Are There Too Many Comic Book Movies?

by Annice Brooks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

Is Hollywood over doing it with the comic book and graphic novel movie adaptations or are they just supplying a demand? Is this the new Hollywood cash cow? With the huge success of "Batman: The Dark Knight", "Sin City", "Iron Man", "V for Vendetta" and "Wanted"; Hollywood is hitting the comic book stores and are finding not just the most popular ones but also some that are obscure and forgotten. Even more movies in the works to be adapted to the screen including the upcoming "Sin City 2" and in December, "The Spirit" based on a popular graphic novel and Marvel's "Punisher: War Zone" will be out.

Marvel seems to be really churning out movies, they already had "The Incredible Hulk" and "Iron Man" out earlier this year and have announced a series of upcoming movies: "Spider-Man 4", "Iron Man 2" (2010) & 3, "The Avengers" (2011), "Thor" (2010), "Captain America" (2011), and "Ant Man" (2010). Plus, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" will also be gracing the screen next year and not surprisingly it already has a huge Internet following.

DC comics also has a huge list of films in the works with "Superman: Man of Steel" (2011), "Billy Batson and the Legend of Shazam" (2011), "Jonah Hex" (2010), "The Flash" (2010), "Teen Titans" (2009), "Green Lantern" (2010), and also rumored Justice League and Wonder Woman movies. There is also the highly anticipated film "Watchmen" that hopefully will hit the theatres next year.

These movies are popular because they are full of action and visually stunning. A pro for making these movies for Hollywood is the built in fan base thus reducing the need for a large promotional budget. The budget will include advertising and promotion but mainly to promote to potential viewers who may not be familiar with the characters.

The comic book adaptions are not just limited to film. BET network has partnered with Marvel to create an animated series based on the character "The Black Panther". The CW network currently has the popular TV series "Smallville" although rumored to be nearing it's end and has announced a possible new show "The Graysons" based on a Batman character Richard "Dick" Grayson (Robin), but the show will take place pre-Batman. However, since the announcement of "The Graysons" it has been strongly opposed from bloggers, online forums posters and hardcore comic enthusiast calling it "the worst idea ever". The Cartoon network will premiere a new Batman cartoon "Batman: The Brave and the Bold" on Friday, Nov. 14th.

Hollywood does have a tendency to latch on to one thing until fans become tired of it and then move on to the next hot thing. Is the creativity in Hollywood lacking so much that they are focusing a great deal of time on comic books?

David's Bridal Partners with Starlight Children's Foundation to Auction Dresses from "High School Musical 3"

Charity Auction Allows Prom Girls to Own an Exclusive Piece of HSM History, While Supporting an Important Cause

Conshohocken, Pa., Nov. 3 -- As Walt Disney Pictures' "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" hits the big screen, David's Bridal -- the nation's leading special occasion retailer -- is joining forces with Starlight Children's Foundation -- a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping seriously ill children -- to launch a ten-day charitable auction of David's Bridal prom dresses used in the making of "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." With dozens of hot looks from the set of the Wildcat's unforgettable prom, fans can bid on fashionable styles from their favorite flick now through Monday, November 10th at 7:15 p.m. PST / 10:15 p.m. EST. The glamorous gowns will be auctioned off for charity on eBay at http://www.ebay.com/davidsbridalHSM3, with all proceeds benefiting Starlight Children's Foundation.

"Working with Disney on 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year' was a natural fit for us, as prom is the biggest fashion moment for teens and nobody can offer a wider selection of on-trend dresses for the occasion than David's Bridal," said Robert Huth, CEO of David's Bridal. "We were thrilled to provide dresses for the film, but even more honored to auction them off to help children in need and the Starlight Children's Foundation ... all while making prom dreams come true."

For high school students, it's never too early to begin thinking about what to wear to this once-in-a-lifetime event. During the exciting charity auction, shoppers can show off their smart and stylish shopping skills by bidding online for the ultimate in HSM3 memorabilia. Now, teens can ensure they stand out in style on prom night by donning their winning, celebrity-inspired style that may have danced its way down the halls of East High School.

"The David's Bridal charity auction is the perfect way for fans to celebrate 'High School Musical 3' and give something back to other kids who are facing difficult times," said Starlight Children's Foundation CEO Paula Van Ness. "Winning bidders will be rewarded with not only their own piece of movie history, but also with the knowledge that they are helping Starlight brighten the lives of children who are facing chronic and life-threatening illnesses and life-altering injuries. It provides a valuable lesson about philanthropy that I'm sure parents and teens alike
will appreciate. We are grateful to Disney and David Bridal for putting together this charity auction to support our efforts to help seriously ill children and their families cope."

Now through November 10th, fans can unleash their Wildcat spirit and show their support for Starlight by bidding on their favorite David's Bridal prom dress. All dresses come with a certificate of authenticity from Disney. It's clearly never been easier to be both chic and charitable! For additional information on David's Bridal prom dresses, log onto http://www.davidsprom.com.


About David's Bridal:

With more than 50 years of experience, David's Bridal understands the importance of providing teens and brides-to-be with a vast selection of exquisitely crafted dresses, available at affordable prices. Today, with more than 290 locations nationwide, David's Bridal continues to expand its retail store locations, while maintaining its philosophy of superior quality, value and service. To locate a store nearby, consumers can call 1.877.706.PROM or visit http://www.davidsprom.com.

About "High School Musical 3: Senior Year":

Disney's "High School Musical" phenomenon leaps onto the big screen in HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR, in which America's favorite high school students (Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman) hit senior year. Amidst a basketball championship, prom and a big spring musical featuring all of the Wildcats, Troy and Gabriella vow to make every moment last as their lifelong college dreams put the future of their relationship in question. A crew of sophomore Wildcats (Matt Prokop, Justin Martin and Jemma McKenzie-Brown) joins in the fun as the film's incredible new music and exciting dance numbers take maximum advantage of the big screen. Directed by Kenny Ortega from a screenplay written by Peter Barsocchini, the film opened in theaters Oct. 24.


About Starlight Children's Foundation:

When a child or teenager has a serious medical condition, everyone in the family is affected. For 25 years, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation has been dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Starlight's programs have been proven to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses, and connect families facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Through a network of chapters and offices, Starlight provides ongoing support to children, parents and siblings in all U.S. states and Canadian provinces with an array of outpatient, hospital-based and Web offerings. Programs are also delivered internationally through affiliates in Australia, Japan and the United Kingdom. To learn more about Starlight visit http://www.starlight.org or to view other auctions benefiting Starlight, visit our eBay store at http://www.ebay.com/starlight.

Unwind with a Spot of Tea

This day in age we're almost always stressed. I try to unwind from the stress by sitting down and having a little tea. It's a perfect state of bliss for me. You can set your state of Tea Bliss by turning off the TV, lighting a few candles and sit down for a calming evening.

Cresting Wave Teapot $60.00


Yixing Clay Tea Cups $48 for a set of four

Both available from Dean & Deluca (deandeluca.com)

Don't Forget to Vote!!!

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Message: Away on Business

Will have new posts tomorrow. I am really looking forward to the weekend. Halloween, all the parties. But until then I will be working. Writing, Researching and Promoting.

Feel free to contact Style and Focus Lifestyle PR (styleandfocuspr@yahoo.com) send Press/News Releases, Media Alerts, Look Books, etc.

Scholastic Inc. Offers Young Girls a More Positive Book Option with "Only Hearts Club" Books

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 24 -- In the wake of the recent controversy surrounding Scholastic Inc.'s decision to discontinue Bratz dolls books, the Only Hearts Club announced today that Scholastic Inc. has agreed to expand the titles it carries in the Only Hearts Club series of books.

"Especially in light of the barrage of questionable images and messages being marketed to young girls today, many telling them to grow up fast and to try and be sexy, we applaud Scholastic's decision to carry our books that focus on creating and building a positive self-image and self-confidence in young girls," said Len Simonian, President, Only Hearts Club.

The Only Hearts Club collection of books is timeless, celebrating girlhood. The books are based on the Only Hearts Club fashion dolls, comprised of eight ethnically diverse girls that formed a club with a promise to "listen to your heart and do the right thing." Only Hearts Club dolls look and dress like real girls, in trendy and cool yet age-appropriate fashions. Similarly, the storylines and dilemmas in the books are like those of real girls today. Intentionally developed alongside the dolls, the books center on dilemmas that are familiar to today's girls. Wholesome books with real-life storylines, such as the collection of books from the Only Hearts Club, are key to getting children to start reading. The books also inspire a positive play experience.

Among the titles Scholastic carries are The Friendship Heart and The Secret in the Stable.

Illustrated with rich color photographs of soft and fully posable dolls in action, the books have charming, yet suspenseful plotlines, complete with full character development, realistic dilemmas faced by real girls every day, story climaxes, and instructive, edifying resolutions highlighting the value of teamwork, friendship and social ethics. In each story, an Only Hearts Girl struggles with a difficult decision and ultimately decides to "listen to her heart and do the right thing."

The Only Hearts Club collection of dolls is a content-based brand of real-looking dolls for real girls, combining content that delivers a much-needed positive message to girls. "The sexualization of young girls is currently a huge concern especially with 10 being the new 15 and 8 the new 13," said Simonian. "At Only Hearts Club we work against today's television and music video culture where girls as young as 6 years old are told to wear revealing clothing, act sexy and chase boys. Young girls tell us they love playing with dolls that dress and look like them, and parents and grandparents are ecstatic about finally finding something good for the girls," added Simonian. Each doll has its own personality and interests, all with the common goal of true friendship and a pledge to be nice to others. The dolls combine detailed and realistic facial features with soft, fully posable bodies. Additional products from OHC include doll accessories, play sets, a complete equestrian line named the Only Hearts Horse & Pony Club featuring soft, posable dolls and horses, and a line of mini plush Only Hearts Pets.

Only Hearts Club dolls retail at $15.99. The Scholastic books retail at $6.95.

About the Only Hearts Club:
Headquartered in Southern California, OHC Group LLC is the creator of the Only Hearts Club(R) brand. The company specializes in the design, development and production of innovative toys for the specialty toy and gift market. OHC Group focuses on designing and developing products that are unique, attractive, interesting and fun to play with and also develops the content of its brands in order that they deliver a positive message to children. For more information on Only Hearts Club products and accessories, go to http://www.onlyheartsclub.com or call (805) 385-4400.


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Press Contact:

Christine King/Maya Sobolev
TMG International
maya@tmginternational.com

Street Chic: Paris Style

When you think of Parisian style you think of casual sexy by day and glam by night. These ladies showcase some the quintessential Paris style and confidence. They don't seem to be copying a "celebrity" look but creating their own look and style.

Pictures from Glamour.com