Diamond Comic Distributors, PREVIEWSworld, and Coliseum of Comics have announced an In-Store Convention Kick-Off live-streaming event, which will take place at participating local comic stores on Saturday, March 5.

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The event will stream from noon to 8 PM EST.  Featured guests will include Matt Fraction and Kelly Sue DeConnick, as well as panels by Image/Top Cow, and Dynamite Entertainment. Geeks of Comedy’s Kevin White will serve as master of ceremonies.  Key sponsors Dark Horse Comics, DC Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Marvel Comics, BOOM! Studios, Dynamite Entertainment, Top Cow Studios and Diamond Select Toys will all have presentations during the event. A downloadable PDF of times that guests and publishers will be provided, and will be promoted to consumers through social media, articles, and other media channels.

Four limited-edition, exclusive products will be available for fans to purchase during the event:

• Batman: Arkham Knight – Batgirl And Harley Quinn #1 Kickoff Con 2016 Variant from DC Comics
• Power Man and Iron Fist #1 Kickoff Con 2016 Variant from Marvel Comics
• Jonesy #1 Con Kickoff 2016 Variant from BOOM! Studios
• Star Wars R4-G9 Figure Bank Con Kickoff 2016 from Diamond Select Toys

Retailers may sign up online with Diamond Comic Distributors until Monday January 25. The cost is $24.99 per store location. Participating stores will receive a login code for the live feed, promotional posters and bookmarks; and will be able to purchase the exclusive limited edition event items.

“Tens of thousands of fans have poured into comic-cons and conventions around the country in increasing numbers and this is a great way to encourage those fans to visit their local comic shops and kick off the 2016 convention season,” said event organizer, Phil Boyle. “It’s a great way to showcase spring and summer projects from publishers, all the while promoting comic shops as a great place to shop.”