IDW Publishing, in conjunction with HBO, is pleased to announce that the first collection of the “True Blood” ongoing series will debut in hardcover this December. True Blood: Where Were You? is written by comic luminary Ann Nocenti and series actor, Michael McMillian (Reverend Steve Newlin), who also co-wrote the “True Blood” Tainted Love series. Additionally, the collection includes creative collaboration by “True Blood” creator, writer, and producer Alan Ball. Taking on artistic duties are Michael Gaydos, Greg Scott and Federica Manfredi, with cover art by renowned artist Tim Bradstreet.

“I’m so excited to help launch the “True Blood” ongoing series,” McMillian said. “The TV series created such a rich mythology, the possibilities for exciting stories starring Sookie Stackhouse and the citizens of Bon Temps are endless. This first volume flashes back to where Sookie, Eric, Bill and Alcide were when vampires came out of the coffin while they fight a bold new vampire villain in the present!”

In True Blood: Where Were You? readers will learn the beloved cast of characters’ roles in and reaction to the “Great Revelation,” the day when vampires revealed themselves to the world. Sookie and the entire crew look back and reflect on the day that changed their lives forever. Do you remember where you were the day vampires came out of the coffin?

“Our various “True Blood” miniseries proved so popular, an ongoing series was a no-brainer. And we were lucky to have assembled such a talented team to produce it,” editor Denton J. Tipton said. “This book represents months of their hard work as well as that of the tremendous folks at HBO and Your Face Goes Here Entertainment. I think you’ll be able to see that effort in these pages.”

Loved by fans and critics alike, “True Blood,” the sensually sizzling story of the lives and loves of vampires, mind readers, and all manner of creatures, has become a huge success in both comics and television with a mythology sure to thrill and delight for years to come.

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Season 5 of HBO’s smash-hit series “True Blood” came to a dramatic end on HBO but fans needn’t shed a tear for their favorite vampire, shapeshifter, werewolf or townie. HBO GO injects fun into the season finale with a bonus scene teasing season 6 appearing at the end of the last episode with additional, exclusive elements available through HBO GO’s “True Blood” interactive viewing experience.

The extended scene, written by creator and executive producer Alan Ball, is available now at HBOGO.com or via the HBO GO app. To view a promo for the True Blood experience and bonus scene on HBO GO visit: http://youtu.be/M0M_bBMxBfs.

“True Blood fans love to interact with the show and each other,” said Ball. “I’m excited to give them something extra to talk about even after the season 5 finale credits roll.”

The HBO GO interactive viewing experience,which features exclusive enhancements to the “True Blood” bonus scene, allows audiences to engage with original features created exclusively for the service by watching full-length episodes of the series alongside never-before-seen bonus content. The “True Blood” interactive viewing experience for HBO GO can be accessed online or via the HBO GO iPad app, featuring special enhancements designed exclusively for the device.

HBO GO can also be accessed via the HBO GO app on Apple’s iPhone and iPod touch, Amazon’s Kindle Fire and numerous smart phones using Google’s Android operating system, as well as platforms such as Xbox 360, Samsung Smart TV and Roku – and is free of charge to HBO subscribers through participating television providers.

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HBO has released the synopses for three of the new, thrilling “True Blood” episodes.

Episode #52 is called “We’ll Meet Again.” It will debut Sunday, July 1 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) and will play again on HBO on July 1 (11:00 p.m.), 4 (10:00 p.m.), 5 (11:00 p.m.) and 7 (12:15 a.m.) and HBO2 on July 2 (9:00 p.m.), 5 (8:00 p.m.), 6 (11:00 p.m.), 8 (3:00 p.m.) and 20 (9:00 p.m.). In the episode Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) and Bill (Stephen Moyer) have doubts they will survive the search for Russell (Denis O’Hare). Sookie (Anna Paquin) opens up to Alcide (Joe Manganiello). An irate Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) unwittingly puts Sookie’s life in danger. At Authority headquarters, Roman (Christopher Meloni) and Salome (Valentina Cervi) continue interrogating Nora (Lucy Griffiths) about the Sanguinistas – and a possible traitor within the Council. Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) forcesTara (Rutina Wesley) to toe the line; Andy (Chris Bauer) and Jason (Ryan Kwanten) go to a burlesque party; Sam’s (Sam Trammell) shifter friends invite him for a run; Terry (Todd Lowe) flashes back to a deadly night in Iraq; Hoyt (Jim Parrack) tests the fangbanger waters; Sookie drowns her sorrows.Written by Alexander Woo; directed by Romeo Tirone.

Episode #53 is called “Let’s Boot and Rally.” It will debut Sunday July 8 (9:00-10:00 p.m.) and will play again on HBO on July 8 (11:00 p.m.), 11 (10:00 p.m.), 12 (11:00 p.m.) and 14 (1:55 a.m.) and on HBO2 on July 9 (9:00 p.m.), 12 (8:00 p.m.), 13 (11:00 p.m.), 15 (3:30 p.m.) and 20 (10:00 p.m.). In the episode, with time running short, Bill and Eric enlist Sookie to probe for clues on Russell’s hiding place. Unable to deal with the demon magic inside him, Lafayette calls out to Jesus’ spirit for help. Patrick Devins (Scott Foley) and Terry are held hostage in the bunker of their Iraq War buddy Brian Eller (Brian Geraghty). Jason wakes to a disturbing dream; Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) gives Tara advice on adjusting to vampire life; Sam visits Luna (Janina Gavankar)with bad news.Written by Angela Robinson; directed by Michael Lehmann.

Episode #54 is cheerfully titled “Hopeless.” It will debut Sunday, July 15 (9:00-10:00 p.m.) and will be shown again on HBO on July 15 (11:05 p.m.), 18 (10:00 p.m.), 19 (11:00 p.m.) and 21 (12:45 a.m.) and on HBO2 on July 16 (9:00 p.m.), 19 (8:00 p.m.), 20 (11:00 p.m.) and 22 (1:50 p.m.). In the episode the aftermath at the asylum leaves Sookie with an eerie sense of foreboding. At Fangtasia, Pam breaks up a vamp-girl fight, praising Tara for her tenacity. Lafayette visits Ruby Jean (Alfre Woodard), who also received a disturbing message from Jesus. Fearing for his family’s safety, Terry blames his curse for his troubles with Arlene (Carrie Preston). Alcide challenges J.D. (Louis Herthum); Sam offers to help Andy investigate the recent shootings; Roman lays out his plans to take out Russell.Written by Alan Ball; directed by Dan Attias.

“True Blood” was created by Alan Ball; based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris; executive producers, Alan Ball and Gregg Fienberg; co-executive producers, Brian Buckner, Alexander Woo, Raelle Tucker, Mark Hudis and Angela Robinson; co-producers, Christina Jokanovich, Marlis Pujol and David Auge.

Image Courtesy of  HBO True Blood

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HBO renewed the hit show True Blood for a 12-episode fifth season in August and this week, details of two new characters emerged from the production team. Created by Alan Ball, the series will begin production of new episodes later this year in Los Angeles, and will debut on screen in the summer of 2012

“I am thrilled that True Blood continues to enjoy a phenomenal reception from both subscribers and critics,” noted Michael Lombardo, the president of HBO Programming.  “Alan Ball and his gifted team have devised the greatest thrill ride on TV.”

Mixing romance, suspense, mystery and humor, the Emmy-nominated show takes place at a time when vampires have come out of the coffin, and follows the on-and-off romance between waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse, played by Anna Paquin, who can hear people’s thoughts, and 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton, in the form of Stephen Moyer.

According to a press release, the series creator Alan Ball, who is also responsible for the creation of the Emmy-winning HBO series Six Feet Under, is also an executive producer of the show, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.

“I remain amazed and delighted by the enthusiasm of our viewers,” says Ball. “I can’t imagine having more fun than this.”

The 12-episode fourth season has inspired critical raves, with USA Today calling it “exuberantly entertaining,” as well as hailing the “superb crew of writers and actors,” while the Washington Post called the show “a rollicking good scream” and “addictive.” The season was wrapped up this week with a number of cliff-hangers and surprising exits, with Sookie tied up in the middle of everything.

Fans on Stuff.co.nz found the season finale a double-edged sword; “if you’re a Sookie fan, then chances are you’re pretty happy with how things ended last night. If you’re like Pam – and at least a portion of other viewers, like me – and you’re over Sookie, then chances are the finale didn’t increase your enthusiasm for next season.”

While waiting for next summer to pick up, Entertainment Weekly revealed details of the two new characters. One is a beautiful and intelligent woman named Nora who has a story with Eric and who will join the regular cast ensemble. The other is a new female vampire whom Aceshowbiz.com describes as “a powerful ancient vampire and a world-class seductress who’s also a little mad,” named Salome.

It is likely that we will see more new faces on the show as Ball has hinted to exciting new elements of spirits, freakish demons and more never-before-seen supernatural creatures.

Image Courtesy of   http://www.facebook.com/TrueBlood

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