IDW launches new Transformers series

Following the huge success of this summer’s blockbuster Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen movie, from DreamWorks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, in association with Hasbro, IDW Publishing is proud to launch The Transformers, under license from Hasbro and written by the critically-acclaimed Mike Costa. This all-new ongoing series starts off with a bang by treating fans to two huge events that are so Cybertron-shattering that the lives of the Transformers characters will never be the same.

“We’ve pulled out all the stops for our first ongoing Transformers series and now is a great time for the new series,” said IDW’s Transformers editor, Andy Schmidt. “Since Transformers #1 is the beginning of a whole new journey for Transformers comics, it’s the perfect opportunity for new readers to get into the brand.”

Helmed by Mike Costa (G.I.Joe: Cobra) with art and covers by returning, fan-favorite artistic dynamo Don Figueroa, The Transformers will debut in November. The ongoing series is also the launching point for two new miniseries, Transformers: Bumblebee and Transformers: Last Stand of the Wreckers, debuting in December and January, respectively.

To help Transformers fans rejoin the world of comics, IDW is also releasing Transformers: Continuum, written by Schmidt himself. This special 32-page, ad-free book runs through all the fun and excitement of the last five years worth of stories that paved the way for the new journey to begin. Transformers: Continuum will also be available in November.

The Transformers #1 and Transformers Continuum will both be available in stores in November. For more information please seek out the fine folks at IDW Publishing.

The Family Circus Library Vol 1 from IDW

 As the 50^th anniversary of this iconic strip approaches, IDW and the Library of American Comics are proud to announce that The Family Circus Library, Volume 1 will be available in November. Creator Bil Keane debuted The Family Circus in February 1960 and for fifty years has delighted audiences worldwide with the simple humor of every day life. The endlessly curious, often too clever children and their loving, long-suffering parents capture the essence of every family.

 “As a parent, I see these cartoons come to life everyday in my home,” said series editor, Scott Dunbier. “Keane’s terrific sense of humor and visual wit are evident in every panel—and with the fiftieth anniversary of the Family Circus on the horizon, there’s no better time to rediscover this timeless classic.”

The Family Circus Library, Volume 1 collects the classic newspaper strip in chronological order for the very first time, in beautifully designed hardcover books. Starting with the very first strip, originally published on Leap Year Day - February 29, 1960, The Family Circus Library, Volume 1 will feature a complete run of the first two years, including dailies and Sundays. Volume will also include a thoughtful essay written by Keane’s son, Christopher, accompanied by many pieces of pre-Family Circus art and family photographs. The book has been beautifully produced by Eisner award-winning designer, Dean Mullaney.

“Having truly enjoyed drawing my Family Circus cartoons, it is icing on the cake to see them now preserved in these very special volumes that will go on and on and on!” Bil Keane said. “Realizing that future generations may read the Keane family drawings that I penned so long ago is a happy bonus for this old cartoonist. I am eternally grateful.”

The Family Circus Library Volume 1 debuts in November 2009.  For more on this and other great titles please visit IDW Publishing online.

Jennifer Love Hewitt teams with IDW for The Music Box

As the star of CBS’s The Ghost Whisperer, Jennifer Love Hewitt’s has been featured on the cover and in the pages of IDW’s series based on the show as her character Melinda Gordon. Now she is taking her relationship with IDW Publishing and comics that much further with a new series The Music Box beginning this November.

“Jennifer created a really interesting premise for a comic book series and is carrying it through with great skill,” said IDW Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Chris Ryall. “Each story tells a standalone tale and they are all linked together by this mysterious music box.” The ten-issue anthology series The Music Box, details a mysterious music box that causes strange occurrences for the people who possess it.

The Music Box will be co-written by Hewitt and veteran comic scribe Scott Lobdell (X-Men). Each issue will present a new story and characters as different people come into contact with the music box and have unique experiences. As each issue is an entirely new story, each will feature art tailored to that story’s premise. The first issue, debuting in November, will showcase painted art by Michael Gaydos (Alias). Subsequent issues will feature other talented artists, such as Casey Maloney (G.I. JOE: The Rise of Cobra), Adam Archer (Friday the 13th), as well as industry living legend, Joe Rubenstein.

“I’m really enjoying creating my very own comic. The Music Box is like a very fun nightmare,” said Hewitt. “It’s a frightening premise to have so much malevolent energy in an inanimate object, especially something that’s typically as benign as a music box. I’m so proud of The Music Box and can’t wait for people to read it.”

Jennifer Love Hewitt’s The Music Box #1 debuts in November 2009 for more information head over to IDWPublishing.com