Comic Book Legend Jim Lee Enlists for Gears of War #9!

[Flak]

World Class Talent Extends Bestselling Comic Book Series

April 23, 2009 – CARY, N.C. – Epic Games, Inc. today announced it has secured the creative talent of iconic comic book illustrator Jim Lee for its Gears of War #9 comic book from DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint. Lee will provide the cover artwork, which introduces a new Gears character, for the July 2009 issue.

More information about the Gears of War comic book series is available at www.dccomics.com/wildstorm/comics and on the Gears of War website http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/Templates...y.aspx?id=1516. To subscribe, visit www.SubscribeDCGearsOfWar.com.

“Being a huge Gears of War fan, I couldn't pass the opportunity to draw a cover for the series, said Jim Lee. “It’s the most visceral yet elegant game I've ever played, and I am thrilled to be able to contribute something new to the ever expanding mythos of Gears!”

“We’re ecstatic to have Jim Lee on board for the Gears of War comic book series,” said Dr. Michael Capps, president, Epic Games. “We've been huge fans of his artwork for years, and can't wait to incorporate his latest character design into the Gears universe.”

Gears of War #9 will be authored by Capps and Joshua Ortega, the lead author of the comic book series and scriptwriter for the Gears of War 2 game, and interior illustrations will be provided by renowned comic book artist Liam Sharp. An alternate cover for Gears of War #9 will be provided by Chris Perna, art director of Epic Games.

The Gears of War ongoing comic book series was one of the most popular launches for DC Comics’ WildStorm imprint in 2008. According to WildStorm, high demand for Gears of War #1 was answered with broad circulation.

“We’re quite pleased with the continued success of the Gears of War comic that kicked off with the widely distributed premiere issue,” said Hank Kanalz, vice president and general manager of WildStorm. “We hope to maintain that momentum, leading up to the collected hardcover edition releasing later this year.”

Both Gears of War #1 and Gear s of War #2 sold out and went back to press with a special flip book reprinting of both issues combined into one volume. Slated for release this summer is also a Gears of War Sourcebook featuring some of comics’ best and brightest talent, plus amazing pieces by select artists of Epic Games.

About Jim Lee

Acclaimed comic book illustrator Jim Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea in 1964. Today Lee is the creative director of WildStorm Studios (which he founded in 1992) and the penciller for many of DC Comics' bestselling comic book and graphic novels, including ALL STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN, THE BOY WONDER, BATMAN: HUSH, and SUPERMAN: FOR TOMORROW. He lives in La Jolla, California with his wife Angie and three daughters.

About DC Comics

DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC Super Heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics¹ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.

About Epic Games

Epic Games, Inc., based in Cary, NC and established in 1991, develops cutting-edge games and cross-platform game engine technology. The company has created multiple million-selling, award-winning titles in its "Unreal" series, most recently shipping "Unreal Tournament 3" for PC, PLAYSTATION®3 and Xbox 360®. Epic's breakthrough game, "Gears of War," sold 5 million copies and won over 30 Game of the Year awards. "Gears of War 2" was released on Nov. 7, 2008, and sold over 2 million units in its first weekend at retail. Epic's Unreal Engine 3 is the three-time consecutive winner of Game Developer magazine's Best Engine Front Line Award and this year's Hall of Fame inductee. Additional information about Epic can be obtained through the Epic Games Web site at www.epicgames.com.