY…
“What the HELL, Tapalansky? It’s freakin’ Tuesday!”
Yeah, yeah, YEAH I know! Truth be told, when I started these weekly updates I knew there’d be a bit of a lull right about now but I figured I’d have something exciting to report last week. Turns out I’m all out of exciting for the present, though the coming weeks are going to be some doozies. Maybe another light news week or two and then BAM! All sorts of stuff to show you and tell you about. In the meantime…
KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST AWAKENING UPDATES! WE WANT YOU TO JOIN…
…our brand spankin’ new Awakening mailing list! Sign up and receive release information, special promo news, signing and convention appearance updates and more! Just sling an e-mail* on over to AwakeningComic@gmail.com with the subject “Sign Me Up!” to get started. You’ll be happy you did.
*Remember kids, ask a grown up first!
IN OTHER NEWS…
I’m sorry to report that our free print promo with DCBS has come to a close as it was only for pre-orders and that cut-off has come and gone. Until we’re up and running with Amazon (hopefully in the next week or two – there was some mixup between them and Diamond), may I recommend the always reliable TFAW for your pre-order desires. You an find Awakening Volume One for 20% off cover price at the following link:
http://www.tfaw.com/Profile/Awakening-HC-Vol.-01___321119
LOCAL SIGHTINGS INCLUDE…
Convention season is upon us and with it comes your opportunity to meet your favorite creators (and most handsome guys on the internet that you know of) in person! As we move into the summer you’ll find table/booth information and panel announcements along with store signings and more in el bloggo. Updates will always be highlighted and noted and, as the conventions start coming and going, we’ll have some geektastic pictures of ourselves, our friends, and all the insanity that is a comic convention.
PRE-RELEASE! (No hardcover, no Alex – just my smiling face supporting my lovely and talented fiance, Jackie Santiago)
Anime Boston (May 22nd to the 24th with Jackie Santiago)
Big Apple One-Day Summer Show (June 13th with Jackie Santiago, Mark Holmes and Luke Mierisch)
DEBUT! (First time the hardcover is available folks – get ‘em hot off the press and signed by the most daring and debonair comic creators you know)
Wizard World Philly (June 19th to the 21st in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago, Mark Smylie, Kate Glasheen, Dave Rodriguez, and a host of other friends)
SUMMER/FALL!
Otakon (July 17th – 19th in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago, Kate Glasheen, and Dave Rodriguez)
San Diego Comic-Con (July 22nd – 26th with Archaia)
Monster Mania (Tentative – August 21st – 23rd)
New York Anime Festival (September 25th – 27th in Artist Alley with Jackie Santiago)
Baltimore Comic-Con (October 10th and 11th with Archaia)
Albany Comic-Con (November 1st with Jackie Santiago, Mark Holmes, and Luke Mierisch)
AWAKENING IN THE PRESS…
Recently, those crazy guys behind Archaia’s Some New Kind of Slaughter (also out this June!) and The Lone and Level Sands put together a lovely roundtable discussion regarding the return of Archaia. This love-in has since found a home on The Pulse, where you’ll find the comments and musings of madmen (including yours truly and Alex). Find out more about Mark Smylie’s morning routine, Josh Finney’s shady black market organ farm, and see Marv Mann use the word lassitude in a sentence. Direct link below:
http://www.comicon.com/ubb/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=543377#Post543377
See you later this week, kids!
We love you.
