New Star Wars Comic Book Series, "Knight Errant" Due this Fall

Press release from Dark Horse Comics:

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES ALL-NEW STAR WARS™ SERIES, KNIGHT ERRANT!

AS KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC DRAWS TO A CLOSE, WRITER JOHN JACKSON MILLER MOVES TO AN UNCHARTED CORNER OF THE GALAXY!

Coming off the heels of penning the breakout hit Mass Effect: Redemption and the gripping finale of Knights of the Old Republic, writer John Jackson Miller introduces us to Kerra Holt, a young Jedi who’s about to realize that her role in the galaxy is far more important, and vastly different, than she could have ever imagined.

Set one thousand years before Episode I, in a time referred to as the “Dark Age of the Republic,” this story takes place in an era when the Sith were legion and the Republic was strained to the breaking point, leaving large swaths of the galaxy with no one to turn to. This pivotal time in the history of Star Wars has been largely unexplored, until now.

Additionally, for the first time ever, the writer of this new comics series will also be authoring a novel for Del Rey Books, set in the same era and involving the same cast of characters in an all-new adventure. It’s going to be a unique event for Star Wars, and one that will give fans a whole new perspective on the galaxy.

“There’s such wonderful chaos going on in the galaxy in this period,” said writer John Jackson Miller. “More than a generation before Darth Bane introduced the Rule of Two, Sith Lords are colliding not just with the Republic, but with each other. Kerra’s going to find that good intentions just may not be enough in a galaxy gone mad! This is a wide-open area to explore, and I’m thrilled that Dark Horse and Del Rey have given me this opportunity to do so.”

“With John writing both the comics and the novel, Knight Errant, will be a Star Wars story on a scale we've never undertaken before," said comic-series editor Dave Marshall. “This will be a first-of-its-kind opportunity to introduce the Expanded Universe of the Dark Horse comics to the fans of the Del Rey novels and vice versa!”

With more news in the coming months, look for Star Wars: Knight Errant to arrive on shelves later this fall!

Dark Horse Comics Announces Mass Effect Sell Out

Press release from Dark Horse Comics:

MASS EFFECT: REDEMPTION #2 SELLS OUT!


WITH THE LAUNCH OF MASS EFFECT: REDEMPTION ON iTUNES, AND THE CONTINUED POPULARITY OF THE GAME, MASS EFFECT #2 SELLS OUT WITHIN A WEEK!

Following up on last week’s news of the explosive first issue of Mass Effect: Redemption disappearing out of stores across the country, Dark Horse and EA announce that the series’ second issue will be reprinted as well.

Mass Effect: Redemption tells the exciting back-story that led up to the events of Mass Effect 2, the recently released video game developed by the award-winning creative team at BioWare. The game’s lead writer Mac Walters takes up the pen to give fans exclusive insight into the events that unfolded between the conclusion of the original Mass Effect, and the beginning of Mass Effect 2. Scripted by John Jackson Miller (Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic, The Invincible Iron Man) and drawn by Omar Francia (Star Wars Legacy), this four-part series explores the exotic and dangerous future Milky Way of Mass Effect, revealing previously unseen locations, aliens, and enemies of this rich science fiction landscape.

The Mass Effect trilogy is an epic science fiction adventure set in a vast universe filled with dangerous alien life and mysterious, uncharted planets. In Mass Effect 2, players will step into the role of the heroic Commander Shepard, commanding a crew of the most dangerous operatives from across the galaxy on a mission so challenging that it’s potentially suicidal. Featuring intense shooter action, a rich futuristic storyline, stunning space exploration and emotionally engaging characters, the game delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience. Mass Effect 2 was released on the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system and PC on January 26, 2010 in North America and January 29, 2010 in Europe and has been rated ‘M’ for Mature by the ESRB and ‘18+’ by PEGI (please visit www.esrb.org and www.pegi.eu for more information on ratings).

For more news from the development team, please follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/masseffect2 or visit the game’s official website at http://masseffect.bioware.com/.

“We knew we had something special on our hands with Mass Effect” said Dark Horse Director of Public Relations, Jeremy Atkins. “Even still, watching this series sell out issue by issue is exciting, indeed!”

For those who have yet to read the explosive first issue, it is also currently available for download on iTunes for just 99 cents.

Mass Effect: Redemption is the fifth title to arrive in Dark Horse’s ever-growing stable of comics available on the iPhone platform. Other titles available now include Gerard Way’s smash hit Umbrella Academy: Apocalypse Suite, Hellboy: Seed of Destruction, Terminator: Death Valley, and multiple titles the critically acclaimed line of Star Wars comics.

For more information, please visit http://www.darkhorse.com/Features/Mobile. [END]

New Shojo Beat Title is Cactus's Secret

Press release from VIZ Media:

VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS THE PRICKLY YET ROMANTIC MANGA CACTUS’S SECRET


Bristling Romance Between Two High School Students In New Shojo Manga From Nana Haruta

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will debut the fun shojo manga CACTUS’S SECRET on March 2nd. The new series, by Nana Haruta, will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Miku Yamada has a longtime crush on classmate Kyohei Fujioka. But no matter how many times she tries to show him how she feels, clueless Kyohei just doesn't get it. Frustrated, Miku gives up on him, only to have him start calling her "Cactus" for being prickly when he's around. In the opening volume, Miku decides to try telling Kyohei her feelings by giving him chocolates for Valentine's Day. But Kyohei, unaware that he's the object of her affection, offers himself up as a practice partner for her love confession. Can Miku get through to him that he's the one she loves?

“Shojo manga fans won’t want to miss the cute artwork and funny romantic hijinks of CACTUS’S SECRET,” says Elizabeth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director at VIZ Media. “Creator Nana Haruta began her manga career with a debut in Ribon magazine when she was only 15, has written several popular manga series since then and we are very excited to introduce her work here in the US. Readers will smile from the very first page as the romance between Miku and Kyohei gets off to a thorny start!”

Nana Haruta debuted in 2000 with Love's ♥, Love's Symbol in Ribon Original magazine. Her other notable works include Love Berrish! and Chocolate Cosmos. Her latest series, Stardust ★ Wink, is also serialized in Ribon magazine. [END]

Vampire Hunter D's Island in the Sky

I read Hideyuki Kikuchi's Vampire Hunter D Manga Volume 4 (Vampire Hunter D Graphic Novel)

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.

I Reads You Review: THE RECORD OF A FALLEN VAMPIRE, VOL. 8

Creators: Kyo Shirodaira (story) and Yuki Kimura (art) with A.J. Katsurada
Publishing Information: VIZ Media, paperback, 208 pages, $9.99 (US), $12.99 CAN
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4215-2901-1 (ISBN-13)

The Record of the Fallen Vampire is a manga series from Kyo Shirodaira (the writer of the manga, Spiral: The Bonds of Reasoning) and artist Yuki Kimura. The series focuses on a powerful vampire king named Akabara “Red Rose” Strauss.

One thousand years ago, Strauss lost both his sovereignty, The Kingdom of the Night, and his wife, Queen Adelheid. Akabara’s enemies, dhampires (humans with vampire blood), entombed Adelheid behind an enchanted seal in a secret location. They erected thousands of false seals to keep Akabara from finding Adelheid’s true location. Akabara’s quest has always been haunted by various incarnations of the Black Swan, his appointed assassin. Inhabiting the body of a young girl, a new, the 50th Black Swan has come to kill Akabara.

By the end of The Record of a Fallen Vampire, Vol. 8, most of the series mysteries have unfolded. The biggest is the revelation of the origins of the Black Swan line and its intimate connection to Akabara. Meanwhile, the dhampires and their human allies struggle with the invading alien force, the Fio.

After reading The Record of a Fallen Vampire, it is easy to believe that Kyo Shirodaira is a novelist. This series doesn’t quite have a cast of thousands, but it seems to be getting there. So many characters mean a sticky web of conflicts and competing motivations. It might seem impossible for a new reader to understand this, but Shirodaira somehow, magically delivers a crisp story.

I have not read this series since Vol. 3, but by the second chapter, practically everything made sense. All the shocking revelations, alone, make this a very nice read, especially for those that are familiar with this series. Because it mixes both shojo and shonen manga, with elements of science fiction, vampire fantasy, horror, and political intrigue, The Record of a Fallen Vampire has something for many tastes.

B

Consume The Record of a Fallen Vampire, Vol. 8

The End of Re:Play

I read Replay Volume 3 (RE: Play)

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.  This is the final volume of the OEL manga series by Christy Lijewski.

Japanese Pop Art Exhibit at SUPERFROG Gallery

Press release from VIZ Media:

BE MY VALENTINE WITH JAPANESE POP ART AT THE NEW PEOPLE ARTIST VILLAGE


All-Day Event On February 13th Celebrates With A Valentines Themed Art Emporium And Grand Opening Of New Exhibit At SUPERFROG Gallery

NEW PEOPLE partners again with BAZAAR BIZARRE SF to present the NEW PEOPLE ARTIST VILLAGE Vol. 2, a brand new Japanese pop art extravaganza to celebrate the debut of the NEW PEOPLE COLLECTION at the SUPERFROG Gallery.

The NEW PEOPLE ARTIST VILLAGE Vol. 2 kicks off on Saturday, February 13th with a Valentines-themed art emporium taking place from 12:00 noon to 8:00pm. The one-day-only event will feature eleven vendors stationed in kiosks throughout the building offering works from an eclectic mix of Asian and Western artists influenced by Japanese pop culture. The NEW PEOPLE COLLECTION opens the same day in the SUPERFROG Gallery and runs through Sunday, March 21st. Plan a fun and visually enticing trip to NEW PEOPLE and find the perfect gift for your significant other. The event is free to attend; additional information is available at http://www.superfroggallery.com.

Nine dynamic artists featured in one room. The NEW PEOPLE COLLECTION in the SUPERFROG Gallery brings together a vivid mix of pop art visionaries. Enjoy new works from edgy Japanese film director Katsuhito Ishii, Sidney Pink, one of Japan's most inspirational gaijin (foreign) artists, as well as inspired pieces from Junko Mizuno, Kim Songhe, Mikito Ozeki and Yoshitaka Amano. A special opening party will be held on Saturday, February 13th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. To attend, please sign up for an e-mail newsletter at www.newpeopleworld.com.

Visitors are also invited to explore the TOKYO CREATORS GARDEN, a serene and sunny new boutique on NEW PEOPLE’s 2nd floor that is inspired by the work of artists and craftsmen from Japan. Visitors may browse the many pieces on display or just relax in the colorful environment.


Artists Featured In The NEW PEOPLE COLLECTION Include:

Katsuhito Ishii
Known for his creative vision as a director of feature films, television commercials, and animation, Katsuhito Ishii is here to reveal an imaginative art project that has been secretly developing for the last few years. Ishii formed an art team called "49S" with several designers and sculptors he admired. For a year-and-a-half, Ishii worked away from his film director realm and opened his first art exhibition in France in 2009. For the NEW PEOPLE COLLECTION at the SUPERFROG Gallery, Ishii has selected a special series called FACES, which are illustrations that symbolize "the revival of pop culture.”

Sidney Pink
Sidney Pink is an American artist that creates small pencil and watercolor drawings. Pink also lived and worked in Japan for four years where he found tremendous inspiration for his art. Pink has exhibited in New York, Baltimore, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Berlin, and Tokyo and was nominated for a Jury Prize at Takashi Murakami's art festival, “GEISAI Museum 2.” Japanzine magazine described Pink as, "one of Japan's most inspirational gaijin [foreign] artists."

Junko Mizuno

Junko Mizuno currently resides in San Francisco and enjoys a huge following in the U.S. and is acclaimed for her provocative and strong feminine imagery. She has published numerous manga comics and brings to this exhibition her 3D wall pieces, another expression of her original style.

Kim Songhe

Kim Songhe, a Korean national born in Tokyo, is known for sculptures made of natural materials and reusable wastes. Currently, she designs shop window displays as well as creating original made-to-order chandeliers. She says that she creates to bring new life to objects that are almost dying.

Mikito Ozeki

Mikito Ozeki describes his work as ‘an ambiguous something with no answer’. The BODY series is commonly depicted as “figures like robots”. By presenting the ambiguous ‘something’ with the distinct clear lines and forms of a paper cutout, Ozeki simulates the wavering of human values.

NORITAKE

Noritake uses simple lines and numerous motifs that have nothing in common. He picks out and draws a portion of an image he finds in his own photos, old magazines, and picture books, as well as adding in new elements. Viewers may make their own discovery while glancing at his images.

YOSHITAKA AMANO
Best known for his character designs for Final Fantasy, Yoshitaka Amano brings his newest works to SUPERFROG. His breathtaking and vibrant pieces are boldly coated with auto paint and metallic glitter, an ode to his childhood love for American comics and automobiles.

KAZMO aka Tomomi Kazumoto
Kazmo, screen printer extraordinaire, entertains your eyes with kitschy playfulness and dark nostalgia. She reminds us of our childhood when the world was a blank coloring book ready to be doodled on. Part of the NEW PEOPLE ART Detour, Kazmo is back with a new line of expressive prints.

Yuichi Yokoyama
Yuichi Yokoyama delivers his art in the form of comic illustrations often consisting of nameless characters in transit or in action. With a global following that grew from his manga publications, this is a rare chance to encounter his work on display here in the U.S.


About Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco
Bazaar Bizarre began in 2001 in Boston as an offbeat entertainment extravaganza to showcase the DIY movement and handmade goods. Bazaar Bizarre has spread across the nation to places such as Los Angeles, Cleveland, Maker Faire Bay Area and Austin. Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco is a handmade market, indie entertainment extravaganza and D.I.Y. festival all under one roof. We have quality handmade arts and crafts for sale, DIY workshops and entertainment. More information at: http://www.bazaarbizarre.org/sanfrancisco

About NEW PEOPLE
NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/. [END]