The Spotlight
December 2005 - Immedium
1. News
2. New Books
3. Events
1. NEWS
Immedium's launch get favorable reviews
We are glad that readers everywhere have appreciated Immedium's fresh take on publishing and the high quality of its first two books.
Publishers Weekly
reported that Immedium is "recruiting comics artists and writers for future titles and plans books that will exploit pop culture influences from Asia and the West."
Kidscreen
magazine observed that Immedium "is putting a modern spin on some classic genres, and mixing in Asian flavoring and dynamic action to make storytime more enjoyable for everyone involved." From the world of comics,
Newsarama.com
recognized, "Immedium's mission is simple: to inspire a world of imagination, and to create entertaining books that have multi-dimensional appeal."
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Greg Pak has gotten great reviews for his new book Robot Stories and More Screenplays.
"New and Notable" book review from Asian Week:"If you loved his films, check out the screenplays for more detailed nuance. Undoubtedly, Pak is one of the most original, talented, imaginative young filmmakers out there."
Review from Strangehorizons.com :
"Robot Stories fits nicely into that category of ever-rarer genre films not interested in flash and effects, but in people and story...Pak's robot stories ultimately challenge our assumptions about what we are doing as humans, as people, and with the lives and world we make."
Review from Scifidimensions.com :
"All-in-all, some pretty intimate, emotional, profound stuff...It's a great package...given Pak's thoughtful introductions at the start of each 'chapter', it's also a rare opportunity for up-and-coming filmmakers to get a glimpse into the art of short filmmaking."
In their author profile ForeWord magazine asked Greg: "If you could have any five people over for dinner, who would they be?" Greg replied: "Groucho, Harpo, Chico, Zeppo, and Gummo. And if Gummo can't make it, Margaret Dumont."
On other fronts, Wizard Magazine featured Robot Stories in their Holiday Gift Guide, issue #171. This is appropriate considering that Greg's career at Marvel Comics continues to climb. He has penned tales about The X-men and Ironman, and now will tackle the Incredible Hulk.
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Meanwhile, kids and parents have enjoyed learning their ABC's by reading The Adventures of WonderBaby.
Colorfully illustrated with brilliant paintings by artist Joe Chiodo, this board book has been called "an amped-up version of an alphabet book" by Kidscreen magazine.
2. NEW BOOKS
The Year of the Dog: Tales from the Chinese Zodiac
by Oliver Chin, illustrated by Jeremiah Alcorn
ISBN: 1-59702-002-8
$15.95, hardcover, available January 2006
Welcome the new year by enjoying the entertaining adventures of The Year of the Dog! A puppy learns how to behave like a dog and to become "man's best friend." But becoming a good dog takes practice, as Daniel realizes when he barks up the wrong tree! Can he prove his dependability to the girl Lin when she needs him the most?
Daniel's rollicking journey to discover his true nature will delight children and adults alike-especially new parents, those interested in Asian culture, and dog lovers. The first book in an annual series, The Year of the Dog introduces each of the twelve charismatic animals from the Chinese lunar calendar.
"Since Chinese New Year is not religion-based, and its theme is similar to Western culture - to abandon days past and revel in new beginnings - anyone can embrace the culture's biggest annual event"
- The Arizona Daily Star
"The celebration of Chinese New Year revolves around the family. Ancestors are honored and the living celebrate the beginning of a period of change and the importance of family unity."
- The Cincinnati Post
3. EVENTS
We are eager to work with stores and community organizations of all sorts to reach eager readers! Currently we have more events lined up in New York, Chicago, and the San Francisco Bay area.
We also conduct creative workshops: in December we will be teaching at the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall, and at the Portola Valley Library (California) in January 2006. Feel free to contact us with recommendations and requests.
Robot Stories
12/15/05: Greg Pak reads and signs at the Morningside Bookshop, 2915 Broadway, New York, NY, 11215, 212-222-3350, 7:00 pm.
The Year of the Dog
1/21/06: Oliver Chin: Families with Children from China-Northern California, 11th Annual Between Two New Years Celebration, 1:00 pm.
1/25/06: Oliver Chin: Books, Inc. at Laurel Village, 3515 California St, San Francisco, CA, 415-221-3666, 7:00 pm.
1/28/06: Oliver Chin: Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 1:00 pm.
1/28/06: Jeremiah Alcorn: The Magic Tree Bookstore, 41 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL, 708-848-0770, 1:00 pm.
1/29/06: Oliver Chin: Chinese Historical Society of America: 965 Clay St., San Francisco, CA, (415) 391-1188, 2:00 pm.
1/29/06: Jeremiah Alcorn: Barnes & Noble, 47 East Chicago Avenue, Naperville, IL 60540, t (630) 579-6920, 1:00 pm.
2/3/06: Oliver Chin: Barnes & Noble, 3600 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, CA, 408-249-5201, CA, 7:00 pm.
2/4/06: Oliver Chin: Eastwind Books, 2066 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 510-548-2350, 3:00 pm.
2/5/06: Oliver Chin: Golden Gate Conservancy: Crissy Field Bookstore, San Francisco, CA, (415) 561-3040, 2:00 pm.
2/11/06: Oliver Chin: Books Inc., 1375 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame, CA, 2:00 pm.
3/5/06: Oliver Chin: Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, CA, (650) 324-4321, 1:30 pm.
3/24/06: Jeremiah Alcorn: Barnes & Noble, 102 Commons Drive, Geneva, IL 60134, evening.
Have a happy holiday season and a festive new year. We have fantastic books in store for 2006 and beyond, so we look forward to speaking with you again soon.
Immedium
P.O. Box 31846
San Francisco, CA 94131
orders@immedium.com
Immedium, Inc. inspires a world of imagination, and creates entertaining books that have multi-dimensional appeal. Based in San Francisco, CA, Immedium sits on the Pacific Rim, a vibrant intersection for crossover cultural trends from Asia and America. Embracing an increasingly diverse and "multimedia" world, Immedium publishes titles ranging from eye-catching children's books and contemporary non-fiction to commentaries on art and popular culture. Visit us at www.immedium.com.