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Today we had some exciting announcements to make for all of our franchises. Check out the news below!

- Sideshow Collectibles -

Sideshow revealed our newest statuette, StarCraft's Kerrigan, Queen of Blades, sculpted by Mark Newman and Ray Villafane. Two versions of the statuette are being considered: the traditional Infested Queen of Blades AND Primal Kerrigan from Heart of the Swarm. She is on the same scale as our recently released Arthas Sideshow statue in terms of size. Preorders will start later this year.

We also announced the new 1/6-scale Raynor figure, also from StarCraft. This guy is hyper-articulated and has some epic armor as well: his terran marine suit has light mechanisms, chest cartridges that mimic the cold fusion effect, and LEDs accentuating the afterburner effects on his pack. Keep an eye out for preorders coming REALLY soon!

In addition, we showed off the first look at our biggest statue to date: the menacing and majestic Deathwing in grayscale. Check out that wingspan!

Attendees also got to see progress on the upcoming Diablo statue, including LED eyes that glow like the fires of Hell. This infernal beauty will be shipping in November. (We take no responsibility for souls consumed by this incredibly detailed work of art.)

- Funko -

Announced as a San Diego Comic-Con exclusive, this Shadow Illidan Funko vinyl figure (limited quantities available at the show) is part of a new line of Blizzard-themed Funko toys hitting stores in September. Are you prepared?

- Insight Editions -

Along with epic books, you can buy World of Warcraft- and Diablo-themed stationary and poster books now over at Insight Editions. What better way to protect your notes than with Sindragosa or Tyrael?

And as we teased previously, the Diablo III: Book of Tyrael is coming this October!

- Snow Fight -

Blizzard’s own Chris Metzen and Wei Wang are collaborating on a World of Warcraft-themed children’s book, due to premiere at BlizzCon this year. This book is sure to warm even the Lich King’s heart.

- NECA -

Last but not certainly not least, we're excited to be working with Neca on a new Diablo action figure! Stay tuned for more information on its release.

For more updates and information about Blizzard licensed products at San Diego Comic-Con, be sure to follow @TheLyns on Twitter. If you're attending the convention, you can also stop by the official Blizzard booth (#115) in Hall A!

Blizzard Quote [source]

From July 3 to July 6, anime, manga, and Japanese culture enthusiasts from near and far gathered at the Los Angeles Convention Center for Anime Expo 2013 to celebrate the games, books, movies, television shows, and more that have enriched and brought joy into their lives. Some of these talented individuals also stepped into character to showcase diverse and incredible cosplays just for the occasion!  

The cosplay at this year's Expo was downright stunning, and we were thrilled to see so many Diablo-themed pieces grace the halls (and sidewalks) of the event. Through the wonders of technology, we were able to get in touch with three talented artists who could have easily passed for denizens of Sanctuary, and we've oodles of gorgeous pictures of their cosplay for you to peruse below!

- Cynthia Hall, Archon Armor - 

Having previously rocked the mantle of the Demon Hunter, Cynthia decided it was about time to re-roll and put her cosplay skills to the test with a new hero. Her chosen class for AX 2013?  The Wizard, featuring iconic Archon Armor.

   
Thomas L. Hicks | Roget Ratchford of Rose Eye Photography | Elite Cosplay

A piece this detailed is invariably a labor of love, one requiring months of investment and hardwork. To give us a little perspective in what goes into building a Diablo III cosplay, Cynthia also shared with us some unique behind-the-scenes photos: 

Want to see more of Cynthia's work or learn about her latest cosplay adventures? Then be sure to visit her official pages on Facebook and deviantArt. (You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram, as well!)

- Venn Kaden, Mini Tyrael - 

This community is no stranger to epic Tyrael cosplay. From JoJo Chen's infamous "Tyrael's Secret" to the striking designs of Crimson, we've been blessed with some pretty amazing interpretations of Justice over the years.

And now we're happy to add Venn Kaden's work to that list! Influenced by the coveted figurine from BlizzCon 2011, feast your eyes on this absolutely adorable Mini Tyrael cosplay which made it's debut just last weekend.

Brian J. Matis |  John Yang

Interested in seeing more cosplay from Venn? Show her your love (and check out more photos her work, including in-progress shots) over on Facebook and Instagram.

- Monika Lee, Diablo III Wizard - 

Instead of recreating a character or armor set from the game itself, Monika elected to craft a cosplay based entirely on a single piece of concept art. Her inspiration? This piece, originally completed by Victor Lee in January 2007. While a completely different take on the Wizard we've all come to know and love, we all agree Monika's incarnation is just as captivating and (dare I say?) magical. 

     
CoryD Photography | Martin Wong Photography | Leonard Lee

Want to know how this cosplay was made? So did we! Take a peek:

MLZ Studios also put together an amazing fan video of cosplay from Anime Expo 2013 in which Monika's Diablo III "Concept Art" Wizard was featured! Her spotlight begins at roughly 0:30 seconds in:

Love what you see? Follow Monika on Facebook and Twitter to learn more about her work, browse photos of all her epic costumes, and find out what character she's cosplaying next!

Blizzard Quote [source]

Reminder: If you're heading to San Diego Comic-Con this week, you won't want to miss out on the following Blizzard events and activities!

Diablo III Console Playable in Sony Booth

Looking to test drive one of Sanctuary’s heroes on a dual-shock controller? Curious how same-screen co-op feels on a PS3? (Or just want to say "hi!" to Grimiku?) Then gather up a few of your friends and head on over to the Sony PlayStation Booth for some sweet multiplayer action.

Demo stations will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PDT (9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday) in booth #301 of the Exhibit Hall, so if you're in the area (and in the mood for some ritual demon slaughter), be sure to stop by and check it out!

Diablo Papercraft, Zerg Plushies, and Epic Lanyards – Oh My!

If you're interested in snagging some sinister swag, make sure to stop by the Blizzard booth (#115) early to grab a few of our San Diego Comic-Con exclusive items we have available. Gather your friends for a Zerg Plush Rush! Stare into the tiny, menacing eyes of Mini Sylvanas and tremble! Create your own papercraft Lord of TERROAR!

Epic Quest of Epicness

Also, don't forget to participate in our “Epic Quest of Epicness” for your chance to  Epic Purple Lanyard:

Seriously. It's epic.

How to Play:

1. Stop by any one of our epic partner booths during the event
2. Take an epic picture of an upcoming Blizzard item
3. Authenticate that epic shot with us during one of our epic designated times

Legit photos will earn lanyards. EPIC LANYARDS. (Limit one per attendee. Lanyard quantities limited per day; first come first serve.)

To learn more about Blizzard's San Diego Comic-Con schedule of events including panels, booth activities, and partner shenanigans, be sure to click here.

Hope to see you there!