IDW Publishing for Diamond Distributors for March 23 2011

IDW PUBLISHING

JAN110512 ANGEL #43 $3.99

JAN110470 GHOSTBUSTERS INFESTATION #2 (OF 2) $3.99

JAN110478 GI JOE A REAL AMERICAN HERO #164 $3.99

SEP100408 JEFFREY JONES A LIFE IN ART S/N LTD ED $79.99

DEC100418 PHOENIX WITHOUT ASHES HC $21.99

DEC100420 STARSTRUCK HC DLX ED $49.99

JAN110489 TRANSFORMERS HEART OF DARKNESS #1 $3.99

Dark Horse from Diamond Distributors for March 23 2011

DARK HORSE COMICS

JAN110090 CREEPY COMICS #5 $4.99

NOV100042 FINDER LIBRARY TP VOL 01 $24.99

JAN110080 MASS EFFECT EVOLUTION #3 (OF 4) MASSIMO CARNEVALE CVR $3.50

OCT100064 OH MY GODDESS RTL TP VOL 17 $11.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 23 2011

IMAGE COMICS

JAN110666 ECHOES #4 (OF 5) (NOTE PRICE) (MR) $3.99

DEC100480 HAUNT #14 (RES) $2.99

AUG100480 INVINCIBLE #78 $2.99

DEC100459 INVINCIBLE HC 06 ULTIMATE COLL $34.99

DEC108232 JACK STAFF TP VOL 01 EVERYTHING USED TO BE B & W (NEW PTG) $19.99

JAN118081 LIL DEPRESSED BOY #1 2ND PTG $2.99

JAN110558 LORNA RELIC WRANGLER ONE SHOT $3.99

JAN110611 MARINEMAN #4 $3.99

AUG100482 META 4 #5 (OF 5) (MR) $3.50

JAN110615 MISSION #2 $2.99

JAN110571 SAVAGE DRAGON EMPEROR DRAGON TP $16.99

JAN110621 SPAWN #205 (RES) $2.99

JAN110578 SPAWN ORIGINS TP VOL 10 $14.99

NOV100510 VELOCITY #2 (OF 4) PROJECT COMIC CON VAR CVR $10.00

JAN110630 WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #12 (MR) $2.99

SEP100536 WITCHBLADE #143 $2.99

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for March 23 2011

COMICS

DEC101030 2000 AD PACK FEB 2011 $20.00

SEP100819 ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON #4 (OF 4) (MR) $3.99

NOV100754 ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON #4 (OF 4) AUXILIARY ED (MR) $3.99

SEP100820 ALAN MOORE NEONOMICON #4 (OF 4) WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

NOV100953 ARCHIE 50 TIMES AN AMERICAN ICON SC $10.00

DEC100962 ARCTIC MARAUDER HC (MR) $16.99

FEB111103 AYN RAND ANTHEM GRAPHIC NOVEL $15.00

OCT100840 BLACKBEARD LEGACY GN $14.99

JAN111314 BOOKHUNTER GN (O/A) (MR) $15.00

DEC101027 CARDBOARD VALISE GN $25.95

JAN111286 COMIC BOOK HOLOCAUST GN (O/A) (MR) $9.95

JAN111185 DF DEJAH THORIS #1 EXC ADAMS RED CVR $6.99

DEC108138 DF FANTASTIC FOUR #587 EPTING SGN ED $29.99

DEC100944 DF GRIMM FAIRY TALES MYTHS #2 EXC CVR $14.99

JAN111186 DF JENNIFER BLOOD #2 LAU VIRGIN EXC CVR $7.99

DEC100809 DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP #21 (OF 24) $3.99

JAN111057 DONALD DUCK & FRIENDS FEATHERS OF FURY TP $9.99

JAN111029 DRACULA COMPANY OF MONSTERS #8 $3.99

JAN111316 DRAGON HEIR REBORN GN $12.00

DEC100960 DUNGEON QUEST GN VOL 02 $12.99

JAN110891 FALL O/T WOLFMEN GN (MR) $5.95

JAN111007 FEMALE FORCE SONIA SOTOMAYOR FOIL ED $19.99

NOV100790 FEMALE FORCE TP BEST SELLERS $15.99

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JAN111017 FUTURAMA COMICS #54 $2.99

JAN111212 GRAPHIC CLASSICS GN VOL 20 WESTERN $17.95

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JAN110879 INDIE COMICS MAGAZINE #1 (MR) $6.49

DEC101032 JUDGE DREDD COMPLETE CASE FILES TP VOL 17 $32.99

OCT101057 KRAMPUS THE DEVIL OF CHRISTMAS HC $18.95

NOV100791 LEGEND OF ISIS TP VOL 03 RETURN O/T SCARAB QUEEN $15.99

JAN110913 MANGA SHAKESPEARE MERCHANT OF VENICE GN $10.95

JAN110914 MANGA SHAKESPEARE TWELFTH NIGHT GN $10.95

NOV101096 MONSTER HUNTERS SURVIVAL GUIDE #3 (OF 5) A CVR CUMMINGS $2.99

NOV101097 MONSTER HUNTERS SURVIVAL GUIDE #3 (OF 5) B CVR JONES $2.99

JAN111285 NEW CHARACTER PARADE GN (MR) $12.00

JAN111300 NEXUS #99 SPACE OPERA ACT 1 OF 4 (O/A) $2.99

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SEP100961 RED SONJA DELUGE ONE-SHOT $4.99

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DEC101005 ROTTEN #9 $3.99

MAY100738 SHREK #3 (OF 4) $3.95

JAN111019 SIMPSONS COMICS MELTDOWN TP $15.99

JAN111274 SIXTH GUN #10 $3.99

DEC101009 SKY OVER THE LOUVRE HC $19.99

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OCT101070 THE STORY OF LEE GN VOL 01 $11.99

DEC101046 TO TEACH JOURNEY IN COMICS GN $15.95

DEC101045 VAMPIRE CHEERLEADERS GN VOL 01 $10.99

JAN111066 WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #717 $3.99

DEC100854 WARRIORS OF THE DHARUK #1 (OF 4) $3.99

JAN111313 WHIRLWIND WONDERLAND GN (MR) $15.00

NOV100797 WILLIAM SHATNER PRESENTS TEK WAR TP VOL 02 $15.99

DEC101169 ZOMBIES ILLUSTRATED HISTORY O/T UNDEAD SC $17.99

MAGAZINES
JAN111459 007 MAGAZINE #54 $17.00
JAN111417 BACK ISSUE #47 $7.95
JAN111461 CINEFEX #125 APR 2011 $12.50
JAN111689 COLOR INK DIY ART PERIODICAL VOL 09 $10.00
JAN111420 COMIC HEROES MAGAZINE #5 $18.99
FEB111315 DOC SAVAGE DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 46 $14.95
JAN111435 DODGEM LOGIC MAGAZINE #7 (MR) $7.00
JAN111293 JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #308 $11.99
JAN111409 JUXTAPOZ #123 APR 2011 $5.99
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FEB111319 SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL 47 $14.95
JAN111474 STAR WARS INSIDER #124 NEWSSTAND ED $6.99
JAN111475 STAR WARS INSIDER #124 PX ED $6.99

Eensy Weensy Monster and the Little Devil

I read Eensy Weensy Monster Volume 2

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

I Reads You Review: EENSY WEENSY MONSTER, VOL. 1

Creator: Masami Tsuda with Clint Bickham (English adaptation) and Noi Sasaki (translation)

Publishing Information: TOKYOPOP, B&W, paperback, 208 pages, $10.99 (US), $13.99 CAN

Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4278-1651-1

Comedy/Romance; Rated “T” for “Older Teen 13+”

High school student Nanoha Satsuki is a plain Jane. She happily lives in the shadow of her two pals, blonde bombshell Nobara Ryuzaki and brilliant student Renge Mido. The one thing that irritates Nanoha is the new student, a guy named Hazuki Tokiwa. Known as “Prince,” Hazuki has a snobbish, arrogant demeanor that infuriates Nanoha. The little monster that lives in all of us lives in Nanoha, and it wants her to attack Hazuki.

In Eensy Weensy Monster, Vol. 1, Nanoha unleashes a mini-tirade at Hazuki, and it makes him a changed man. Now, the Prince just wants to be pals with Nanoha. Maybe Nanoha’s tantrum also made her a changed young woman, but Prince’s many admirers don’t like change and plan on doing something about it.

Eensy Weensy Monster is strange, not in its concept. After all, this is the umpteenth shojo manga about boy and girl high school students who despise each other before falling in and out and in and out of love. What is strange is how interior this story is. So much of the narrative and dialogue happens behind Nanoha and Hazuki’s expressive eyes. Creator Masami Tsuda presents a surprising reading experience in which the reader is constantly sharing the leads’ innermost thoughts. Quite frankly, it is a delight to see how close Nanoha and Hazuki are to each other, yet also how far apart they are.

I would say that this intimate look at the leads, however, comes at the expense of a supporting cast with a lot of potential. Hopefully, we get more of them, but in the meantime, shojo fans should try this beautifully drawn comic drama of the minds.

A-

Ash and Pikachu vs. Arceus

I read Pokémon: Arceus and the Jewel of LIfe

I posted a review in the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

VIZ Media Joins Global Effort to Help Japan

VIZ MEDIA DONATES TO JAPANESE EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI AID AND RECOVERY EFFORTS

Manga publisher VIZ Media has joined global relief efforts following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan with a substantial corporate donation to aid the recovery. The company will donate the funds to three prominent organizations – Save the Children, AmeriCares and Architecture for Humanity – working to provide immediate aid and assistance in the affected regions of Sendai and Fukushima. In addition, VIZ Media is planning additional fundraising efforts with other San Francisco Bay Area companies and businesses, which will benefit Artists Help Japan (in partnership with Give2Asia).

The 9.0 earthquake displaced more than 100,000 children from their homes and more than 380,000 people have been evacuated across the country. Many tsunami-affected areas are still cut off from relief and Japan remains on high alert for the three nuclear reactors in Fukushima. More than 465 roads, 43 railways and seven bridges have been completely washed away.

“We were all shocked and saddened by the terrible events of March 11th, but we’re heartened and inspired by resilience of the Japanese people and the tremendous outpouring of physical aid, money, and global good will that has followed so quickly,” says Hidemi Fukuhara, President and CEO of VIZ Media. “Save the Children, AmeriCares, Architecture for Humanity and Artists Help Japan will provide critical support and aid for the youngest victims of the disaster, arrange for medical care and social services for all survivors, as well as help begin rebuilding efforts. We’re honored to contribute to Japan’s recovery, and encourage our fans to do the same.”

Save the Children is the world's leading independent organization for children. The organization’s vision is a world in which every child attains the right to survival, protection, development and participation. The mission is to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives. More information on Save the Children’s Japan recovery efforts is available at: http://www.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.6621121/k.3D08/Japan_Earthquake_Tsunami_Relief.htm.

AmeriCares is a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs – and supports long-term humanitarian assistance programs – for all people around the world, irrespective of race, creed or political persuasion. More information on AmeriCares’ Japan recovery efforts is available at: http://www.americares.org/whatwedo/emergency/japan/japan-earthquake-tsunami.html.

Architecture for Humanity is a nonprofit design services firm founded in 1999. The organization seeks to build a more sustainable future through the power of professional design. By tapping a network of more than 40,000 professionals willing to lend time and expertise to help those who would not otherwise be able to afford their services, Architecture for Humanity brings design, construction and development services where they are most critically needed. More information on Architecture for Humanity’s Japan recovery efforts is available at: http://architectureforhumanity.org/updates/2011-03-12-sendai-quake-supporting-reconstruction.

Artists Help Japan is a San Francisco Bay Area-based charity movement, gathering the force of communities of artists and creative minds around the world. The project founder was also behind the 2008 Totoro Forest Project in Japan. The fund is responding to the immediate needs of survivors, as well as short to long- term recovery projects undertaken by the affected communities. Artists Help Japan is partnering with Give2Asia, which has a local team based in Tokyo to assess the current situation and to obtain information on the needs of survivors. More information on Artists Help Japan and Give2Asia’s recovery efforts is available at: http://give2asia.org/artistshelp.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and website at http://www.viz.com/.

Leroy Douresseaux on UPTIGHT #4

UPTIGHT #4

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

CARTOONIST: Jordan Crane
36pp, B&W, $3.95

If the author of Uptight was named Neil Gaiman, this comic book series would be a multiple Eisner Award-winner. Indeed, the Eisner committee might even come up with new categories specifically to give Gaiman and Uptight more trophies.

After the first issue was released, Uptight would have been optioned by Hollywood, to be butchered into a stop-motion animated film or poorly conceived 3D animated film. If Vertigo were Uptight’s publisher, the Eisner-winning, comics “news” site, Comic Book Resources, would cover every issue’s release as if that were a big event.

Neil Gaiman is not the author of Uptight; cartoonist Jordan Crane is. Uptight has not received any Eisner Awards. Hollywood has not called on it. Fantagraphics Books and not Vertigo is the publisher, so the Eisner committee and CBR ignore it on principle.

Still, the comic book series Uptight is a showcase for creator, cartoonist Jordan Crane. With each issue, Crane displays his mastery of both edgy adult drama and imaginative all-ages adventure.

Uptight #4 opens with “Chapter 2: Trash Night,” the ongoing saga of Leonard “Leo” and Delores “Dee’s” troubled relationship. Upsetting dreams and a suspicious mind have Leo trying to catch Dee cheating, and the situation reaches a boiling point thanks to a raccoon.

Also, the Simon & Jack (from Crane’s The Clouds Above) fun continues in “Dark Day.” Simon’s classmate, Rosalyn Devareaux and Jack (Simon’s talking cat) find themselves trapped in the office of Principal Pernicious Codswollop, who has diabolical plans for them. Meanwhile, school custodian, Mr. Cook, enters the bowels of the school to find Simon.

I like that Jordan Crane had decided not to play the victim of infidelity/villainous partner dynamic with the story of Leo and Dee. He has stripped them bare, which forces the reader to make his or her own decisions. Of course, the readers cannot do this through a passive reading experience. Being forced to engage isn’t a bad thing, because what we are engaging is a lush graphic narrative told in beautiful greytone art.

Believing that Crane is equally good with character drama and kids’ comics may be difficult to accept, but the rollicking Simon & Jack will not only make you a believer, but also an acolyte of Crane. This is an all-ages tale because its sense of wonder and imagination will captivate all ages, and it is not too early to declare Uptight #4 one of the year’s best comics.

A

First Look at Adrianne Palicki as NBC's New Wonder Woman

EW.COM EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK: Adrianne Palicki as Wonder Woman in NBC’s new fall pilot, exec produced by David E. Kelley

Link to FULL story and FIRST PHOTOS on EW.com: http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/03/18/wonder-woman-adrianne-palicki-photo/

Leroy Douresseaux on UPTIGHT #3

UPTIGHT #3

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

CARTOONIST: Jordan Crane

20pp, B&W, $2.75 U.S.

In his comic book series, Uptight, cartoonist Jordan Crane offers surprising variety. Each issue has a short story or two and in early issues, Crane serialized his imaginative, sprawling graphic novel, Keeping Two. In Uptight #3, Crane turns to other things.

First is Chapter One of Crane new serialized tale of infidelity, “Vicissitude,” which focuses on mechanic and night school student Leo. Leo’s wife Delores is cheating on him. The second half of the comic book features the return of the boy Simon and his large talking cat, Jack, the stars of Crane’s graphic novel, The Clouds Above. Along with Simon’s classmate, Rosalyn, Simon and Jack discover something big, hairy, and hungry in the school lunchroom freezer.

Crane’s work is highly emotionally charged, but in a quiet way. Illustrated in a lush, enveloping greytone, Vicissitude has a Film-Noir quality that adds an air of mystery to this story of melancholy and rotting love. It is so engaging and enthralling that its ending is jarring. “Freeze Out,” the Simon and Jack tale, is fantastic. It is all-ages comic book magic. Reading it made me feel like a kid again, reading stories of adventure, fantasy, and magic for the first time on my own.

Uptight #3 is a guarantee that you’ll want to read Uptight #4.

A+

Rocket Girls: The Last Planet Now on Shelves

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT LAUNCHES A NEW OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD ADVENTURE WITH ROCKET GIRLS: THE LAST PLANET
 
Latest Paperback Novel Brings The Next Exciting Space Mission In The ROCKET GIRLS Series To North American Readers

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the release today of author Housuke Nojiri’s science fiction adventure, ROCKET GIRLS: THE LAST PLANET. The new paperback edition is the second in the ROCKET GIRLS series, is published under the company’s Haikasoru imprint, and carries an MSRP of $13.99 U.S. / $15.99 CAN.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences. The imprint is the first to launch in North America with a dedicated focus on Japanese science fiction.

When the Rocket Girls accidentally splash down in the pond of Yukari Morita's old school, it looks as though their experiment is ruined. Luckily, the geeky Akane is there to save the day. Fitting the profile – she's intelligent, enthusiastic, and petite – Akane is soon recruited by the Solomon Space Association. Yukari and Akane are then given the biggest Rocket Girl mission yet: to do what NASA astronauts cannot and save a probe headed to the minor planet Pluto and the very edge of the solar system.

“We’re very excited to announce the release of the latest installment of the ROCKET GIRLS series from the award-winning author Housuke Nojiri,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru editor. “It’s the perfect combination of hard science fiction and teenage hijinks—a novel that harkens back to the Golden Age of science fiction while being hip and fresh. We’ve heard from so many fans about the original ROCKET GIRLS, and look forward to readers jumping on board to find out what happens when the Girls help out, and butt heads with, no less than NASA itself.”

Author Housuke Nojiri was born in Mie, Japan, in 1961. After working in instrumentation control, CAD programming, and game design, he published his first work, The Blind Spot of Veis, based on the video game Creguian, in 1992. He gained further popularity with subsequent works the Creguian series and also for the ROCKET GIRLS series. In 2002, he published USURPER OF THE SUN (also available from Haikasoru), which ushered in a new era of space science fiction in Japan. After first appearing as a series of short stories, USURPER won the prestigious Seiun Award for the best Japanese science fiction novel of 2002. His other notable works include Pendulum of Pinieru and Fuwa-Fuwa no Izumi.

For more information on ROCKET GIRLS: THE LAST PLANET and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at http://www.haikasoru.com/.

VIZ Media Announces New Manga for Second Half of 2011

VIZ MEDIA MANGA ACQUISITIONS SLATED FOR RELEASE THE SECOND HALF OF 2011

Eagerly Anticipated New Titles Include Kids Favorites, Stirring Sci-Fi Action, Shojo Fantasy Drama, And Works By Natsume Ono And The Celebrated CLAMP Manga Creative Team

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has detailed a variety of notable new manga (graphic novel) acquisitions for the second half of 2011.

Scheduled for release in coming months, perfect for kids’ summertime fun, are a pair of new POKÉMON™ titles including a Travel Activity Kit and the debut of the POKÉMON BLACK & WHITE manga series. The highly anticipated cute and quirky bean dogs of MAMESHIBA will also debut in their own manga and in a character guide. Other titles aimed at Teen and Older Teen readers will feature the high-speed action of YU-GI-Oh! 5D’s in an innovative new original story, the tense mystery drama PSYREN, a re-mastered 3-in-1 collection of the classic apocalyptic saga X by the celebrated manga creative team CLAMP, an anthology of 14 never-before-released stories by Natsume Ono in TESORO, and the dramatic fantasy of DAWN OF THE ARCANA.

POKEMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $11.99 US / $13.99 CAN • Available May 2011

This Activity Kit offers a variety of brand-new Pokémon from the new Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games. The box of fun delivers hours of entertainment and allows kids to play alone or with friends. Included is a 64-page activity pad (featuring word puzzles, mazes, etc.), two sheets of stickers, one double-sided play poster, six crayons and two standees. All of this is contained in a durable, suitcase-type package with Velcro closures and a handle for easy portability.

POKÉMON BLACK & WHITE Vols. 1-2 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $4.99 US each / $5.99 CAN each • Available July 2011

Meet Pokémon Trainers Black and White! White has a burgeoning career as a Trainer of performing Pokémon. Black is about to embark on a Training Journey to explore the Unova region and fill a Pokédex for Prof. Juniper. Who will Black choose as his first Pokémon? Who would you choose...? Plus, meet brand-new Pokémon Tepig, Snivy, Oshawott, and many more never-before-seen Pokémon from the unexplored Unova region!

Mameshiba: ON THE LOOSE! • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $6.99 US / $7.99 CAN • Available July 2011

It's a BEAN! It's a DOG! It's...BOTH?! Meet Mameshiba, the cute little bean dogs with bite! Starring in their first-ever adventures, they rescue friends, explore outer space and offer interesting bits of trivia when you least expect it! Hold on tight--Mameshiba are on the LOOSE! And don't miss the Mameshiba Shorts!

MEET Mameshiba • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $6.99 US / $7.99 CAN • Available July 2011

Are they beans? Are they dogs? Not quite either one--they're Mameshiba! Though they all love to share weird facts, each has its own quirky personality. Find out about Edamame, Chili Bean, Lentil and all their friends in this insider's guide packed with trivia, quizzes, comics and activities!

YU-GI-OH! 5D’s Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN • Available July 2011

In New Domino City, the hottest game in town is the Turbo Duel, fought on blazingly fast motorcycles called Duel Runners. On the outskirts of New Domino City, in a district known as Satellite, a new Turbo Duel hero emerges named Yusei Fudo! On his custom-built Duel Runner, Yusei takes on all challengers, fighting for his friends and the future of Satellite! Also included in first print-run editions is a bonus Dark Highlander collectible trading card!

PSYREN Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN • Available October 2011

Ageha Yoshina just got transported to a warped alternate dimension where you've got to fight your way back to our world – or die trying. "Save me!" Those were Sakurako Amamiya's last words to her friend Ageha Yoshina before she mysteriously went missing. Now Ageha's on a quest to find her. He's convinced that the mythical Psyren Secret Society has something to do with the recent rash of disappearances. And now he seems to be caught up as a player in their very deadly game...

X 3-IN-ONE Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.99 US / $22.99 CAN • Available October 2011

X, the epic fantasy series from CLAMP, will be released in deluxe collector’s editions. The pages have been recomposed in the original right-to-left reading format and restored to their highest quality. Each volume contains three of the original graphic novels, along with gorgeous, full-color illustrations never before published outside Japan!

In X, Kamui Shiro is a young man followed by mystery. Taken from Tokyo by his mother while still a child, he must leave behind his closest friends. Returning to Tokyo after his mother's death, Kamui is now a changed young man – moody and distant to his old friends, yet determined to protect them from the dark forces that constantly swirl around him. He is the nexus of a great cataclysm to come, and the inheritor to a strange destiny that could decide the fate of the entire world.

TESORO • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $12.99 US / $14.99 CAN • Available November 2011

This is an engrossing manga treasure trove containing 14 charming stories about family, friends, couples and unexpected bonds. Written by Natsume Ono over ten years, here is the long-awaited collection of her early work, including numerous illustrations and previously unpublished stories!

Dawn of the Arcana Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $12.99 US / $14.99 CAN • Available December 2011

To end the conflict between the warring kingdoms of Senan and Belquat, Princess Nakaba of Senan is sent to Belquat to marry Prince Caesar. Accompanied solely by her half-beast attendant Loki, Nakaba must learn not only how to survive the intrigues of a hostile court but also how to handle the mercurial Caesar. And in the swirl of secrets and treachery, there could be one thing greater than all: the mysterious power of the Arcana.

Leroy Douresseaux on UPTIGHT #1

UPTIGHT #1

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKS

CARTOONIST: Jordan Crane

20pp, B&W, $2.50

For over three decades, Fantagraphics Books has made a determined effort to introduce alternative comics and alternative cartoonists to readers, often in attractive and affordable comic book packages. Published back in 2006, Uptight #1 was the first issue of a new series by Jordan Crane, whose 2005 graphic novel, The Clouds Above, earned enthusiastic and sometimes glowing reviews from the likes of The New Yorker, Publisher’s Weekly, and Entertainment Weekly.

First of all, Uptight’s packaging is very nice and quiet attractive for a black and white comic book. The cover is in color, and both the inside and outside of the back covers are used for story. The paper is a soft white stock, not the glossy stuff most big publishers use for color comics, but the text and art print beautifully on it, almost as if Crane drew directly onto the paper.

Both stories are ruminations on death – sudden death, actually. The first tale, “Below the Shade of Night,” is a ghost story with a hook, which would certainly be familiar to anyone who’s seen the film, The Sixth Sense. The story isn’t so much haunting as it is tragic – a story of things left unsaid because of pride and stubbornness. So while this kind of story isn’t new, Crane’s execution gives it a fresh coat of heartache.

The second tale is actually a chapter from Crane’s next graphic novel, Keeping Two. The first chapter deals with phobias, fixations, and superstitious fears of death. Honestly, the way Crane presents how neurosis affects the bereaved hits so close to home that if you’ve lost loved ones and are still in pain over it you might blush with embarrassment. I did.

As far as his art and storytelling goes, Crane has drawn comparisons to Tim Burton and Lewis Carroll, and the elements of Crane’s compositions do resemble Burton’s art, as well as that of Windsor McCay (Little Nemo in Slumberland). In terms of the components of his art, Crane again favors McCay and also perhaps a little of David Mazzuchelli (at least to my eye).

Make no mistake, however; Jordan Crane is clearly an original voice and a cartoonist to watch for years to come.

A

The Origin of Hayate the Combat Butler

I read Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol. 17

I posted a review in the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 16 2011

DC COMICS

JAN110298 ADVENTURE COMICS #524 $2.99

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Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 16 2011

MARVEL COMICS

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IDW from Diamond Distributors for March 16 2011

IDW PUBLISHING

JAN110507 CLASSIC JURASSIC PARK TP VOL 02 RAPTORS REVENGE $19.99

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Dark Horse from Diamond Distributors for March 16 2011

DARK HORSE COMICS

JUL100093 60TH ANNIV CLASSIC PEANUTS STATUE #5 SCHROEDER $49.95

JUL100094 CLASSIC UNCLE SCROOGE STATUE VOL 02 #5 MONEYBAGS $49.95

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NOV100040 YOUR HIGHNESS TP $7.99

Image Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 16 2011

IMAGE COMICS

NOV100497 ARTIFACTS #6 (OF 13) CVR A NOTO $3.99

NOV100498 ARTIFACTS #6 (OF 13) CVR B CHRISTOPHER $3.99

MAY100468 BAD DOG #4 (RES) (MR) $2.99

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JAN110616 MORNING GLORIES #8 $2.99

JAN110661 TWILIGHT GUARDIAN #3 (OF 4) $3.99

JAN110629 WALKING DEAD WEEKLY #11 (MR) $2.99

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for March 16 2011

COMICS

NOV101005 2000 AD PACK JAN 2011 $20.00

JAN111020 28 DAYS LATER #21 $3.99

JAN111023 AMORY WARS IN KEEPING SECRETS OF SILENT EARTH 3 TP VOL 01 $14.99

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JAN111287 KLASSIC KOMICS KLUB HC (O/A) (MR) $14.95

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DEC101173 OATMEAL 5 VERY GOOD REASONS TO PUNCH DOLPHIN SC $14.99

SEP100923 OZ WONDERLAND CHRONICLES JACK & CAT TALES #2 (OF 3) $3.99

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JUL100818 WOLFSKIN HUNDREDTH DREAM #5 (OF 6) (MR) $3.99

JUL100820 WOLFSKIN HUNDREDTH DREAM #5 (OF 6) BLOOD THIRST CVR (MR) $3.99

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JAN110954 WORLD OF ARCHIE DOUBLE DIGEST #5 $3.99

AUG101105 YO GABBA GABBA COMIC BOOK TIME HC $24.99

MAGAZINES
DEC101141 COMICS BUYERS GUIDE #1676 APR 2011 $5.99
DEC101153 DR WHO MAGAZINE #431 (NOTE PRICE) $8.99
DEC101166 HORRORHOUND #28 $6.99
DEC101031 JUDGE DREDD MEGAZINE #307 $11.99
DEC101167 RUE MORGUE MAGAZINE #109 $9.95
DEC101181 SFX SPECIAL #48 VAMPIRES SPECIAL $17.99
NOV101179 STAR WARS FIG COLL MAG #19 PALPATINE $14.00
DEC101198 STAR WARS FIG COLL MAG #21 CLONE TROOPER $14.00
DEC101199 STAR WARS FIG COLL MAG #22 PADME AMIDALA $14.00
NOV101184 STAR WARS VEHICLES COLL MAG #63 SHUTTLE THETA $18.00

VIZ Media on the Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan

Official Statement From VIZ Media Regarding The Earthquake And Tsunami In Japan:

The terrible events in Japan affects us all at VIZ Media directly, personally and professionally. Our hearts go out to those affected by the tragedy and the ongoing crisis, and we hope for a quick recovery. We know the people of Japan will persevere & prevail.

Sincere thanks to all those who have inquired about our parent companies, Shogakukan, Shueisha and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions. Our colleagues in Tokyo are safe and the situation is stabilizing, though resuming normal day-to-day business activities may take a little while. On a company level, we will be coordinating activities with our parent companies to support the disaster victims.

The victims of this tragedy are in our thoughts, and our gratitude goes out to all of the heroic people around the world pulling together to help them.

Leroy Douresseaux on BATMAN: TIME AND THE BATMAN

BATMAN: TIME AND THE BATMAN

DC COMICS

WRITERS: Grant Morrison and Fabian Nicieza
ARTISTS: Tony S. Daniel, Cliff Richards, Andy Kubert, Frank Quitely, David Finch, Richard Friend, and Scott Kolins
COLORS: Ian Hannin, Alex Sinclair, Tony Aviña, Brand Anderson, and Peter Steigerwald
LETTERS: Jared K. Fletcher and Travis Lanham
COVER: David Finch and Scott Williams
EXTRAS ART: Mike Mignola, Kevin Nowlan, Dave Stewart, Shane Davis, Sandra Hope, Barbara Ciardo, Juan Doe, Dustin Nguyen, Guillem March, Tim Sale, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Philip Tan
ISBN: 978-1-4012-2989-4; hardcover
128pp, Color, $19.99 U.S., $22.99 CAN

DC Comics recently published a hardcover comic book collection entitled Batman: Time and the Batman. It collects Batman issues 700 to 703 with some extras, including variant covers and a peak inside the Batcave rendered with 3-D modeling.

There is also a gallery of Batman illustrations, a portfolio of sorts entitled “Creatures of the Night: A Batman Gallery.” I won’t say that this gallery is worth the cost of the book, but it is worth at least a quarter of this book’s cover price. There are two hot pieces from Dustin Nguyen and a striking piece by Guillem March, among others.

Batman: Time and the Batman is essentially a bridge story arc that connects Batman R.I.P., Final Crisis, and Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne to one another. In the opening chapter, “Time and the Batman,” the three Batmen: Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson, and Damian Wayne fight the past, present, and future. Batman’s most dangerous adversary, the Joker, and a few others use the Maybe Machine, the invention of Professor Carter Nichols, to raise hell in Gotham City across decades.

Next, in a missing chapter of R.I.P., Batman faces Darkseid and trap that will have him doubting his own mind and perceptions and also lost in time. Finally, in “The Great Escape,” the new Batman and Robin face the Gateway Genius and Damian is confronted by how little he knows about his father. It is a sentimental and highly-enjoyable story from the underrated Fabian Nicieza and artist Cliff Richards.

I recently saw an article that began by describing Grant Morrison as a god to fans, and yes, I’m tired of hearing about fanboy gods. Still, there is reason to love some Grant Morrison because his current run on Batman has been so much fun to read. Let’s face it, pretty much every Batman comic book since Frank Miller’s Batman: The Dark Knight Returns has lived in the shadow of (ominous music) The Dark Knight Returns.

To me, at least, Grant Morrison’s Batman is more Dennis O’Neil than it is Frank Miller, but what defines Morrison’s Batman is what defines most of his work, imagination. From page to page, the reader never really knows what to expect and from panel to panel the reader never knows what will come out of the characters’ mouths. After 70 years, Batman can be forgiven for suffering from sameness. In Morrison’s hands, Batman is fresh and bouncy. I swear that when I read this I sometimes think that the whole Batman universe is brand new.

Now, this doesn’t always work that way. “R.I.P. – The Missing Chapter” is a rambling mess; it’s the kind of nonsensical, tie-in comic that is the poster child for why crossover events have been done to death. On the other hand, “Time and the Batman,” the opening story, is sparkly and energetic. The story dances across the pages, as Morrison takes us from one Batman to the next (including Batman Beyond).

Most of this book is good, and although the “missing” chapter of R.I.P. is a true blue misfire, Batman: Time and the Batman is a Grant Morrison Batman book to have.

B+

Rosario+Vampire Bites iPad

ROSARIO+VAMPIRE MANGA SERIES LAUNCHES FOR THE iPad AS VIZ MEDIA CONTINUES SPECIAL DIGITAL OFFERS FOR MARCH MANGA MADNESS

Special Monthly Promotion Makes All Volume 1 Titles Available For Only $0.99; New Series Complements Latest Updates To 6 Other Popular Manga Titles

VIZ Media continues to celebrate March Manga Madness with another round of new updates to the VIZ MANGA APP for the Apple® iPad™ mobile device. Today the company debuts the sexy action series ROSARIO+VAMPIRE and continues a special March-only promotion that makes all Volume 1 manga titles available for only $0.99 (instead of $4.99).

The VIZ MANGA APP is the ideal destination for iPad users to download best-loved manga (graphic novel) series. By the end of March, over 100 volumes will be available for download. Users are also encouraged to enter to win a $50 iTunes gift card by taking the VIZ Manga App survey.

ROSARIO+VAMPIRE (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) was written and created by Akihisa Ikeda and has become a best-selling fan favorite. All-around average teenager Tsukune can't get accepted to any high school save one...but on his first day, he finds the rest of the student body doesn't appear average in the least. Best of all, the cutest girl on campus can't wait to fling her arms around his neck! Wait a sec'--are those her teeth around his neck too...? Tsukune's going to have one heck of a hickey when he gets home from Monster High! But does he have a chance in H-E-double-hockey-sticks of raising his grades at a school where the turf war isn't between the jocks and the nerds but the vampires and the werewolves?

The latest updates for March also feature additions to 6 other popular VIZ Media series currently available. More special offers will be announced throughout the month of March and users should check the App frequently for new announcements.

Seventeen series are now available on the VIZ Manga App; additional new manga volumes available this week include:

DEATH NOTE Vol. 8
DRAGON BALL Vol. 15
NARUTO Vol. 16
ONE PIECE Vol. 16
OURON HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 4
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 8

The VIZ MANGA APP is free through the iTunes Store and manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. The platform is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad are featured.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

WonderCon Goes Green - as in "Green Lantern" Movie

“Green Lantern” Shines Bright at WonderCon

Stars of the Upcoming Film—Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard—Kick Off the Weekend and the Super Hero’s Multi-Platform Presence at the Con

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fans attending on Friday, April 1st, the first day of WonderCon, will be treated to a special “Green Lantern” talent signing and panel featuring the stars of the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures feature film: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively and Peter Sarsgaard. The signing begins at 4 p.m., followed by the panel discussion at 5.

The highly anticipated “Green Lantern” movie, in theatres on June 17, 2011, will be the first live-action feature film to star the popular DC Comics character. The film relates the origin story of alter ego Hal Jordan (Reynolds), a test pilot and the first human chosen to wear the ring that provides him his superpowers.

Following the opening day panel, Hal Jordan and the Green Lantern Corps will have a deep and diverse presence throughout the weekend due to the combined efforts of DC Entertainment (DCE) and the various divisions of Warner Bros. Entertainment, including Warner Home Video (WHV), Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment (WBIE) and Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP).

WHV will present the World Premiere of the Blu-ray and DVD feature “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” on Friday evening in the Esplanade Ballroom, immediately followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers and voice cast members. Panelists will also take part in an autograph session on Saturday. The all new DC Universe Animated Original Movie weaves six interlocking stories of the Green Lantern Corps’ rich mythology around preparations for an attack by an ancient enemy.

Also on Friday, DC Comics will host a panel about the Green Lantern comic books and the 2011 War of the Green Lanterns crossover event. The DC booth will host Green Lantern-themed signings and giveaways throughout the weekend.

WBIE and DCE will showcase “Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters,” an action-adventure videogame that will be available in conjunction with the theatrical release of “Green Lantern.” Throughout the Con, visitors to the DC Comics booth will be able to get hands-on time with the game that delivers an immersive experience for Green Lantern fans of all ages.

WBCP’s worldwide licensing program for the highly anticipated “Green Lantern” film has already taken the industry by storm. Product manufacturers around the world have come together to capture and unleash the power of Green Lantern, who lit the way at this year’s Toy Fair, with master toy licensee Mattel bringing to life a comprehensive toy line inspired by the upcoming film. Visitors at WonderCon will get a sneak peek of the toy line, along with the opportunity to be “chosen” to win some of the popular products, long before they hit retail shelves.

All this and more begins with the “Green Lantern” signing at 4 p.m. and panel at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 1, 2011. WonderCon opens the doors to the main floor at noon. The event runs all weekend, through Sunday, April 3rd, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Go to http://www.comic-con.org/wc/ for tickets to the “Green Lantern” opening day panel and for information about all of the Warner Bros.- and DC Entertainment-related events.


About the feature film “Green Lantern”
“Green Lantern” stars Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Jay O. Sanders, Temuera Morrison, Taika Waititi, Jon Tenney, Angela Bassett and Tim Robbins. Martin Campbell directs the film from a screenplay by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg, story by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, based upon characters appearing in magazines published by DC Comics. The film is being produced by Donald De Line and Greg Berlanti. Herbert W. Gains and Andrew Haas serve as executive producers. The film will open in 3D and 2D on June 17, 2011. “Green Lantern” will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.greenlantern.com.

About “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights”
As the battle approaches, Hal Jordan (voiced by Nathan Fillion) mentors new recruit Arisia (Elisabeth Moss) in the history of the Green Lantern Corps, telling tales of Avra (the first Green Lantern) and several of Hal’s comrades, including Abin Sur, Kilowog, Laira and Mogo. In the end, Arisia must rise to the occasion to help Hal, Sinestro and the entire Green Lantern Corps save the universe from the destructive forces of Krona. The cast also features actor/spoken word artist Henry Rollins, Jason Isaacs, legendary professional wrestler “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, Arnold Vosloo, Kelly Hu and Wade Williams. Bruce Timm is executive producer, and the directors are Lauren Montgomery, Jay Oliva and Christopher Berkeley. Penned by comic book luminaries Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, Peter J. Tomasi, Eddie Berganza, Alan Burnett, Todd Casey and Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim, “Green Lantern: Emerald Knights” will be distributed June 7, 2011 by Warner Home Video as part of the build up to the release of the highly anticipated live action film, “Green Lantern,” in theatres June 17.

About “Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters”
The game is inspired by the feature film. Players will utilize over a dozen constructs and take flight across the deepest parts of the universe to restore intergalactic order by wielding the ultimate weapon: the Green Lantern power ring. The game will be available this summer for Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation® 3 computer entertainment system, Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ and delivers an immersive experience for Green Lantern fans that the entire family will enjoy. For more information, visit http://www.greenlanternvideogame.com/.

Skyblue Shore at the Flea Market

I read Skyblue Shore (Sorairo Kaigan) Volume 2

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

Marvel Comics to Revive CrossGen's "Ruse" with Artist Minck Oosterveer

It's NO "Ruse": Artist Minck Oosterveer Reunites with Writer Mark Waid for Issue of the Top-Selling Series

Steampunk Meets Witty Repartee and a Hint of Magic!

New York, NY-- It's just been announced that award-winning artist Minck Oosterveer, will once again collaborate with writer Mark Waid on a new story-- this one on the Waid created series, "Ruse" published by Marvel Comics.

Originally debuting at CrossGen, "Ruse" quickly became that companies top series, and the property was purchased by Disney when CrossGen was no more. With Marvel now under the Disney umbrella, "Ruse" is having a long awaited revival.

Creator Mark Waid describes the series as "A steampunk Sherlock Holmes with romance, witty repartee, and a hint of magic."

What better artist for this issue of "Ruse" than Minck Oosterveer, known for bringing all of those elements to his own properties and commercial artwork.

In fact, Oosterveer is known world wide for a plethora of comic strips, movie work, and sequential art. Most notably here in the United States for such books as "Zombie Tales" and "The Unknown" also with Waid!

The "Nicky Saxx" co-creator is strongly influenced by Milton Caniff, Alex Raymond, and Will Eisner. After working for a studio on productions like 'Tom & Jerry', 'Sesame Street', 'Paddington', 'Ovide' and 'Spider-Man', Minck Oosterveer moved more in the direction of another stylistic forte, working with Willem Ritstier on the series "Claudia Brücken" for the Franco-Belgian publishing-house 'les editons Lombard' and Tintin-Magazine.

He will bring all of this experience to "Ruse."

"What makes the series so special," according to Oosterveer, "is most of all the interaction between the arrogant detective Simon Archer and his partner Emma Bishop, who he keeps on referring to as 'his assistant'.

"The adventurous stories with a bit of mystery and the supernatural," make it a great project to work on-- it's very interesting."

As far as the approach the readers can expect, Minck is a big fan of the original series from "CrossGen," and wants to be true to that flavor. Something readers from that first run will certainly love.

"With 'Ruse' I will use my more classical style I used when I did the Flash Gordon-like newspaper adventure comic "Zodiak". And although I'll be pencilling and inking, which I'm used to do, hopefully readers will like my approach."

Currently, Oosterveer is scheduled for several European and US shows in 2011, with more to follow.

Look for him at:
De Stripdagen Gorinchem, The Netherlands, March 12-13
Wizard World Philly, June 17-19th
Albuquerque Comic Con, June 24th-26th
FACTS Convention Ghent Belgium, October 22-23rd

Issue #3 of "Ruse" with story by Mark Waid and pencils and inks by Minck Oosterveer is in the works now. Look for Marvel's ordering information on the series and on this particular issue featuring the reunion of these two wonderful creators!

For information on the Oosterveer, his commissions, his schedule and appearances contact Renee at evaink@aol.com

Leroy Douresseaux on BATMAN BEYOND: HUSH BEYOND

BATMAN BEYOND: HUSH BEYOND

DC COMICS

WRITER: Adam Beechen

PENCILS: Ryan Benjamin
INKS: John Stanisci
COLORS: David Baron
LETTERS: Travis Lanham
COVER: Dustin Nguyen
EXTRAS ART: J.H. Williams III
ISBN: 978-1-4012-2988-7; paperback
144 Color, $14.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN

Batman Beyond was an Emmy Award-winning animated series. It began life in January of 1999 on The WB Television Network and ended in May of 2002, after three seasons and 52 episodes. Set in the year 2039, it starred a new, younger Batman, with high school student Terry McGinnis wearing a new Bat-suit. The original Dark Knight, Bruce Wayne, guided Terry from their base of operations, the Batcave.

DC Comics published a Batman Beyond comic book from 1999 to 2001. Batman Beyond returned to comic books last year. Batman Beyond: Hush Beyond is a new trade paperback from DC Comics. It collects Batman Beyond (2010) #1-6, which were written by Adam Beechen, penciled by Ryan Benjamin, and inked by John Stanisci, with covers by Dustin Nguyen.

As the story begins, someone has escaped from Cadmus Labs in Neo-Gotham, and its trifling Director Amanda Waller is trying to keep things hush-hush, in spite of protests from research scientist, Nora Elliot Reid. From the beginning, the escapee leaves a trail of bodies behind him, all of them connected to the original Batman.

In his updated, hi-tech Bat-suit (now with invisibility and jet propulsion), Terry McGinnis takes on a foe who knows everything about him, and this couldn’t have come at a worse time. Terry and his mentor/boss, Bruce Wayne, are at odds over Terry’s job performance, and Terry has been running on little or no sleep. As he tries to uncover the secrets of this killer, he seeks help from Batman’s original sidekicks, but one of them holds a grudge. Terry’s investigation also leads him into conflict with a mysterious new Catwoman, who doesn’t like The Bat the way the original did. And the streets say that someone who was supposed to be dead is back with a vengeance – Hush.

I have mixed feelings about the original Batman: Hush, written by Jeph Loeb and drawn by Jim Lee. Half of it was quite good; the other half was cold and robotic. Adam Beechen, the writer of this new Hush storyline, has written an old-fashioned potboiler/cliffhanger serial. This is a flat out, excellent read.

Sometimes, I couldn’t read this thing fast to appease my hunger to know what was on the next page. Some of the ideas here are familiar, done hundreds of times before in other Batman comic books, but here, it is the execution that makes Hush Beyond such a thrill to read. Beechen is at his best in this story when he lets Terry and Bruce get raw with each other about their opinions of each other’s job performance. Plus, there is a big red herring and twist here that will shock and confuse the reader – in a good way.

A-

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

------------------------------

I Reads You Review: SKYBLUE SHORE, VOL. 1

Creator: Nanpei Yamada with Hope Donovan (English adaptation) and Kristy Harmon (translation)

Publishing Information: TOKYOPOP, B&W, paperback, 208 pages, $10.99 (US), $13.99 CAN

Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4278-2005-1

Romance/Comedy; Rated “OT” for “Older Teen 16+”

When she was a small child, Tomo Sakurai was a frequent visitor to the beach. One day she made a friend of a young beachcomber who gave her an agate stone. Now a sweet high school girl, Tomo encounters an attractive young stranger whose keychain has the same stone she got from her lost childhood friend.

In Skyblue Shore, Vol. 1, Tomo is about to be the victim of a public transit molester when she is rescued by Riku Tanaka, a tall, dark-haired stranger who protects and befriends her. Tomo learns that Riku is the janitor at the school she attends, Akiya Tateishi High School, and he wears a keychain with a stone that is familiar to Tomo. Later, Tomo meets Tento Tanaka, Riku’s younger brother. The reclusive blond collects agate stones and other things he finds on the beach. Could they have met in the past?

TOKYOPOP describes Skyblue Shore as a romance and comedy, and while this shojo manga (comics for teen girls) has high school romance and teen comedy hijinks, Skyblue Shore is really a character drama. Skyblue Shore reminds me of Miki Aihara’s Honey Hunt, which is a shojo manga with gorgeous art and an emphasis on melodrama and intrigue.

Skyblue Shore creator Nanpei Yamada tells this story through pretty art and attractive characters with soft, child-like faces. Behind the prettiness, Nanpei weaves a complex story of dysfunctional families, in which divorce and parent-child discord add a pungent note to the heightened sweetness typical of shojo romantic comedy. However, I believe that because there is so much sweet shojo being published that shojo series, which mean to stand out, need something different, whether it is a tone or a hook to give it separation from the pack.

Yamada gives Skyblue Shore a different tone. The characters are familiar, but their complicated lives make the carefree teen life a luxury they cannot always afford. That is why this is the kind of shojo manga I want to keep reading.

April 2011 Shonen Jump is 100th Issue

VIZ MEDIA’S CELEBRATES THE 100th ISSUE OF SHONEN JUMP MAGAZINE WITH SPECIAL COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE

North America’s Most Popular Manga Monthly Delivers Heroes Of Manga Retrospective, DRAGON BALL X ONE PIECE Crossover Story And A Free YU-GI-OH! Trading Card

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, celebrates the 100th issue of SHONEN JUMP magazine, which hits newsstands nationwide today. Cover price will be $4.99.

The commemorative April 2011 issue features special content including a pictorial retrospective of all the manga heroes that have graced the magazine’s pages since the very first issue. This includes original SHONEN JUMP heroes such as Goku from DRAGON BALL, Yugi from YU-GI-OH! and popular mainstays like Naruto, Ichigo from BLEACH, as well as more recent additions to the SHONEN JUMP Super Team including Ageha from the new manga series PSYREN, and Yusei from YU-GI-OH! 5D. The issue also contains the DRAGON BALL X ONE PIECE CROSS EPOCH, a one-shot manga where characters from both popular series meet, and includes a free YU-GI-OH! trading card, Dark Magician.

SHONEN JUMP’s redesign for 2011, which launched in January, welcomed the new decade with a fresh, contemporary look and expanded print and web content. SHONEN JUMP continues to be the best-selling manga anthology in North America and now features 2 brand new series - the science fiction thriller PSYREN, and fan favorite YU-GI-OH! 5D’S – that join other current monthly favorites such as BLEACH, NARUTO and ONE PIECE.

The magazines team has also taken an aggressive approach to integrating the SHONEN JUMP web site (http://www.shonenjump.com/) with the print magazine with subscriber-only content available exclusively online, including the brand new manga series, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and new exclusive feature and news items every month.

“The celebration of SHONEN JUMP in the U.S. that we started in January with the magazine’s redesign and revamped web site continues with our 100th issue spectacular,” says SHONEN JUMP Senior Editor Joel Enos. “We’re committed to giving fans what they’ve asked for and we will continue to do so with even more direct communication with our readers! This issue’s Heroes of Manga gives fans a fun trip down memory lane and also lets them meet some new heroes for the first time. Plus, we are showcasing the DRAGON BALL X ONE PIECE CROSS EPOCH, a unique manga mash-up never before seen in the U.S. that features Goku and Luffy, as well as many of their supporting cast, together for the first time in a story written and drawn by both creators Akira Toriyama and Eiichiro Oda. This is definitely an issue not to be missed!”

For more information on SHONEN JUMP Magazine and other Shonen Jump titles, please visit http://www.shonenjump.com/.

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for March 9 2011

DC COMICS

JAN110404 ALL NEW BATMAN THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD #5 $2.99

JAN110280 BATGIRL #19 $2.99

JAN110271 BATMAN AND ROBIN #21 $2.99

NOV100164 BATMAN INCORPORATED #3 $2.99

JAN110279 BIRDS OF PREY #10 $2.99

JAN110296 BOOSTER GOLD #42 $2.99

JAN110421 CINDERELLA FABLES ARE FOREVER #2 (OF 6) (MR) $2.99

JAN110300 DOC SAVAGE #12 $2.99

JAN110302 DOOM PATROL #20 $2.99

NOV100227 GOTHAM CENTRAL HC VOL 04 CORRIGAN $29.99

DEC100248 GOTHAM CENTRAL TP BOOK 01 IN THE LINE OF DUTY $19.99

JUN100297 HEROES OF THE DCU BLACKEST NIGHT HAL JORDAN BUST $70.00

JAN110409 INFAMOUS #1 (OF 6) $2.99

JAN110427 IZOMBIE #11 (MR) $2.99

JAN110307 JSA ALL STARS #16 $2.99

JAN110247 JUSTICE LEAGUE GENERATION LOST #21 (BRIGHTEST DAY) $2.99

JAN110297 LEGION OF SUPER VILLAINS #1 $4.99

DEC100186 OUTSIDERS #37 (DOOMSDAY) $2.99

JAN110289 SUPERBOY #5 $2.99

JAN110313 TITANS #33 $2.99

JAN110317 VERTIGO RESURRECTED FINALS #1 (MR) $7.99

JAN110414 VICTORIAN UNDEAD II HOLMES VS DRACULA #5 (OF 5) $2.99

JAN110314 WEIRD WORLDS #3 (OF 6) $3.99

DEC100219 WONDER WOMAN #608 $2.99

APR100323 WORLD OF WARCRAFT LICH KING ARTHAS DLX FIGURE PI

DEC100241 ZATANNA #10 $2.99

DEC100255 ZATANNA MISTRESS OF MAGIC TP $17.99