Sunday, April 18, 2010

"Political Power" Has Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger

GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER GETS COMIC BOOK TREATMENT IN JUNE

Is he the embodiment of the American dream? Or is he simply a man lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time? That's the question Bluewater Productions tackles in its newest biography comic, Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Due to hit comic shops on June 30, Bluewater's latest bio comic traces Schwarzenegger's life as he rises from obscure body builder to movie star to governor of California. It's a career path few would have predicted. Then again, defying predictions is a common theme for Schwarzenegger.

Few, after all, would have predicted a movie career for Schwarzenegger. And fewer still would have predicted that the former body builder would become Hollywood's top action star. But in movies such as Terminator, Predator and True Lies, Schwarzenegger brought untold profits to the movie studios smart enough to cast him as their leading man.

Written by Justin Peniston with interior art by Matt Filer, Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger continues Bluewater's successful line of biography comics. Bluewater launched the Political Power line last July with a comic on former Secretary of State Colin Powell. It has since presented the stories of Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Al Gore. Like its sister title, Female Force, the series has a simple goal: to tell even-handed stories of the individuals responsible for shaping the American experience.

Peniston said that even hardcore Schwarzenegger fans will be surprised at some of the revelations in Political Power: Arnold Schwarzenegger.

“The crazy thing is, as something of an action movie buff, I probably tended to dismiss Arnold's accomplishments more than I should have,” Peniston said. “I didn't realize, living in a culture that allows people to become famous for any old thing these days, how difficult it was for Arnold to make the jump from bodybuilding to acting. I didn't know that he was a millionaire before he was a successful actor. I didn't know that he's been following a plan that he's had in place all along. I guess I'm saying that I knew he was a self-made man; but I didn't know what that really meant until I took on this project.”

Darren G. Davis, publisher and founder of Bluewater Productions, said that Schwarzenegger was a natural choice for the Political Power line.

“Arnold Schwarzenegger is the governor of the most-populated state in the country,” Davis said. “He is undeniably an important man. He was also the most sought-after action movie star for more than a decade. Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly deserves his own comic.”

Interviews and high-resolution images are available upon request. For more information about Political Power and Bluewater Productions, visit www.bluewaterprod.com. In stores later this month "Political Power: Al Gore" and "Political Power: Rush Limbaugh"


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”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) 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 www.bluewaterprod.com.

Bluewater Productions to Reprint Sold Out Ellen DeGeneres Bio Comic

BLUEWATER’S ELLEN DEGENERES BIOGRAPHY COMIC SELLS OUT, 2nd PRINTING ON ITS WAY


Just as she sells out venues across the country, Bluewater Productions’ bio comic on daytime talk show host and veteran comedienne Ellen DeGeneres has also sold out one week after its release. A second printing, with a new cover is already in production.

“I can’t say I’m surprised given Ellen’s enormous fan base and wide appeal,” said Bluewater president Darren Davis. “But I’m always gratified and thankful when the demand for a book exceeds our projections.”

The issue written by Sandra C. Ruckdeschel and penciled by Pedro Ponzo, has received national attention being featured in such mainstream publications as MTV, People Magazine, US Weekly and E! Entertainment Television.

Recently the issue, for which Bluewater is donating a portion of the proceeds to the Humane Society of the United States at Ellen’s request, came under scrutiny by a pro-hunting organization.

“They have threatened to boycott the issue because we put gratis advertisements for the Humane Society in our book.” Davis said. “Our official response to them is although we respect their right to disagree with the aims and goals of the Humane Society we do not share their concerns.”

Ellen DeGeneres is a well-known animal rights proponent.

According to Davis, many of the personalities featured in the Bluewater’s biography comic book series request the company make a donation to their favorite charity. This is typically done with free advertising space for the non-profit and/or a donation of a portion of the proceeds.

Female Force: Ellen DeGeneres, released last week, follows the comedienne from her youth in Louisiana, through the endless smoke-filled comedy club circuit, to her breakthrough sitcom and finally as an Emmy-winning daytime talk show host.

The issue also delves into Ellen’s personal life as an openly gay performer and an advocate for gay rights. “It is part of who she is and any telling of her story without acknowledging the importance she places on her identity would be disrespectful to her accomplishments,” said Ruckdeschel.

The new cover for the second printing was drawn by Michal Szyksznian.

According to Ruckdeschel, fans of Ellen will be able to revisit several of the entertainer’s most iconic moments including her 1986 appearance on the Tonight Show, the 1997 episode of her sitcom where her character announces she is gay, her entrance as host of the 2006 Oscars, and even her “trademark” dance moves. It evens covers the recent announcement of Ellen joining the judging panel for American Idol.

Female Force offers a broad examination of strong and influential women who are shaping modern history and culture. In past issues, the monthly series has featured Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Stephenie Meyer, JK Rowling, Barbara Walters and others.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for the upcoming trade paperback is $3.99.

Female Force individual issues are also available on Amazon.com, where they have been ranked among the site’s top 300 books. The ISBN number for the Ellen issue is 978-14507-0017-7. To find a comic book store near you go to www.comicshoplocator.com


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”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) 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 www.bluewaterprod.com.

Torchwood Magazine Has Torchwood Comic Strip

Torchwood character resurrected for comic

The new issue of the official Torchwood magazine – on sale 15th April – plays host to an exclusive Torchwood comic strip penned by Torchwood star and fan-favourite, Gareth David-Lloyd!

David-Lloyd'’s character, Ianto Jones, who died in Captain Jack’s arms in the recent Torchwood five-part series Children of Earth, gets a new lease of life and takes centre stage once again in this exclusive comic strip - a move that will delight all fans of the criticallly acclaimed Doctor Who spin-off.

Talking exclusively to the official Torchwood magazine, David-Lloyd said, "I feel I know this character implicitly. The narrative of this comic focuses predominantly on Ianto, and integrates a number of characters who have been missed by Torchwood'’s ardent followers."

The story, titled 'Shrouded', is made up of two parts and is as diverse as it is thrilling. Ianto, who struggles with his tumultuous feelings for Captain Jack from the offset, has his world turned upside-down by the visit of a familiar face from the future. Additionally, he is set a mission that could alter the course of life, as he knows it, forever...

'Shrouded' is illustrated by Pia Guerra, the critically acclaimed artist of Vertigo Comics' ground-breaking series, Y: The Last Man and more recently, ‘Doctor Who: The Forgotten.’ Pia won ‘Outstanding comic book artist for 2006’ at the Joe Schuster Awards.

Torchwood Magazine #21
On-sale 15th April 2010
On-sale May 11 in the US

For more information or to subscribe, visit
http://titanmagazines.co.uk/torchwood
http://www.facebook.com/TorchwoodMagazine

Hayate vs. Winnie-the-Pooh

I read Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol. 14

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which now has an iPhone app).


Saturday, April 17, 2010

VIZ Media Dominates New York Times' Manga Best Seller List

VIZ Media has announced that 9 of its manga titles have made the New York Time’s Manga Best Seller list for the week ending April 10th.

VIZ Media Best Selling Manga Titles on the list include (In Listed Order):

1. ROSARIO + VAMPIRE: Season II, Vol. 1
2. YU-GI-OH! R, Vol. 4
3. NARUTO, Vol. 47
4. THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE †, Vol. 11
5. ONE PIECE, Vol. 40
6. ONE PIECE, Vol. 39
7. ONE PIECE, Vol. 41
8. ONE PIECE, Vol. 43
9. ONE PIECE, Vol.42

The rankings reflect sales of graphic novels at thousands of retailers and venues nationwide. These include hundreds of independent book retailers; national, regional and local chains; online and multimedia entertainment retailers; university, gift, supermarket, discount department stores and newsstands.

“It’s exciting to see such a wide variety of VIZ Media titles reach this level of popularity,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales, VIZ Media. “From the irresistible bite of ROSARIO + VAMPIRE to the high seas pirate adventures of ONE PIECE to the romantic shojo hijinks of THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE, these titles continue to show the diversity of the manga genre and its strong appeal among readers of all ages and interests.”

ROSARIO + VAMPIRE: Season II, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ (For Older Teens) • Shonen Jump Advanced
Average human teenage boy Tsukune accidentally enrolls at a boarding school for monsters – no, not jocks and popular kids, but bona fide werewolves, witches, and other unnamable monsters out of his wildest nightmares!

YU-GI-OH! R, Vol. 4 • Rated ‘T’ (For Teens) • Shonen Jump
The twisted Yako Tenma has taken control of the gaming company KaibaCorp, using its high-tech dueling machines to resurrect the dead... but the original master of KaibaCorp is not happy! Kaiba, Yugi's archrival, challenges Yako to a duel to see just who will control Japan's biggest gaming company. Can Kaiba's Blue-Eyes White Dragon stop Yako's evil plan. Look for an ultra-rare Angel 07 Card inside! (Limited quantities available). For more information on YU-GI-OH! and to read free online previews of the manga, please visit ShonenJump.viz.com.

NARUTO, Vol. 47 • Rated ‘T’ (For Teens) • Shonen Jump
Naruto inches ever closer to discovering the true identity of his nemesis, Pain, but is it worth it as the frustrated ninja begins to morph at last into the dreaded Nine Tails? Plus an unexpected confession reveals incredible secrets about his past as Naruto prepares for the ultimate battle with Pain. Can the chakra-challenged Naruto win when one misstep could spell disaster? For more information on NARUTO and to read free online previews of the manga, please visit www.Naruto.com.

THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE †, Vol. 11 • Rated ‘T+’ (For Older Teens) • Shojo Beat Haine goes to Shizumasa and Takanari's grandfather, the head of the Togu family, to ask him to release the twins from their fate. He tells her she must pass the same trial the twins went through for determining the Togu heir. Haine agrees, but little does she know that a former friend is now out for her life. For more information on THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE † and to read free online previews of the manga, please visit www.ShojoBeat.com.

ONE PIECE, Vol. 39 • Rated ‘T’ (For Teens) • Shonen Jump
Sanji, Usopp and Franky are on their own against the Navy as the rest of the Straw Hats hurry to catch up to the speeding Sea Train. But freeing Robin from the clutches of CP9 won't be an easy task with a train full of enemies. And even if they do reach her, does she even want to be rescued?!

ONE PIECE, Vol. 40 • Rated ‘T’ (For Teens) • Shonen Jump
Hankering for a fight, Luffy's got a jump start on the battle to rescue Robin and Franky before they're sentenced by the Navy's court at Enies Lobby. Now that the Straw Hats and the Franky Family have banded together, the World Government is in for an epic battle. But did the Navy deceive Robin into sacrificing herself in order to trap the Straw Hats?!

ONE PIECE, Vol. 41 • Rated ‘T’ (For Teens) • Shonen Jump
Robin and Franky have been captured by CP9 and locked in the courthouse on Enies Lobby. The Straw Hats and Franky's crew must join forces if they want to save their friends. But before they can rescue them, they must face Spandam's six deadly assassins. Can the two groups work together, or will CP9 finally win?

ONE PIECE, Vol. 42 • Rated ‘T’ (For Teens) • Shonen Jump
The Straw Hats have infiltrated the Tower of Justice to save Robin, but they still need a special key to release her. One of the CP9 assassins holds the right key, but Luffy and his crew may have to defeat them all. Can the Straw Hats thwart CP9 and rescue Robin?

ONE PIECE, Vol.43 • Rated ‘T’ (For Teens) • Shonen Jump
Luffy has made it to the tower where Robin is being held captive, but in order to save her he must get past the deadly assassin Rob Lucci. The rest of the Straw Hats are busy fighting their own battles to find the key that will free Robin. Can the crew find the right key in time?! For more information on ONE PIECE and to read free online preview of the manga, please visit OnePiece.viz.com. For more information on these titles, or others from VIZ Media, please visit www.viz.com.

VIZ Media Launches "Kingyo Used Books" Next Week

VIZ MEDIA TRANSPORTS READERS TO KINGYO USED BOOKS – A FANTASTIC PLACE WHERE READERS FIND THEIR DREAMS IN MANGA

A Charming Bookshop with a Special Inventory Becomes a Place Where Lives Are Changed Through Manga

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, transports readers to an unassuming store that stocks all the manga a fan could ever desire with the release of KINGYO USED BOOKS on April 20th. The new series, by Seimu Yoshizaki, will be published under the VIZ Signature imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

In KINGYO USED BOOKS, a businessman discovers how his childhood memories can brighten his day. An art student finds inspiration. An archer hits a surprising bull's-eye. A housewife rediscovers romance. A teenager discovers his true self in the pages of a manga magazine. Welcome to Kingyo Used Books, a place where people find their dreams in manga...

“KINGYO USED BOOKS is the little shop that every fan dreams of. The endearing vignettes that take place there show how peoples’ lives can be affected by books in a significant way,” says Leyla Aker, Senior Editorial Manager, VIZ Media. “KINGYO USED BOOKS uses a variety of genres to take readers on a journey that traces the history and evolution of manga. We hope this new series will strike a chord that inspires fans to similarly revisit a cherished manga title from their own past.”

KINGYO USED BOOKS is currently featured in Japan in IKKI magazine, home to some of the most innovative and compelling titles in the world of contemporary manga. The series is also featured at SigIKKI.com, VIZ Media’s unique online destination for edgy new manga designed for mature audiences.

Seimu Yoshizaki was born in Kanagawa, Japan. She made her manga debut with Aka–chan to Tenshi (Baby and Angel) in 1989. Aside from Kingyo Used Books, which is currently being serialized in IKKI magazine, she is the creator of many other titles, including Telekinesis (Yamanote TV Kinema Room), Ugokashiya, Kaban Toshokan and Deka Girl.

For more information on other SIGIKKI titles and to check out a sneak peek of chapter one through eight of KINGYO USED BOOKS, please visit www.SigIKKI.com.

To the Victors Goes Kurashina Sensei

I read Kurashina Sensei's Passion Volume 2 (Yaoi)

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which now has an iPhone app).