A Man Crush Gone too Far?

Apparently Black male supermodel Tyson Beckford was on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live," and someone called in to the show to ask him, "If you had to spend the night with a man, who would it be and why?" This is how he answered the question:

"I don't actually go that way, though I notice a lot of people think I do. But umm, you know what, if Imma do it, I'm going for [Barack] Obama. If I got with him, I could run the country. If I was that way, Obama, I'd be gunning for you brother! I'd be the one in control. That's if I was that way. Who you gonna go for? Will Smith? Somebody pretty like that? Not to say Obama's not pretty. But I'd go straight for Obama because you got power then. You could run red lights and just wild out. And I'd have Michelle [Obama] hold the camera!"

From AOL Black Voices Buzz.

Bluewater Productions to Co-Produce Stephenie Meyer Collectible

Press release from Bluewater Productions:

98331 GEAR AND BLUEWATER TEAM UP FOR 2ND EXCLUSIVE VERSION OF FEMALE FORCE: STEPHENIE MEYER

Forks, WA based 98331 GEAR has teamed up with Blue Water Productions to release a special edition of the highly popular Female Force comic book featuring Stephenie Meyer.

“We are very excited for this opportunity to work with such talented artists. At 98331 GEAR we pride ourselves on having high quality, unique items for Twilight fans to purchase”, said Staci Chastain, one of the owners. “We carry very few of the mass produced merchandise, opting to carry higher-end versions. Our clientele is finicky and we like that about them. This is why we chose to team up with BlueWater Productions when approached. They offered a totally unique cover to a wildly popular comic book”.

The comic, written by Ryan Burton (“Flying Saucers vs The Earth”) examines Meyer’s rise to popularity, her “Twilight” saga novels, the launching of the successful movie franchise and her future plans. According to Burton, a very recognizable and iconic vampire will serve as the story’s narrator.

The title is being drawn by Dave MacNeil and the 98331 GEAR cover is painted by Matt Bellisle. The first Exclusive cover for another Forks store, "DAZZLED BY TWILIGHT" which was done by Azim.

Chastain continues, “We are very excited about our cover, we feel the artist really took our request to be different to heart in designing it. Already we have people asking when the graphic novels will be available for purchase. And for those of you who want to have something just a bit more exclusive we will also be offering a very limited edition foil cover. There will only be 100 of these EVER made so get your hands on them while you can as they most definitely will not last”.

Meyer, Named USA Today's "Author of the Year" in 2008, is the first author of fiction featured in the Female Force series. The series, to date, has published biographies on such influential women as Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Palin and Princess Diana.

Female Force offers a broad examination of strong and influential women who are shaping modern history and culture.

The monthly comic book series, launched earlier this year, has drawn considerable media attention, including features on CNN, MTV, MSNBC, Fox News, and “Live with Regis and Kelly.” It has also been featured in such periodicals as People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Chicago Tribune, USA Today and thousands of blogs and other media outlets.

About 98331 Gear:
Forks is the best town in the world. With a population of less than 4,000, located in one of the only temperate rainforests in the world and some of the most pristine wilderness you will ever find, it’s no wonder werewolves are native to the area, and vampires love it here! So if you’re looking for authentic “Forks,” you have found the place.

The place online that is locally owned, operated and based in Forks, WA. All the merchandise is 100% original and reflective of the attitude of the area. What you will find is quality straight from the heart of “Twilight Country.” Every package will be shipped from Forks, Washington, bearing the 98331 zip code.
Store location, 124 Sol Duc Way, Forks, WA 98331 next time you’re in town, or give us a call at 360-374-4335. Or check out the website: 98331gear.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 with legendary filmmaker William F. Nolan and sci-fi icon William Shatner.

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.[END]

Final Inuyasha Anime Episodes Get U.S. and Japan Simulcast

Press release from VIZ Media:

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT SCHEDULED TO STREAM IN THE U.S. SIMULTANEOUS TO AIRING IN JAPAN

Final Episodes Of Smash Hit Anime Based On Rumiko Takahashi Manga To Be Available On VIZ Media’s SHONEN SUNDAY Web Site Mere Hours After Episodes Air in Japan

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, delighted anime fans at New York Anime Festival yesterday with an announcement of the near simultaneous Japanese/American simulcast of the action-packed conclusion to the INUYASHA animated series-INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT.

Beginning on October 3rd, INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT (subtitled) will stream on ShonenSunday.com/anime and Hulu.com mere hours after it airs in Japan. A new episode will air every Saturday thereafter. INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT anime is rated ‘T” teens.

INUYASHA is a hit TV anime series based on the manga by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi, who won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for INUYASHA in 2002. Many of the Takahashi titles have been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. Takahashi’s manga, as well as the other formats her work has been adapted into, have continued to delight generations of fans around the world. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi’s work adeptly incorporates a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga. Please visit the new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information located at http://www.therumicworld.com/.

When an enchanted well draws her into the past, Kagome, an ordinary modern schoolgirl, finds her destiny tied to the doglike half-demon Inuyasha and a mythical gem called the Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four Souls," of which the smallest shard can grant the user unimaginable power.

Throughout their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome have never faced an enemy more deadly or more cunning than the demon mastermind Naraku. With the Shikon Jewel nearly whole and in Naraku’s hands, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies and a battle of epic proportions is brewing on the horizon...

Featuring the works of some of the top shonen manga creators in the world today, Shonen Sunday magazine in Japan provides the content for some of VIZ Media’s most impressive new titles. The magazine recently celebrated its 50th anniversary since its first issue arrived on newsstands in March of 1959. RIN-NE is the brand new Shonen Sunday manga series by Rumiko Takahashi and the first series ever to be published simultaneously in Japan and North America.

“INUYASHA is one of the longest running anime series in North America and we’re very proud to present the final episodes of this epic adventure to fans in the U.S. mere hours after episodes air in Japan,” says Ken Sasaki, Vice President Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “Rumiko Takahashi created a classic with INUYASHA, and ShonenSunday.com/anime will be THE online destination where INUYASHA fans can watch all 167 previously available episodes, as well as follow the newest episodes from INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT!”

VIZ Media publishes multiple series by Rumiko Takahashi, including her brand new manga series RIN-NE, the INUYASHA manga, INUYASHA ani-manga and THE ART OF INUYASHA. For more information on the INUYASHA anime please visit ShonenSunday.com.

Inuyasha - Season 1

The Gentlemen's Alliance Crossed Out

I finished reading The Gentlemen's Alliance +, Volume 10

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin. I loved the art, as usual, but the story was a trip. All that backstabbing and the awful family obligations - you'd think these were real families!

New Winnie-the-Pooh Due Soon

Press release from PRNewswire:

Fans Get Sneak Peek at New Winnie-the-Pooh

Penguin Young Readers Group reveals cover and first chapter of highly-anticipated sequel to the original Winnie-the-Pooh books Return to the Hundred Acre Wood on sale October 5, 2009

NEW YORK, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- Dutton Children's Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group, today revealed the much-anticipated cover and first chapter including art of Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, the first authorized sequel to A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh and The House At Pooh Corner in more than 80 years. This is the first glimpse readers will have of the new book, which was announced in January 2009. No review copies have been released, and the manuscript has been under lock and key at Penguin since it was delivered earlier this year. The remainder of the book is embargoed until October 5th when it lands in stores nationwide.

Written by David Benedictus and illustrated by Mark Burgess, Return to the Hundred Acre Wood continues the adventures of Christopher Robin, Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Eeyore and friends. Egmont Publishing will publish the book simultaneously in the UK. Penguin Audio will publish an audio version of the book read by Grammy Award-winner Jim Dale. The book has an announced first printing of 300,000.

The first chapter of Return to the Hundred Acre Wood, including new art by Mark Burgess, can be viewed at www.penguin.com/pooh.

Across the country, fans young and old are rediscovering the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh. Bookstores nationwide have created "Pooh-tiques", dedicated spaces for Winnie-the-Pooh and friends. Many of these stores are hosting Pooh tea parties leading up to October 5. Tea parties include honey flavored food, count-the-honey-candies-in-the-jar contests, story times with favorite Pooh books, bring-your-favorite-bear-from-home story times, and activities such as "pin the tale on Eeyore."

Dutton's Publishing History With Winnie-the-Pooh:
Dutton officially introduced Christopher Robin and his "silly old bear" to the US in 1926 with the publication of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne and illustrated by E.H. Shepard. However Pooh had a significant walk-on role in 1924 with the publication of When We Were Very Young by A.A Milne with illustrations by E.H. Shepard. Milne and Shepard went on to collaborate on two more titles: Now We Are Six in 1927 and The House At Pooh Corner, which introduced Tigger, in 1928. Together, these four books form the basis of the original Pooh books. Newly-designed editions of all four books were published September 3rd.
Author David Benedictus' manuscript was inspired by his familiarity with Winnie-the-Pooh's adventures after having worked on Audio CD adaptations of previous Winnie-the-Pooh stories. David has collaborated with illustrator Mark Burgess to create what is sure to become another treasured Winnie-the-Pooh book. Grammy Award winner Jim Dale will read the audio version of the book, which will be released simultaneously by Penguin Audio.

Writer David Benedictus adapted and produced the audio adaptations of Winnie-the-Pooh starring Dame Judi Dench, Stephen Fry and Jane Horrocks. His second novel was filmed by Francis Ford Coppola. He has worked as assistant to Trevor Nunn at the RSC, was Commissioning Editor for Drama series at Channel 4, and ran The Book At Bedtime for BBC Radio.

Illustrator Mark Burgess has illustrated countless classic children's characters including Paddington Bear and Winnie-the-Pooh. He also designs greetings cards, web sites, animations and special warm places for his cat to sleep.
Dutton Children's Books is one of the oldest continually operating children's book publishers in the United States. Established more than 150 years ago, the imprint publishes approximately 75 hardcover titles each year, for children from preschool through high school. Dutton is home to such perennial classics as Winnie-the-Pooh, Judy Blume's Fudge novels, Newbery Award-winners such as The Westing Game and My Side of the Mountain, and Caldecott winners and honor books including Rapunzel by Paul O. Zelinsky.

Penguin Group (USA) is the U.S. affiliate of the internationally renowned Penguin Group. Penguin Group (USA) is one of the leading U.S. adult and children's trade book publishers, owning a wide range of imprints and trademarks including Berkley Books, Dutton, Frederick Warne, G. P. Putnam's Sons, Grosset & Dunlap, New American Library, Penguin, Philomel, Plume, Puffin Books, Riverhead Books and Viking, among others. The Penguin Group is part of Pearson (FTSE: PSON; NYSE: PSO). Pearson is an international media company with market leading businesses in education, business information and consumer publishing. For more information, visit www.pearson.com.

Nick Simmons at Long Beach Con

Press release from Radical Publishing:

NICK SIMMONS, STAR OF A&E TV’S GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS, TO SIGN AT THE FIRST ANNUAL LONG BEACH COMIC CON!

Nick Simmons, star of A&E’s GENE SIMMONS FAMILY JEWELS and creator of INCARNATE, will be at the Long Beach Comic Con on Saturday, October 3rd from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. in the "Center Court" signing area next to the Golden Apple/Atomic Comics booth #555.

Be the first to get a signed copy of issue #2 of Incarnate, which debuts at the Long Beach Comic Con and has reviewers such as Ain’t It Cool News calling it “…not your typical horror story, blending action and cool in even helpings.”

They cannot die. They feel no pain. They hunger for human flesh. They are Revenants. Centuries ago, the Revenant known as Mot was worshipped as a God. Now, he walks the Earth in search of a purpose to his immortality – but when a secret society discovers a way to kill Revenants, Mot and his fellow immortals must make a choice: Hunt or be hunted. Nick Simmons’ breakout American Manga title reveals a world that challenges even the imagination, planting its tongue firmly in cheek, then biting it off... and swallowing it.

About Long Beach Comic Con:
A convention celebrating comic books located at the Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California.LBCC is an experience unlike other comic conventions. Developed by some of the industry’s most ardent supporters, it’s a gathering of professionals, fans, artists, celebrities to enjoy all aspects of comic books and pop culture.

About Radical Publishing:
In a world of publishing where the market is always hungry for the next fresh property, one new publisher is looking to shake things up and is delivering exciting creative products with a bold new business approach. Aptly named, Radical Publishing is leveraging on its experienced leadership, dynamic crew and unique business infrastructure to create that vital connection throughout the media space.

Founded by Barry Levine and Jesse Berger, Radical Publishing is a manufacturer of the next generation of premium comic book products, with a focus on high-concept stories and artwork by marquee and newly discovered talent. In addition, the quality of the work ensures a longer shelf life for each property as a collective library of high concepts. [END]

If you're not reading Nick Simmons's Incarnate comic book miniseries from Radical Comics, then, you simply must!

Monkey D. Luffy's Back!

I finished reading One Piece, Volume 22: Hope!! (One Piece (Graphic Novels))

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin. I admire the art by One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda, but I'm not a big fan of the manga. It's just not my thing... at least for now.