Factory Entertainment, Inc has announced that it will be launching “Consolation-Con,” a virtual replacement for its annual San Diego Comic-Con booth, on July 6th, 2020.

“Our annual trip to San Diego Comic-Con is usually the highlight of our year” said Jordan Schwartz, President and CEO of Factory Entertainment. “There’s no substitute for interacting face-to-face with the many fans who share our passion and love our products and with the attendees who may be encountering us at the show for the first time.  Due to the cancellation of San Diego Comic-Con, we can’t do so this July, but that doesn’t mean we can’t connect with our customers and try to capture some of the spirit of Comic-Con by inviting everyone into our virtual booth.”

Starting on July 6th and running through July 17th, 2020, Factory Entertainment will host “Consolation-Con,” its tongue-in-cheek name for a series of six streaming video presentations, premiering at 11:00 AM, Pacific Daylight time, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at FactoryEnt.com and @FactoryEnt on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

Here’s what collectors and fans can expect:

2020 Convention Exclusives

Each video will unveil several of the 16 officially-licensed, limited edition Convention Exclusive products originally created by Factory Entertainment for SDCC 2020.   These collectibles feature top pop culture brands such as Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Star Trek, JAWS and Monty Python, among others. Immediately upon announcement, the exclusives will be available to order online at Factory Entertainment’s website.

Sneak Previews

In addition to revealing its Convention Exclusives, Factory Entertainment will use Consolation-Con to provide a sneak preview of some of its most exciting collectible offerings coming in late 2020 and 2021, including a number of breathtaking limited edition prop replicas, a category of collectibles in which Factory Entertainment is recognized as a market leader.  Fans will not want to miss these special previews, as most of the items have never previously been announced or have only been seen by the trade at New York Toy Fair.

Licensing Announcements and Giveaways

Throughout the course of Consolation-Con Factory Entertainment will also be announcing exciting new licensing partnerships and special Consolation-Con giveaways in conjunction with various social media partners.

Be sure to check out their by-daily vids for all of Factory entertainment’s new goodies and of course get in for the giveaways.

Everyone that works on STG is a volunteer. If you like the site and it’s contents please think about donating. Even a small amount helps keep the servers running.

The post Factory Entertainment Announces Consolation-Con appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Cosplay and comics. Celebrities and artists, it was the weekend of Comic Con in San Diego!

One of the biggest events to capture the city, Comic Con San Diego (SDCC 2019) put on a splendor of pop culture overload with the likes of panels from comic artists, signings and selfies with both television and film actors combined with the mammoth array of collectible vendors all showcasing their current and up and coming goodies.

STG U.S. sent two of the site’s finest, Dan Smith and Jerrelle Reddick to brave the crowds, and endure a sensory overload of everything awesome.

One of my picks was to be the meet and greet with Lou Ferrigno (the original TV Series’ Incredible Hulk from the 80s). Sadly, he didn’t make it. But there was enough on offer to satisfy and fill in the retro-fuel gap.

Sideshow Collectibles, producers of excruciatingly detailed figurines, busts and more from almost every imaginable licensed Film, TV, Comic and Video Gaming franchise known had a massive presence.

Up and coming shows from CBS All Access and Netflix were another feature and in some cases the ability to do a quick meet with the actors.

Comic fans were in their paradise. With legendary artists from Marvel and DC being present, doing panel talks and greeting their fans and yes, as you can imagine, the Comic market was rampant with almost every second or third stall being totally devoted to the printed artistry and indepth stories.

Comic Con in San Diego out did any other event this year. It was larger than life, a real collectors haven, from current to retro, encompassing everything that was pop-culture and more.

Being there amidst the wealth of iconic and epic brands fused with the excitement from the attendees, Comic Con is absolutely an event you need to get yourself to.

SDCC 2019 a total life experience like nothing else.

The post San Diego Comic Con 2019! appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

WarnerMedia’s truTV announced to us here at STG that a ninth season order of its flagship original series – and cable’s #1 original comedy Impractical Jokers, which guarantees more hidden-camera hijinks from James “Murr” Murray, Brian “Q” Quinn, Joe Gatto and Sal Vulcano on the network through 2020.

The announcement was made by the four stars and lifelong friends in front of thousands of their fans on Saturday night at the fourth annual Impractical Jokers fan event at the Park at Petco Park in San Diego during a special live streamed Q&A.

The 26-episode order produced by NorthSouth Productions continues to build on the franchise’s massive success, which is anchored by the television series’ run as one of cable’s longest-running and consistently top-rated original comedies. Currently in its eighth season, Impractical Jokers ranks as the #1 comedy series in cable among P18-49, delivering an average of 768,000 people in Live +7 viewing and reaching more than 1.2 million total viewers each week. Created and executive produced by its stars Joe, Murr, Q and Sal – collectively known as the comedy troupe The Tenderloins – the series recently filmed its landmark 200th episode, which is slated to premiere early next year.
 
In addition to a reprise of its annual fan event in San Diego, truTV brough tImpractical Jokers to Comic-Con International for its first-ever panel this year, “Impractical Jokers: From Hidden Camera to Worldwide Success.” During the panel, the guys also shared with fans a first look at their upcoming series The Misery Index, a comedy game show hosted by Jameela Jamil and featuring The Tenderloins as recurring panelists, which will premiere on Tuesday, October 22nd 2019 on TBS.

“For us it’s a no-brainer to bring this show back for a ninth season and give the fans what they demand,” says Brett Weitz, general manager TNT, TBS, and truTV. “The guys consistently bring the funny and we are proud to be home to their hilarious antics.”
 
Since its debut on truTV in 2011, the Impractical Jokers television series has translated its fandom into an international, multi-platform and experiential juggernaut that includes sold-out live shows and fan events, an annual themed cruise which next sets sail in February 2020, a growing retail and consumer product business, and a mobile museum installation that will travel to three tour stops this summer after an exhibition at the Staten Island Museum.
 
Impractical Jokers is produced for truTV by NorthSouth Productions with Charlie DeBevoise, Pete McPartland Jr., Joe Gatto, James Murray, Brian Quinn and Sal Vulcano serving as executive producers. The series is currently in its eighth season on truTV with new episodes returning on Thursday, August 8th, 2019 at 10:00pm ET/PT.

The post “Impractical Jokers” for Ninth Season appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Batman Experience, custom-built by AT&T with DC, will include activities on all three levels of the Museum’s staggering 68,000 square feet space.

A sneak peak of the exhibition will be available to attendees at THE GATHERING, a special ceremony inducting Batman into the Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame on Wednesday, July 17th, 2019 at 5 p.m., the first time a comic book character has ever been given that honor. 

“DC is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Comic-Con to celebrate Batman’s 80th, from our dozens of panels to our newly expanded booth which is the largest on the convention center floor – The Batman Experience takes everything to the next level,” said DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee, who contributed several original pieces to the exhibition including the original artwork commissioned exclusively for the commemorative program guide cover celebrating Comic-Con International’s milestone 50th anniversary. 

1990s Batman – Michael Keaton

“We’re honored to have a role in celebrating Batman’s induction into the Comic-Con Museum Character Hall of Fame, and we wanted to celebrate this iconic Super Hero in a way that is unique to what AT&T has the power to do,” said Valerie Vargas, SVP of Advertising and Creative Services, AT&T. “The Batman Experience will be an epic, fan-centric activation showcasing how creativity and innovative technology can unlock new opportunities for fans, allowing them to engage and interact with Batman in a whole new way.”

Other featured elements of The Batman Experience powered by AT&T include The Dark Knight Dive – the centerpiece attraction of The Batman Experience and a one-of-a-kind VR skydiving experience into the Gotham City. By combining a skydive booth with the magic of VR goggles and a helmet in the shape of a Batman cowl, gamers and Batman fans will enjoy a 4D interactive experience. Visitors will virtually fly through Gotham City in pursuit of the Scarecrow, who in attempting to take over the city, unleashes his Fear gas and creates a harrowing journey for fans through Batman’s 80 years of friends and foes.

LEGO Batman Video Game

The Batcave gaming lounge will feature all generations of Batman video and arcade games straight from the DC archives – examples include Warner Bros. titles such as Batman The Brave And The Bold (Wii or 3DS), LEGO Batman 3 (PS4), Batman: Arkham Knight (PS4) and Injustice 2 (PS4) – and are all available to play as part of The Batman Experience.

Hundreds of rare pieces of iconic DC comic book art and large-scale film and television props, including several from Tim Burton’s groundbreaking “Batman” film such as the Batmobile and Batsuit worn by Michael Keaton. The original Batman feature film is celebrating its own 30th anniversary this year. Joining these classic pieces will be a new car created by “Wayne Technology” that will give fans a taste of their future entertainment experiences in autonomous cars with 5G.

1960s Batman – Adam West

WHAAM! KABOOM! POW! 

The Rogue Gallery Rumble is an interactive punching bag experience that uses projection mapping and lights to trigger classic and iconic animations and sounds throughout the space and not to be missed is the special 6-foot Batman Black & White Statue designed by acclaimed artist and writer Todd McFarlane which will be unveiled on July 17th, 2019, marking the 100th statue in the line. The one-of-a-kind life-size version of the 100th statue will be displayed throughout SDCC along with the other 99 Batman Black & White figures from DC Collectibles. 

“There isn’t a single fictional character that has endured and influenced pop culture like Batman has and this exhibition is a fitting tribute to that,” said DC Publisher Dan DiDio. “You get to experience Batman’s 80 years across every medium, from comic books to television to film and video games.”

A Batman experience that definitely needs to be on your itinerary at this years Comic Con in San Diego!

The post DC and AT&T Team to Bring The Batman Experience to SDCC 2019 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Move over Avengers, there’s a new squad of Superheroes in town! Step into the ring with AXS TV as the Network’s hit original series WOW – Women Of Wrestling slams into San Diego Comic-Con, joining forces with acclaimed comics creator Michael Kingston’s Headlocked Comics for a unique tag-team event on Saturday, July 20th and Sunday, July 21st 2019.

All the action will be going down near the main entrance at booth number 1901 at the only wrestling-themed comics booth at the convention. Comic-Con attendees can come face-to-face with two of WOW’s most popular Superheroes and meet the people responsible for bringing WOW to life.

The weekend of WOW kicks off on Saturday, July 20th, 2019 from 1pm to 3pm, with a free signing event where fans can meet WOW and Los Angeles Lakers Owner Jeanie Buss; WOW visionary, commentator, founder, and matchmaker David McLane; and the brutal force of nature The Beast (Twana Ferguson). Additionally, while supplies last, attendees will be able to collect an all-new WOW limited edition art print featuring Buss with some of WOW’s brightest stars commissioned specially for Comic-Con by Michael Kingston. Then, on Sunday, July 21st, 2019 from 12pm to 2pm, fans can go toe-to-toe with the WOW Champion herself Tessa Blanchard, and take pictures with her legendary WOW World Championship belt in a free signing event that also includes McLane.

Frustrated by professional wrestling’s lack of representation in comic books and conventions, Kingston created Headlocked Comics in 2007 to tell hard-hitting stories that showcased wrestling as the art form that it is and to provide a positive experience for wrestling fans at comic and pop culture conventions. Boasting an impressive roster of guest collaborators that reads like a Wrestling Hall Of Fame lineup with industry icons such as Ric Flair, Jerry “The King” Lawler, Mick Foley, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe and Kenny Omega, Headlocked Comics is a true celebration of all things wrestling—making it the perfect partner for  WOW’s stunning Comic-Con crossover.

The one-of-a-kind event coincides with WOW – Women Of Wrestling ’s move to a new night and time on Saturday, July 13th, 2019 at 8pE, launching with an eight-week block re-capping the series’ entire first season —allowing fans to relive unforgettable moments such as Jungle Grrrl, Tessa Blanchard and Santana Garrett’s three-way Championship brawl, while giving new viewers a chance to catch up on the blockbuster drama and larger-than-life personas that made WOW one of the most-watched same-day series in AXS TV’s history. It all leads up to the Season Two premiere on September 7th, 2019 at 8pE, when the trailblazing promotion makes its triumphant return with 12 all-new episodes fueled by a stacked show packed with even more championship bouts, bitter feuds, and a single elimination tournament to crown new WOW Tag-Team Champions. 

WOW innovator McLane and Steven Dickey will once again provide analysis and commentary, as a slate of new Superheroes and returning superstars vie to pry WOW’s prized crown from reigning champion Tessa Blanchard.

Be there and get WOW’d.

The post WOW PARTNERS w. MICHAEL KINGSTON’S HEADLOCKED COMICS @ SDCC 2019 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Metal and comics will once again come together as one at the 50th anniversary of San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCC) with a special live performance from Bay Area thrash metal legends, EXODUS!

The intimate event, coined Bonded By Con, will commence on Thursday, July 18th, 2019 at the House of Blues. 

Vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza comments, “It’s our honor to destroy the House of Blues San Diego for Comic-Con. We’re looking forward to seeing all of the fans of horror, sci-fi and pop culture, as well as the Exodus fans who always come out to get in the pit and do the Toxic Waltz!! Comic-Con will never be the same!!”

The evening with EXODUS is the official Nuclear Blast Comic-Con Kick-Off Party sponsored by Court Of The Dead, Stern Pinball, and Rebellion Republic. 

To celebrate their 40th anniversary, Bay Area thrash metal legends EXODUS recently unleashed a new single entitled ‘No Love (Live At Day In The Dirt 1984)’. The band is pleased to announce that the aforementioned single – featuring a rare demo version of “Death Row” on the B-side, which is only available on this release – can now also be purchased on limited 7″ vinyl HERE. 

Take a trip back to that incredible time in thrash metal history with the recently unearthed live recording of “No Love (Live At Day In The Dirt 1984)”, and listen to the raw power of the original Bonded By Blood line-up of the band that started it all… EXODUS!

Tickets are on sale now HERE. 

The post Exodus @ SDCC 2019 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

FX Networks is thrilled to announce that FX Fearless Forum will be anchored by the American Horror Story: 1984 – Face the Darkness activation.

FX’s American Horror Story activations are popular with fans at Comic-Con and 2019 will be no different. Face the Darkness taps into the essence of the hit series’ ninth installation, American Horror Story: 1984, premiering
Wednesday, September 18th, 2019, with an immersive excursion featuring classic tropes of slasher horror, augmented by night vision goggles to turn up the terror. 

FX Fearless Forum takes over the network’s traditional space adjacent to the Convention Center at this year’s annual San Diego Comic-Con and will also feature activations including the What We Do in the Shadows Lair, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Sunscreen Zone, and the Archer O2 Station. FX Fearless Forum will also light up the night with a spectacular, awe-inspiring projection mapped gallery display highlighting FX Network’s programming with stunning visuals. Produced by FX Design in collaboration with BARTKRESA studio, this nightly display will dazzle fans with instant share-worthy moments. 

Fans will be able to pre-register for a RFID badge, which is required to gain entry to the activation, on FXSDCC.com in advance (and on-site). Registration & badge collection will be required to check into and participate in activations for premium swag, time-slot reservations and other surprises.

The post FX NETWORKS RETURNS TO SDCC w. AMERICAN HORROR STORY: 1984 – FACE THE DARKNESS appeared first on Shane the Gamer.