#printing companies nyc

[apsocial]

Choosing a Printing Company in New York: Tips for Success

In the bustling metropolis of New York, a city teeming with businesses and creative minds, there's a constant demand for printing services, be it for advertising, business purposes, or personal projects. With a multitude of printing companies to choose from, making the right decision can be overwhelming. This article aims to shed light on this decision-making process, providing you with actionable tips to help you make an informed choice.

1. Understand Your Needs: Before approaching any printing company, be clear about your requirements. Are you looking for large-scale billboard prints or just a few business cards? Do you need high-quality photo prints for an art exhibition or just regular flyers for an event? Different companies specialize in different areas of printing, so understanding your needs will help you shortlist suitable vendors.

2. Do Your Research:

Online Reviews: Check out websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Better Business Bureau. Real customer feedback can provide insight into a company’s reliability and quality.

Portfolios: Many printing companies have online portfolios showcasing their previous work. This can give you a good idea of their capabilities and expertise.

Recommendations: Word-of-mouth is still one of the most trusted forms of advertising. Ask friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations.

3. Pay a Visit: If possible, visit the printing company's physical location. This allows you to:

Gauge their professionalism.

Check out their equipment and facilities.

Get a sense of their workflow.

Examine samples of their work in person.

4. Ask About Equipment and Technology: The type of equipment and software a company uses can influence the quality of the final product. Advanced printers and cutting-edge technology often result in higher quality prints.

5. Turnaround Time: In a city that never sleeps, speed can be of the essence. Ask about the company’s average turnaround time and if they offer rush services. This is crucial if you're working on tight deadlines.

6. Request a Quote: Always get a detailed quote before committing. This should include specifics about the job, like paper quality, color specifications, finishing options, and any additional costs. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can also ensure you're getting the best value for your money.

7. Consider the Environment: Sustainability is a growing concern for many consumers and businesses alike. If being eco-friendly is important to you, inquire about the company’s green initiatives, such as recycling programs or the use of sustainable materials.

8. Customer Service Matters: A good printing company will be responsive, attentive, and open to feedback. They should be willing to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through the process. Excellent customer service can make a difference in your overall experience.

9. Flexibility and Customization: Every client has unique needs. A top-tier printing company will offer flexibility in terms of design, size, and material options. They should be able to cater to bespoke requests, ensuring your vision is realized to the fullest.

10. Location and Delivery: Proximity can be crucial, especially if you'll be making frequent visits or require speedy deliveries. While a company in New York City might be convenient, don't rule out businesses in the surrounding boroughs – they might offer competitive prices and quality service.

Conclusion

Choosing a printing company in New York or anywhere else is not just about who can do the job, but who can do it best according to your specific requirements. With a bit of research, clarity about your needs, and attention to the above details, you'll be well-equipped to make an informed choice that suits both your project and budget.

[wedesignyouny]

Using Digital Printing NYC, You Can Quickly And Affordably Print Any Quantity.

Using Digital Printing NYC, You Can Quickly And Affordably Print Any Quantity.

Modern digital presses, such as an HP Indigo and Xerox 700, are what we employ to handle a wide range of jobs. Digital printing is a creative and adaptable medium that offers our clients the ability to personalize brochures, magazines, reports, posters, art, and look books. It is perfect for any project that requires quick turnaround or is best suited for a short print run. In order to get your files produced and into your hands as soon as possible, our state-of-the-art digital print technology also enables NYC clients to request rush printing for a variety of tasks.

Many of our clients also find digital printing methods’ quick turnaround times beneficial in the fast-paced corporate world of New York City. For clients who are pressed for time, it can mean the difference between having that important presentation ready or getting those reports printed on time. We are aware that managing your company frequently entails meeting deadlines, and we are pleased to assist you in doing so.

Digital printing provides our clients with:

Quickness

Superior quality

Any quantity of print run

Reprints upon request

real-world examples of their files

Additionally, proofing is quick and simple with digital printing since it shows you the precise version of your work before we print the entire run. With the lossless quality and direct communication to the press system that modern digital presses provide, your ideas will print at a high resolution and with all the details.

Cost-Effective Digital Printing in NYC

Digital printing eliminates the need for labor-intensive press setup, thus small print runs don’t have to be prohibitively expensive. We can print as few or as many products as you would like thanks to digital printing. Additionally, there is no loss in quality when compared to conventional printing. No data is lost during transfer, and the image, text, or design flows directly to the digital press, maintaining excellent quality. We are able to print small tasks (50–100 copies) or large works (thousands), all with the same page quality.

Short Run Printing

Digital presses are ideal for short run printing since they can produce high-quality printed goods in tiny quantities. You can customize your order to just order what you need, cutting down on waste, by ordering a few dozen or several hundred copies of a particular item. Additionally, if and when you need more copies, it’s simple to reprint them from our files. Short run digital printing is the most effective way to satisfy the recurring and variable printing needs of the majority of NYC businesses. You may easily make modifications for the next quarter or season and reorder any documents or materials you need, saving you time and money on unnecessary stockpiling of printed products that might become outdated within the year.

Large Format Printing

Printing in large or wide formats is another benefit of digital printing. Our digital presses are the best option if you require large graphic projects, such as banners, backdrops, artwork, and posters, to be completed quickly. They can print up to ten feet in length and breadth and are capable of printing on a wide range of materials, including cardboard, vinyl, plastic, and various papers. Larger projects, such as step-and-repeat backgrounds, can be finished in multiple parts.

Examples of Our Digital Printing Work: Tru-Art Sign Co., Inc.’s NYC booklet printing example, featuring saddle-stitched pages

An illustration of digital printing in New York City, a saddle-stitched booklet printed digitally Booklet for Wire-O

Customizable Digital Printing

Creating changeable data in printed materials is one of the things that digital print technology allows us to accomplish better than traditional offset printing. The term “variable data” describes the capacity to alter the information or data on various printed materials. The traditional illustration would be using individual mailing list addresses to personalize each magazine or print run advertisement, but variable data is also capable of more.

Creating changeable data in printed materials is one of the things that digital print technology allows us to accomplish better than traditional offset printing. The term “variable data” describes the capacity to alter the information or data on various printed materials. The traditional illustration would be using individual mailing list addresses to personalize each magazine or print run advertisement, but variable data is also capable of more.

Contact Us

Because Tru-Art Sign Co Inc prioritizes its clients, we are available to address any inquiries you may have regarding our digital printing capabilities and workflow, as well as to assist you in completing your print project as soon as possible. We can complete jobs quickly both inside and outside of our NYC location, and we can ship your final product across the country or send it via courier anywhere in NYC.

Customers are invited to contact us with any inquiries they may have regarding digital printing or to learn more about how we can assist with a specific project.

[nycadverts]

Forget Last Minute Banner Printing Wows with New York Banner Stands Round the Clock Printing

New York: Experience same-day high-quality custom printing for all your needs with the fastest banner service in New York. The renowned printing company announced its 24/7 production facility with facility for all shapes and sizes. With the mission to empower customers to ‘Oder it today, receive it today,’ the last-minute printing specialist is set to revolutionize the industry with its same-day shipping guarantee! All you must do is lock the requirements by 12 PM EST and the consignment will be shipped out the same day.

All Your Printing Needs Under One Roof: New York Banner stands excels in all kinds of rush order printing requirements and makes same day delivery possible. The company offers a wide variety of flags, banner stands, Steps, and Repeats, you think of it, and they have it. The printing expert uses lightweight and sturdy material with vibrant colors to get your message across. New York Banner Stands offers the highest quality adhesive, tapes, and carry kits for smooth installation and ensure exceptional brand representation.

“In the fast-paced world, how can printing stay slow? Our unbeatable speed printing practically delivers the product with that fresh ink smell on bases that are still warm,” says the CEO. “All our clients, whether last minute or next day get the same dedicated attention and quality signage they deserve,” the CEO added.

Did you get a slot at the awaited trade show at the last minute? No worries, the last-minute printing specialist helps your brand stand out with a complete array of products. Choose from table throws, runners, roll-up mobile banners, event tents, and vinyl banners. That is not all, make your customers remember you with business cards, flyers, letterheads, packing boxes, and sticky labels. If a game or a giveaway is your idea of fun, you can get customized t-shirts, coasters, mugs, table calendars, or mail cards. Match your vehicle with stickers and backlit channel letters to give an extra edge to your brand. There are many options for standing banners as well. For instance, X-stands, Table-top, A-banners, alpine booths, telescopic stands. You can also choose from illuminated options, such as sky towers, light boxes, backlit films, or SEG displays to make your brand shine through the crowd.

About New York “Speed” Banner Stands Serving the state since 2008, the same-day printing expert has earned the trust of Fortune 100 companies with exceptional indoor and outdoor solutions. New York Banner Stands boasts of a premier clientele that includes Citibank, Adidas, Amazon, Forbes, Cambridge University Press, Uber, Clarins, the American Museum of Natural History, and many more global brands. “Speed” is not their middle name for nothing, they offer extraordinarily fast last-minute printing solutions.

While their rush order printing and same day delivery attracts most brands, their next day delivery option is a great bargain if you go with a little planning. The lightning-fast banner printing expert caps nothing but prices. You get affordable options, to match your space and style requirements. They even offer free consultation to find the most suitable product within your budget.

[wowcustomt]

Company T Shirt Printing NYC

WOW Custom offers top-notch Company T Shirt Printing NYC. With a wide range of customization options, high-quality materials, and fast turnaround times, WOW Custom ensures your company's T-shirts are vibrant, durable, and tailored to your brand's unique style. Visit - https://wowcustomtee.com/wow_custom_tees/shop/products/t_shirts?page=1

[allin1graphics]

NYC Printing Company

[disease]

"MASCARA WARS" IRVING PENN | NYC, 2001 [fujicolor crystal archive print | 40 x 61 cm.]

"Mascara is not small business and brushes sell mascara. Companies spend millions of dollars developing breakthrough technology, and we were reporting on the latest 'Mascara War' between two of the giants. The model’s eyes were closed for two hours while Penn photographed every possible variation of the dueling brushes. He had a picture that wasn’t especially exciting or memorable, but there was nothing that he hadn’t tired. Still standing behind his 6 x 8 cm camera, he said, 'Thank you. We’re all finished.' Our model opened her eyes, and I saw that they were completely bloodshot. Penn said, 'Don’t move.' He did just two or three more exposures. Here was the shock that was missing. Then we were finished." —Phyllis Posnick, Executive Fashion Editor, Vogue

[shefightslikeagirl]

This was so nice to read the responses - because being a part of this was so incredibly magical. I started touring with Em in 2007 (!) in Germany. I had never been out of the US before and on day one, I met Em and Aprella and the original Captain Vecona (who was a brilliant seamstress and made all the original costumes by hand.)

We would spend an hour or two before every show setting up the stage. It was like setting up for company to arrive in every city we went to and it was very personal. Most of the stage props were handmade by Em and then in later years 2009-2011 we would all spend a week at her place hand making every single prop and stage feature (the original massive handmade clock). Between 2011-2014 we had a printed clock and we had a crew that would set it up but we still handmade our costumes.

I remember in those early shows - one where the batteries on Em’s electric violin went out in the middle of the show - so you could hear her playing but it wasn’t amplified any more. She turned to me and with a kiss whispered “Do something for 10 minutes - I have to run off stage to get this fixed.” And I instantly remembered the first show I saw when I moved to NYC was this punk band called Nation of Ulysses and the lead singer ran out and grabbed the back of my head and started making out with me and then grabbed the guy standing next to me and made out with him. And then launched right into a song. I’ll never forget it - it was done in a fun way and I loved the band so I was in shock that the lead singer just kissed me.

So when the moment came that I had to do something - that quickly popped up in my brain and I made up the Rat Game. It was only supposed to happen one time. But the boards were so active and the plague rats were a family and basically the next night like 20 people showed up with signs that said “pick me, Veronica” or “I want to play the rat game” or “I’ve never been kissed by a girl before” and then Em was like - I think this is a thing now - are you cool with doing that again tonight after my violin solo? And I was like - sure! And we thought it might be just that one extra night but every night - more signs showed up and it became part of the show. I was shocked that it lasted more than one night or one tour but the Plague Rats were so excited about it and we were always listening to what you guys wanted to!

I just remember how like a family we all were and it was so special. The plague rats would make handmade presents for each other and for us. We would see many of the same people night after night and it was so beautiful! It was something truly special. ❤️ Thank you for sharing your memories here and thanks for letting me share mine. I’ve got to post something like this on my Instagram. I have so many old photos that are amazing that no one has ever seen!

—Veronica Varlow on the origin of the Rat Game, Emilie Autumn's Asylum Army of Love FB Group

[newsfromsomewhere]

Lorraine Glover, wife of Donald Byrd, in front of Ponte Music Company, an instrument repair shop, 48th street NYC 1960. William Claxton - silver gelatin print. 

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me TONIGHT (Mar 22) in TORONTO, then SUNDAY (Mar 24) with LAURA POITRAS in NYC, then Anaheim, and beyond!

#15yrsago Argentine philosophy prof faces prison time for posting unofficial translations of out of print Derrida texts https://web.archive.org/web/20120121084605/http://www.karisma.org.co/carobotero/index.php/2009/03/13/el-turno-de-los-profesores-prision-por-subir-obras-protegidas-a-internet/

#15yrsago US Attorney mistakes 419 letter for a submission from a Madoff victim https://www.businessinsider.com/congo-email-scammers-support-harsh-sentence-for-madoff-2009-3

#15yrsago One quarter of all British govt databases are illegalhttps://web.archive.org/web/20101016205748/http://dooooooom.blogspot.com/2009/03/database-state.html https://web.archive.org/web/20101016205748/http://dooooooom.blogspot.com/2009/03/database-state.html

#5yrsago Unnamed stalkerware company has left gigabytes of sensitive personal info unprotected on the web and can’t be reached to fix it https://www.vice.com/en/article/j573k3/spyware-data-leak-pictures-audio-recordings

#5yrsago Philadelphia city council candidate says his secret AI has discovered disqualifying fraud in the nominations of 30 out of 33 candidates https://www.inquirer.com/politics/clout/council-at-large-petition-challenges-devon-cade-allan-domb-nick-miccarelli-20190322.html

#5yrsago After fatal crash, Boeing reverses sales policy that locked out some safety features unless airlines paid for an upgrade https://apnews.com/article/140576a8e9d4449eae646c8c479fdc3a

#5yrsago Wireless vulns in Medtronic’s implanted defibrillators allow remote shocks, shutdown, denial-of-service battery attacks and data theft https://www.startribune.com/750-000-medtronic-defibrillators-vulnerable-to-hacking/507470932/

#5yrsago Grandson of legendary John Deere engineer defends right-to-repair and condemns Big Ag for “taxing customers” https://securityledger.com/2019/03/opinion-my-grandfathers-john-deere-would-support-our-right-to-repair/

#1yrago Kickstarting the Red Team Blues audiobook, which Amazon won't sell https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/22/anti-finance-finance-thriller/#marty-hench

Name your price for 18 of my DRM-free ebooks and support the Electronic Frontier Foundation with the Humble Cory Doctorow Bundle.

[towns-end-bindery]

I acquired a book press!

I'm so pleased with this antique press. The seller was so kind to have done the restoration work on it prior to listing the item online. It is so lovely with its fresh coat of paint and smoothly greased bolts. And there's not a speck of rust!

Once I got back home, I shared it with the SoCal @renegadepublishing discord. Everyone started helping me do a deep dive to find out how old this press was and who manufactured it. The sleuthing turned out to be really fun!

We discovered that my press is an Iron & Bolt Style-B No. 04. It was made by the Illinois Iron & Bolt Company, and it was a "copy press", according to this book (Before Photocopying: The Art & History of Mechanical Copying, 1780-1938).

Copy presses were originally used to put inked type and a piece of paper to create a print; a very quick and early form of printing.

Here's an image of one of the Iron and Bolt presses featuring their logo on the yoke (from Dartmouth Libraries Bookbinding Studio Website):

Illinois Iron & Bolt was the largest manufacturer of copy presses in America in the late 19th to early 20th century, up until things turned unprofitable. The company went out of business in the 1950s, but they sold their designs to the Milwaukee Tool Company, which still makes Illinois I&B style presses today for a bookbinder / art conservator's supply house called Talas in NYC.

According to the old I&B catalogs, my press back then would have cost “$5.25” (equivalent to about $176 today in 2024).

However, my press, which I got today for $325, can now also be bought new for $1,600 from Talas.

[castlesrp]

The Malik Family

Hermes : Luxury Travel Industry CONTENT WARNING: DEATH OF PARENTS (HOUSE FIRE), DEATH OF SPOUSE (DRUG OVERDOSE)

Ten years ago, tragedy struck for the Malik family - a family known for luxury and elegance in the hotel and travel industry, carrying a legacy akin to the Hiltons. A house fire took the lives of the patriarch and matriarch of the family, thrusting the responsibility of the family dynasty onto the shoulders of the eldest son. What started as a meager hotel business soon spread into a global entity of resorts and luxury getaways under the easy to remember umbrella name of the family namesake: Malik.

With the passing of his parents, First Malik (52) took over as the CEO and Chairperson for the company a decade ago and has felt huge mounting pressures over the last ten years as the organization continues to grow and expand. This has left a void with his wife First Malik (57) and three children, as he has become consumed with his work and making sure that he does his parents proud. Aiding him in this pursuit is his brother First Malik (48), working as the Head of Marketing and Branding. His wife First Malik (50) is a former model turned spokesperson for the company, appearing in many of their commercials and print advertisement material and together they have a young daughter. Another tragedy befell the middle child, when First Patel (46)’s husband passed away from a drug overdose three years ago. Similar to her eldest brother, she has allowed her work ethic to consume her grief, working as the General Manager of Malik-NYC, one of the crown jewels of luxury in New York City. This has led to a strained relationship with her daughter.

Providing an adjacent career and still helping the family name are the twins First Malik (42) and First Malik (42). Both are renowned architects who have used their skills to design upcoming resorts and hotels for the Malik brand. Their collaborative efforts have left an indelible mark on the company’s global footprint, further aided by First Malik (40) who serves as the Head of Global Expansion and Development. In this role, she traverses the globe, securing investments and locations for her twin siblings architectural creations. Between the three of them, they have a list of upcoming resorts and hotels that will debut around the globe in the next few years, further cementing the name “Malik” in the minds of anyone wanting to get away and relax in the lap of luxury.

At the end of the family tree is First Malik (38), taking a completely different route and going to culinary school. She has since been hired on as the Head Caterer at Petal, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Manhattan owned and managed by First Monroe (47), providing a unique alliance of sorts between the two families. The Malik family may have been riddled with tragedy over the years, but continues to defy the odds and maintain their status within the elite circles of New York City.

First Malik: Deceased, N/A, N/A, Unavailable + First Malik: Deceased, N/A, N/A, Unavailable

First Malik: 51 Years Old, CEO and Chairperson of Malik, Kumail Nanjiani, Available + First Malik: 57 Years Old, Open Occupation, Sandra Bullock, Available ----- First Malik, 29 Years Old, Open Occupation, Zayn Malik, Available ----- First Malik, 27 Years Old, Open Occupation, Sophia Ali, Available ----- First Malik, 25 Years Old, Open Occupation, Anya Chalotra, Available

First Malik: 48 Years Old, Head of Marketing and Branding of Malik, Riz Ahmed, Available + First Malik, 50 Years Old, Open Occupation, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Available ----- First Malik: 24 Years Old, Open Occupation, Amita Suman, Available ----- First Malik: 21 Years Old, Open Occupation, Avantika, Available

First Patel: 46 Years Old, General Manager of Malik: NYC, Priyanka Chopra, Played by Chels + First Patel: Deceased, N/A, N/A, Unavailable ----- First Patel: 25 Years Old, Open Occupation, Naomi Scott, Available

First Malik: 42 Years Old, Architect, Sonam Kapoor, Available * * Note: Malik (42) and Malik (42) are fraternal twins

First Malik: 42 Years Old, Architect, Rahul Kohli, Available * * Note: Malik (42) and Malik (42) are fraternal twins

First Malik: 40 Years Old, Head of Global Expansion and Development for Malik, Deepika Padukone, Available

First Malik: 38 Years Old, Caterer at Petal, Jameela Jamil, Available

[bala5]

My first job after Parsons School of Design was with Gizmo Developments (an Adult Novelty Company) in an amazing office in the home of Harvey Rosenberg on Central Park West in NYC. The next project after “Balls” candy was the now famous “Gay Bob” doll. I got to model the shirt in first photo. (lol)

Designing the packaging and printed material for the Gay Bob Doll. No computers...remember Letraset?

Bob symbolized that every individual was entitled to say: "I have a right to be what I am." At the time of Gay Bob's introduction, however, not everyone thought so. Popular advice columnist Ann Landers wrote that she would believe such a doll existed when she saw one in the respectable stores she patronized. "Esquire" magazine conferred its Dubious Achievement Award of 1978. The doll represents times when Americans were less tolerant of diversity. Still are.

[torreshalstead]

You make the miles worth it - Chapter 21

Summary - The Chicago Marathon had always been a dream for Hailey. And when she meets a stranger in pink running shoes whilst training, she realises maybe she had been dreaming for more.

Chapters - 22/24

Chapter Summary - Race day is fast approaching and with Jay still in NYC, Hailey makes a trip to visit Michael.

Notes - I can’t believe we are so near the end! See you next week for race day! Thanks for all the support, I really hope you enjoy this chapter! AO3 Link

1 week to go

The marathon was in just 7 days. Jay was still relatively positive that he would be back in time, they were still discussing running together, getting excited about completing the miles and getting to that finish line. He had to be back on Saturday with enough time to go to the expo and pick up his race number. The rules were strongly enforced and everyone had to collect their own. So if he wasn’t back in time for that, then he wouldn’t be able to run.

They were still keeping contact with each other everyday, texts as often as they could and a couple of phone calls dispersed through the days. But as each day was ticked off the calendar, Hailey’s hopes were dimming. She knew Jay was a good cop, a great cop even. But even a great cop couldn’t predict how long it would take to close a case. And this case was clearly stretching even the FBI’s extensive resources.

3 weeks to go - Expo Day

Walking into the McCormick Place Convention Center surrounded by hundreds, thousands of other runners was like nothing Hailey had ever experienced. The air was alive with excitement. People from all walks of life, from all over the world were all together in this hall for the same reason. This weekend they were all taking to the start line to be part of one of the largest marathons on earth. And if everything went to plan, they would all be crossing the finish line too.

She let the excitement infect her, the smile fixed firmly to her face as she waited in line to collect her race number. When she got to the front and showed her pass, the volunteer behind the desk retrieved the envelope from one of the boxes behind him. Pulling out the number to show it to her, Hailey felt all of her emotions bubble up to the service. H-55055. That was the number she would wear on her chest through the 26.2 miles the next day.

‘Best of luck’, the volunteer said with a smile as he handed the pack over.

‘Thank you,’ Hailey said quietly, still staring at the number in front of her. It was finally real, finally happening.

Next stop was the back of the next hall to collect her finisher shirt. Walking past the large number of stands in the hall, selling any type of Chicago Marathon merchandise that you could dream of. People buying hats, shirts, hoodies, shorts, shoes, socks. It was all plastered with the city flag, the race logo or just Chicago emblazoned across the front.

Collecting her shirt and the other freebies for being a participant, Hailey wandered around the rest of the expo, perusing the merchandise. Her mind drifted to Jay, wondering what he was up to right now, wishing he was by her side. They’d be laughing at some of the bold printed socks, collecting all the free samples and enjoying each other’s company. She pushed that thought to the side of her brain for now, not wanting to take away from being present in the moment.

About an hour later, her bag slightly heavier than it had been when she had entered thanks to the addition of some new limited edition running sunglasses and a Christmas tree decoration in the shape of the medal, she made her way to the exit. Stopping at one of the photo opportunities, she got a stranger to take a photo of her with her bib in front of it. She sent it to both Jay and Vanessa with a couple of nervous face emojis. She might be physically here alone but she still had people supporting her no matter where they were right now.

1 day to go

The marathon was tomorrow. And Jay wasn’t here, he had called her yesterday evening to give her the bad news; the case was still not closed and he wouldn’t be back until the next week. She had kept it together on the phone, put on a brave face and told him she would give him a play by play when he got back. But once she was off the phone, the waterworks couldn’t be stopped.

She had known this would be a possibility, ever since that night at Molly’s when he had got that dreaded phone call. But in her heart she had always hoped it wouldn’t be true, that he would call her and say he was going to the airport. That he was coming back to Chicago. Coming back to her.

Vanessa had crawled into bed with her that evening, holding her best friend tightly and letting her cry. Hailey knew she could do it without Jay, that she had trained hard enough for her body to be able to complete the distance and cross the finish line whether he was by her side or not. But that did nothing to alleviate the feeling in the pit of her stomach that it might not be quite as special if she didn’t have him next to her.

When her alarm had gone off that morning she had groaned and angrily jabbed her finger at the snooze button. She had the day off but had promised herself she would visit Michael today. She was running tomorrow for both of them and she wanted to tell him how close she was to finally reaching the goal they had set out.

The weather was sunny but still cool when she walked towards the cemetery, a classic October Chicago day. If the weather stayed the same for the next 24 hours, it was going to be perfect race day weather as Jay would have said. Hailey smiled to herself as Jay’s voice echoed through her head.

‘So we want it to be sunny, a little chill in the air but minimal wind. That’ll be perfect race day weather Hails’, Jay said cheerfully as they ticked off another mile of their Sunday morning run.

‘It’s Chicago in October Jay, the weather could be doing anything,’ Hailey said with a chuckle. In the past few years, race day had brought wind, rain, snow, sun and heat. Any weather you could think of, there would have been a Chicago Marathon that was completed under those conditions.

‘I’m manifesting it Hailey, it’ll happen,’ Jay said firmly. ‘I know it.’ He flashed her a grin and she smiled in return.

She approached Michael’s headstone slowly.

‘Hey Mikey,’ she said quietly as she stood before it. ‘Sorry it’s been so long.’

She reached down to check the level of moisture in the ground. Finding it dry enough, she sat down, crossing her legs in front of the carved marble. Picking at the grass surrounding the area, giving her something to do with her hand, she started to talk.

‘It’s the marathon tomorrow. I know we always said we’d do it together but I’m carrying you with me tomorrow. Training has been good, and I made a new friend’, Hailey smiled. ‘I guess he’s a bit more than a friend really,’ she chuckled. ‘You’d like him Mikey, he’s a good guy. His name’s Jay and we agreed to run together. He’s doing it for his Mom who passed, and I’m doing it for you, so I guess us doing it together made sense’.

‘He’s a cop, a really good one from what I’ve heard. But he’s in New York right now, working with the FBI. Big deal I know,’ she chuckled again. ‘So he’s not going to make it back in time. I’ll be running it by myself.’

‘Well not really by myself because I know you’ll be with me but it’s still not quite how I had it planned. Make plans and God laughs, isn’t that what you always used to say? But in reality Mikey, I think he’s it. Since you left, I haven’t really let anyone in, couldn’t risk getting my heart broken again, but Jay somehow snuck his way in.’ She quickly wiped a tear from where it had escaped. ‘He knows everything, everything about you, about me, about what we went through when we were kids. And he never ran away. And I pushed him away, I really did but not because I didn’t care. The opposite really, I cared too much and I was scared.’

‘But you always said it was okay to be scared, as long as you didn’t let it stop you doing things you really wanted to do,’ she smiled at the memory. ‘Guess I still need to learn to listen to my big brother’.

‘I wish you were here to meet him though, I know he’d get your seal of approval. I’ll bring him to visit you when he gets back, maybe I won’t be so scared by then. By then I’ll be a marathoner. Imagine that Mikey, an actual marathon finisher.’

Hailey fell silent and continued to pick at the grass in front of her, letting her mind wander as the blades ran through her fingers.

‘I can’t stay too long Mikey, gotta start carb loading for tomorrow,’ she chuckled softly. ‘But I wanted to tell you that I’ve decided I’m going to go to college. I know it’s late and I’m older now but it’s been in the back of my head for years. I always thought it was just a pipe dream, not something I could actually do. But then Jay came into my life and showed me that I could. I’m not one hundred percent sure of my major yet but I know I want to help people. People like us.’

‘It’s a change, a big change, but I’m excited about it. I’ve done my time at the restaurant and I’m ready for a new chapter. I know you’re saying it’s about time I did something for myself.’ She smiled softly. ‘When I walk across that stage at graduation, I know you’ll be so proud of me.’

‘I miss you,’ Hailey whispered. ‘It’s not fair that you’re not here. But tomorrow, I’ll be thinking of you a little more than I normally do. Those miles are for you, for us.’

She got up and dusted any stray ruminants of grass off her jeans.

‘Love you Mikey,’ she rested her palm against the cold stone. ‘Cheer me on tomorrow, I’ll be listening.’

[roseyoori]

Just the Two of Us~ [peepaw Leo rottmnt x OC reader]

song: Just the Two of Us by Bill Withers

Chapter 1 Today was a busy in the NYC mutant clinic. Thursdays are building trashday and countless trucks park nearby for convenience in restock. By the time the sun peaks from the dense horizon of building rooftops it's usually 9 or so already. Unfortunately the price that comes with being different is while everyone wakes up at 9AM, your day started 14 hours earlier the night before and the appointments haven't stopped tumbling in since. The night meant minimal chances for human contact and a natural cloak of invisibility protecting your clients, doesn't mean no human activity afterhours though. Frankly in such a cramped city, you doesnt know how she still hasn't been popped for catering to the mutant above the surface. Right after handling the last blood test of the day, you checks your wristwatch.

"4 already! Wow." You puts away the blood test analysis and hollers to see if your assistant was still there. "Todd, you ready to go? Todd?" The capybara does an near perfect job, a friend of the gang with the hospitality and management skills for the position. You peaked in wondering why he wasn't responding to your calls, to find him with someone on the phone behind the counter. You managed to catch his friendly closing phrase before he hung up and turned to you.

"Sorry Doc, I just told them to come by since we weren't too busy anymore. What time is it?" "it's 4, Todd." "WHAAAAT?! 4 already??" he held his mouth. "Oh silly me. I forgot Do you think i should probably tell them to cancel?" "Well…did they say how far they were from here? I'm guessing it's not a regular huh?" The cappy checked his notes on the appointment form, "They said he had a mutant in need for a body check and they were nowhere near their regular physician and got our number from a yokai flyer." Your eyes grew slightly in surprise, "yokai flyers? the ones we printed and distributed for less than 2 weeks 5 months ago? how on earth do we still have them around?"

"They gave the name Casey." "Did they tell you where they were calling from?" Todd thought for a moment, "from a telephone booth. ya know, the one 5 blocks down?" You hummed in thought, you had to be somewhat careful about who knew and visited this location. Only a handful of humans know of the place, most of the rest came from mutants and yokai through word of mouth. But she decided to give it a go, "that should be fine, they should be here in 15 minutes. or 5 if they sneak over. I'll take from here, Todd." The elder creature raised a thick brow. "Are you sure? It's pretty dark out here and you're here alone." You chuckled lightly and gave him a pat. "I'll be fine, i'm a tough girl. besides, i have paperwork to keep me company. just tell the gang i might be a bit late to the party." It doesn't start until 6AM but you figured ending earlier could give you some time to dressup. so much for prepping.

After some remarks about overworking and not skipping meals, Todd gathered his things and skipped out the door, and it was you filling the paperwork. They say 3 in the devil's hour, when unexplainable things are most likely to happen. Your clock reads 4 now but it's all the same, you just feel a sense of tranquility when there's no one else around. 4:08. The ticking fills your ears as easing white noise, a sound of a few that embodied constance and strictness yet often leaves one anxious. It's times like these you enjoyed, like reminiscence, when you adjusted your glasses and reached for the retro-radio-speaker (of course not a real radio. its a bluetooth speaker), playing a soothing latenight 80s radio track. 4:15 the unsure clinkering of the doorbell alerted you to someone coming in.

"They told me they'll be open on the phone, but it looks pretty dead quiet." A young voice spoke, possibly a teen, this must be Casey. Followed by another deeper, gruffer, older and strangely familiar. "It's the dead of night, Case. Normal people would be asleep and I told you don't worry, kiddo."

"No way, you taught me to put my foot down. And i'm telling you we need you to get checked!" The older voice whined, "Why couldn't we wait till we get back to Donnie?" "Because you never do!" The two visitors scower around, they weren't used to the tidyness of a doctor's office, Casey especially since he's never had the pleasure having a normal experience that includes waiting with a seat and a comic book. You can tell he was sceptical and curious at the same time, weirdly peeping under and over and sideways up and down to find any indication of traps rigged. The old timer turtle on the other, was as cool as a fiddle with the whole scenario. Unlike the youngster of a different time, this Leo is still the same one who once ate pizza and played video games all day. Though he grew up with home remedies, this was not particularily unfamiliar per se. "Case, i know there's no one here but please don't embarrass me, bud." "I'd say you're the one acting strange here. Were'nt you the one who said you could never be too careful?" Casey huffed. He eyed the bell on the counter with suspicion, blown up intensely as he slowly lowering his finger on to the little button-top. He was half expecting some explosion of sorts to have been triggered, a ding rung and he shrunk back dramatically. Of course nothing happen. Leo rolled his eyes, he forgets sometimes that the sidekick had a messed up childhood, him partly to blame for his wary disposition now. "Just a sec!" Leo swore Casey almost jump up the counter. Casey almost peed his pants. Leo almost swore out loud, his old heart nearly had a heart attack. He wasn't expecting anyone to still be here, definitely not at this late hour. "Sit down for a sec, would you? I just have to pull these away." Look at them still startled, obeying this random voice from the back and plopping their butts on the cusioned seats. A minute or two later, they hear the voice approaching the counter front. "Okay~" you had the notes in your hand. "Tell me which one of you is Cas-"

Your eyes met. Those eyes can't be mistakened. That blue bandana. Those distinct red banana stripes. That sharp plastron contour.

There was no mistaking those eyes, the look of wonder and strangely…loving and familiar in you. What was this intense feeling in him? He can't remember having ever met you, then what was this lump in his throat? Your eyes had him locked.

That smile you had after might've just broken or casted a spell. "Why hello~" your voice sounded low. Cooing like a dove. Calm. Sweet. Steadying…. "Sorry but, have we met before~?" Instinctively you switched over to your flirty side, eager hand under your chin and winking, knowing full well you were still locking eyes.

to be continued~

[fearsmagazine]

DC Announces Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Vol. 1, Vixen: NYC Vol. 1, and Zatanna & the Ripper Vol. 1 to Be Available in Print Fall 2023

DC today revealed the expansion of its creative partnership with WEBTOON, the world’s largest digital comics platform, into the global book market beginning in fall 2023. Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Vol. 1 and Vixen: NYC Vol. 1 will go to print and be available wherever books are sold in August, and Zatanna & The Ripper Vol. 1 will hit shelves in October, introducing a new audience of comics fans to the DC Universe and DC’s iconic characters.

“Fans can’t get enough of our DC and WEBTOON content,” said Anne DePies, DC’s senior vice president and general manager, “and expanding DC’s creative partnership with WEBTOON into print with books like Batman: Wayne Family Adventures reflects this demand. Each page of these new volumes is meticulously reproduced to be read seamlessly in book narrative format. DC’s continuing partnership with WEBTOON combines legendary franchises with new technologies and global fandoms, and we can’t wait to get these new print editions into your hands.”

“We’re immensely proud of the stories we’ve been able to tell with DC and thrilled to bring these narratives to bookshelves,” said David Lee, VP of content at WEBTOON. “The creative teams behind these series have given fans fresh takes on legendary DC characters, and we’re excited to give WEBTOON and DC fans a new way to enjoy these titles.”

The smash-hit collaboration between DC and WEBTOON began with Batman: Wayne Family Adventures in September 2021. The Eisner Award-nominated webcomic series, exploring Batman’s adventures as a father to a dynamic group of adopted, fostered, and biological superhero children, is currently in its second season, with new digital episodes rolling out weekly. Vixen: NYC launched in May 2022 to tell the story of college freshman Mari Jiwe discovering she can channel the power of the animal kingdom, and a time-displaced Zatanna story launched soon afterward in Zatanna & the Ripper, a magical serial-killer murder mystery set in London in the 1800s.

Batman: Wayne Family Adventures Vol. 1 (9781779523273, $14.99 US) publishes on August 1 and collects episodes 1 through 25; Vixen: NYC Vol. 1 (9781779523280, $14.99 US) publishes on August 15 and collects episodes 1 through 9; and Zatanna & the Ripper Vol. 1 (9781779523389, $14.99 US) publishes on October 3 and collects episodes 1 through 11.

DC, part of Warner Bros. Discovery, creates iconic characters and enduring stories and is one of the world’s largest publishers of comics and graphic novels. Its creative work entertains audiences of every generation around the world with DC’s stories and characters integrated across Warner Bros. Discovery’s film, television, animation, consumer products, home entertainment, games, and themed experiences divisions and on the DC Universe Infinite digital comics subscription service. Learn more at DC.com.

WEBTOON is the world’s largest digital comics platform, home to some of the biggest artists, IP, and fandoms in comics. As the global leader and pioneer of the mobile webcomic format, WEBTOON has revolutionized the comics industry for comics fans and creators. Today, a diverse new generation of international comics artists have found a home on WEBTOON, where the company’s storytelling technology allows anyone to become a creator and build a global audience for their stories.

With a massive catalog of incredible digital comics from rising stars on the WEBTOON CANVAS platform and a growing roster of superstar WEBTOON Originals creators, there’s something for every type of comics fan on WEBTOON. With 85.6 million monthly active users and WEBTOON adaptations on Netflix, Crunchyroll, and other screens around the world, WEBTOON’s passionate fandoms are the new face of pop culture. The company has worked with DC Comics, Marvel Entertainment, HYBE, and many more of the world’s biggest entertainment brands.

The WEBTOON app is free to download on Android and iOS devices.

[lexstudytour]

This week I researched the New York Embroidery Studio.I  have to say I’m obsessed. NYES is a full service surface design studio and manufacturing facility They push the boundaries of creativity. Based in the Garment District, they offer everything from embroidery and embellishments to laser cutting and 3D printing, making them a hot spot for both independent designers and major brands.

What really stood out to me is their commitment to American labor and garment manufacturing, thanks to funding from the CFDA’s Fashion Manufacturing Initiative (FMI). It’s nice to see a company keeping craftsmanship alive in NYC while also offering global production options through partners. Also, they have no minimums, which means they support both small and large production runs, something that I believe is pretty rare in the industry today.

Beyond their technical capabilities, NYES is built on a foundation of originality, which is exactly the kind of energy I want to be around. I’m really hoping I’ll get the chance to visit their studio soon. Seeing their process firsthand would be an incredible experience!