Elfsar Comics & Toys Blog

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August Elfbytes.
Orders due by August 27th!

ELFBYTES: is our employee’s personal previews/recommendations on comics coming out each and EVERY month.  We aim to highlight both Mainstream and Independent titles worth taking a closer look at.  Elfbytes is by no means a complete listing of what is found in Previews but rather a (hopefully) enjoyable read as to things that you may want to consider ordering.  Try something new and/or expand your reading outside of your comport zone.

All listed Product is available for order at Elfsar Comics & Toys (ask us how at elfsar@shaw.ca) Members get discounts on all pre-orders. Find out what a Membership is all about HERE.

Diamond’s Due Dates change every month so make sure to check back often so that you get your orders in on time.  If you would like to order a comic and it is already passed the Initial Due Date, let us know ASAP as we may be able to increase our order before it is sold out.

http://previews.diamondcomics.com/default.asp

Note: This was sent to me from Brock (Elfsar’s trusty Elfbyte collaborator)

Given the recent release of Uncanny X-Men #500, and reading this article on the CBR website http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=17588 made me think about what Marvel titles would be at what issue number.  I’ve listed them in order of lowest (ie, the title that is closer to issue #500) to highest.  Interesting if nothing else (although it also indicates I’ve perhaps got a bit too much time on my hands right now). 

UNCANNY X-MEN 

• Uncanny X-Men #1 - #500 (as of August 2008)

THOR 

• Journey into Mystery #83 - #125 = 42 issues
• Thor (vol. 1 - 1966) #126 - #502 = 378 issues
• Thor (vol. 2 - 1998) #1 - #85 = 85 issues

Total previous series = 505 issues

• Thor (vol. 3 - 2007 - current series) #1 - #10 (as of August 2008) OR #506 - #515

Total = 515 issues

CAPTAIN AMERICA

• Tales of Suspense #59 - #99 = 41 issues
• Captain America (vol. 1 - 1968) #100 - #454 = 355 issues
• Captain America (vol. 2 - 1996) #1 - #13 = 13 issues
• Captain America (vol. 3 - 1998) #1 - #50 = 50 issues
• Captain America (vol. 4 - 2002) #1 - #32 = 32 issues

Total previous series = 491 issues

• Captain America (vol. 5 - 2004 - current series) #1 - #40 (as of August 2008) OR #491 - #531

Total = 531 issues

IRON MAN 

• Tales of Suspense #39 - #99 = 61 issues
• Iron Man (vol. 1 - 1968) #1 - #332 = 332 issues
• Iron Man (vol. 2 - 1996) #1 - #13 = 13 issues
• Iron Man (vol. 3 - 1998) #1 - #89 = 89 issues
• Iron Man: Director of Shield (vol. 4 - ) #1 - #32 = 32 issues [title becomes War Machine as of #33]

Total previous series = 527 issues

• Invincible Iron Man (2008 - current series) #1 - #4 (as of August 2008) OR #528 - #531

Total = 531 issues

HULK

• Incredible Hulk (vol. 1 - 1962) #1 - #6 = 6 issues
• Tales to Astonish #60 - #101 = 42 issues
• Incredible Hulk (vol. 2 - 1968) #102 - #474 = 373 issues
• Incredible Hulk (vol. 3 - 1999) #1 - #112 = 112 issues

Total previous series = 533 issues

• Hulk (2008 - current series) #1 - #5 (as of August 2008) OR #534 - #538

Total = 538 issues

FANTASTIC FOUR  

• Fantastic Four (vol. 1 - 1961) #1 - #416 = 416 issues
• Fantastic Four (vol. 2 - 1996) #1 - #13 = 13 issues

Total previous series = 429 issues

• Fantastic Four (vol. 3 - 1998 - current series) #1 - #70 OR #430 - #499 / #500 - #558 (as of August 2008)

Total = 558 issues

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 

• Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 1 - 1962) #1 - #441

Total previous series = 441 issues

• Amazing Spider-Man (vol. 2 - 1998 - current series) #1 - #58 OR #442 - #499 / #500 - #566 (as of August 2008)

Total = 566 issues  

Your invited to the Yaletown Street party Friday night and Saturday day.

On Friday August 8^th:

We will have DJ Leanne & ZUZU, with Hip Hop performances by Harbour Centre Squad between 5-7pm on our street.

(This is sponsored by Heineken) http://www.ihnglobal.com/banner/Yaletown_video.html

Also at Elfsar, starting at 5pm on Friday meet artist Jordan Oliwa who will be signing his 2 new books (SINS OF GONZO NATION & STICK N PUCK THE RINK RAT CHRONICLES) available at Elfsar. Other Artists scheduled to appear are Robert Valley (MASSIVE SWERVE VOL 1 & VOL 2), Robin Mitchell (ART OF ROBIN MITCHELL VOL 1 & 2) and artist/writer Steven Sanderson (DARKNESS CALLS)

Take part of our SALE as well (*details listed below)

On Saturday August 9^th:

We will have a Fun in the Sun Block party, 12 noon - 4pm, with performances by DJ Joel West, games prizes and sidewalk specials all along our street.

This is in conjunction with the Femsport Street Party, 11am -6pm at Hamilton and Nelson, where elite woman athletes will be competing for the first time in Yaletown. (Think She-Hulk vs Wonder Woman)

• The Toonie Store will be providing Balloons
• DJ Joel is booked to play from noon to 4pm
• A zodiac prize wheel will be available and you can winrandom gifts from all the different businesses on the 1000 block (Including Elfsar)
• CIBC willofferinga caricature artist to do your portrait
• Hamilton Street Grill will have an oyster shucking extravaganza
• Elfsar will have a large 2 day sale and host a comic book artist signing on both Friday & Saturday
• EQ3 will have a special sale
• Van Pet will hand out treats (you may want to give these to your pet or small children)
• TD will have a table, with pamphlets and other goodies (I’m guessing cookies)
• BMO is going to hand out water bottles (Stay Hydrated)
• Flesh is going to have a sale (They sell underwear folks so stop the jokes now)

*SALE DETAILS: Elfsar will have a sale all day long on both Friday (10:30-9pm) and Saturday (11:00-6pm).  Buy 2 get 1 FREE on all Graphic Novels.   50% OFF on all Back Issues and Variant Incentive Covers, 20% OFF on all other merchandise (Toys, Models, Posters, T-Shirts…etc.)

Note some exceptions apply and sale does not include consignment items.

This sale only happens a couple times a year, so come on down to Yaletown to take advantage and have some fun during the process.

 
Hey all,
It's your Monthly Newsletter from Elfsar.
I'm about to leave for the San Diego Comic Con
(a pleasure I have not been able to enjoy for quite some time)
and it will be the first time I will be there as a Comic Retailer.
Are there any exclusives people are looking for?
Let me know.  Check out what is new this week at:
www.elfsar.com.       

Okay, on with the news…

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BECAUSE OF THE SAN DIEGO COMIC CON WE NEED YOUR IN ASAP IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO. ORDERS ARE DUE THIS WEDNESDAY the 23rd!
First up is our handy dandy Elfbytes. This is a quick reminder that our staff highlights is up so if you forgot to look through this month’s Previews Catalogue you can rely on Elfbytes to give you the skinny. You can find this months review here: www.elfsar.com/Elfbytes%20Articles/July_2008.htm
Note: All Comic Saver File Customers should really find the time to read this as we sometimes offer product not yet listed in Previews.
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DID YOU KNOW THAT ELFSAR COMIC & TOYS IS NOW ON FACEBOOK?
Yes it’s true. We have a group on Facebook and yes you are welcome to join us. Let us know what you thought of new movies like Dark Knight or a comic, video game or even something random on the web you really liked. Don’t be shy the more people contribute the more fun it will be.
Check us out at: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5515647817

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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW NORTH AMERICAN HEROCLIX CHAMPIONS!
Our Elfsar Heroclix Judges pulled off an amazing win at this years Wizard World Chicago between June 26th and July 29th. Our primary Judge Rob “The Canadian” Barazzoule is now the official #1 best player on the Continent. Our secondary Judge made us proud with her personal best by becoming the #1 female player in North America. She scored a third place victory win at WWC.
I’d say we have a very good shot of being #1 in the World. Mucho props guys.
http://www.elfsar.com/Gaming/Heroclix.htm
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BEST OF VANCOUVER NEEDS YOUR VOTE!
It’s that time of year again folks. The Georgia Straight is going to reward those picked in each category with the bragging rights of being the best in Vancouver for the year of 2008. Our category of course is named “Best Comic-Book Shop” in the living section of the survey. All you have to do is take five minutes to vote for 25 things to make your vote count and you may even win a trip for 2 to Vegas valued at $3,000.00 for the effort.
Package includes: roundtrip airfare, roundtrip airport transfers,
3 nights accommodation at the Wynn Las Vegas and
2 tickets to see Le Reve by Cirque Du Soleil.

Grand prize winner will be announced in the September 19th Best of Vancouver issue.
Enter now and spread the word.

http://www.straight.com/bov

Why should you vote for Elfsar? Well you already know that we try to put on the best Free Comic Book Day every year, we are the only comic book store that puts on a 24 hour comic book challenge, We do our monthly reviews, operate and maintain an online shopping system, run charity events to help strengthen our community… but most importantly we strive to give you the best service we can and go that extra mile each and every week. Help spread the word that we exist by locking in your vote.

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JUST ARRIVED 2008 -SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMICS & BOOKS!!!
1) THE BROTHERHOOD by local artist Tyler Dorchester. http://www.brotherhoodworld.com
For the first time ever, all of their early adventures in one handsomely bound volume!

2) From Elfsar’s own Sean Villeneuve “OTHER SIDE of the LOOKING GLASS” A new novel. Ever wonder what made Ted Bundy or Jeffery Dahmer commit their crimes against humanity? Welcome to the world according to James. Who is he? Is he your neighbour? Your Friend? Your Brother? He could be anyone, even the guy standing right next to you. Do you have the stomach for it? http://books.google.com/books?id=sNumPmoAZO4C&dq=novel+by+sean+villeneuve&source=gbs_summary_s&cad=0
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FRIDAY AUGUST 08 - BIG SALE! BIG BIG SALE! IT”S THE 08/08/08 SUMMER SALE!!!
It’s that time of year again folks. Normally we tie a big summer sale to the Yaletown Car Show each year. But due to the RAV line the city won’t let the street be closed off for the full day. Instead along with our neighbors are throwing a party! A Yaletown street party! Come for food, drink and big sale at Elfsar. Details of the sale will be made available soon on our blog and Facebook. (hint hint you may want to join our group: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5515647817

We are talking like 50% off on back issues folks plus extra deals and incentives that everyone looks forward too when we say Sale… we mean it. More news to come soon.

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Well, I’m off to the San Diego Comic Con,
-The Big Elf

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IMPORTANT ORDERING REMINDER!
-Did you get your June order in?  They are due this Thursday the 26th!
Did you forget to look through this month’s Previews Catalogue?
Tisk, Tisk… but never fear, Elfbytes http://www.elfsar.com/Elfbytes%20Articles/Elfbytes.htm is here!
Not sure yet about a series, give us a chance to help you decide. You can find this months review here:
http://www.elfsar.com/Elfbytes%20Articles/June_2008.htm

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WANTED MOVIE ADVANCE SCREENING!
Anyone who has a saver file at Elfsar and buys a WANTED TP, will get 2 advance tickets for the upcoming film Wanted.  Yes, before you ask this means we are not saving these for anyone.  Quantities are limited and are on a first come first serve basis. 

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YALETOWN SUMMER BLOCK PARTY
This Friday and Saturday there will be a party on the streets of Yaletown.  You can find more info here:  http://www.yaletowninfo.com/events/blockparties.aspx

Other events include:
July 20, 2008 - OUTDOOR SCI-FI MOVIE NIGHT IN THE PARK
July 19, 2008 - VANCOUVER COMIC JAM!
July  6, 2008 - HERITAGE HALL SHOW!
July  1, 2008 - YALETOWN GRAND PRIX
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We at Elfsar Comics & Toys are big believers in being proactive and spreading the word that comics are a truly a unique form of entertainment and that our medium that we love so much is constantly reinventing itself.  Although, the evolution of the comic book art form is changing almost every year, certain elements of what makes up a good story essentially remains the same.  These elements share a common ground with novels, movies and even video games.  We are working everyday to spread our infectious love for comics and we believe nothing seems to spread it more than Free Comic Book Day (FCBD).

It is now one month after FCBD 2008 and I have had time to reflect on the day itself.  FCBD has been the most successful event that Elfsar hosts and 2008 proved to be no different as we greatly exceeded our expectations. On May 3rd, Elfsar Comics & Toys gave away over 8,000 comics to a count of over 800 people within only 8 hours.  But we did not stop there.  We made a large impact on our community by raising food and money for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. (The result was an overflowing amount of over 3 times of what we generated the previous year).

To get the word out about FCBD we did everything that we had done in previous years by sending out media kits, mailing flyers, posting interior and exterior posters, using bag stuffers, posting on message boards, providing additional info via our website, Myspace & Facebook, and most importantly had staff tell everyone who came into our location about the event (starting roughly 2 months in advance). 

But just like last year there was a missed opportunity with the “Marvel Marketing Machine” and the traditional superhero movie that has annually been linked to FCBD.  It is disappointing that one of our industries top publishers still made no attempt to link the premiere of Iron Man to FCBD, even if just for the one day before (May 3^rd).  Unlike the premiere of Spider-Man 3, this time we were better prepared and took on the responsibility ourselves to get the word out about our annual international geek holiday.

We felt compelled to reach out to our local theatre in downtown Vancouver where two things stood out to provide a fantastic amount of exposure for our store and FCBD/fundraiser. First, Elfsar participated with the pre-screening event that was held on Wednesday, April 30^th where we set up multiple signs and a table promoting the FCBD event. (These signs and table were up until the end of day May 3^rd) We donated prizes to be given away and had a crew there on the night of the prescreening telling the public about what FCBD was and what we were doing for the fundraiser for the Greater Vancouver Foodbank.  We provided flyers telling the public the same information and organized the theater hand them out after each screening of “Iron Man” up until late afternoon on May 3^rd. 

Second, we also created a coupon that was given out on FCBD from our store location that was for a free draw to win a $250.00 Shopping Spree at Elfsar Comics & Toys.  All the public had to do was drop off the coupon at the Scotiabank theatre, thus providing an effective bounceback promotion that the theatre was very pleased with.  Although we were disappointed in Marvel for the lack of any mention of FCBD, It did not hurt that “Iron Man” was truly a fantastic film and that Marvel had released two new well written Iron Man comics (Invincible Iron Man & Iron Man Viva Las Vegas) that the newly inspired public could jump onto.

The FCBD day itself was not only a celebration of comics or to shine the spotlight on what we do; it was also an opportunity to throw a mini in-store-convention for the public.  This year, we had artist Steven Sadowski (Avengers/Invaders, Project Superpowers) doing free sketches and giving fans a sneak peek at some of his future work. We also had donations from Team Epic (a Toronto based free webisodes site) and the Vancouver based Zeroes 2 Heroes also known as the Peoples Publisher.  What convention would be complete without costumes?  We had several costumed Superheroes & Villains who were on hand all day,  we had a store-wide Buy 2 get 1 free sale, Heroclix gaming demos & tournaments, raffles, charity food drive…etc. All of this, made it more than about just giving a free comic away.  FCBD at Elfsar was an experience.  I personally can not fathom or understand how a few other stores seem to participate year after year simply out of a sense of obligation and not embrace the fact that this is the best time to shine. 

Anyone who came to visit Elfsar on May 3^rd got to select from five different comics and for those who also donated to the Vancouver Food bank were allowed to select an extra 5 plus have access to our selected private backstock which consisted of selected books that we felt truly represented good comics.

The number of new faces and the amount of children that came out to this year’s event made it all worthwhile. It is a month later and we are still seeing the benefits from FCBD as we continue to see the number of returning faces grow.  I still don’t understand how anyone would purposely choose to skip this event.  Whether you are a creator, publisher, retailer, collector, reader or fan, we feel everyone should love comics and as an event it is an especially momentous experience.  Speaking as a retailer, just the amount of return visits and the number of people who have recently joined our monthly file saver program alone has been staggering. Equally surprising was the amount of web traffic this event has generated for us.  In the future, I would like to see more product tie-ins jump on board FCBD. It would be nice to see more toys, novelties, games, posters…etc.

My only complaint was with the 2008 FCBD promotional bags.  Don’t get me wrong, the bags themselves are great and the advertising of FCBD on them is highly effective. But this year’s bags only promoted the event on only one side.  (The 2007 FCBD bags had promoted on both sides) Instead, this year’s bags had advertising for the New York Comic Con & New York Anime Festival. Being on the west coast; this was something that I feel we did not benefit from, yet paid for.  Promoting the San Diego Comic Con I guess I could understand, however I still feel a little cheated.  As a retailer, I paid for the bags in full with the intention of promoting FCBD and not the NYCC. If the price was being slightly covered by the New York City Comic Con than I could understand, however the FCBD bags were never solicited as such and the price was not less than the ones offered for the 2007 event.  So I feel that I only got a little more than half the value of what I paid for.  Mind you, a bag is still a bag and my disappointment is not with the function of them.

Regardless, FCBD 2008 was the biggest success for us to date and we look forward to FCBD 2009!

If you would like to see more pictures from our 2008 FCBD event CLICK HERE. Or Join our Facebook Group HERE. To See our short FCBD video CLICK HERE.

-Ethan Peacock

ELFSAR COLLECTION LTD.

I opened the store on Friday morning to find that there was a thick musty smell in the air.  Upon looking at the floor I saw a rather large brownish puddle near the mini Coke fridge and I first thought the fridge was either leaking or the pop had strangely exploded.  It didn’t take me long to realize that there was far too much water for that.

Apparently, someone had broken a pipe on the 2nd floor (either moving or bumping into their air conditioning unit) and it had been left running all night.   It came down thru Shoppers Drug Mart (located above us) who suffered an unknown loss of vitamins due to the moisture and then traveled past the large wood beams and  finally pooled to the floor of Elfsar.  Now it dose not take genius to figure out that water and comic books do not agree we each other.  We were fortunate that a majority of the products lost were not that of our saver file customers, however a lot of our product near the wood beams were hit hard.  Anything that was made of cardboard or paper was in some cases mushy to the touch and not restorable.

The store was closed on Friday until around 2:00pm so that we could get the water off the floor and customers could walk through without the danger of anyone slipping.  We reacted fast to minimize as much of the damage as possible.  The total loss is still being tallied but we roughly calculate that the water damaged around 10K (cost) worth of goods. 

Not to worry, we have insurance.

So if you come in to the store during the next week and see the big noisy dehumidifier machines, this was the reason why. Yes, combined with what happened to me on Tuesday, I have had better weeks.

WINNER OF THE ELFSAR $250.00 SHOPPING SPREE WAS:

Thomas Tan!

- Here is a list of what he bought with his winnings:

GREEN LANTERN NO FEAR TP,
GREEN LANTERN REBIRTH TP,
GREEN LANTERN CORPS VOL 1 TO BE A LANTERN TP,
GREEN LANTERN CORPS RECHARGE TP,
GREEN LANTERN CORPS VOL 2 THE DARK SIDE OF GREEN TP,
WONDER WOMAN PLASTIC BUST BANK,
SPIDER-MAN VOL 5 SPIDEY STRIKES BACK DIGEST TP,
QEE 2.5 INCH SERIES 3 OXOP VINYL FIGURE,
CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS TP,
DETECTIVE COMICS #844,
DETECTIVE COMICS #843,
BATMAN FACE THE FACE TP,
SUPERMAN BIRTHRIGHT TP,
MOUSE GUARD FALL 1152 TP,
HELLBOY ANIMATED MAGNET LOBSTER JOHNSON,
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #21,
JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #20,All that & he had enough left over for even a pack of JUICY FRUIT GUM!

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY 2008 WAS A BLAST!

On May 3rd, Elfsar Comics & Toys gave away over 8,000 comics to a count of over 800 people in only 8 hours. 

Thank you everyone who helped support the Vancouver food Bank.
With your help we overloaded 17 boxes full of food!  A major increase from last year’s (5 boxes) Way to go!

 A very Special Thank you to:
Steve Sadowski, Team Epic, Zeroes 2 Heroes, The Scotiabank Theater (900 Burrard St), CTVNEWS, Electric Playground,
Ryan Doell, Carlo and Julio Turcinovic, David Ingram, Laura Wilson, Candice Low, Brian Miline, Elizabeth Bakker,
Miret Rodriguez, Thomas Tan, Rob Barazzuol, Patricia Lam & Ben Hives!
The day would not have been the same without your help!

Check the updates and raffle winners at: http://www.elfsar.com/FCBD/FCBD_2008.htm
See a short video of FCBD here: http://elfsar.com/FCBD/2008_Comics/FCBD08long.avi
Check out the display at the Scotiabank Theatre and win a $250.00 Shopping Spree at Elfsar:
http://www.elfsar.com/FCBD/FCBD_Iron_Man_Promo.htm 

See the FCBD 2008 Facebook Event page here:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=11497988863

Check out the after party here: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=28960066192

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SHOULD ELFSAR WIN A HARRY KREMER AWARD?

2008 marks the 4th Annual Canadian Comic Book awards and you only have up until MAY 28th to vote and nominate your favorite store.
Last year we were in the final 3 and our good friends at Happy Harbor (Edmonton) won the 2007 award.
Did you have fun at FCBD?  Do you feel that we did more than other Canadian Stores?
If you did, and you think we should be recognized for our efforts please take 5 minutes to nominate us to the Shuster Awards.  
If we don’t get nominated, we can’t win. 
Plus the Shusters are a great way for your vote to be heard as to which Canadian Comic Creators are most deserving of praise.
http://joeshusterawards.com/content.asp?URL=8
It is all in your hands and we Thank you in advance.
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IMPORTANT ODERING REMINDER! -Did you get your May order in?
Did you forget to look through this month’s Previews Catalogue?
Tisk, Tisk… but never fear, Elfbytes http://www.elfsar.com/Elfbytes%20Articles/Elfbytes.htm is here!
Not sure yet about a series, give us a chance to help you decide. You can find this months review here:
http://www.elfsar.com/Elfbytes%20Articles/May_2008.htm

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Hothead Games is proud to announce that Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One will be available worldwide both via Xbox Live® Arcade (except Korea) and via the Greenhouse digital distribution platform (http://www.playgreenhouse.com/) for the Windows®, Mac®, and Linux® versions on Wednesday, May 21.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is an RPG-Adventure game set in the deranged 1920s universe of New Arcadia, delivered to gamers via accessible episodic releases.  Players join Gabe and Tycho, the crime-solving team of the Startling Developments Detective Agency, to combat savage enemies and solve mysteries hidden deep in the sinister heart of New Arcadia. 
The game is the result of close collaboration between Hothead Games and Penny Arcade, featuring distinct artwork and characters designed exclusively by Mike “Gabe” Krahulik, story and dialogue by Jerry “Tycho” Holkins, both brought to life by the Hothead team.

Penny Arcade Adventures: On the Rain-Slick Precipice of Darkness, Episode One is expected to offer players six to ten hours of gameplay, and is priced at $19.95 for the Windows, Mac, and Linux versions and at 1600 Microsoft points via Xbox Live® Arcade.  The game has been rated “M” for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board for all platforms.