Anime DVD Releases from VIZ Media for January 2010

Press release from VIZ Media:

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW DVD RELEASES FOR JANUARY 2010

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in January 2010. This includes the first box set of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN in regular and special editions, the next installments in POKÉMON ELEMENTS, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

SHONEN JUMP releases include:

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Special Edition Box Set 1 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN • Available January 26
Naruto Uzumaki is back! After two and a half years of training on the road with Jiraiya of the Sannin, Naruto is back in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and he's ready to show off his new skills. He and Sakura team up to take on their old master Kakashi, who's pretty impressed with their progress. They'll have plenty of opportunity to put it into action when news arrives from the Sand Village that Gaara, Naruto's former rival and now Kazekage of the Sand, has been kidnapped! And the culprits are the very same group who are after Naruto--the Akatsuki! The Special Edition Box Set features 13 episodes on 3 discs and also includes a collectible NARUTO Shippuden Mininja figure.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Box Set 1 Standard Edition • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN • Available January 26

DVD-only collection featuring 13 episodes from the hit series on 3 discs; (collectible figure is not included.)

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 5 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available January 12

Team Guy and Team Kakashi finally reach the Akatsuki hideout, only to encounter a tricky five-seal barrier that triggers an even stranger trap. While Team Guy face some pretty tough opponents--themselves!--Kakashi and Naruto must take off after Deidara who has absconded with Gaara. Sakura and Granny Chiyo are left behind to confront Sasori of the Red Sand. Granny Chiyo may be the only one with the ability to see through his many complex traps and skilled puppetry, but even one scratch from his poisoned weapons could mean instant death!

BLEACH Volume 24 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available January 19

Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya is assigned to lead the defense of the Soul Society and mobilize the Soul Reapers to find and kill the intruding Bounts. But the Bount leader Jin Kariya has gathered a huge mob of ruffians and plans to use them in his quest for revenge. Meanwhile, it is discovered that Maki Ichinose, the banished Soul Reaper helping the Bounts, has infiltrated the Seireitei and has been secretly manipulating their data. What strategies will play out, and how can Ichigo and his allies stop them?

New POKÉMON Releases Include:

POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 7: Psychic • Rated 'A' for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US/ $14.99 CAN • Available January 26

POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 8: Dragon • Rated 'A' for All Ages • MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available January 26

Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes. [END]

I Reads You Review: MARIA HOLIC, VOL. 1

Creator: Minari Endou

Publishing Information: TOKYOPOP, B&W, paperback, 192 pages, $10.99 (US), $13.99 CAN, £7.99 UK

Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4278-1671-9 (ISBN-13)

Maria Holic introduces readers to Kanako Miyamae, a teen girl who transfers to Ame no Kisaki Junior and Senior High School for Girls, a combination all-girls school and mission school. Kanako has not transferred to this elite school merely for its academic reputation and selective enrollment. Kanako is a lesbian, and she’s hoping to find the ideal mate. Kanako thinks she’s found a freshman that meets her criteria. Mariya Shidou is beautiful and captivating, but she is also a he. Mariya is not only a cross-dressing boy, but he’s also sadistic and blackmails Kanako to keep his secret.

Maria Holic, Volume 1 finds Kanako in the midst of a tough adjustment to Ame no Kisaki. Not only must she deal with the conniving Mariya and his maid, Matsurika, she must also find a way to be accepted by the other students, who are suspicious of and, in some cases, jealous of her. The cause of the jealousy is Ryuken Ishima, a statuesque, strikingly beautiful girl who is beloved by the other students. When Ryuken takes special notice of Kanako, the other girls are furious, and they make sure that Kanako’s troubles with Mariya aren’t her only problems.

Several of Maria Holic’s characters are interesting, and some also have the potential to really grab the reader. Much of the narrative, however, focuses on being a showcase for the usual feuds and conflicts one would expect to find in an all-girls setting. Yes, this manga sometimes seems like one long catfight. What is refreshing about Maria Holic is the rather bold way creator Minari Endou presents Kanako’s lesbianism. Rather than being controversial, the lesbianism simply seems like a plot element ripe for exploitation.

Endou depicts Kanako as lustful, and but she is no more ashamed of her desires than a teen male character lusting after his female classmates. In fact, Kanako is like a lesbian version of the teenaged male character, Junpei Manaka, from the shonen manga, Strawberry 100%. Maria Holic is quite yuri – a manga which depicts a romance between female lead characters, at least not yet. Hopefully, Maria Holic will become an exceptional romantic comedy, but that will happen only if the narrative focuses more on the trials of teen love and dating and less on girl fights.

B

Buy Maria Holic Volume 1

John Holmes' Johnny Wadd a Comic Book Hit

Press release from Terminal Press:

Tell Them Johnny Wadd is Back in Print

Terminal Press sold out the entire first printing of Tell Them Johnny Wadd is Here after a heaping load of fan support and positive reviews. For those that missed out on the limited-run title the first time around, TP is psyched to announce a second printing, locked, loaded and available right now.

As part of Terminal Press’ series of limited-run books, “Tell Them Johnny Wadd is Here” was only available directly through TP online and convention appearances. The title quickly sold out, but fans and collectors who missed their chance the first time around kept asking for more. With a brand new variant cover by writer/artist Tony Fleecs, everyone involved in the project is happy to get copies into the hands of a whole new audience.

"Tell Them Johnny Wadd is Here" takes the cult classic Johnny Wadd character made famous by John Holmes and transports him into a gritty crime drama set in present-day Mexico.

“Tell Them Johnny Wadd is Here” is written by Tony Fleecs (In My Lifetime, Wonderlost, Li'l FireBreather), with art by Dave Wachter (Scar Tissue, The Guns of Shadow Valley), colors by Narek Gevorgian (Silent Assassin) and Separations by Joe Frazzetta.

Here is what people are saying about this Terminal Press title:

“It’s damned good. Five out of Six Bullets.” - Christopher Mills, GunsInTheGutter.com

"Stop it! Stop complaining that comics aren't good enough. Stop moaning that all you can find is derivative genre garbage. Stop whining about the glut of moronic super-hero books and impenetrable shoe-gazer lit-comix . You're holding in your hands the tonic to all those ills. Tell Them Johnny Wadd Is Here is the cure you didn't even know you needed. This book makes clear once and for all that not only is Fleecs one of the most exciting young artists on the comic scene, but also one of its best new writers." - Phil Hester, Writer of the Coffin, The Darkness, The Atheist and FireBreather. Artist of Swamp Thing, Green Arrow, Ant Man, Marvel Teamup and Clerks amongst many others.

"Tony Fleecs is a rising star in comics, and with Wachter's able hands, you've got one of the best reads of the year." - Joshua Hale Fialkov, Harvey nominated Creator of Elk's Run and Punks the Comic, writer of Cyblade & Vampirella.

“Tell Them Johnny Wadd is Here” second printing is available right now and will only be available from terminalpress.com (http://www.terminalpress.com/tell-them-johnny-wadd-is-here-1.html) and at Terminal Press’ convention appearances.Get more info on all new Terminal Press titles first on the TP Facebook Fan Page – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Terminal-Press/110121042984 [END]

The Phantom: Ghost who Walks #9 Continues "Godfall" Storyline

Press release from Moonstone Books:

THE PHANTOM: GHOST WHO WALKS #9

Story: Mike Bullock

Art: Silvestre Syzilagyi

Colors by Bob Pedroza

Cover A,C by Sedat Ozgen, Cover B : Eugenio Mattozzi

32pgs, color, $3.99

“Godfall” Part II (of V)

In the aftermath of last issue, The Ghost Who Walks must pay a visit to some old friends. While the first provides helpful insight into the coming war, the second visit leads to the hunter becoming the hunted in the depths of the darkest house in all of Africa.

(Cover A=60%, Cover B=30%, Cover C=10%)

”Definitely worth checking out, whether you're a Phantom fan or not." – Scoop

“One of the most incredible Phantom comics I've ever read.” – Comixtreme [END]

Fantagraphics Bookstore is Having a Birthday Party

Press release from Fantagraphics Books:

FANTAGRAPHICS BOOKSTORE & GALLERY CELEBRATES THIRD ANNIVERSARY ON DECEMBER 12 WITH ART, MUSIC, COMIX & MORE!

The third anniversary celebration for Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery on Saturday, December 12, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, promises to be an unforgettable affair. The event features appearances by an international cadre of compelling cartoonists and artists as well as the world premiere of PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE: THE LOST ART OF THE VHS BOX with editor Jacques Boyreau. An entertaining panel discussion will be held the following Sunday afternoon, December 13.

PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE: The Lost Art of the VHS Box collects colorful cover art from a selection of vintage exploitation genre films. Cleverly packaged in a VHS slipcase, this anthology celebrates the film format that changed pop culture forever. On opening night Portland-based editor and B movie aficionado Jacques Boyreau will unveil a monumental site-specific “Portable Grindhouse” mural designed by Candice Schroeder. Boyreau commissioned Schroeder to create an equally impressive mural for his “SuperTrash” movie memorabilia exhibition currently on display at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh.

December 12 also marks the third anniversary of Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery. To celebrate the occasion, Fantagraphics Books has assembled an amazing group of cartoonists to socialize and sign books. Among the stellar line-up of guests: Femke Hiemstra (ROCK CANDY) from Amsterdam, Paul Hornschemeier (ALL & SUNDRY) and Jay Ryan (BEASTS!) from Chicago, Portland’s Dame Darcy (MEAT CAKE), and Seattle’s own Peter Bagge (HATE), Jim Woodring (FRANK), Scott Musgrove (THE LATE FAUNA OF EARLY NORTH AMERICA), and Jim Blanchard (TRUCKER FAGS IN DENIAL.) Musical entertainment will be provided by Bagge’s pop combo CAN YOU IMAGINE? featuring Steve Fisk and an opening set by the enchanting DAME DARCY.

On Sunday, December 13 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM, Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery presents a panel discussion focusing on PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE. Five distinguished experts in the field will screen short clips from their favorite exploitation film and discuss its influence on their work, as well as the broader social implications of the genre. Panelists include artist Lisa Petrucci (KICKASS KUTIES) of Something Weird, cartoonist Marc Palm of Scarecrow Video, Seattle Times pop culture critic Mark Rahner with film critic and curator Robert Horton, co-writers of horror comic ROTTEN. The panel is moderated by PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE editor Jacques Boyreau and will be followed by a book signing and reception. Admission is free as always.

LISTING INFORMATION
Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
Third Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, December 12, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Featuring
PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE Book Launch Party
Featuring Editor Jacques Boyreau

Music by
CAN YOU IMAGINE? featuring Steve Fisk
And DAME DARCY

Starring:
From Chicago Paul Hornschemeier (ALL & SUNDRY) & Jay Ryan (BEASTS!)
From Amsterdam Femke Hiemstra (ROCK CANDY)
From Portland Dame Darcy (MEAT CAKE)
Seattle’s own Peter Bagge (HATE), Jim Blanchard, Jim Woodring (FRANK) and more!

Sunday, December 13, 4:00 to 6:00 PM
PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE PANEL & BOOK SIGNING
Screening and panel discussion on vintage exploitation video with
Lisa Petrucci (KICKASS KUTIES) Something Weird Video.
Mark Rahner (ROTTEN) Seattle Times pop culture critic
Robert Horton KUOW film critic and Frye Art Museum film curator
Marc Palm (AKA Swellzombie) Scarecrow Video
Moderated by PORTABLE GRINDHOUSE editor Jacques Boyreau

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale Street (at Airport Way S.)
Seattle, WA 98108
206.658.0110
Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM
www.fantagraphics.com

VIZ Media Launches New Josei Title

Press release from VIZ Media:

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES NEW SHOJO MANGA SERIES BUTTERFLIES, FLOWERS

Zany Comedy About Office Romance And Social Class Introduces The ‘Josei’ Genre Of Manga Aimed At Older Female Readers

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies has announced the North American debut on December 1st of BUTTERFLIES, FLOWERS, a new manga series that takes place against a backdrop of office romance and social class. BUTTERFLIES, FLOWERS, published under the Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences will be available December 1st with a MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Choko Kuze is the sensible daughter of a venerable family who went bankrupt. She joins a real estate company as an entry-level office worker, but her eccentric boss is harder on her than anyone else in the company! After hearing him inadvertently call her "milady," she realizes he was the young servant boy she knew as a child. At work he's a tyrant, but after hours he insists on treating her like a lady of the nobility. Is romance even possible for a couple locked in such a crazy role reversal?

“BUTTERFLIES, FLOWERS is a josei manga, a comic aimed primarily at female readers over the age of 18,” says Candice Uyloan, Director Brand Marketing, VIZ Media. “Readers familiar with the genre will enjoy this lighthearted story that is often funny and more than a bit sexy. As shojo manga readers mature and their interests expand, we are delighted to be able to offer titles that are aimed at a grown up audience. We look forward to readers discovering this zany romantic comedy.”

BUTTERFLIES, FLOWERS was created by Yuki Yoshihara. She debuted in 1988 with Chanel no Sasayaki which appeared in the pages Betsucomi magazine. Yoshihara is also the creator of numerous josei manga series including Darling wa Namamono ni Tsuki and Itadakimasu. [END]

Slam Dunk Plays Basket-Brawl

I finished reading Slam Dunk, Vol. 7

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.