2015 Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest

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Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest Complete Rules

Welcome back to our annual pumpkin carving contest. For five years now, we've been discovering some of Sacramento's best pumpkin sculptors and carvers.

Can you hang with these pros? We're about to find out.


3 Easy Steps to Enter


1. Carve your pumpkin.
2. Take a photo of your pumpkin by itself and one of you with your pumpkin.
4. Email the photos, your first and last name, and phone number to empirescv@gmail.com.

Comic Book Back Issue Prizes
We'll post all the pictures in a blog post on this website with instructions on how to vote. Voting will begin on November 5 when we post all the entries. Winners will be the top three submissions with the most votes and will receive:
  • Grand prize: $25 in regular priced back issues
  • Second prize: $15 in regular priced back issues
  • Third prize: $10 in regular priced back issues 


 Critical Information
For your entry to be considered valid you must submit 2 pictures (as stated below) and  your name and phone number to empirescv@gmail.com by Tuesday, November 3, 2015:
  1. A picture containing you and your carved pumpkin, and
  2. A picture of your carved pumpkin by itself.
And now for the really, really long, complete rules. You might want to sit down...



Empire's Pumpkin Carving Contest Rules
  1. Contest Description. Empire's Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest (the "Contest") is designed to encourage eligible U.S. entrants ("Entrant(s)") to express their creativity by carving a pumpkin. Empire's Comics Vault's fans will choose the winning entries via an online poll at http://www.EmpiresComics.com. Prizes will be awarded in accordance with these Official Rules. This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Inc., Google, Inc., or any other social media sites used to promote this contest.
  2. Sponsor. The Contest is sponsored by Empire's Comics Vault ("Sponsor"), a California company with principal place of business at 1120 Fulton Avenue, Suite K, Sacramento, CA 95821, USA.
  3. Binding Agreement. In order to enter the Contest, you must agree to these Official Rules ("Rules"). The Rules consist of the terms and conditions on this page. Because these Rules form a legally binding agreement with respect to this Contest, please read them carefully. If you do not agree to the Rules, you are not eligible to participate in the Contest or to win any of the prizes. You agree that registration for this Contest and/or a submission of an entry in the Contest constitutes your agreement to these Rules.
  4. Eligibility. This Contest is open to any legal resident of the United States age eighteen or over, except employees, agents, or representatives of the Sponsor. Only one pumpkin per Entrant is allowed. At the time of submission of a pumpkin, each Entrant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. legal resident (e.g., must be able to show proof of legal permanent residence, for example, a "green card"). Employees, interns, contractors, and official office-holders, as well as their immediate families, of the Sponsor, its affiliates, and any representatives or agencies of the Sponsor or other persons professionally connected with the Contest are not eligible to participate. This Contest is void where prohibited.
  5. Contest Period. The Contest begins on October 29, 2015 at 2:30:00 P.M. Pacific Time (PT). (The Entry Period ends November 3, 2015 at 11:59:59 P.M. Pacific Time.) The Contest ends on November 11, 2015 at 9:00:00 P.M. Pacific Time (PT).
  6. How To Enter. To enter, submit to the Sponsor via email two photographs of your carved pumpkin ("Entry") as follows: (1) you and your carved pumpkin, and (2) your carved pumpkin by itself. The Sponsor's email address for submissions is "empirescv@gmail.com." Pumpkins may not be carved at the Sponsor's principal place of business. Contest Rules and instructions are posted at http://empirescomicsvault.blogspot.com/search/label/Pumpkin ("Contest Website").
  7. Entries sent by means other than email to email address listed above will not be considered eligible entries. Submissions must be: (i) complete (as determined by Sponsor); (ii) received no later than November 3, 2015, by 11:59:59 P.M. Pacific Time (PT). Any submission not meeting the aforementioned criteria will be disqualified. The Sponsor accepts no responsibility for submissions lost, delayed, damaged, defaced, or mislaid, howsoever caused.
  8. Conduct. By entering the Contest, you agree to comply with and be bound by the Rules, which will also be posted on the Contest Website. Failure to comply with these Rules may result in your disqualification from the Contest. You further agree to comply with and be bound by the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any Entrant it finds to be: (1) tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Contest; (2) violating the Rules; (3) violating the terms of service, conditions of use or general rules or guidelines of any of the Sponsor's property or service; (4) acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person; or (5) failure to provide documentation verifying U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency. Any false information provided within the context of the Contest by any Entrant concerning identity, postal address, ownership of rights or non-compliance with the Rules may result in the immediate disqualification of an Entrant from the Contest. The Sponsor further reserves the right to disqualify any entry that it believes in its sole and unfettered discretion, infringes upon any third party right, violates any law or otherwise does not comply with these Rules. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY PROPERTY OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
  9. Selection of Winners. Entries will be judged by any person who participates in the voting process by voting for their favorite entry using the online poll found in the righthand column of our website at http://www.EmpiresComics.com available on November 5, 2014. Decisions are final and binding. In the event there are not enough eligible entries, not all prizes will be awarded. If a winner is not able for whatever reason to accept his or her prize, then the Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize to another Entrant.
    Online public voting starts on November 5, 2015 when the entries are posted to the websited and closes on November 11, 2015 at 9:00:00 P.M. Pacific Time (PT). Empire's Comics Vault will then select the three entries with the most votes to receive prizes. In the event of a tie, two prizes will be awarded at the level that the tie occurred.
  10. Prizes. One (1) Grand Prize: The entry with the most votes will receive $25 in regular-priced back issues. One (1) 2nd Place Prize: $15 in regular-priced back issues. One (1) 3rd Place Prize: $10 in regular-priced back issues.
  11. Media Activity: By participating in this Contest, you agree and hereby grant the Sponsor permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and publicly display your Contest submissions for any purpose, such as, but not limited to, press and media communications, without any compensation or attribution to you. You also agree to participate in any media or promotional activity regarding the Contest. You agree that the Sponsor may use your name and likeness to administer and promote the Contest and to conduct media interviews and promotional events.
  12. Privacy Notice. By participating in this Contest, you agree that the Sponsor can collect your personal information, and that if the Sponsor cannot collect the required data, you may not be eligible to participate in the Contest. Any personal information collected during the course of the Contest by the Sponsor will only be used for administering this Contest and for other purposes as outlined in these Rules. You will have the right to access, review, rectify or cancel any personal data held by the Sponsor by writing to Empire's Comics Vault (Attention: Privacy Related) at the Sponsor's address listed in Section 2.
  13. General Conditions. This Contest is governed by the laws of the State of California, United States. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. By participating in this Contest, you agree to be bound by the terms of these Rules and by the Sponsor's decisions, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Contest. Return of any prize/prize notification may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Any potential winner who cannot be contacted within five (5) business days of attempted first notification will forfeit his or her prize. Potential prize winners may be required to sign, notarize, and return an affidavit or declaration of eligibility, a liability/publicity release, an I.R.S. Form W-9, within three (3) business days and provide any additional information that may be required by the Sponsor. Failure to comply within this time period may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. The Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the Contest or in the announcement of the prizes. Entrants certify that their submission is original and that they are the sole and exclusive owner and rights holder of the submitted submission (or if they are not sole and exclusive owner and rights holder of the submission, that they have obtained the necessary permission to include the submission in the Contest) and that they have the right to submit the submission in the Contest. Each entrant agrees not to participate in the Contest in any manner that might: (i) infringe any third-party proprietary, intellectual property, industrial property, personal rights or other rights, including without limitation, copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret or confidentiality obligation; or (2) otherwise violate applicable law in any countries in the world.
  14. No Recourse to Judicial or Other Procedures. To the extent permitted by law, the rights to litigate, to seek injunctive relief, or to any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded, and you expressly waive any and all such rights.
  15. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU INDEMNIFY AND AGREE TO KEEP INDEMNIFIED EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT AT ALL TIMES FROM AND AGAINST ANY LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS AND EXPENSES RESULTING FROM ANY ACT, DEFAULT OR OMISSION BY YOU AND/OR A BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY BY YOU SET FORTH HEREIN. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU INDEMNIFY AND AGREE TO KEEP INDEMNIFIED EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT AT ALL TIMES FROM AND AGAINST ANY LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS AND EXPENSES FOR OR IN RESPECT OF WHICH EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT WILL OR MAY BECOME LIABLE BY REASON OF OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO ANY ACT, DEFAULT OR OMISSION BY YOU UNDER THESE RULES INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION RESULTING FROM OR IN RELATION TO ANY BREACH, NON-OBSERVANCE, ACT OR OMISSION WHETHER NEGLIGENT OR OTHERWISE, PURSUANT TO THESE RULES BY YOU. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AGREE TO HOLD EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT, ITS RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND ASSIGNS HARMLESS FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE CAUSED OR CLAIMED TO BE CAUSED BY PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTEST AND/OR USE OR ACCEPTANCE OF ANY PRIZE WON.
  16. Third Parties. The Sponsor is not responsible for the policies, actions, or inactions of others, including Entrant’s parents/legal guardian or representatives that might prevent the Entrant from entering, participating, and/or claiming a prize in this Contest.
  17. Intellectual Property. By registering for the Contest and/or submitting an entry you agree explicitly that your submission is indeed an original creation. Any intellectual property infringement, misuse or plagarism of another’s work in any form or state will result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of eligibility to receive all awards, recognition and prizes. You also agree to allow the Sponsor to make public statements regarding any disqualifications and any grounds for disqualification. All intellectual property and industrial property rights in any entries that belonged to the Entrants will remain with the Entrants, but the submissions will otherwise become the property of the Sponsor, and will not be returned after the Contest. You grant the Sponsor permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and publicly display your Contest submission for any purpose, including display on the Sponsor's website, without any attribution or compensation to you.
  18. Internet. The Sponsor is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission. The Sponsor is not responsible for theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of Contest materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind. The Sponsor is not responsible for inaccurate transmissions of or failure to display Contest materials on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or any combination thereof. If for any reason the Internet portion of the Contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, the Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest.
  19. Severability. If any provision(s) of these Rules are held to be invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect.
  20. Winner List. The names of the winners will be posted on the Contest Website within one (1) week of the end of the Contest.

2015 Halloween Cosplay Costume Contest

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When you come to our big Saturday sale in costume, we'll take your picture and enter you into our costume contest. You could win up to $25 in back issues.

Here's what you need to know.

Two Easy Steps To Enter

1. Submit a photo of yourself in costume while you hold up a recent comic book or come into the shop and we'll take your picture.

2. Email the photo to empirescv@gmail.com before November 1, 2015.

How To Win

We'll post all the pictures on our website by November 5 and let the voting begin! 

 Prizes Galore
We'll post all the pictures in a blog post on this website with voting instructions. Voting will begin as soon as the photos are posted. Winners will be the top three submissions with the most votes and will receive:

  • Grand prize: $25 in regular priced back issues
  • Second prize: $15 in regular priced back issues
  • Third prize: $10 in regular priced back issues

Critical Information

  • For your entry to be considered valid you must submit at least 1 photograph and  your name and phone number to empirescv@gmail.com or in the shop by Saturday, October 31, 2015:

  1. A photograph containing you in costume and a recent comic book,
  2. Your information: Name and phone number.

Because you're excited about reading lots of legalese, here are the complete rules. Oh boy!

Empire's 2014 Costume Contest Rules
  1. Contest Description. Empire's 2015 Halloween Cosplay Costume Contest (the "Contest") is designed to encourage eligible U.S. entrants ("Entrant(s)") to express their creativity in assembling and wearing a costume. Empire's Comics Vault's fans will choose the winning entries via an online poll at http://www.EmpiresComics.com. Prizes will be awarded in accordance with these Official Rules. This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Inc., Google, Inc., or any other social media sites used to promote this contest.
  2. Sponsor. The Contest is sponsored by Empire's Comics Vault ("Sponsor"), a California company with principal place of business at 1120 Fulton Avenue, Suite K, Sacramento, CA 95821, USA.
  3. Binding Agreement. In order to enter the Contest, you must agree to these Official Rules ("Rules"). The Rules consist of the terms and conditions on this page. Because these Rules form a legally binding agreement with respect to this Contest, please read them carefully. If you do not agree to the Rules, you are not eligible to participate in the Contest or to win any of the prizes. You agree that registration for this Contest and/or a submission of an entry in the Contest constitutes your agreement to these Rules.
  4. Eligibility. This Contest is open to any legal resident of the United States age eighteen or over, except employees, agents, or representatives of the Sponsor. Only one pumpkin per Entrant is allowed. At the time of submission, each Entrant must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent U.S. legal resident (e.g., must be able to show proof of legal permanent residence, for example, a "green card"). Employees, interns, contractors, and official office-holders, as well as their immediate families, of the Sponsor, its affiliates, and any representatives or agencies of the Sponsor or other persons professionally connected with the Contest are not eligible to participate. This Contest is void where prohibited.
  5. Contest Period. The Contest begins on October 31, 2015 at 11:00:00 A.M. Pacific Time (PT).  (The Entry Period ends November 1, 2015 at 12:00:01 A.M. Pacific Time.) The Contest ends on November 11, 2015 at 9:00:00 P.M. Pacific Time (PT).
  6. How To Enter. To enter, submit to the Sponsor via email a photograph of yourself in costume while holding a current comic book ("Entry"). The Sponsor's email address for submissions is "empirescv@gmail.com." Contest Rules and instructions are posted at http://empirescomicsvault.blogspot.com/search/label/Costume ("Contest Website").
  7. Submissions must be sent to the following email addresses: empirescv@gmail.com
  8. Entries sent by means other than email to email address listed above or in person at Empire's Comics Vault, 1120 Fulton Avenue, Suite K, Sacramento CA  95825, will not be considered eligible entries. Submissions must be: (i) complete (as determined by Sponsor); (ii) received no later than November 1, 2015 at 12:00:01 A.M. Pacific Time (PT). Any submission not meeting the aforementioned criteria will be disqualified. The Sponsor accepts no responsibility for submissions lost, delayed, damaged, defaced, or mislaid, howsoever caused.
  9. Conduct. By entering the Contest, you agree to comply with and be bound by the Rules, which will also be posted on the Contest Website. Failure to comply with these Rules may result in your disqualification from the Contest. You further agree to comply with and be bound by the decisions of the judges, which are final and binding in all respects. The Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any Entrant it finds to be: (1) tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Contest; (2) violating the Rules; (3) violating the terms of service, conditions of use or general rules or guidelines of any of the Sponsor's property or service; (4) acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner, or with the intent to annoy, abuse, threaten or harass any other person; or (5) failure to provide documentation verifying U.S. citizenship or permanent U.S. residency. Any false information provided within the context of the Contest by any Entrant concerning identity, postal address, ownership of rights or non-compliance with the Rules may result in the immediate disqualification of an Entrant from the Contest. The Sponsor further reserves the right to disqualify any entry that it believes in its sole and unfettered discretion, infringes upon any third party right, violates any law or otherwise does not comply with these Rules. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT OR ANY OTHER INDIVIDUAL TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY PROPERTY OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE CONTEST MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
  10. Selection of Winners. Entries will be judged by any person who participates in the voting process by voting for their favorite entry using the online poll found in the righthand column of our website at http://www.EmpiresComics.com available on November 5, 2015. Decisions are final and binding. In the event there are not enough eligible entries, not all prizes will be awarded. If a winner is not able for whatever reason to accept his or her prize, then the Sponsor reserves the right to award the prize to another Entrant.

    Online public voting starts on November 5, 2015 when the entry photos are posted at EmpiresComics.com and closes on November 11, 2015 at 9:00:00 P.M. Pacific Time (PT). Empire's Comics Vault will then select the three entries with the most votes to receive prizes. In the event of a tie, two prizes will be awarded at the level that the tie occurred.
  11. Prizes. One (1) Grand Prize: The entry with the most votes will receive $25 in regular-priced back issues. One (1) 2nd Place Prize: $15 in regular-priced back issues. One (1) 3rd Place Prize: $10 in regular-priced back issues.
  12. Media Activity: By participating in this Contest, you agree and hereby grant the Sponsor permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and publicly display your Contest submissions for any purpose, such as, but not limited to, press and media communications, without any compensation or attribution to you. You also agree to participate in any media or promotional activity regarding the Contest. You agree that the Sponsor may use your name and likeness to administer and promote the Contest and to conduct media interviews and promotional events.
  13. Privacy Notice. By participating in this Contest, you agree that the Sponsor can collect your personal information, and that if the Sponsor cannot collect the required data, you may not be eligible to participate in the Contest. Any personal information collected during the course of the Contest by the Sponsor will only be used for administering this Contest and for other purposes as outlined in these Rules. You will have the right to access, review, rectify or cancel any personal data held by the Sponsor by writing to Empire's Comics Vault (Attention: Privacy Related) at the Sponsor's address listed in Section 2.
  14. General Conditions. This Contest is governed by the laws of the State of California, United States. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. By participating in this Contest, you agree to be bound by the terms of these Rules and by the Sponsor's decisions, which are final and binding on all matters pertaining to this Contest. Return of any prize/prize notification may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. Any potential winner who cannot be contacted within five (5) business days of attempted first notification will forfeit his or her prize. Potential prize winners may be required to sign, notarize, and return an affidavit or declaration of eligibility, a liability/publicity release, an I.R.S. Form W-9, within three (3) business days and provide any additional information that may be required by the Sponsor. Failure to comply within this time period may result in disqualification and selection of an alternate winner. The Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the Contest or in the announcement of the prizes. Entrants certify that their submission is original and that they are the sole and exclusive owner and rights holder of the submitted submission (or if they are not sole and exclusive owner and rights holder of the submission, that they have obtained the necessary permission to include the submission in the Contest) and that they have the right to submit the submission in the Contest. Each entrant agrees not to participate in the Contest in any manner that might: (i) infringe any third-party proprietary, intellectual property, industrial property, personal rights or other rights, including without limitation, copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret or confidentiality obligation; or (2) otherwise violate applicable law in any countries in the world.
  15. No Recourse to Judicial or Other Procedures. To the extent permitted by law, the rights to litigate, to seek injunctive relief, or to any other recourse to judicial or any other procedure in case of disputes or claims resulting from or in connection with this Contest are hereby excluded, and you expressly waive any and all such rights.
  16. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU INDEMNIFY AND AGREE TO KEEP INDEMNIFIED EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT AT ALL TIMES FROM AND AGAINST ANY LIABILITY, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS AND EXPENSES RESULTING FROM ANY ACT, DEFAULT OR OMISSION BY YOU AND/OR A BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY BY YOU SET FORTH HEREIN. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU INDEMNIFY AND AGREE TO KEEP INDEMNIFIED EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT AT ALL TIMES FROM AND AGAINST ANY LIABILITY, ACTIONS, CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LOSSES, DAMAGES, COSTS AND EXPENSES FOR OR IN RESPECT OF WHICH EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT WILL OR MAY BECOME LIABLE BY REASON OF OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO ANY ACT, DEFAULT OR OMISSION BY YOU UNDER THESE RULES INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION RESULTING FROM OR IN RELATION TO ANY BREACH, NON-OBSERVANCE, ACT OR OMISSION WHETHER NEGLIGENT OR OTHERWISE, PURSUANT TO THESE RULES BY YOU. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, YOU AGREE TO HOLD EMPIRE'S COMICS VAULT, ITS RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND ASSIGNS HARMLESS FOR ANY INJURY OR DAMAGE CAUSED OR CLAIMED TO BE CAUSED BY PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTEST AND/OR USE OR ACCEPTANCE OF ANY PRIZE WON.
  17. Third Parties. The Sponsor is not responsible for the policies, actions, or inactions of others, including Entrant’s parents/legal guardian or representatives that might prevent the Entrant from entering, participating, and/or claiming a prize in this Contest.
  18. Intellectual Property. By registering for the Contest and/or submitting an entry you agree explicitly that your submission is indeed an original creation. Any intellectual property infringement, misuse or plagiarism of another’s work in any form or state will result in immediate disqualification and forfeiture of eligibility to receive all awards, recognition and prizes. You also agree to allow the Sponsor to make public statements regarding any disqualifications and any grounds for disqualification. All intellectual property and industrial property rights in any entries that belonged to the Entrants will remain with the Entrants, but the submissions will otherwise become the property of the Sponsor, and will not be returned after the Contest. You grant the Sponsor permission to use, copy, modify, distribute, and publicly display your Contest submission for any purpose, including display on the Sponsor's website, without any attribution or compensation to you.
  19. Internet. The Sponsor is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission. The Sponsor is not responsible for theft or destruction or unauthorized access to or alterations of Contest materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind. The Sponsor is not responsible for inaccurate transmissions of or failure to display Contest materials on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or any combination thereof. If for any reason the Internet portion of the Contest is not capable of running as planned, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, the Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest.
  20. Severability. If any provision(s) of these Rules are held to be invalid or unenforceable, all remaining provisions hereof will remain in full force and effect.
  21. Winner List. The names of the winners will be posted on the Contest Website within one (1) week of the end of the Contest.

Halloween Comicfest 2015 & Action Lab!

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This halloween Comicfest is going to be bigger and better than ever before. Not only are we having our Costume Contest, Pumpkin Carving Contest and FREE Halloween Comics for kids and adults alike, but we have some special guests coming down to sign and sell their books. So mark your calendar and come down to meet them  -- this October 31 -- from 11am-3pm.

Dave Dwonch has been a comics writer and artist producing indie titles for over a decade. In 2010 he founded Action Lab Entertainment with fellow indie mavericks and, as Creative Director for Action Lab, helped produce several of their titles including the Eisner nominated series Princeless. Recently he penned several titles, most notably Vamplets (with Gayle "My Little Pony" Middleton), Ghost Town, and CBR's Top 100 of 2013 series Double Jumpers.


Super Ugly is an artist who specializes in Childrens Book Illustration. He has published two books "Monsters Are Just Like Us" (Action Lab) and "I Love You To The Moon and Back" (Baby Sock).  Super Ugly has shown in galleries nationwide and has traveled the country selling art at comic conventions. Also in a musical group, Unified School District, who released four albums and a 12inch single, as well as touring extensively, and in 2008, were invited to play in Santiago, Chile. He has also appeared on the G4 network (Attack of the Show), Travel Channel (Toy Hunters), as well as being interviewed on The Simpsons 20th anniversary special. See more Superugly at Thesuperugly.com or @superugly on Instagram



Brian Hess has worked as an illustrator in a wide range of fields including television, mobile games, and comic books. His previous employment includes Noggin, Thrasher Magazine, Zynga, TinyCo., and most currently Action Lab Comics, where he is the co-creator of the new all ages title "Awake". In his free time, Brian works as a freelance artist as well as complete personal projects, like his two comic book titles. Originally from Walnut Creek, he moved to San Francisco to attend art school, and still lives here with his wife and son.

Creative Women Mini-Con and storewide SALE

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This Saturday, we have a sale you don't want to miss and an amazing line-up of local and national creative women for you to meet. You'll meet women-in-comics trailblazer Barbara Randall Kesel  and the first woman to ever write a Transformers comic book Mairghread Scott (her new title Toil and Trouble is a fantastic read).

 On the locals front, you'll meet Sacramento favorites Julie Okahara, Madelyne Templeton, Etta Jean, and many more. PLUS, we have some creative women who are completely new to the con scene. 

 Want to know who else will be there? Here's the complete Creative Women Mini-Con listing.

Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: Starting at 11 am.
Cost: FREE

SALE INFORMATION*
Everything is on sale this Saturday. Here are the details.
50% off Back Issues
15% off Toys & Statues
10% off Graphic Novels

 *Savings Club Members, be sure to check your email for your October 2015 Member Bonus. You're going to love what you find. (Not a member? Learn how to join in this email).

First woman to write Transformers comic Mairghread Scott at Creative Women Mini-Con 2015

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The first woman to ever write a Transformers comic book, Mairghread Scott, will join us this Saturday, October 3, 2015 for our 3rd annual Creative Women Mini-Con.

Mairghread wrote the four issues series, Transformers: Windblade, making her the first woman to ever write a Transformers comic book. She worked with an all female team, including Sarah Stone, who attended Creative Women Mini-Con 2014.



First creator-owned series Toil and Trouble


Mairghread's first creator-owned series, Toil and Trouble, published by BOOM! Studios, has its first issue on comic book shelves now. DorkShelf.com describes Toil and Trouble this way: "This six issue miniseries weaves together the story of Macbeth from the point of view of the three witches, offering a unique glimpse into the world of one of Shakespeare’s biggest tragedies and delivering a closer examination into the darker parts of the human soul."

Learn more about Toil and Trouble in this Mairghread Scott interview at The Mary Sue.

Connect with Mairghread online on Twitter, @MairghreadScott, on her website, MScottWriter.com, or on Tumblr, MScottWrites.

More of Mairghread's work can be seen in Marvel's Guardians of The Galaxy, Ultimate Spider-Man: Web Warriors, Transformers: Robots In Disguise and Rescue Bots as well as the comic books Marvel Universe Guardians of the Galaxy, and Transformers: Combiner Wars.

Women-in-comics trailblazer Barbara Randall Kesel at Creative Women Mini-Con 2015

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Barbara Randall Kesel
We're over-the-moon excited to have editor and comic book writing veteran Barbara Randall Kesel join us for Creative Women Mini-Con 2015.

Barbara blazed a trail for other women to follow as an early female influence in the comic book industry. In a piece written for SequentialTart.com, Jennifer M. Contino says about Kesel, "Moved by the bad stereotypical way that most female characters were portrayed, she sent DC Comics a ten-page letter informing them of her views and suggestions for how to ‘fix’ problems and make improvements." Dick Giordano called her for a meeting.

Barbara has worked at DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Image Comics, CrossGen, and Dark Horse Comics. She served as "head writer" at CrossGen and is well known for writing the popular comic book, Meridian, featuring a young, female heroine named Sephie. She has also written Sigil, Ultragirl, Legends of the Dark Crystal, and Ghost Whisperer, among others.

As an editor, Barbara was recognized in 1996 with a Harvey Award for Hellboy: The Wolves of St. August in the Best Graphic Album of Previously Published Work.

To learn more about Kesel's work with Womanthology, listen to the Worst Comic Podcast Ever interview.

Right now, in the shop, we have available a collected edition of Hawk & Dove written by Barbara and numerous issues from #1 and #44 of Meridian.

We're excited to have this comic writing legend join us for Creative Women Mini-Con. Talk to Barbara on Twitter at @barbarakesel. Follow Barbara on Facebook.

Creative Women Mini-Con 2015
Date: Saturday, October 3
Doors open: 11 AM
RSVP on Facebook

For the full line-up of exhibitors and guests, read our post, "Announcing 2015's Creative Women Mini-Con guests."

Thanks for joining us at Crocker-Con 2015

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We had an amazing time at Crocker-Con 2015. There's nothing better than enjoying a really chill time relaxing in the Empire's Comics Vault Mobile Lounge. Having a drink. Eating some food. Visiting with friends.

Relaxing in Empire's Mobile Lounge. #CrockerCon 2015

Ben held a 50/50 win/loss ratio for all Jenga matches. Here's a great photo from a video we posted to Snapchat (add "EmpiresComics" for more spur of the moment fun).



Seriously, mark your calendars for 2016 to attend this fun night of local creatives, from art to cosplay to music. Art Mix Crocker-Con has it going on.

In case you couldn't make it, we took lots of quick photos that you can now view on our Facebook page. You'll notice that Ben hosted the cosplay contest with three amazing judges: Hawkeye, Lord Vader, and a Star Trek Admiral.

We took some quick photos of Crocker-Con so you could see what it's all about -- and trust us, it's a good time.You'll...
Posted by Empire's Comics Vault on Friday, September 11, 2015

Crocker-Con 2015 Exhibitors Instagram List

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Tonight -- Thursday, September 10, 2015 -- is the night from 5pm - 9pm! We'll be at the Crocker Art Museum with Empire's Comics Vault's Mobile Lounge.

There will be a costume contest -- AND by the way, cosplayers get in free. It's also free for Crocker members. College students get a $2 discount. Pay at the door or register online.

Take a pick with the Delorean (thanks to the California Automobile Museum) and meet lots of artists, writers, cosplayers, and comic book creators. Happy hour is from 5-6 pm and there will be $5 drink specials all night. The event is sponsored by Submerge Magazine.

Jenga Challenge


Come play Jenga with Ben. Beat him and you'll earn $10 in back issues (Terms: no actual value. Back issues bins only. Wall comics excluded. No change given).

Or do these four things on Twitter or Instagram to earn $10 in free back issues:
1. Post a selfie with a cosplayer. Tag it #EmpiresAtCrocker.
2. Post a pic of Empire's Mobile Lounge. Tag it #EmpiresAtCrocker.
3. Post a pic of Nooligan or the comic book Union Street Choir (found at Nooligan's table). Tag it #EmpiresAtCrocker.
4. Post a photo of the B-Squad comic, Long John comic, your favorite booth or of something that says Crocker Art Museum. Tag it #EmpiresAtCrocker.




Art Mix Crocker-Con Exhibitors and Instagram Accounts

(where available)

For the inside scoop on Crocker-Con, enjoy this interview:


Nooligan's Big Barda an Empire's Comics Vault exclusive

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One of the things I love most about the Sacramento comic scene is the huge amount of creative talent right here at our fingertips. You have writers, artists, sculptors, painters, crafters and so much more.

One creator that has made his mark both locally, and now nationwide, is Sacramento native Hainanu Saulque (Nooligan.com), but maybe you know him as Nooligan.

His classic design and stylistic use of space makes his work unmistakable and perfect for display on any wall. All of his pieces are limited edition so that means you can’t wait till the next con to get the piece you want since it may not be there.

Down here at Empire's Comics Vault, we have a very special piece done just for the shop. You won’t find this Big Barda print anywhere else and it is limited to only 50 prints. Make sure you get yours before they go. ^Ben

Announcing 2015's Creative Women Mini-Con guests

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Our third annual Creative Women Mini-Con is Saturday, October 3, 2015. The official hashtag for this year's event is #CWMC2015 (see the results on Twitter or Instagram).

The 2013 and 2014 events had some amazing guests, and this year will be no different. Please note, that, while this year's event is full, we are still accepting applications in the unlikely event that a spot opens up.

Welcome the 2015 Creative Women Mini-Con guests


Watch our blog for individual profiles on each creative woman along with video interviews. And now... the list!

Barbara Kesel
Barbara Randal Kesel: Barbara has done work for DC Comics, Marvel Comics, Crossgen, Image Comics and Dark Horse Comics. She is well known for her writing of Crossgen heroine Sephie in Meridian. She has also written Ultragirl, Legends of the Dark Crystal, Ghost Whisperer, and Hawk and Dove, among others. We're excited to have this comic writing legend join us for Creative Women Mini-Con. Talk to Barbara on Twitter at @barbarakesel. | Learn more about Barbara Randal Kesel
Note: Kesel is pronounced "KEES-uhl"

Just added: Mairghread Scott!

Mairghread Scott
Mairghread Scott: Last year you met Transformers: Windblade artist Sarah Stone. Now the other half of the Transformers: Windblade creative team joins us for this year's Creative Women Mini-Con. Mairghread is an animation and comic book writer who is launching Toil and Trouble, her first creator-owned series, at Boom Studios' imprint, Archaia, in September. Catch up with Mairghread on Twitter at @MairghreadScott.

Angelina Brewer: If it's pinup, rockabilly, or geek, Angelina digs it. From framed art to wearable art, you'll want to check out this first time exhibitor at Creative Women Mini-Con. You'll be amazed by her perler bead art. Check it out on Facebook.

Madelyn Templeton
Madelyne Templeton: Madelyne joins us for the first time this year and brings a gorgeous array of art to the event. She has been covered in more than 15 different publishing magazines around the world. Check out her work on Instagram: @madelynjt

Amanda Johnson and J. Alana Christensen, A Different Studio: Amanda and Alana bring cool art into your everyday life. Themes include eastern and western forms of comics and illustration. Check them out on Facebook.

Kimberly Greve: Kimberly is currently working on the art for her first graphic novel, "Bride of the Wolf God," written by her husband. Connect with Kimberly on Twitter before you meet her at the mini-con: @ellazara.

Erminia Saucedo
Erminia Saucedo: Generation 1 of Transformers started in 1984. A year later, during the Search for Alpha Trion, Elita-1’s all female squad was introduced. They appeared in only one episode. Erminia, aka, "Minnie," and a task force of thirty people from around the globe are bringing them back. Learn more about this project on its Tumblr page, Transformers Elite. We're proud to welcome Minnie as the representative of this project.

Etta Jean: We're proud to welcome Etta back to another Creative Women Mini-Con. Etta is a fantasy writer and author of  The Chronicle Series and The Shaughnessy File. Talk with Etta on Twitter at @EttaJeanFantasy.

Julie Okahara: Julie has displayed in Empire's Art Gallery and exhibited at our annual Free Comic Book Day Mini-Con. We're pleased to introduce you to the imaginative and thought-provoking paintings of Julie Okahara. Visit http://www.julieokahara.com/ for a glimpse of her work.


Rachel Unzueta
Rachel  Unzueta: We're especially pleased to have Rachel join us at the Creative Women Mini-Con for the first time. Prior to this she has kept her art private except for the occasional online fan art posting. We're certain you'll love her art as much as we do. Check it out.

Sarah Rene Straub: Sarah and her art return to Creative Women Mini-Con. Catch up with Sarah to find out about her recent and new projects, and make her art your own. You'll find her at @SketchyKraft on Twitter.

Lauren Bennett: Lauren joins us for the first time this year. She's a "mostly" self-taught artist who loves character design, illustration, and sequential art. Take a peek at her art on Tumblr before you meet her at the mini-con.

Kristine Wendt: Kristine's art has been featured in Empire's Art Gallery and her comic has graced Empire's Comics Vault's local shelf. Tweet Kristine at @KristineArt and follow her adventures on Instagram at @KristineArt.

Crystaline Owen
Crystaline  Owen: Crystaline is a "California grown painter with big hair and big dreams." Need we say more? All that's needed is action: gaze upon her gorgeous art.

Jen Monson: Multi-talented artist Jen Monson returns to Creative Women Mini-Con. From paintings to sculptures to wearables, Jen's art pleases fans. Explore @jenuoneart on Instagram to find your favorite piece.



Comedy night at Empire's Comics Vault

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You know us: always trying something new. I mean, what else were we supposed to do with Empire's Comics Lounge?

HOST STAND UP COMEDY, OF COURSE!

No admission fee, however, please bring some small bills so you can toss them in the tip jar.

Date: Friday, July 31, 2015
Time: 8:00 pm
Add it to your FB Calendar

Follow these funny people on Twitter and chat them up:
Kim Martel @TheKimMartel
Joe-Joe Louis @BuckyGums
Jon Gomora @JonGamora
Luke Soin @EpicTikiComedy
Emma Haney @EmmaMHaney

Sacramento Model Demetra Wendy Manning at Empire's Comics Artist Meetup

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We're excited to announce that our next live model for Empire's Comics Artist Meet-up is Demetra Wendy Manning.

About Demetra Wendy Manning


Demetra enjoys theatre, dress up, glitter, and the preciousness of snails, so it’s probably not surprising that she eventually became a Professional Faerie.

Under the alter ego of ‘Wendy’, she can be found riding her dragon with trunks full of magic tricks, balloons, face paint, and presents for children all over northern California.

Past modeling experience includes sculpture work and posing for painting. She’s a Taurus and a Hufflepuff, and you best believe her cookbooks are written in cover-to-cover.

Event Details

Live Model Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Time: Come as early as 5 pm, starts at 6 pm
Cost: $10
Add to your FB Calendar

Empire's Comics Artist Meet-up welcomes all levels of artists. We meet every Tuesday night. We feature live models on the last Tuesday of each month. Except for the live model session, there is no charge for the meetup.

Check our Facebook Events page for information by date. Join 183 other artists in Empire's Comics Sketch-A-Day Facebook group to share your art and see the art of other locals.