Disney Icons Launch New Podcast + Return to Co-Host SDCC Fan Favorite Event

Three-episode premiere drops July 11, plus first-ever live after-show tapes July 25 at SDCC

• Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein (voice of Star Wars’ Ahoska Tano) and Broadway star Michael James Scott (The Genie in Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway) today announced the launch of their new weekly podcast, HypeFriend!, debuting July 11 with a three-episode premiere. The duo returns to San Diego Comic-Con to co-host the opening night event, The Her Universe Fashion Show Presented by Universal on Thursday, July 24 at 6 p.m. PT in the Seaport Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. This will be Michael James Scott’s third year co-hosting the iconic SDCC kickoff event, where fans will yet again be dazzled by his powerhouse vocals and electrifying fashion. 

• Friends since high school, Ashley and Michael launch HypeFriend! as a weekly podcast with the singular mission of starting a friendship revolution, one “HypeFriend” at a time. Filled with Hypes & Gripes, Good Gossip, and Neighbor Drop-Ins, the comedy podcast centers around authentic conversation meant to inspire the next generation of friendships. Guests featured in the premiere episodes include voice actor Bret Iwan (official voice of “Mickey Mouse”) and Andrew Levitt, also known as Nina West from RuPaul’s Drag Race. All three are available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

• For the first time ever, the HypeFriend! podcast will host a special “Her Universe Fashion Show After Party” on Friday, July 25 (10-11 am) at the Neil Morgan Auditorium of the San Diego Central Library. Fans are invited to join the special live taping, hear the backstage stories, and meet the newly crowned “Her Universe Fashion Show” winners. 

• “I’ve learned that connection is an essential need, just like food and water. We can’t be there in person for every single listener, but we can virtually create a community while simultaneously learning and sharing some tips and tricks for how to make friends and connect with those around you. Just like someone might share a recipe for a cake, there is a recipe for friendship!” — Ashley Eckstein

• “Ashley’s over here giving you the recipe for friendship—and I’m the friend who shows up, in a FIERCE outfit, ready to eat the cake, even if it’s burnt. And with Ashley’s baking, you never know! Honestly, doing a podcast with my lifelong bestie where we overshare and laugh too loud? That’s my love language. HypeFriend is like a big, glittery group hug but with jazz hands.” — Michael James Scott

• HypeFriend is produced by Dream Three, a multi-platform entertainment studio headquartered in New York and founded by award-winning writer-director Jeremy Merrifield and Broadway star Michael James Scott. 

ABOUT HER UNIVERSE 

Her Universe is a groundbreaking fandom fashion company and lifestyle brand originally founded by Ashley Eckstein in 2010. Her Universe strives to cultivate a fandom-centric community powered by women to be authentically themselves and celebrate what they love by designing high-quality, fandom-centric, size-inclusive, stylish merchandise. For more information, visit heruniverse.com and follow @heruniverse on Instagram, X, Facebook, and @officialheruniverse on TikTok.

ABOUT HYPEFRIEND!

HypeFriend is a weekly, hour-ish conversation podcast series hosted by childhood friends and Disney icons —Ashley Eckstein (the voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars) and Broadway’s Michael James Scott (“The Genie” from Disney’s ALADDIN on Broadway). In 2023, the US Surgeon General declared that we are currently experiencing a loneliness and isolation epidemic. United by an unshakable belief that authentic connection can change lives, Ashley and Michael are starting a “friendship revolution” one “HypeFriend” (and one episode!) at a time. Each week, they delve into what it truly takes to Be A HypeFriend — a friend who is genuinely there for you, who proudly supports you, and unconditionally cares for you. Blending laugh-out-loud banter with guests from “the neighborhood”, Michael and Ashley build a vibrant community of friends and guests who share their own experiences, lessons learned, and stories about friendship in a fun, casual, and conversational way. The show is produced by Dream Three. For more information, visit: www.beahypefriend.com. 

ABOUT ASHLEY ECKSTEIN

Actress, author, designer, entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and producer, Ashley Eckstein, is most known for originating the character of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars, she voices Ahsoka in projects such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars: Rebels, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy - Pieces of the Past, coming to Disney+ this September. Ashley founded the fashion and lifestyle brand Her Universe, and Eckstein's designs can currently be found at Disney Parks worldwide. Ashley is currently serving as Co-Creator, Executive Producer, and will be starring in a new audio drama for Disney. Eckstein is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and is on the National Advisory Council for The Kids Mental Health Foundation. Follow Ashley on Instagram @ashleyeckstein. 

ABOUT MICHAEL JAMES SCOTT 

Best known as the “Genie” in Disney's Aladdin on Broadway and having won awards for playing the role in productions around the world, Michael James Scott is globally recognized for originating the Broadway roles of “The Minstrel” in Something Rotten! and “Dr. Gotswana” (aka The Maggots Man) in The Book of Mormon. He's the voice of Disney Cruise Line’s national commercial campaign, where you can hear his reimagined rendition of Cinderella’s “A Dream Is A Wish” and is currently touring with his symphonic show of the same name. With more than fifteen Broadway credits, Michael can be heard on multiple cast albums, studio recordings, and on his holiday album A Fierce Christmas. In addition, he has numerous film and television credits, including Black Monday, The Carrie Diaries, and South Park. Follow Michael on instagram @iammjscott. 

JIM MAHFOOD Is Returning to His Creator-Owned Comic Roots With the Series That Launched His Career

Jim Mahfood
presents
GRRL SCOUTS: MAGIC SOCKS
Prolific Comic Book Artist Returns to His Creator-Owned Roots With
Revival of the Series That Launched His Career

Live Book Signing & Launch Event
May 17, 2017 | 7pm - 10pm
A Shop Called Quest DTLA
300 S. Santa Fe St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013

Illustrator and indie favorite, Jim Mahfood’s goes back to his roots with a new release and signing at A Shop Called Quest in Los Angeles on May 17, 2017. 

Comic book artist Jim Mahfood (https://www.instagram.com/jimmahfood/) has been involved in some of the biggest projects in the industry since his career took off in the 90s: Marvel's X-Men Generation X, Kevin Smith’s Clerks comics, Ziggy Marley’s MarijuanaMan project, even providing all the art on the new Tank Girl series: Everybody Loves Tank Girl, to name a few.

But the fans that have followed him through his career never forgot what got him started: a self-published (and initially self-distributed) series called GRRL SCOUTS. Mahfood has come a long way since personally hawking his home-made comic books at shops all around Kansas City. 

Now, 22 years after self-publishing the series that launched his prolific career as a comic book illustrator, Jim Mahfood is releasing the next chapter of the GRRL SCOUTS through Image Comics, the world’s foremost creator-owned comic book publisher. GRRL SCOUTS: Magic Sockswill go on sale Wednesday, May 17 online and in stores all around the country. To celebrate the launch, A Shop Called Quest in downtown Los Angeles is hosting the official book-signing and party from 7pm - 10pm.

Shawnimals: a town...OF NINJAS! Opening Reception and Ninjatown eeensy charms Launch This Friday at Rotofugi

Join Rotofugi and Shawnimals tomorrow, Friday, January 6th from 7-10pm for the a town....OF NINJAS opening reception and the launch of the Ninjatown eeensy charms.

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THUNDERBOLT Manga Launches From VIZ Media

VIZ MEDIA UNLEASHES MECHA ACTION WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THUNDERBOLT MANGA SERIES

Debut Of A New Series In The Classic Science Fiction Universe Delivers A Story Of Two Rival Mobile Suit Pilots Bent On Each Other’s Destruction

San Francisco, CA, November 7, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, unleashes a fresh take on the classic Gundam universe with the release of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THUNDERBOLT on November 15^th.

Comic-Con International and Lionsgate Unveil Launch Plans for Comic-Con HQ

COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL AND LIONSGATE UNVEIL LAUNCH PLANS FOR COMIC-CON HQ, INCLUDING OFFICIAL NAME
AND LOGO FOR NEW SVOD CHANNEL

Comic-Con HQ to Roll Out with Free Beta Access on May 7
and Official Launch in June

Original Content at Launch to Include San Diego Comic-Con Programming Along with Original Scripted and Unscripted Series Kings of Con, Impossible Science and Previously-Announced Her Universe Fashion Show

Platform Will Also Offer Entertainment News and Commentary Featuring a Full Slate of Daily and Weekly Programs, with G4 Stars Kevin Pereira and Adam Sessler Executive Producing Select Shows

SANTA MONICA and SAN DIEGO, California, March 14, 2016 – Comic-Con International and Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) today unveiled launch plans for Comic-Con HQ, their newly named subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) platform debuting shortly before San Diego Comic-Con this Summer. Comic-Con HQ will launch with free beta access on May 7 with its official premiere in June leading up to Comic-Con International: San Diego in July.

VIZ Media's NARUTO Feature Film Catalog Launches On STEAM Digital Content Platform

Leading Content Platform - Steam – Offers The Intense Ninja Action Of All 10 Movies From The NARUTO And NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Universes For Digital Purchase

San Francisco, CA, February 5, 2016 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, brings the action and excitement of NARUTO to Steam, a leading interactive content delivery platform by software company, Valve Corporation.

LEGO Marvel's Avengers Now Available

WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT, TT GAMES, THE LEGO GROUP AND MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT ASSEMBLE FOR LAUNCH OF
 LEGO® MARVEL’S AVENGERS

 

All New LEGO Videogame Starts off 2016 in Epic Fashion, Celebrating The Avengers with Blockbuster Moments from Six Marvel Studios Films and Fan-Favorite Content from 
Acclaimed Marvel Comics

 

Burbank, Calif. – Jan. 26, 2016 – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games, The LEGO Group and Marvel Entertainment today announced the launch of LEGO® Marvel’s Avengers, an all new action-packed Super Hero adventure that allows players to relive the most amazing moments from the Marvel Cinematic Universe through six Marvel Studios films, while also experiencing classic Avengers characters and content from acclaimed Marvel Comics. Developed by TT Games and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, LEGO Marvel’s Avengers is now available for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, Xbox One®, Xbox 360®, the Wii U™ system from Nintendo, the Nintendo 3DS™ family of systems and Windows PC.

Funko Launches Marvel Collector Corps Subscription

Funko announced that they have Officially launched the Marvel Collector Corps Subscription Service. This is a bi-monthly subscription for $25 + shipping. You can also purchase a yearly subscription where you will receive an exclusive Founder Statue. The first box will ship in April and the theme is Marvel's Avengers: Age of Ultron and includes exclusive figures, apparel and accessories.

Pocket Gems and Fox Digital Entertainment Launch Night at the Museum: Hidden Treasures

Fox Digital Entertainment Partners with Pocket Gems To Launch  a Mobile Game Companion to the Upcoming Film Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb

SAN FRANCISCO – December 5, 2014 - Fox Digital Entertainment and Pocket Gems, a leader in mobile-first entertainment, have partnered to create a new mobile game, Night at the Museum: Hidden Treasures, an officially licensed companion game to the popular film franchise. The game will be available on the Apple App Store and Google Play for smartphones and tablets ahead of the film, which hits theaters in the US on December 19, 2014.

NOBILITY: The Series to Launch at SDCC

Get ready to be amazed by the stellar cast bringing "NOBILITY," an out-of-the--box new dramedy from Cowboy Errant Pictures set 700 years in the future, to life. The concept revolves around the C.A.S. Nobility, "humanity's most powerful starship with a crew, that's, well, anything but noble.“ The incredible cast is composed of sci-fi legends from Walter Koenig (“Star Trek: TOS”, “Babylon 5″) to Doug Jones ("Hellboy" series, "The Time Machine") and Adrienne Wilkinson (“Xena”, “Star Wars: Clone Wars”), Cas Anvar (“Assassin’s Creed,” "Diana," “Castle”),  James Kyson (“Heroes”) and Christopher Judge ("Stargate,""Dark Knight Rises"). 
 
Real people existing in a real world with consequences for their actions – that is what’s at the core of “Nobility.”  Described as “Firefly” meets “The Office,” “Nobility” uses clever comedic scenarios -- as the best of science fiction-based films like “Back to the Future,” “Indiana Jones,” “Firefly,” “Buffy,” and “Doctor Who” have done -- as a means to open the door to an audience’s heart. They succeed on every level.

The Pink Dolphin Project--Factory Entertainment fuses the spirit of fun and giving at San Diego Comic Con

The Pink Dolphin Project--Factory Entertainment fuses the spirit of fun and giving at San Diego Comic Con

When collectibles manufacturer Factory Entertainment shows up at San Diego Comic-Con next week, it will have more on its mind than selling “cool stuff.”

Viz Media To Launch Sailor Moon Crystal Anime Series on July 5th

North America’s Leading Anime Distributor Launches Reboot Of The Famed Fantasy Action Series; Free Streaming Episodes Premiere At The Same Time As Japanese Debut!

Loot Crate - LAUNCH - January 2014 Contents Revealed

This is the January 2014 Loot Crate. LAUNCH is the Theme! First many will notice the shape of the box is different this month. It is square shaped. On the bottom of the box is a Launch Base which you could use to send your own stuff into space.

Contents of this month's box will be revealed after the break. Stop looking if you have not received your Loot Crate yet. Contains SPOILERS!!!