New Media Luminary STEPHANIE THORPE Goes COMIKAZE at Stan Lee's Pop-Culture Expo

New Media Luminary STEPHANIE THORPE Goes COMIKAZE at Stan Lee's Pop-Culture Expo

Stephanie Thorpe with fellow producers of  "The Ladies & The Gents" (L)

& At The 1st Annual Geekie Awards (R) - Geekie Awards photo by Albert L. Ortega

Los Angeles, CA – New Media Luminary STEPHANIE THORPE returns to Stan Lee’s Comikaze, teaming up with her partners from the celebrated web series, “The Ladies and the Gents”, revealing insider secrets for creating high-caliber comedy content for the web. Thorpe will also appear on 2 additional panels at the convention: “The Geekie Awards: An Awards Show By Geeks for Geeks” with event creator Kristen Nedopak; and “Web Series Creation 101—How Do You Build A Guild?” with moderator Katrina Hill.

With more than 60 episodes of fan-favorite web series “The Ladies & The Gents” under her creative belt, Thorpe is poised to expose her behind-the-scenes experiences on Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 10:00am in room 303AB on the panel “How to Get 150 Celebs in a Bathroom: Creating Collaborative Comedy for the Web.”

The panel brings together the prolific producers, directors and cast from the innovative L.A.-based web series, “The Ladies and The Gents”, to share insights and adventures into developing original comedic content for the web that involved over 150 talents. Moderated by Jo Bozarth (The Ladies, The Further Adventures of Cupid and Eros), Thorpe will be joined by Steven Lekowicz, Robb Padgett, and Tanya Ihnen (Vampire Zombie Werewolf, Life from the Inside); Avi Glijansky (The Further Adventures of Cupid and Eros, The Silverlake Badminton and Adventurers Club); Phil Morris (Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Smallville, Justice League-Animated); America Young (BAMF Girls Club, Mask & Cape, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2); and Beth Fisher (Bloom, After Judgment).

Premiering to rave reviews and showcased at the Big Screen Little Screen event earlier this year at SAG, “The Ladies & The Gents” explores the shenanigans during ‘one night, one LA club, two restrooms’ (theladiesandthegents.com). Thorpe is thrilled to be part of such an innovative project, explaining: "It was such a delight to work with this team! We created 20 weeks of original content, 60+ episodes, that mix geek humor with slapstick humor and I'm really proud that we were able to provide a forum for 150 web celebs to showcase their scripts & talents."

Recently, Thorpe appeared as a judge and nominee at the 1st Annual Geekie Awards. She was proud to have two of her series nominated, including “Shelf Life”, which just finished its 4th season (shelflifeseries.com) and “Night of the Zombie King” (goldtheseries.com), in which she’s a series regular. Thorpe’s artistic spirit was also recently showcased in Cupcake Quarterly Magazine, where she appeared in a vintage costume of her favorite “ElfQuest” character (made by the comic’s creator!). Thorpe also writes the new monthly column “Red Carpet Rundown” for Ms. In The Biz Magazine, offering up ways to rock the red carpet with style and fun while on a budget (msinthebiz.com).

Where:  COMIKAZE 2013 – Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA
Panel 1:  How to Get 150 Celebs in a Bathroom: Creating Collaborative Comedy for the Web—Sunday, Nov. 3rd  at 10:00am, Room 303AB

Panel 2:  The Geekie Awards: An Awards Show By Geeks for Geeks—Sunday, Nov. 3rd at 2:00pm in Room 303AB

Panel 3:  Web Series Creation 101: How Do You Build A Guild?—Friday, Nov. 1st at 2:00pm in Room 304 ABC

ABOUT STEPHANIE THORPE
A growing icon in the New Media scene, Stephanie Thorpe is in demand as an expert panelist & speaker, a host and presenter, a writer & producer, content creator, actress and director. Thorpe recently hit the front page of Variety with producing partner Paula Rhodes when they acquired the film/TV rights to the “ElfQuest” franchise.

They first gained attention for their award-winning cyber-phenom “ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining”, a short live-action production which has gained over 300,000+ views since its debut, earning numerous awards and accolades from film festivals, conventions and the media with over 100 articles and interviews to date (elfquestfantrailer.com).

Thorpe has been a driving force as an actor and producer in numerous web projects (and was stunned to realize she had made 100+ episodes of original web content) including the critically acclaimed After Judgment, Asylum, Babelgum’s Hurtling Through Space, and Tyler Mane’s The Mane Show. Stephanie continues to work in TV/film and garnered Best Actress in a Drama at the NYFilmFest.

She recently starred in the Parsec Award-winning GOLD spin-off Night of the Zombie King (goldtheseries.com), for which she was nominated Best Supporting Actress by IndieIntertube & by the New York Television Festival in 2011, and in the Indie Soap Opera Award nominated series Pairings. Stephanie continues to speak at events around the country, appearing on panels at GeekGirlCon, Emerald City Con, Comikaze, WonderCon and San Diego's Comic-Con (where she humbly accepted the label as one of The Most Dangerous Women at Comic-Con).

Thorpe has been nominated twice to the Board of Directors for IAWTV, hosted 4 events for the non-profit organization Celebrate the Web and is a founding member of The League of Extraordinary Ladies.

Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo partners with Legendary Horror Icon Elvira Mistress of the Dark.

Stan Lee’s Comikaze to be the only place You can MEET Elvira

Beverly Hills, Calif.(May 2012) - Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo Presented by POW! Entertainment, the largest multimedia pop culture, comic book, horror and gaming convention in Los Angeles, has set the date for its 2nd annual show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

After rebranding and joining forces with Stan Lee and Pow! Entertainment, Comikaze Expo has brought in a great new partner- Cassandra Peterson, best known for her character, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.

Like Stan Lee, Cassandra Peterson was a Guest of Honor at 2011's inaugural Comikaze Expo. Impressed by Comikaze's success (as well as Stan Lee's role), Peterson wanted to be involved. The Elvira creator is taking a very active role in the planning of the largest pop-culture expo in Los Angeles.

Peterson and Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo plan on creating interactive content unlike any other convention.

"I'm thrilled to join forces with the great Stan Lee in becoming a part of Comikaze Expo! Finally, a first class pop culture convention in my hometown of Los Angeles! " says Peterson. Stan Lee's Comikaze CEO Regina Carpinelli stated, "Elvira is part of our pop culture history. Not only is Cassandra Peterson a pretty face, but she is also brings so much to the table. She's one of the most brilliant businesswomen of our time, and has some fantastic ideas. I am so proud to call her our Partner. I like to think of her as Mistress of the Board" Peterson, who retired from appearing at Conventions as Elvira. Will be dressing as her famous character for Stan Lee’s Comikaze. “Stan Lee’s Comikaze, is the only convention in North America where you can get a photo or meet with Elvira. How cool is that?” says Carpinelli.

Peterson and the Stan Lee's Comikaze team are launching an interactive webseries/film festival for the show taking place September 15-16th. Elvira and Peaches Christ's Horror Hunt will be akin to American Idol-and Mystery Science Theater 3000. Aspiring and amateur filmmakers will submit their videos to Comikaze. A team of judges will evaluate them, and the top 10 will be picked-or panned by Elvira and her co-host, Peaches Christ on the hilarious new web series, Horror Hunt. A final winner will be chosen and flown out to LA. The winner will also receive a red carpet premier at the historic Vista Theater, as well as an official screening at Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo. They will also be featured as a guest at Comikaze.

Elvira and Peaches Christ's Horror Hunt will revolutionize the way film festivals are seen.

In conjunction with Horror Hunt, Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo has also launched The Search for the Next SuperHero and Villainous Villain, an art contest promoting creativity and budding artists. They have also announced a partnership with Star City Games, Americas largest Magic The Gathering tournament company. Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo will hold a Magic The Gathering tournament, with over $20,000 in cash prizes. All contests and competitions are open to the general public and more info can be found at www.comikazeexpo.com .

Renowned comic creator, Todd McFarlane has also been announced as a Guest of Honor. The Spawn creator will be signing books and taking part in select programming. As well as My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic voice actress Tara Strong.

Further announcements around Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo 2012 will be revealed leading up to the convention. Tickets are now available through pre-sale at $15 . Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo presented by POW! is also offering a unique ticket that enlists fans into the Stan Lee's Comikaze Army. This interactive ticket includes a weekend pass, armband, dog tag, military ID for discounts on merchandise and select vendors as well as collector's edition posters (children under 12 are free) through www.comikazeexpo.com.

For more information, please visit comikazeexpo.com, facebook.com/comikazeexpo or twitter.com/stanleecomikaze.

About Comikaze

Comikaze Expo is the largest multimedia pop culture convention in Los Angeles. The brainchild of Southern Californian Regina Carpinelli and her siblings, this unique event brings together the best in comics, gaming, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, anime and all other cult programming.

In 2012, Carpinelli partnered with comic book legend Stan Lee and horror icon Cassandra Peterson to rebrand as Stan Lee's Comikaze Presented by POW! Entertainment.

Comikaze takes place September 15-16, 2012 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and offers a slate of innovative programming, panels, contests and other activities that provide fans access to their favorite artists and creators in this adventure-packed weekend.

For more info, visit www.ComikazeExpo.com.

About POW! Entertainment

POW! Entertainment, Inc., (OTCQB: POWN), a multi-media and entertainment company, was founded by noted comic book and entertainment figure Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman. POW!'s principals have extensive backgrounds in the entertainment industry encompassing the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW! is capitalizing on this combined expertise to create and develop both the legacy and digital media components of the entertainment industry. This includes animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, multi-media, merchandising and related ancillary markets. POW! has established partnerships across the entertainment industry, including studios and networks, for the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! character franchises. For further information visit www.powentertainment.com .

About Cassandra Peterson

WHEN YOU HEAR THE NAME ELVIRA, ONLY ONE PERSON COMES TO MIND – Halloween icon and quintessential symbol of all things spooky, the one and only Mistress of the Dark.

Elvira was the first horror host ever to be syndicated throughout the US on national TV. She produced, wrote and starred in the feature films Elvira, Mistress of the Dark and Elvira’s Haunted Hills. Her most recent projects include the reality series Search for the Next Elvira, the 2010-2011 return of Movie Macabre and the new web series Elvira’s Horror Hunt.

Played by actress-writer Cassandra Peterson, she has spent over three decades solidifying the Elvira brand and has carved out a niche in popular American culture that is sure to endure for decades to come.

SOURCE Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo

Comic Book Legend Stan Lee & POW! Entertainment Launches New Comic Convention with Comikaze Entertainment Inc

Los Angeles' Only Comic Convention Comikaze to rebrand as Stan Lee's Comikaze presented by POW! With This Year's Much Anticipated Annual Event In The Fall

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., April 12, 2012 -- Comikaze Entertainment Inc., the operator behind the largest multimedia pop culture, comic book, horror, anime and gaming convention in Greater Los Angeles, has announced a strategic partnership with world renowned pop culture icon Stan Lee and his company POW! Entertainment. With a staggering 40,000 attendee turnout and over 300 exhibitors during its 2011 debut, this one-of-a-kind-expo was promptly recognized and embraced by attendees, the comic convention industry, and the greater LA area. In fact, LA Weekly named Comikaze Expo the "Best New Convention".

Hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center on September 15-16th 2012, 'Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo presented by POW! Entertainment,' promises a larger premier experience for attendees this year with an amazing line-up of attractions from vendors, exciting interactive contests, tons of celebrity autograph signings, the addition of movie screenings, incredible panel sessions and all new gaming tournaments. Comikaze Expo will also join other major Stan Lee and POW! Entertainment endeavors such as the release of Lee's dedicated digital hub "TheRealStanLee.com" with EQAL, 1821's "Romeo & Juliet: The War" and "Stan Lee's Kids Universe," A2 & Archie Comics' "Stan Lee's Mighty Seven," and "Stan Lee's World of Heroes" YouTube channel with Vuguru.

"The inauguration of Comikaze Expo demonstrated the mighty appetite and eager response from fans to experience a Los Angeles-based event that provides a variety of comic book and pop culture entertainment," said Stan Lee, Founder and Chief Creative Officer of POW! Entertainment. "We saw an opportunity to creatively take this event to new heights through our partnership and we seized it!"

Regina Carpinelli, Founder and CEO of Comikaze Entertainment Inc. commented: "Stan is one of the greatest entertainment icons of our generation and the godfather of modern comics. We expect him to be instrumental in developing the Los Angeles Comikaze Convention. We have partnered with one of pop cultures most celebrated figures and we plan to wow not only LA but also the world. Audiences can anticipate a highly interactive experience at Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo, unlike any other show. We want to change the way conventions are created and make an ultimate fan experience year round. Besides, it's about damn time Stan had his own convention!"

Gill Champion, CEO of POW! Entertainment, said: "Live events are an important element supporting POW!'s brand extension. Where else to better start this program then in our own back yard here in LA and with a proven venue and association."

Further announcements around Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo 2012 will be revealed leading up to the convention. Tickets are now available through pre-sale at $12 in honor of their inaugural 2011 show prices. Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo presented by POW! is also offering a unique ticket that enlists fans into the Stan Lee's Comikaze Army. This interactive ticket includes a weekend pass, armband, dog tag, military id for discounts on merchandise and select vendors as well as collector's edition posters(children under 12 enter for free) through www.comikazeexpo.com/
For more information, please visit comikazeexpo.com, facebook.com/comikazeexpo or twitter.com/comikazeexpo.

About Comikaze
Comikaze Expo is the largest multimedia pop culture convention in Los Angeles. The brainchild of Southern Californian Regina Carpinelli and her siblings, this unique event brings together the best in comics, gaming, horror, sci-fi, fantasy, anime and all other cult programming. Comikaze takes place September 15-16 at the Los Angeles Convention Center, and offers a slate of innovative programming, panels, contests and other activities that provide fans access to their favorite artists and creators in this adventure-packed weekend. For more info, visit www.ComikazeExpo.com.

About POW! Entertainment
POW! Entertainment, Inc., (OTCQB: POWN), a multi-media and entertainment company, was founded by noted comic book and entertainment figure Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman. POW!'s principals have extensive backgrounds in the entertainment industry encompassing the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW! is capitalizing on this combined expertise to create and develop both the legacy and digital media components of the entertainment industry. This includes animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, multi-media, merchandising and related ancillary markets. POW! has established partnerships across the entertainment industry, including studios and networks, for the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! character franchises. For further information visit www.powentertainment.com.

SOURCE Comikaze Entertainment Inc.; POW! Entertainment, Inc.