Action Lab Launches NFL Rush Zone Comic Book at NFL Experience

It's Super Bowl week, which means we're drowning in stories about Ray Lewis, the Harbaugh brothers, Alex Smith being Wally Pipped and whether or not Beyonce will lip sing the halftime show. That's all good and well, but what about some comic news during this busy week for football? Believe it or not, there is some and it comes from Action Lab Entertainment, with their release of the NFL Rush Zone comic at the NFL Experience during the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

“This is an amazing opportunity for Action Lab,” proclaimed Action Lab President Kevin Freeman. “Both Nicktoons and the National Football League have universal recognition, well beyond the comic book market. The NFL RUSH ZONE comic book series is full of exciting stories that expand the history and lore of the characters from the show. We are honored that the NFL chose Action Lab as its licensee for this exciting action series.“

The comics based on the animated TV show NFL Rush Zone: Season of the Guardians will debut at the 21st NFL Experience Driven by GMC. It's located at the Ernest N. Memorial Convention Center in New Orleans until February 3, the date of the Super Bowl. This event offers interactive games, entertainment, Youth Football Festival, a major football memorabilia show and free autograph sessions with NFL players. The Action Lab team will be a part of the experience, promoting limited-edition Super Bowl copies of the first NFL Rush Zone TPB, along with other special offers for fans. The Action Lab booth is conveniently located next to the NFL RUSH ZONE for Kids area.

“We are very pleased to be working with Action Lab on NFL RUSH ZONE comic books based on our animated TV series,” said Leo Kane, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products for the NFL. “Their action packed stories are certain to encourage young fans to learn more about their favorite NFL team. We are certain that kids will love the Rush Zone characters.”

This will be followed shortly by the digital release of the TPB and first issue of an ongoing series, beginning January 30th, and the general release to comic book shops on February 13th. Each issue will feature Ishmael "Ish" Taylor, an eleven-year old boy who serves as the primary protagonist, as well as other NFL Guardians. Guardians are the chosen young protectors of the players and their teams. Issues will feature current NFL players and one or more NFL Rusher, who assists the Guardians in protecting the NFL and the world from would-be conquerors. Each of the 32 NFL teams has Rusherz, and over time every team will have stories directly related to their games.

Action Lab and the NFL have plans to distribute the comic book series and TPBs to retail outlets, booksellers and the NFL RUSH ZONE website, as well as making it available at NFLShop and in team shops at NFL stadiums. The NFL RUSH ZONE books will also be available digitally through digital comic book outlets such as Comics Plus and ComiXology.

Full press release below.

ACTION LAB LAUNCHES FIRST NFL RUSH ZONE COMIC BOOK

AT THE NFL EXPERIENCE DRIVEN BY GMC AT SUPER BOWL XLVII

    Action Lab Entertainment is proud and excited to announce it will be releasing a line of comic books based on the hit animated TV series NFL RUSH ZONE: Season of the Guardians. The comics will debut at the 21st NFL Experience Driven by GMC, located at the Ernest N. Memorial Convention Center in New Orleans during the celebration of Super Bowl XLVII from January 30th to February 3rd. This event offers interactive games, entertainment, Youth Football Festival, a major football memorabilia show and free autograph sessions with NFL players.  The Action Lab team will be a part of the experience, promoting limited-edition Super Bowl copies of the first NFL RUSH ZONE trade paperback, along with other NFL RUSH ZONE special offers for fans. The Action Lab booth is conveniently located next to the NFL RUSH ZONE for Kids area.

     This will be followed shortly by the digital release of the trade paperback and first issue of an ongoing series, beginning January 30^th, and the general release to comic book shops on February 13th. 

     “This is an amazing opportunity for Action Lab,” proclaimed Action Lab President Kevin Freeman. “Both Nicktoons and the National Football League have universal recognition, well beyond the comic book market.  The NFL RUSH ZONE comic book series is full of exciting stories that expand the history and lore of the characters from the show. We are honored that the NFL chose Action Lab as its licensee for this exciting action series. “

     “We are very pleased to be working with Action Lab on NFL RUSH ZONE comic books based on our animated TV series,” said Leo Kane, Senior Vice President of Consumer Products for the NFL. “Their action packed stories are certain to encourage young fans to learn more about their favorite NFL team. We are certain that kids will love the Rush Zone characters.” 

     David Dwonch, Action Lab's Creative Director, added, "The NFL RUSH ZONE comic book series is based on football--America’s most popular sport.  Each publication features NFL players and teams as they work with the characters from the animated TV show to protect their Megacore.” 

Each issue of the NFL RUSH ZONE comic book series features Ishmael "Ish" Taylor, an eleven-year old boy who serves as the primary protagonist, as well as other NFL Guardians. Guardians are the chosen young protectors of the players and their teams. Issues will feature current NFL players and one or more NFL Rusher, who assists the Guardians in protecting the NFL and the world from would-be conquerors.  Each of the 32 NFL teams has Rusherz, and over time every team will have stories directly related to their games. 

     Action Lab and the NFL have plans to distribute the comic book series and trade paperbacks to retail outlets, booksellers and the NFL RUSH ZONE website, as well as making it available at NFLShop and in team shops at NFL stadiums. The NFL RUSH ZONE books will also be available digitally through digital comic book outlets such as Comics Plus and ComiXology.

     NFL RUSH ZONE is a high-profile animated series for Nicktoons and the NFL. Along with the comic book series, there is a solid merchandising plan underway which includes games, toys, and other exciting merchandise for young fans.

ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT

   Action Lab Entertainment was founded in 2010 by a group of independent comic creators with the sole intent to bring the world the most action packed, thought-provoking, entertaining comics available. Action Lab Entertainment markets its comic books through various sales outlets in both print and digital formats, 

     

    Action Lab received two Eisner nominations in 2012 for its critically-acclaimed all-ages comic Princeless, and has been praised for its diverse library of titles, including Double Jumpers, Fracture, and The Order of Dagonet. Their website is http://www.actionlabcomics.com.  For more information, contact Kevin Freeman at kfreeman@actionlabcomics.com