VIZ Media Set to Release "Biomega"

Press release from VIZ Media:

MAN AND MACHINE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE IN SCI-FI ACTION MANGA BIOMEGA


San Francisco, CA, JANUARY 26, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will debut the cyberpunk action manga series BIOMEGA on February 2nd. The new series, rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences, will be published under the VIZ Signature imprint and will carry a MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

Zoichi Kanoe plunges into the depths of 9JO, a sprawling island city in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, in search of Eon Green, a girl with the power to transmute the N5S virus. The deadly contagion is spreading across the world, turning humans into disfigured, zombie-like "drones.” But he's not the only one looking for her. Agents of the Public Health Service's Compulsory Execution Unit are also in hot pursuit, with sinister designs of their own. Zoichi and his trans-human allies have no time to waste; the countdown to the apocalypse has begun!

“Tsutomu Nihei created BIOMEGA with a jaw-dropping, intensely powerful art style that reflects his background in modern architecture,” says Leyla Aker, Editorial Manager, VIZ Media. “The main characters—the “enhanced” human Zoichi and Fuyu, the AI in his rocket of a motorcycle—navigate this apocalyptic landscape in a story that offers pure speed, action, and suspense. Both manga and American comics fans won’t want to miss this exciting debut!”

Tsutomu Nihei debuted with the acclaimed manga short story BLAME!, which was nominated for North America’s Harvey Award and won the Shiki Award in Japan. The artist also created NOiSE, a manga prequel to BLAME!. His visually striking Wolverine tie-in SNIKT! was published by Marvel Comics along with a commission by Bungie Studios for the HALO graphic novel.

For more information on this title, or others from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.viz.com/. [END]

Reminder: NEWAVE This Saturday

Press release from Fantagraphics Books:

NEWAVE! Mini Comix Book Launch Party This Saturday at Fantagraphics Bookstore


Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery hosts an exhibition and publication party for NEWAVE! The Underground Mini Comix of the 1980s this Saturday, January 30 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM.

Self published mini comics in the 1970s and 1980s were the direct descendants of the Underground Comix movement of the 1960s. Early practitioners photocopied, stapled and distributed their miniature zines at comics conventions and comic book specialty shops. The immediacy and independence of these publications gave rise to today’s popular alternative comics movement.

The exhibition includes original art and graphics by underground mini comix pioneers Jaimie Alder, Jim Blanchard, Wayne Gibson, David Lasky, Wayno, Steve Willis, Dennis Worden, and XNO. NEWAVE editor Michael Dowers will produce and distribute a mini comic on site. A comix jam by contributing artists will be accompanied by music from local indie rock band “iji.”

The Seattle Public Library’s popular “Comixtravaganza” finale also takes place this Saturday. The central branch hosts a comics creating workshop with Fantagraphics friends Greg Stump and David Lasky at 1:00 PM, followed by a career-spanning media presentation by alternative comics titan Peter Bagge at 3:00 PM. Later that evening Lasky and Bagge will be featured guests at the NEWAVE party. Admission is free to all events.

Fantagraphics Bookstore is located at 1201 S. Vale Street at Airport Way in the heart of Georgetown. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00. Phone 206.658.0110. [END]

Bluewater Productions Unveils New "10th Muse" Projects

Press release from Bluewater Productions:

10th MUSE TO THE POWER OF TEN (YEARS) UNVEILS NEW PROJECTS


In celebration of the tenth anniversary of the first publication of 10th Muse, the independent comic book of a lawyer imbued with the essence of the Greek mythological goddess of justice, Bluewater Productions is planning several new projects starting with the February release of the graphic novel 10th Muse: Crossovers.

“You never forget your first love,” said Bluewater president and series creator Darren G. Davis. “10th Muse put us on the map and I've been waiting for the right time to bring her back.”

10th Muse debuted in February 2000 through Image Comics and soon rocketed to #6 on Diamond’s Top 100 beating out several well-known and established titles. The issue featured a story by revered comic book veteran Marv Wolfman.

10th Muse: Crossovers, in stores next month, features several team ups with other well-known characters from the comic world including Shi, Savage Dragon, Tellos, Ezra, Legend of Isis and Judo Girl. Also included is a never-before-seen crossover with Indie favorite Koni Wave.

A virtual who’s-who of top comic talent is included in the book including Billy Tucci, Erik Larsen, Marv Wolfman, Roger Cruz and Mike Wieringo.

In June, Bluewater will be releasing the "10th Muse Cover Gallery" featuring the artwork of Randy Green, Andy Park, Mike Wieringo, Stephen Platt and Roger Cruz.

“Fans have been asking for a while when we plan on bringing 10th Muse back. I always planned for her to return. Now that Bluewater is a fully established publisher and not just the title’s creator, we have more control over operational issues. I wanted to commit to her long term, not just a series of one-shots and special appearances,” Davis said.

Later this year Bluewater plans for the 10th Muse to return as an ongoing monthly series.

“We’ve got a lot of great ideas brewing, but I want the series to recapture the flavor of the original run. It won’t be a series reboot or a continuation with another character as the Muse,” Davis noted. “I want Emma Sonnet fighting bad guys in the courtroom and her alter ego taking on the likes of Aries, Hera and other ne’r-do-wells on Olympus.”

Also planned for later this year are two other high profile projects including a mini-series 10th Muse: The Lost Issues. According to Davis, there were several issues never before published that were, at the time, unusable because of the continuity issues with the hero’s design. These issues were written by Wolfman and Davis and drawn by Roger Cruz and Clint Hillinski.

Another mini-series that continues the crossover tradition, much like DC's popular "Brave and the Bold," will feature 10th Muse in new team-ups with characters from the indie world like Bomb Queen (Image Comics), Demon Slayer, Badger, and others.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming Crossovers trade paperback is $17.99. Pre-ordering is currently available at several outlets and bookstores using the ISBN #: 978-1-61623-926-8.

"10th Muse" has been optioned by Castle Bright Studios who has a deal with Universal Pictures.


About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles Female Force and “Political Power.”

Bluewater aims to unite cutting-edge art and engaging stories produced by its stable of the publishing industry’s top artists and writers.

Following its commitment to green publishing, Bluewater comic books are printed on Forest Stewardship Council certified paper. FSC certification guarantees that the paper used in Bluewater books contains fiber from well-managed and responsibility harvested forests that meet strict environmental and socioeconomic standards.

For more information, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.com/. [END]

Strange is the Strange Love Hurts

I read Love Hurts: Aishiatteru Futari

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.  This a boys' love title from TOKYOPOP's imprint, BLU.

Moonstone Books Announces The Phantom Ghost Who Walks #11

From Moonstone Books:

THE PHANTOM: GHOST WHO WALKS #11

Story: Mike Bullock
Art: Silvestre Syzilagyi
Colors by Bob Pedroza
Covers : Steve Scott
32pgs, color, $3.99

“Godfall” Part IV (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=90%, Cover B=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]

Pop Japan Travel Headed to Tokyo International Anime Fair

Press release from Digital Manga Publishing:

Pop Japan Travel, the premier tour company for pop culture-themed tours to Japan, is pleased to announce a new tour designed with the anime fan in mind: a trip to Japan for the 2010 Tokyo International Anime Fair!

The tour will allow North American anime fans and otaku to experience the largest anime industry event in Japan, giving them a first look at new anime projects and series scheduled for the Spring and Summer TV season in Japan. The tour will also include visits to hubs of otaku culture like Akihabara and Nakano Broadway, the Ghibli Museum, a chance to view the cherry blossoms in bloom, a visit to an animation studio, and much, much more. The tour is being organized in cooperation with Kintetsu Travel, one of Japan's most respected travel companies, and will mark the first time that Pop Japan Travel has organized a tour to the Fair.

“This is a truly unique tour,” says Gigi Guiting, tour organizer. "We'll also be making our first trip to a Cosplay Cafe for dinner and taking our first tour out to picnic by the cherry blossoms. We're going to have an amazing trip!"

The tour is scheduled to take place from March 24 until April 1. The cost of the tour will be $1985 and includes all accommodations, round trip airfare to Japan from Los Angeles, dinner in a cosplay-themed restaurant, transportation, professional bilingual tour guides, entrance fees to all activities, and a customized guidebook created exclusively for the tour. Participants can also arrange their own travel to Japan and attend the tour for $1360 – a price that Guiting calls “the lowest land only price we’ve ever offered!” Pop Japan Travel will also be offering an extension of the tour to the port city of Yokohama and the history-filled city of Kamakura!* People interested in taking the tour may visit http://www.popjapantravel.com/ or e-mail popjapantravel@gmail.com to sign up. Applications received before February 1 will receive a $50 discount on their tour, and all applications are due by February 23.


DIGITAL MANGA'S POP JAPAN TRAVEL is the original and premiere provider of pop culture themed tours of Japan. Since 2003, PJT has operated more than 15 tours with themes focused on Japanese anime, manga, games and more. Pop Japan tours offer a careful balance of the hyper-modern world of J-pop culture and the rich traditions of ancient Japan, and PJT is the ONLY tour agency to provide exclusive experiences such as visits to anime and game studios, meetings with manga artists, and more.

*Tour extension subject to extra charge. Contact Pop Japan Travel for more information. [END]

VIZ Media Announces Dinosaur King from VIZ Kids Imprint

Press release from VIZ Media:

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF DINOSAUR KING


New Manga From VIZ KIDS Imprint Will Delight With Imaginative Characters And Fun Storyline

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the release of Volume 1 and 2 of the new VIZ Kids series DINOSAUR KING. This manga is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry a MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

DINOSAUR KING by creator Yohei Sakai tells the story of Max who is obsessed with dinosaurs. He knows his Tapejara from his Pteranodon and can find fossils better than a trained paleontologist. When he discovers a stone tablet that transports him to the age of dinosaurs, it's a dream come true—until it becomes a nightmare. From King, his new dinosaur friend, Max learns that an evil genius named Dr. Z has enslaved the dinosaurs so he can use their hidden powers to take over the world! Now Max has to defeat Dr. Z and his Alpha Gang to save the ancient beasts and life as we know it. Volume 1 will release February 2, 2010.

In Volume 2, which will release in April of this year, King's mother is trapped somewhere in Alpha Mountain, and it's up to Max to rescue her. But Dr. Z has set perilous traps for him at every turn! He and King are more in sync than ever with their attacks, but will it be enough to defeat the Alpha Gang and conquer Alpha Mountain? Both volume one and volume two contain bonus trading cards inside, limited quantities available. Volume 2 will be releasing in April 6, 2010.

The titles under the VIZ Kids imprint offer engaging manga and manga-related content intended specifically for a younger audience. All VIZ Kids products share the same core values of strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and lots of good humor in an effort to delight a whole new generation of readers.

For more information on this title or other VIZ Kids titles, please visit http://www.vizkids.com/. [END]