Mac and Trouble book in the works

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Science fiction is gaining an unlikely pair of adventurers in 2012, with a new series from What The Flux Comics (WTFC). "The Adventures of Mac and Trouble" (creator Rusty Gilligan and artist Michael Mayne) will bring together an all-ages 'tail' of epic proportions, as the world of 'funny books' merges with reality-hopping sci fi, to bring fans an unusual look at comics as they've never quite seen them before. May God help us all.

MAC AND TROUBLE are two average house cats who fall through a wormhole in their litter box and land directly into the deepest reaches of 'alternate' reality, showing them a new world of amazing creatures, and launch them into a never-ending journey to find their way home... after all, it was almost dinner time when they left ! But... was it an accident, or were they meant to be there ? During their adventures, you'll meet all sorts of characters on their comedic travel through the universe... some familiar, some not. Among them, long lost heroes, movie monsters, and historical figures to name a few, on a wild journey of the absurd.

The best way to describe their story is to look back to the Bob Hope/Bing Crosby 'road pictures' ... the Marx Bros... 'buddy films'.

"We're looking at great fun and high adventure much like the "Disney Afternoon"... "Duck Tales", and "Tale Spin"." Gilligan said, "Comics such as "Cerebus the Aardvark", "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles", and "Howard the Duck" are major influences to the style of the book. The mix of 'funny animals' into 'real world' situations is key to the development..."

Of course, there's the villain behind their journeys... what can be gained by two cats lost in the cosmos, and where will they find cheese ?! Well, WTFC intends to show you.

"I really think today's comics have gotten too mature for their readers", says Gilligan. "We need to step back and have fun with comics again."

Gilligan is no stranger to comics. Starting in 1978, Gilligan has worked with Marvel, DC, Image, Big Bang, Heavy Metal and more... most recently, with Upper Deck on Marvel-related cards, and on the recent Comic Book Legal Defense Fund set from Cryptozoic Entertainment. He's also done film work for movies such as "Heavy Metal", "Spiderman" 2 & 3, and "Capt America".

Joining Gilligan is artist Michael Mayne, also known for his work on the "Massively Effective" comic and his own amazing title "Bonnie Lass: The Legend". His unique brand of animation breathes strong life into these two characters. Additionally, you'll find work from Arthur Gibson (co-writer), and 2 of WTFC's regulars Russ Leach and Terry Pavlet, who have already provided guest artist chores.

At the beginning of 2012, a special news strip edition of "Mac and Trouble" will be released featuring their Sunday-funnies style news strips and a special comedy intro story.

Soon after, there's a 4-card prototype set which will feature an original sketch card in every pack, marking the first time a sketch card is to be used as a promo card. Artists include a long list of industry professionals, and, some 'unique' additions. Card fronts display original art and photos of the real cats, while backs form a puzzle with of their very first web-strip.

"Since Mac and Trouble are based on real-life cats, we've decided to include 100% original 'paw print' cards which are stamped with the real paw print of the cats, dated, and include a small art sketch." Gilligan added.

The main character, Mac, is handicapped in real life with an ailment known as "Cerebellar Hypoplasia" which effects his walking and motor skills. To help all animals in need, a portion of the profits from all "Mac and Trouble" book and card projects will be collected and donated to national animal charities.

In conjunction with this project, "Mac and Trouble" will be featured in a series of crossovers with some of Indy's finest creators. These "Litterbox Editions" will feature more 'animated' alternate versions of these Indy main characters, set in an all-ages atmosphere, and offering a new perspective on your Indy favorites.

This new property ushers in a whole new extension for WTFC, the publisher, as it enters into the 'all-ages category'. "Mac and Trouble" will be under a new imprint known as Rusty Ink! and is the creation of Rusty Gilligan and his studio.

"We are excited to get a foot in the door for the 'All-Ages' side of publishing..." stated Larry Jarrell CEO of What The Flux Comics Publishing Inc, "Not to mention we have the very talented Rusty Gilligan bringing his art back into the printed realm; we couldn't be happier."

Currently, "Mac and Trouble" is featured in a new campaign on IndieGoGo, and features some incredible prizes for investment. Rewards include: original art, exclusive art prints, sketch card commissions, personalized desktop patterns, chances to appear in the comic, and more! The only way to obtain the promo card set is through IndieGoGo, and the sets are very limited. You can find more information, exclusive art, news strips, and the whole story behind "Mac and Trouble" at http://www.indiegogo.com/The-Adventures-of-Mac-and-Trouble?a=163975&i=addr

THE ADVENTURES OF MAC AND TROUBLE, a 32-page full color comic with a cover price of $3.99, will be available for order through Previews and various online distributors, and will be on sale this summer.

ABOUT WHAT THE FLUX COMICS
What The Flux Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher with such titles as "Red Angel", "Da'kota", and "Concrete Dove" among others.

ABOUT RUSTY INK!
Rusty Ink! is a new studio venture from Rusty Gilligan, and contains such properties as Mac and Trouble, The Super, Symbol, Lisa Panic, and The Lost Days Of Hercules, a tale to be released Summer 2012

Zombie Years 4th Anniversary

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Miami, Florida USA January 16th, 2012 - ZOMBIE YEARS, a South Florida Web-comic, celebrates Wednesday the 18th of January, 4 years online. Starting in 2008, Zombie Years takes place in a near future Miami Florida, where a plague has hit, turning people turning into undead zombies, hungering for flesh. The survivors of the horror now try to get along, the daily struggle to survive is the routine and the rule, and everyone watches for the The Fever: a maddening virus that drives people insane,  eventually dying from it ….and then coming back.

Meet Frank Nuñez, a survivor; relatively young he’s now worked out his life in this new world. He’s been able to eek out a living among the dead, and delves into the deep reaches of the city to find anything to make life better. Frank is beaten, he doesn’t want anything from anyone, and just now resides in his mind to survive and see the next day. But one day while scavenging a girl comes into his life, and all of a sudden (right?) survival is not enough…

Zombie Years is a Horror Drama with lots of action and Humor, Survival tips, both real and unreal,  DIY concepts, Latin American/Caribbean culture, while featuring Miami as a whole other character in the story. Updating every Wednesday, this week the site will have a new page everyday and all of the archives will be available just this week for people to read form the beginning!

Zombie Years has found critical acclaim both in the comic book and Film field with books published by Creature Entertainment. Having sold books on the Concert circuit in Orlando, North Carolina and New York, selling out copies in all location, this celebration has been deemed by creator Juan Navarro fortuitous for now.

"There is so many amazing things going on now, between our next film, and our premiere this year at San Diego Comic Con, it's just the right time to celebrate Zombie Years and where it's at right now."

ZombieYears.com also has many links to DIY and Survival projects, and links to the Short film Juan Navarro directed with Julio Alvarez and Anthony Dones, "Thanks Grandpa"  can be seen in it's entirety on there.

Future plans include attending various cons in Orlando, Miami, San Diego and Baltimore and also a possible feature film base don ZOmbie Years. Juan artwork can also be found at  Fwacata.com



CONTACT:
Creature Entertainment
401 Crescent Dr.
Miami Springs FL, 33166
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Revenge of the Pun! Awarded a Silver Medal

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Revenge of the Pun! Awarded a Silver Medal for Best in Humor category. 

ForeWord Reviews is pleased to announce the winners of the 2011 Book of the Year Awards and the Independent Publisher of the Year.

At a ceremony during the American Library Association Conference in New Orleans, the 215 Book of the Year Award winners in 60 categories were honored. These books, representing the best independently published books from 2010 were selected by a panel of librarian and bookseller judges.

http://www.bookoftheyearawards.com/winners/2010/

ForeWord Reviews is a journal dedicated to reviewing independently published books, and serves as the flagship periodical of booksellers, librarians, agents, and publishing professionals who want to access the best titles from small presses.

Revenge of the Pun!, the sequel to Embrace the Pun! has already won a Bronze Medal at the 2011 IPPY Awards. The IPPY's are hosted at Book Expo by Independent Publisher Magazine, selecting outstanding self-published books in 90 categories.

Reviews have been very favorable! Available through Lulu.com as a paperback, an e-book, and it's just been released for the I-Bookstore.
http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/revenge-of-the-pun/11383214

Mark McKay's Shimmer show dates

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Mark McKay

Dakota Dust
Shimmer
Live From the Memory Hotel

Roots-rock with a surreal twist.
-Indiana Daily Journal

Expansive, exotic Americana, urgent, whiskey-fed melodies topped with lyrics that seem to consist of a string of vivid images and striking non sequiturs.
-The Daily Vault

 
Fred Friction @KDHX in St. Louis has played multiple tracks from Mark's new album, Dakota Dust, including "The Devil's in the Voodoo" and "My Angel!"

Dakota Dust, has been getting some great reviews and is available online.  Dakota Dust is Mark's follow-up to the critically acclaimed album Shimmer; both are produced by Eric "Roscoe" Ambel. 

Jason Warburg of the Daily Vault calls the McKay/Ambel collaboration "a partnership that has now delivered two of the best alt.country albums of the past decade."  Check out Jason's full review here:

http://dailyvault.com/toc.php5?review=6758

February Shows:

Thursday 2/9
New York City 7PM
Lakeside Lounge
With Eric Ambel & Phil Cimino

Friday 2/10 7PM
Frederick, MD
Frederick Coffee Company
With Timothy Bracken

Saturday 2/11 
Braddock Heights, MD 7PM
The Braddock Inn
With Timothy Bracken

Wednesday 2/15
Chicago, IL 8PM
Uncommon Ground on Devon
With John Abbey

Sunday 2/26
Ellicott City, MD 7PM
Pure Wine Cafe
With David Morreale


You can buy all of Mark's albums online at iTunes, CD Baby, or Amazon.com.

Follow Mark on www.twitter.com/markmckayband!  Or add him on Facebook!

If you would like to book Mark McKay or schedule an interview, contact his manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Mark lives in Braddock Heights, MD.

Please check www.markmckay.com or www.myspace.com/markmckay for show-times, additional tour dates and venue information.  We will update both sites regularly for you.