IDW TO PUBLISH THRILLBENT COMICS

IDW Publishing has announced that, beginning next spring, it will be publishing the print versions of comics from Thrillbent, a digital webportal crreated by Mark Waid and John Rogers in 2012.

"I love print comics," Waid said. "While we have always proudly been digital-first, print was always in Thrillbent's business plan -- but for a start-up company like ours, it was cost-prohibitive. Once we proved our commitment to ongoing content -- Thrillbent currently hosts literally hundreds of new comics, with more added every week -- we were courted by several print publishers looking to partner. IDW was the clear choice -- its track record for innovation is unbeatable and undeniable."

Over the past two years, Thrillbent has worked with more than 60 creators to publish nearly 20 ongoing digital-only series that span all genres, from horror to humor to high adventure. The first series slated for print release under this partnership will be Empire Volume Two and Insufferable, both written by Waid.

Empire Volume Two is a sequel to the series co-created by Waid and artist Barry Kitson from 2000. Waid and Kitson have teamed again to deliver new installments that continue the saga of Golgoth, a remorseless villain whose plans for world domination have won him the planet Earth… and made him the target of every inhabitant. As a kickoff to the larger Thrillbent partnership, IDW will produce a new edition of the long-sold-out Empire Volume One and launch it just ahead of Empire Volume Two this spring.

Insufferable is a series by Waid and Peter Krause that explores what happens when a crime fighter's sidekick grows up to be less a hero constantly at war with his mentor--and what it would take to draw the two back together again for one last adventure.

"In addition to being one of the best comic-book writers in modern times, Mark Waid has also proven himself with Thrillbent to be one of the smarter forward-thinkers in comics," said Chris Ryall, IDW's chief creative officer/editor-in-chief. "We're very happy to be partnered with Mark, John Rogers and all the other great Thrillbent creators to help bring their work to comic fans in this way."

THE FLASH: "THE FLASH IS BORN"

The CW has released a description for "The Flash is Born," the episode of The Flash scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Here's how the episode is described:

"The Flash (Grant Gustin) faces a new meta-human named Tony (guest star Greg Finley), who can turn himself into girded steel at will. While Dr. Wells (Tom Cavanagh) and Caitlin (Danielle Panabaker) are concerned about Barry's safety, Cisco (Carlos Valdes) comes up with a plan to take Tony down. Meanwhile, Iris' (Candice Patton) blog on The Flash gets her into trouble, and Eddie (Rick Cosnett) witnesses Tony's abilities firsthand and begins to ask questions that Joe (Jesse L. Martin) doesn't want answered. Joe asks Dr. Wells to help him solve Nora Allen's murder."

Millicent Shelton directed the episode, written by Jaime Paglia and Chris Rafferty.

ARROW: "DRAW BACK YOUR BOW"

The CW has released a description for "Draw Back Your Bow," an episode of Arrow that hasn't officially been scheduled yet.

Here's how the episode is described:

"Oliver (Stephen Amell) must stop an Arrow-obsessed serial killer, Carrie Cutter (guest-star Amy Gumenick), who is convinced that The Arrow is her one true love and will stop at nothing to get his attention. Unfortunately, her way of getting his attention is to kill people. Meanwhile, Ray (Brandon Routh) asks Felicity (Emily Bett Rickards) to be his date for a work dinner with important clients. Thea (Willa Holland) auditions new DJs for Verdant and meets Chase (Austin Butler), a brash DJ with whom she immediately clashes."

Rob Hardy directed the episode, written by Wendy Mericle and Beth Schwartz.

STAR WARS REBELS FOR NOVEMBER

Disney XD has released a schedule of Star Wars Rebels episodes in November:

"Breaking Ranks," Monday, Nov. 3 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

Ezra goes undercover inside the Empire to retrieve vital information for an operation.

"Out of Darkness," Monday, Nov. 10 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

While on a supply run, Hera and Sabine find themselves stranded but not alone in a seemingly abandoned locale.

"Empire Day," Monday, Nov. 17 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

A refugee of the Empire seeks the Rebels' help to get off the planet with important information.

"Gathering Forces," Monday, Nov. 24 at 9 p.m. (ET/PT)

To protect the Imperial deserter, Kanan and Ezra attempt to distract the pursuing Imperial forces, resulting in a confrontation.

BRIEFLY

DC COVERS:Above are covers -- with trade dress, and including variants -- for DC Comics titles arriving in stores on Wednesday, Nov. 5. Click on the thumbnails for larger images.

NEW TEASER: Marvel Comics has released another summer 2015 teaser. Click on the thumbnail for a larger image.

MARVEL CLIP: For a clip from "Beneath the Surface," the episode of Avengers Assemble premiering on Disney XD on Sunday, CLICK HERE.

JANUARY 2015 SOLICITATIONS

Below are solicitations posted so far for January. Click on the publisher's name for the full listings.

* Action Lab Entertainment.

* Archie Comics.

* Action Lab Entertainment.

* Bongo Comics.

* Dark Horse Comics.

* DC Comics.

* Dynamite Entertainment.

* IDW Publishing.

* Marvel Comics.

* Oni Press.

* Valiant Entertainment.

* Zenescope Entertainment.

E-mail the Continuum at RobAlls@aol.com

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