Press release:
Pop Japan Travel introduces Ghibli-themed "Totoro's Pathway" Tour!
Gardena, CA (August 24, 2010) - After a busy summer travel season, Pop Japan Travel is pleased to announce the Totoro's Pathway Tour, a tour that takes visitors beyond urban Tokyo to the locales that inspired the setting for many of the iconic masterworks produced by Studio Ghibli.
With an itinerary that covers more than 700 miles, the Totoro's Pathway tour will lead guests north to the rolling mountains and natural beauty of Kakunodate, which background artist Kazuo Oga incorporated into My Neighbor Totoro. The tour then heads south to Tomo-no-ura, a small coastal fishing village that inspired the look of Ponyo. Along the way, the tour will visit numerous other destinations, including the famous caves and sea views of Matsushima, the Oeshiki Festival in suburban Tokyo, and (of course) the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka. The tour is the first of a brand new lineup of tours announced by Pop Japan Travel for the coming year.
"This tour lets people experience the hospitality of rural Japan while visiting places that have played an instrumental role in some of the world's most famous animated films," says PJT Director of Operations Gigi Guiting, admitting that, "It's something we've been wanting to try for a long time. Besides, if we wanted to tour all the places that inspired the Ghibli films, we'd probably have to organize a world tour!" Evan Miller, PJT Tour Coordinator and former resident of rural Japan himself, echoed that sentiment. "We wanted to give our guests a look at some of Japan's hidden gems that most tourists overlook, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do that."
The Totoro's Pathway Tour takes off on October 5 and returns on October 14. The cost of the tour includes all accommodations, round trip airfare to Japan from Los Angeles, full tours of every area visited, transportation, professional bilingual tour guides, entrance fees to all activities, a customized guidebook created exclusively for the tour, and more. Guests from other cities may also contact Pop Japan Travel to arrange flights to Japan from other destinations. People interested in taking the tour may visit http://www.popjapantravel.com/ or e-mail go@popjapantravel.com to sign up. All applications are due by September 7.
Since 2003, POP JAPAN TRAVEL has operated countless group tours and custom tours with themes focused on Japanese anime, manga, video games, music, fashion (to name a few) – all at an affordable price. Pop Japan Travel tours offer a careful balance of the hyper-modern world of J-pop culture and the rich traditions of ancient Japan. Additionally, PJT is the ONLY tour agency to provide exclusive experiences such as visits to anime and game studios, meetings with manga artists or designers, and classes at an actual manga school. On every group tour, a friendly, accommodating, knowledgeable, and bilingual guide will make sure your experience in Japan is everything you could ever hope it would be, and more.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Paul Pope Debuts New THB at Baltimore Comic-Con
Paul Pope's THB: Comics from Mars #2 Debuts at Baltimore Comic-Con!
AdHouse Books is proud to announce the Baltimore Comic-Con Exclusive Debut of THB: Comics from Mars #2 by Paul Pope.
This comic continues to add to the epic tale that is THB. It contains 6.5 stories (or thereabouts) that take you further into the world of HR Watson and all the androids, Martians, and cartoon characters that populate the red planet -- still larger than life and just as sweet.
"This comic is the 'sister' to the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con THB: Comics from Mars #1, and we could not be happier than to be releasing it at the Baltimore show," said Chris Pitzer, Adhouse Books Publisher. "It was all very last minute, but you wouldn't know that from the quality of the stories."
Paul Pope, creator of THB, been called the "Comics Destroyer", the "Jim Morrison of comics", and "Comics' Petit Prince". His work has won multiple Eisner Awards and has been part of a major collection of DKNY.
Paul's return to the Baltimore Comic-Con this year features a panel discussion on Sunday from 3-4 titled: PAUL POPE VS. BOB SCHRECK - A CAGED EVENT. Don't miss this satisfaction-guaranteed, fists-a-flying blood match by joining award-winning multi-talented storyteller, Paul Pope, in an examination of his creative process and how he suffers under the heel of his terrifying editor.
Twitter Hashtag
Will you be tweeting this year from the show floor? Make sure you use the #BCC2010 hashtag! See what the latest news and excitement at the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con is about by tracking #BCC2010!
Guests
The Baltimore Comic-Con is pleased to announce the following last-minute additions to the show: Dave Elliott (Shark-Man), Daniel Krall (Murderland), Tom Scioli (Godland), Stephen Scott (Murderland).
As always, the latest developments on the Baltimore Comic-Con can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages.
This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit http://www.harveyawards.org/.
AdHouse Books is proud to announce the Baltimore Comic-Con Exclusive Debut of THB: Comics from Mars #2 by Paul Pope.
This comic continues to add to the epic tale that is THB. It contains 6.5 stories (or thereabouts) that take you further into the world of HR Watson and all the androids, Martians, and cartoon characters that populate the red planet -- still larger than life and just as sweet.
"This comic is the 'sister' to the 2007 San Diego Comic-Con THB: Comics from Mars #1, and we could not be happier than to be releasing it at the Baltimore show," said Chris Pitzer, Adhouse Books Publisher. "It was all very last minute, but you wouldn't know that from the quality of the stories."
Paul Pope, creator of THB, been called the "Comics Destroyer", the "Jim Morrison of comics", and "Comics' Petit Prince". His work has won multiple Eisner Awards and has been part of a major collection of DKNY.
Paul's return to the Baltimore Comic-Con this year features a panel discussion on Sunday from 3-4 titled: PAUL POPE VS. BOB SCHRECK - A CAGED EVENT. Don't miss this satisfaction-guaranteed, fists-a-flying blood match by joining award-winning multi-talented storyteller, Paul Pope, in an examination of his creative process and how he suffers under the heel of his terrifying editor.
Twitter Hashtag
Will you be tweeting this year from the show floor? Make sure you use the #BCC2010 hashtag! See what the latest news and excitement at the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con is about by tracking #BCC2010!
Guests
The Baltimore Comic-Con is pleased to announce the following last-minute additions to the show: Dave Elliott (Shark-Man), Daniel Krall (Murderland), Tom Scioli (Godland), Stephen Scott (Murderland).
As always, the latest developments on the Baltimore Comic-Con can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages.
This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit http://www.harveyawards.org/.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
2010 Harvey Award News on Tickets, Gifts and More
2010 Harvey Awards Tickets, Sponsors, Gifts, and HERO!
On Saturday night, August 28th, the comic book industry, including professionals, retailers, and fans, will gather at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore to honor the 2010 Harvey Award Nominees for 2009 comic work and present the Harveys to their recipients. This is an exciting evening, highlighted by our host Scott Kurtz and our Keynote speaker Mark Waid, Chief Creative Officer of BOOM! Studios. There are only 2 short days to purchase your ticket to the Harvey Awards!
This evening would not be possible without the sponsors of the Harvey Awards.
Gold Level Sponsors:
comiXology
DC Comics
Silver Level Sponsors:
IDW Publishing
Insight Studios Group
Friends of the Harvey Awards:
Brett's Comic Pile
Painted Visions Comics, Cards, and Games
Richmond Comix
As part of the sponsorship package, each attendee of the awards will receive a gift bag, including the following contributions:
Abrams : Al Jaffee's Tall Tales
Adhouse Publishing : 4x8 S & N original print by Jim (AFRODISIAC) Rugg
Archaia Entertainment : Harvey-Nominated Mouse Guard Vol. 2 : Winter 1152
BOOM! Studios : A Surprise From BOOM! Studios
Dark Horse Comics : Robert E. Howard Chronicles Slipcase
DC Comics : DC Archive Edition (Variety)
Eva Ink Publishing : 2011 Magnetic Calendar & Collectible Trading Card
IDW : Fishtown HC, by Kevin Colden
Popfun Merchandising : Toon Tumbler
Lasermach : Harvey Awards Keychain
Stylin' Online : T-Shirt
Top Cow : Delicate Creatures HC by Straczynski & Zulli
Harvey Awards tickets are on sale NOW!. Tickets to the event, which includes full cocktail hour (cash bar), full service dinner, awards ceremony, and gift bag are now available for $100. Tickets are available by calling Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reisterstown, Maryland at (410) 526-7410. Major Credit Cards will be accepted for payment. Dinner tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, August 25th and will not be available at the door. Each ticket holder for dinner will receive one of these great gift bags.
In recent years, the Harvey Awards has also been the location for an Awards presentation by the Hero Initiative. This year, the Hero Initiative will present 2 awards.
The Hero Initiative was established to aid comic creators with a financial safety net when in need of emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. In the years since its inception, the board has created an award to recognize those individuals in the industry that have dedicated their talent over the lifetime of their careers to the comic book community at-large, achieving the status of Hero. Previous recipients include John Romita, Joe Kubert, Nick Cardy, Neal Adams, and George Perez. Who will be this year's lifetime Hero?
The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will make its debut at the Harvey Awards Banquet at the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con on August 28. Giordano, who passed away in early 2010, was part of Hero Initiative's Board of Directors. He was also a legendary artist, a guiding force at Charlton Comics and DC Comics for many years, a mentor to his colleagues, and a friend to all who knew him. His legacy epitomizes the caring and commitment Hero Initiative strives to achieve. In his honor, The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will recognize one person in comics each year who has demonstrated the generosity and integrity Dick brought to the charity, and to the comic book community at large.
In the coming week, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon ) pages
This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.
Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.
On Saturday night, August 28th, the comic book industry, including professionals, retailers, and fans, will gather at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore to honor the 2010 Harvey Award Nominees for 2009 comic work and present the Harveys to their recipients. This is an exciting evening, highlighted by our host Scott Kurtz and our Keynote speaker Mark Waid, Chief Creative Officer of BOOM! Studios. There are only 2 short days to purchase your ticket to the Harvey Awards!
This evening would not be possible without the sponsors of the Harvey Awards.
Gold Level Sponsors:
comiXology
DC Comics
Silver Level Sponsors:
IDW Publishing
Insight Studios Group
Friends of the Harvey Awards:
Brett's Comic Pile
Painted Visions Comics, Cards, and Games
Richmond Comix
As part of the sponsorship package, each attendee of the awards will receive a gift bag, including the following contributions:
Abrams : Al Jaffee's Tall Tales
Adhouse Publishing : 4x8 S & N original print by Jim (AFRODISIAC) Rugg
Archaia Entertainment : Harvey-Nominated Mouse Guard Vol. 2 : Winter 1152
BOOM! Studios : A Surprise From BOOM! Studios
Dark Horse Comics : Robert E. Howard Chronicles Slipcase
DC Comics : DC Archive Edition (Variety)
Eva Ink Publishing : 2011 Magnetic Calendar & Collectible Trading Card
IDW : Fishtown HC, by Kevin Colden
Popfun Merchandising : Toon Tumbler
Lasermach : Harvey Awards Keychain
Stylin' Online : T-Shirt
Top Cow : Delicate Creatures HC by Straczynski & Zulli
Harvey Awards tickets are on sale NOW!. Tickets to the event, which includes full cocktail hour (cash bar), full service dinner, awards ceremony, and gift bag are now available for $100. Tickets are available by calling Cards, Comics & Collectibles in Reisterstown, Maryland at (410) 526-7410. Major Credit Cards will be accepted for payment. Dinner tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, August 25th and will not be available at the door. Each ticket holder for dinner will receive one of these great gift bags.
In recent years, the Harvey Awards has also been the location for an Awards presentation by the Hero Initiative. This year, the Hero Initiative will present 2 awards.
The Hero Initiative was established to aid comic creators with a financial safety net when in need of emergency medical aid, financial support for essentials of life, and an avenue back into paying work. In the years since its inception, the board has created an award to recognize those individuals in the industry that have dedicated their talent over the lifetime of their careers to the comic book community at-large, achieving the status of Hero. Previous recipients include John Romita, Joe Kubert, Nick Cardy, Neal Adams, and George Perez. Who will be this year's lifetime Hero?
The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will make its debut at the Harvey Awards Banquet at the 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con on August 28. Giordano, who passed away in early 2010, was part of Hero Initiative's Board of Directors. He was also a legendary artist, a guiding force at Charlton Comics and DC Comics for many years, a mentor to his colleagues, and a friend to all who knew him. His legacy epitomizes the caring and commitment Hero Initiative strives to achieve. In his honor, The Dick Giordano Humanitarian of the Year Award will recognize one person in comics each year who has demonstrated the generosity and integrity Dick brought to the charity, and to the comic book community at large.
In the coming week, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon ) pages
This year's Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.
Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com - for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com - for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.
Lady Gaga Comic Sells Out
Bluewater Productions’ biography comic book on pop diva Lady Gaga has sold out one day after its release. A third printing, with a new cover is already in production.
“A lot of our biography comic books have sold out, despite many shops still under-ordering. Readers have contacted us still trying to find our books,” said BWP Managing Editor Darren G. Davis. “It just goes to show that you don’t have to be mainstream to reach the market. Readers just want great stories with great art, and if you can deliver that to them, they’ll come back for more every month.”
Davis also said, “Not only has the Lady Gaga issue sold out, but "Fame: Taylor Swift" & “Fame: Kristen Stewart” is selling briskly too. “This is even after overprinting the book.”
The issue written by Dan Rafter and penciled by Kristoffer Smith, has received attention through its unique approach to the top-selling artist¹s biography
“Lady Gaga is a different sort of celebrity. So when writing a biography of her, I didn't want to resort to putting out a straight celebrity biography," said writer Dan Rafter. "Instead, I wanted to take a look at how Lady Gaga's fame could impact even the most unlikeliest of individuals. So just as she tries to be different, I too had to try something a little different with Gaga."
To those fans desiring a more traditional telling of Lady Gaga¹s biography, a sequel of sorts is scheduled for November.
Fame offers a broad examination of strong and influential personalities who are influencing culture. In a review of the Gaga comic, the New York Times commented. "If you¹re going to start a line of biographical comic books devoted to "culturally relevant celebrities and pop-culture icons," Lady Gaga is probably a good choice to inaugurate the series."
The third printing of Fame: Lady Gaga will be available in about three weeks. The FAME upcoming issues include Taylor Lautner and David Beckham.
For more information, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.com/
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I Reads You Review: PANIC X PANIC VOLUME 2
Publishing Information: Del Rey Manga, paperback, 202 pages, $10.99 (US), $11.99 CAN
Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-0-345-51462-2 (ISBN-13)
Panic X Panic, a manga from Mika Kawamura, focuses on childhood friends and rivals, Mitsuki Kamishiro and Kakeru Kuon. Mitsuki’s family operates a shrine and Kakeru’s family runs a church across the street from the Kamishiro Shrine. The two discover that they are descended from a group called the “Holy Workers,” who banished demons back to their world and sealed them there 2000 years ago.
The demons returned, and when one attacked Mitsuki, Kakeru came to her rescue. Mitsuki realizes that they both have magical powers, but they must work together to save the world from the demon invasion, even while bickering like an old married couple.
In Panic X Panic, Vol. 2, Mitsuki and Kakeru travel back in time and discover the misunderstanding that led to their rivalry. Then, the androgynous demon, Yō Kuroha, makes a move to possess Kakeru and neutralize his power. Now, the clueless Mitsuki has to discover the conspiracy in time to stop a new demon invasion.
I liked the first volume of Panic X Panic, and I like the second volume even more. So I was disappointed to discover that this is the final volume of the series.
Although Mitsuki and Kakeru are the co-protagonists in this series, the story is told through Mitsuki’s eyes. Creator Mika Kawamura does a good job of helping the reader feel Mitsuki’s sense of wonder, her confusion and fear, and her lack of understanding about the supernatural that has suddenly come into her life. It can also be frustrating to follow a character that can be so clueless, but it is also fun rooting for her as she confronts dilemmas with pluck and imagination.
Readers who enjoy manga like St. Dragon Girl, another shojo manga about a magical girl, will also enjoy the delightful Panic X Panic. Del Rey Manga rates it as being for teens, but this series is appropriate for younger readers, who may enjoy it more.
A-
http://www.delreymanga.com/
Enter the "Skullkickers" Original Art Contest
Follow Image Comics on Twitter for a chance to win an original page from SKULLKICKERS #1
Image Comics' new series SKULLKICKERS, written by Jim Zubkavich and illustrated by profoundly talented newcomer Edwin Huang, will hit stands in September. Now, you have the chance to own original artwork from Image Comics next hit series!
To enter, follow @imagecomics on Twitter and retweet the following:
Win original Skullkickers artwork! RT and follow @imagecomics. Follow @zubkavich for a bonus prize! http://tiny.cc/3a2co
The winner will receive a page of original artwork from the first issue of SKULLKICKERS. The contest starts Tuesday, August 24 at 12:00 p.m. PST and ends on Friday, August 27 at 12:00 p.m. PST. The winner will be announced the evening of August 27. Entrants who also follow @zubkavich are also eligible for a special bonus prize!
SKULLKICKERS is fantasy action-comedy. Two mercenaries are entangled in a high-class assassination plot and nothing -- not werewolves, skeletons or black magic -- will stop them from getting paid. If you love movies like ARMY OF DARKNESS, SKULLKICKERS is the book for you!
SKULLKICKERS #1, a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be in stores September 22, 2010. Readers can get a taste of Skullkickers in POPGUN, VOL. 2 (MAY082176) and POPGUN, VOL. 3 (JAN092368). Follow the Skullkickers blog at www.skullkickers.com.
Don't miss your chance to own art from the upcoming hit Image Comics series, SKULLKICKERS! Visit http://www.imagecomics.com/ for a full description of contest rules and regulations.
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
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