Biomega is a Blast

I read Biomega, Vol. 1

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.  I'm crazy about this new series.  I had to fight not to overdo it on the review.

VIZ Media a Hit with YALSA

Press release from VIZ Media:

VIZ MEDIA TITLES RECOGNIZED BY YALSA’S 2010 GREAT GRAPHIC NOVELS FOR TEENS

Annual Booklist By Young Adult Library Services Association Recognize Acclaimed Manga Titles For Quality And Broad Appeal

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that several of its manga titles have made the list of 2010 Great Graphic Novels For Teens by the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).

The noteworthy list of Great Graphic Novels for Teens was presented at the ALA Midwinter Meeting last week. The VIZ Media manga, recommended for those ages 12-18, meet the criteria of both good quality literature and appealing reading for teen readers.


The VIZ Media titles making the list included:
CHILDREN OF THE SEA Vol. 1 • by Daisuke Igarashi • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
KIMI NI TODOKE Vol. 1 • by Karuho Shiina • rated ‘T’ for Teens
KIMI NI TODOKE Vol. 2 • by Karuho Shiina • rated ‘T’ for Teens
OOKU: INNER CHAMBERS Vol. 1 • by Fumi Yoshinaga • rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences
OTOMEN Vol. 1 • by Aya Kanno • rated ‘T’ for Teens
MIXED VEGETABLES Vol. 1 • by Ayumi Komura • rated ‘T’ for Teens
PLUTO Vol. 1 •  by Naoki Urasawa • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
PLUTO Vol. 2 •  by Naoki Urasawa • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
PLUTO Vol. 3 •  by Naoki Urasawa • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
SOLANIN • by Inio Asano • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
TEGAMI BACHI: LETTER BEE Vol. 1 • by Hiroyuki Asada • rated ‘T’ for Teens
WE WERE THERE Vol. 1• by Yuki Obata • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
WE WERE THERE Vol. 2 • by Yuki Obata • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
WE WERE THERE Vol. 3 • by Yuki Obata • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
WE WERE THERE Vol. 4 • by Yuki Obata • rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens


“We’re very pleased to announce this diverse collection of manga titles that have been recognized by YALSA’s 2010 Great Graphic Novels For Teens, with 3 making it to the top ten.” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Marketing for VIZ Media. “These series were created by some of the most imaginative minds in the manga genre and offer readers great stories ranging from science fiction and historical-based drama to romantic shojo and slice-of-life graphic novels aimed at female readers. YALSA provides librarians with valuable tools and information to help them select compelling titles for readers, and we invite them to consider these series which have been recognized for their innovation and quality.”

For more than 50 years, YALSA has been the U.S. leader in selecting books, videos, and audio books for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists.

For more information on these and other manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.viz.com/. [END]

One Piece at Skypiea Part 6

I finished One Piece, Vol. 29

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.  No, I don't have One Piece fatigue... yet.

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.