IDW PUBLISHING OPENS BRANCH IN PORTLAND

While the company's main base of operations will remain in San Diego, IDW Publishing is officially branching out to Portland, establishing a beachhead for its new phase of development, headed up by VP of marketing, Dirk Wood.

Wood will serve as creative director for Woodworks, a brand new imprint of IDW to be run out of the Portland office. Woodworks will consist primarily of a new line of books, anchored by a high-end, curated magazine, featuring contributions by, and conversations with, the most talented and diverse creators in the industry. While the primary focus will be comics, it will also have a dash of general entertainment and culture features; film, TV, art, music, history, and more.

"This was born from a conversation that Ted Adams and I had," Wood said. "We were talking about our similar taste in books, and some of the projects we'd like to see happen. This led to talk about the incredible comics scene that's taking off in Portland, and how we should be a part of it. Suddenly, we realized that these two thoughts fit each other perfectly. To be able to start this new chapter of the company I love, and expand our reach into the hometown that I love, is an incredible opportunity. I can't wait to get started."

Added Adams, IDW publisher and CEO, "Dirk and I are both Oregonians -- we even went to the same university in Southern Oregon -- and this new line will represent the independent streak that's part of the DNA of everyone born there. That independence will include not just the books and magazines we make but also in the way we get them into the hands of readers. As everyone who has met him knows, Dirk is a one-of-a-kind talent and I can't wait to get started on this new venture with him."

Wood will be staying on with IDW in an advisory role concerning trade Shows and marketing, particularly as it relates to the Direct Comic Market.

TITAN COMICS' FREEWAY FIGHTER

Titan Comics has announced a May launch for Freeway Fighter, a mini-series from writers Andi Ewington and Ian Livingstone and artist Simon Coleby.

Here's how the book is described:

"Spinning out of the legendary Fighting Fantasy series of gamebooks created by Ian Livingstone and Steve Jackson in 1982, the post-apocalyptic Freeway Fighter distinguished itself by deviating from the usual mix of orcs, goblins and cave-trolls. Celebrating 35 years in 2017, Fighting Fantasy brought together choice driven storytelling with a dice-based role-playing system to create a world in which 'You are the hero!' The series sold over 18 million copies worldwide and is translated in over 30 languages.

"In the new comics series, an unknown virus has wiped out over 85 percent of the world's human population. Former I-400 Driver Bella De La Rosa is one of the 15 percent -- living every day as if it were her last. Now, 18 months after the collapse of civilization, faced with a new world order where violence and chaos rule the Freeway, she must hone her racing skills and survive any way she can!"

"I've always wanted to see Fighting Fantasy books in comic book form," said Livingstone, Fighting Fantasy co-creator. "It's been a pleasure working with Andi Ewington and the artists who have got the Interceptor roaring down the post-apocalyptic road with Bella at the wheel, burning rubber to survive!"

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BRIEFLY

DC FIGURES: Diamond Comic Distributors and Mezco present three Previews Exclusive (PX) One:12 Collective DC Action Figures featuring Black Adam, Arsenal and Red Son Superman.

The figures feature more than 30 points of articulation, character-specific accessories and intricate sculptural work. They will have a suggested retail price of $80.

VALIANT FIRST LOOKS: For covers and five-page preview of Divinity III: Aric, Son of the Revolution #1, arriving in stores on Wednesday, Jan 14 from Valiant Entertainment Comics, CLICK HERE.

TITAN COMICS FIRST LOOKS: For covers and three-page preview of Anno Dracula #1, arriving in stores on Wednesday, March 22 from Titan Comics, CLICK HERE.

FEBRUARY 2017 SOLICITATIONS

Below are solicitations posted for February. Click on the publisher's name for the full listings.

* ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT.

* AFTERSHOCK COMICS.

* ARCHIE COMICS.

* ASPEN COMICS.

* BONGO COMICS.

* BOOM! STUDIOS.

* DARK HORSE COMICS.

* DC COMICS.

* DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT.

* IDW PUBLISHING.

* IMAGE COMICS.

* MARVEL COMICS.

* ONI PRESS.

* TITAN COMICS.

* VALIANT ENTERTAINMENT.

* ZENESCOPE ENTERTAINMENT.

E-mail the Continuum at RobAlls@aol.com

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