Sunday, January 31, 2010

Moonstone Books Announces The Phantom Unmasked #2

From Moonstone Books:

The Phantom: Unmasked #2 (of 2)

Story: Martin Powell
Art: Hannibal King
Colors: Andrew Dalhouse
Covers: Franchesco, Howard Simpson
32pgs, color, $3.99

Investigator Laughton Brice, brilliant as she is icily beautiful, traces the true origins of The Phantom into the Deep Woods, ultimately meeting the Ghost Who Walks face to face. In a deadly cat-and-mouse game of deceitful double-crosses and unexpected alliance, the Man Who Cannot Die finally faces his most evil and ancient adversary.

(Franchesco cover=90%, Simpson=10%)

*RETAILER INCENTIVE: any order of 4 or more, & receive one free “close up” variant copy!

**RETAILER INCENTIVE: retailers who order 5 copies or more, can order unlimited amounts of variant cover-$3.99 retail price. [END]

Radical Comics Presents Aladdin Reimagined

Press release from Radical Publishing:

ALADDIN: LEGACY OF THE LOST #1 (1 of 3)


Writer IAN EDGINTON
Series Illustrators PATRICK REILLY and STJEPAN SEJIC
64 pages, FC, $4.99

From the mystical city of Shambhalla to the ends of the Earth comes a tale of magic, mystery and the motivations of power. It is the world of Ala ad-Din, better known as ALADDIN.

Thief, gambler, liar and cheat, Aladdin’s reckless soul falls under the eye of the sorcerer Qassim, who has spent his life scouring the sands for the Dreaming Jewel. This lost relic of shattering power will enable Qassim to steal the magic of the Djinn of the Lamp and reshape the world in his own malicious design. But to do so, he requires a mystical ability carried within Aladdin's blood...power that not even Aladdin himself knows about. An epic adventure that twists the classic saga into dark, unexplored territories with multi-Eisner nominated writer Ian Edginton!

Featuring covers from Marko Djurdjevic (Dark Reign: The List – Avengers), Arthur Suydam (Marvel Zombies) and a limited edition 1:10 incentive cover from Clayton Crain (X-Force) [END]

A Dark and Story Vampire kNight

I read Vampire Knight, Vol. 9

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.


Saturday, January 30, 2010

Moonstone Books Announces Phantom Generations Special

From Moonstone Books:

Phantom Generations Special #1

Story: Justin Gray, Mike Bullock, Aaron Shaps
Art: John Toledo, Norman Lanting, Mick Collins
Cover: Eugenio Mattozzi
72pgs, color, $7.50

Three brand new tales in one giant-sized mag!

In “Final Roar”, join the 14th Phantom in the hunt for a rogue lion who is responsible for the deaths of many villagers…and then begins to stalk the Phantom!

In "Priceless", the 15th Phantom returns to Africa to find the perfect diamond for his betrothed, but what awaits him is far more than a pretty gem!

And in “Ghost Drum”, Venture to the wild west with the 16th Phantom, where the Masked Cowboy must battle for his life, and his soul, against an legendary murderer...

**RETAILER INCENTIVE: for every 5 copies purchased, you receive one free variant virgin-close-up cover!

**RETAILER INCENTIVE: retailers who order 5 copies or more, can order unlimited amounts of variant cover-$7.50 retail price. [END]

Slam Dunk's Return of a Prodigal

I read Slam Dunk, Vol. 8

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin.  This volume is like... Real.


Friday, January 29, 2010

Reading the Shadow of the Northern Lights

Concerning the just posted press release from Top Shelf Productions announcing their publication of works by Swedish cartoonists, I previously reviewed the first volume of From the Shadow of the Northern Lights at the Comic Book Bin.

Top Shelf Announces Their Swedish Invasion

Press release from Top Shelf Productions:

WELCOME TO THE TOP SHELF SWEDISH INVASION!


Välkommen!

Okay, so our mastery of the Swedish language stops there. But we've got to say how excited we are to welcome you to THE SWEDISH INVASION, our overall title for a whole host of amazing Swedish stuff coming to you from Top Shelf this spring.

By April, we'll have seven whole books showcasing the best of this hotbed of comics talent, including four full-length graphic novels, two incredible anthologies, and one full-color reference book by one of Sweden's top comic scholars! It's a veritable smörgåsbord of comics!

At New York's MoCCA Festival and Chicago's new C2E2 Convention, we'll bring along a whole host of the Swedish cartoonists who created these awesome books, and throw, not one, but two (!) killer parties to welcome them to the States in style. We hope you can join us in the celebration.

The comics scene in Sweden is a real treasure trove that has gone virtually unnoticed in our part of the world... but now we'll all have a chance to get to know these creators and fall in love with their books. Take a look at the information below, and let the invasion begin!

From Chris, Brett, Rob and Leigh at Top Shelf Productions


HERE'S WHERE THE PARTIES WILL BE
www.topshelfcomix.com/swedish-invasion

NEW YORK
FRIDAY, APRIL 9TH, 8:00PM PARTY at ROCKETSHIP COMICS

-- 208 Smith Street, Brooklyn, New York, Phone: 718-797-1348

Come meet and party with Mats Jonsson (HEY PRINCESS), Simon Gardenfors (THE 120 DAYS OF SIMON), Kolbeinn Karlsson (THE TROLL KING), Niklas Asker (SECOND THOUGHTS), Fredrik Strömberg (SWEDISH COMICS HISTORY), Johannes Klenell (Editor of NORTHERN LIGHTS), and NORTHERN LIGHTS contributors Sofia Olsson, Sara Granér, Benjamin Stengard, Asa Grennvall, and Emelie Ostergren; as well as Chris Staros, Brett Warnock, and Leigh Walton of the Top Shelf crew. Food and cash bar will be provided by the Clover Club private room (attached to Rocketship).

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, APRIL 10TH-11TH, MoCCA ARTS FESTIVAL
@ THE 69TH REGIMENT ARMORY
-- 68 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York (Between 25th & 26th)

Hang out with us at the Top Shelf tables where the whole gang will be signing books all weekend. Also appearing: Nate Powell, James Kochalka, & Alex Robinson!

CHICAGO
SATURDAY, APRIL 17TH, 8:00PM PARTY at the renowned DOUBLE DOOR
-- 1572 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, Phone: 773-489-3160
-- Tickets on sale @ www.doubledoor.com, $10/$8 with C2E2 pass,
Doors @ 8 p.m. Show @ 9 p.m.

Come meet and party with Mats Jonsson (HEY PRINCESS), Simon Gardenfors (THE 120 DAYS OF SIMON), Kolbeinn Karlsson (THE TROLL KING), and Chris Staros (TOP SHELF), as Top Shelf co-sponsors the official C2E2 After Party with the Nerd City crew. It'll be a music and event-filled night, featuring sets by DJ Ghengis Won, Major Taylor, burlesque troupe The Flaming Dames, and headlining band The Jai Alai Savant (fresh off their recent show with Ted Leo and the Pharmacists). Simon Gardenfors -- a well-known Swedish rapper as well -- will also be featured in a special performance.

FRIDAY THRU SUNDAY, APRIL 16TH-18TH, C2E2
(CHICAGO COMIC AND ENTERTAINMENT EXPO)
-- McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Downtown Chicago

Hang out with us at the Top Shelf, Nerd City, and Chicago Comics booths, where the Swedish crew will be signing books all weekend long. Also appearing: Jeffrey Brown, with his new UNDELETED SCENES!


PREORDER THE SWEDISH INVASION BOOKS IN THE CURRENT DIAMOND PREVIEWS!

The current Diamond Previews catalog has all SEVEN of the Swedish Invasion titles -- 5 all-new, plus 2 classics -- available for pre-ordering right now. SEVEN all-too-human stories, finally available to an English-speaking audience. To see covers, descriptions, and sample pages for all of them just click here (or read below):

www.topshelfcomix.com/swedish-invasion

HEY PRINCESS by Mats Jonsson
-- A 472-Page Graphic Novel
-- $14.95 (US), ISBN 978-1-60309-051-3

HEY PRINCESS is a story of moving to the big city, and being young, insecure and desperate to be as hip as everyone else. When the graphic novel was first published in Sweden, the book received praise among both critics and readers for its incisive and entertaining account of indie pop-listening young people in the mid-1990s. HEY PRINCESS takes its place in the proud tradition of self-deprecating, confessional, sex-obsessed and guilt-ridden autobiographical comics, but stakes out a unique identity by virtue of its Nordic setting and biting social criticism.

THE 120 DAYS OF SIMON by Simon Gardenfors
-- A 416-Page Graphic Novel
-- $14.95 (US), ISBN 978-1-60309-050-6

THE 120 DAYS OF SIMON began when Swedish cartoonist/rapper Simon Gärdenfors left his home to spend four months on the road. The rules were simple: During the 120 days he wasn't allowed to return to his home, or to spend more than two nights at the same place. Otherwise, anything could happen...and it did. The result was an epic adventure across Sweden as Simon slept on strangers' couches, visited an ostrich farm, ate a psychedelic cactus, practiced free love, received death threats, was beaten up by teenagers, got adopted by a motorcycle gang, drank obscene amounts of alcohol, and sacrificed his underpants to the Nordic god Brage.

And that's just for starters! ... When this graphic novel was originally released in Sweden, it created a bit of a scandal. One journalist wrote that she felt like beating Simon up, while others called it a masterpiece.

THE TROLL KING by Kolbeinn Karlsson
-- A 160-Page Full-Color Graphic Novel
-- $14.95 (US), ISBN 978-1-60309-061-2

A dwarf falls into a river and is taken to a place beyond space and time. A carrot takes a bath and finds itself transforming. Two reclusive mountain men rejoice when their wish for children is granted, but their sons make a terrible discovery. And throughout all these tales, the spirit of the forest walks on… Welcome to the surreal world of THE TROLL KING, by Swedish visionary Kolbeinn Karlsson. It's a fantastic journey into the wilderness lurking right outside your town, brought to you by comics' cuddliest Viking.

FROM THE SHADOW OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS (VOL 2)
Edited by Johannes Klenell
-- A Full-Color 200-Page Anthology
-- $14.95 (US), ISBN 978-1-60309-064-3
www.topshelfcomix.com/swedish-invasion

The exploding evolution of the Swedish comics scene demands a second volume of the NORTHERN LIGHTS anthology. Never before has this much talent been brewing so close to the arctic circle, and both the media and readers of the world are starting to take notice. This volume gathers the work of Marcus Ivarsson, Sofia Olsson, Sara Granér, Kobeinn Karlsson, Anneli Furmark and many, many more; with a cover by Nanna Johansson. Pick up this anthology and check out this emerging and amazing Swedish comics scene. Co-published by Galago and Top Shelf.

SWEDISH COMICS HISTORY by Fredrik Strömberg
-- A 124-Page Full-Color History Book
-- $19.95 (US), ISBN 978-91-85161-77-5
www.topshelfcomix.com/swedish-invasion

Swedish comics are just now about to make it big abroad, but they have a long and intricate history -- a history that goes back to (at least) the end of the 18th Century. This book chronicles the history of comics in Sweden, presenting major trends and creators, showing everything from ancient picture stories etched in stone by the Vikings to the vibrant and diverse comics culture of the 21st century. The book is in full color and includes numerous full-page comics, with translations into English. Get the basics right for the new, up-and-coming comics country. Published by The Swedish Comics Association and distributed by Top Shelf.


RE-OFFERING TWO SWEDISH CLASSICS:

SECOND THOUGHTS by Niklas Asker
-- An 88-Page Graphic Novel
-- $9.95 (US), ISBN 978-1-60309-037-7

Jess is a writer living in London. Andrew is a photographer on his way to New York. They do not fall in love -- not exactly -- but their brief encounter in Stansted Airport will impact both of their lives more than they can imagine. In SECOND THOUGHTS, the clean, emotional ink-work of Swedish newcomer Niklas Asker guides two characters through modern city life and love, as they struggle separately yet somehow together. Past and present, reality and fiction overlap in this sweet, haunting, and ultimately inspiring graphic novel.


FROM THE SHADOW OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS (VOL 1)
Edited by Johannes Klenell
-- A 200-Page Anthology
-- $19.95 (US), ISBN 978-1-60309-011-7

Originally inspired by the counterculture work of Robert Crumb, the comical aspect of MAD and the storytelling of the master director Ingmar Bergman, the Swedish magazine Galago began as a publication of political satire during the late 70s. In the three decades since, it has grown to become the flagship of the Swedish alternative comics scene. The anthology, FROM THE SHADOW OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, gathers some of the finest comic artists that Galago and Sweden have to offer, including contributions from David Liljemark, Marcus Ivarsson, Mats Jonsson, Knut Larsson, Kolbeinn Karlsson, Liv Strömquist, & Loka Kanarp. [END]

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.


Thursday, January 28, 2010

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]

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

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.



Moonstone Books Announces The Phantom Ghost Who Walks #11


From Moonstone Books:

THE PHANTOM: GHOST WHO WALKS #11

Story: Mike Bullock
Art: Silvestre Syzilagyi
Colors by Bob Pedroza
Covers : Steve Scott
32pgs, color, $3.99

“Godfall” Part IV (of V)

In the aftermath of last issue, The Ghost Who Walks must pay a visit to some old friends. While the first provides helpful insight into the coming war, the second visit leads to the hunter becoming the hunted in the depths of the darkest house in all of Africa.

(Cover A=90%, Cover B=10%)

”Definitely worth checking out, whether you're a Phantom fan or not." – Scoop

“One of the most incredible Phantom comics I've ever read.” – Comixtreme [END]

Pop Japan Travel Headed to Tokyo International Anime Fair


Press release from Digital Manga Publishing:

Pop Japan Travel, the premier tour company for pop culture-themed tours to Japan, is pleased to announce a new tour designed with the anime fan in mind: a trip to Japan for the 2010 Tokyo International Anime Fair!

The tour will allow North American anime fans and otaku to experience the largest anime industry event in Japan, giving them a first look at new anime projects and series scheduled for the Spring and Summer TV season in Japan. The tour will also include visits to hubs of otaku culture like Akihabara and Nakano Broadway, the Ghibli Museum, a chance to view the cherry blossoms in bloom, a visit to an animation studio, and much, much more. The tour is being organized in cooperation with Kintetsu Travel, one of Japan's most respected travel companies, and will mark the first time that Pop Japan Travel has organized a tour to the Fair.

“This is a truly unique tour,” says Gigi Guiting, tour organizer. "We'll also be making our first trip to a Cosplay Cafe for dinner and taking our first tour out to picnic by the cherry blossoms. We're going to have an amazing trip!"

The tour is scheduled to take place from March 24 until April 1. The cost of the tour will be $1985 and includes all accommodations, round trip airfare to Japan from Los Angeles, dinner in a cosplay-themed restaurant, transportation, professional bilingual tour guides, entrance fees to all activities, and a customized guidebook created exclusively for the tour. Participants can also arrange their own travel to Japan and attend the tour for $1360 – a price that Guiting calls “the lowest land only price we’ve ever offered!” Pop Japan Travel will also be offering an extension of the tour to the port city of Yokohama and the history-filled city of Kamakura!* People interested in taking the tour may visit http://www.popjapantravel.com/ or e-mail popjapantravel@gmail.com to sign up. Applications received before February 1 will receive a $50 discount on their tour, and all applications are due by February 23.


DIGITAL MANGA'S POP JAPAN TRAVEL is the original and premiere provider of pop culture themed tours of Japan. Since 2003, PJT has operated more than 15 tours with themes focused on Japanese anime, manga, games and more. Pop Japan tours offer a careful balance of the hyper-modern world of J-pop culture and the rich traditions of ancient Japan, and PJT is the ONLY tour agency to provide exclusive experiences such as visits to anime and game studios, meetings with manga artists, and more.

*Tour extension subject to extra charge. Contact Pop Japan Travel for more information. [END]

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

VIZ Media Announces Dinosaur King from VIZ Kids Imprint


Press release from VIZ Media:

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF DINOSAUR KING


New Manga From VIZ KIDS Imprint Will Delight With Imaginative Characters And Fun Storyline

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the release of Volume 1 and 2 of the new VIZ Kids series DINOSAUR KING. This manga is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry a MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

DINOSAUR KING by creator Yohei Sakai tells the story of Max who is obsessed with dinosaurs. He knows his Tapejara from his Pteranodon and can find fossils better than a trained paleontologist. When he discovers a stone tablet that transports him to the age of dinosaurs, it's a dream come true—until it becomes a nightmare. From King, his new dinosaur friend, Max learns that an evil genius named Dr. Z has enslaved the dinosaurs so he can use their hidden powers to take over the world! Now Max has to defeat Dr. Z and his Alpha Gang to save the ancient beasts and life as we know it. Volume 1 will release February 2, 2010.

In Volume 2, which will release in April of this year, King's mother is trapped somewhere in Alpha Mountain, and it's up to Max to rescue her. But Dr. Z has set perilous traps for him at every turn! He and King are more in sync than ever with their attacks, but will it be enough to defeat the Alpha Gang and conquer Alpha Mountain? Both volume one and volume two contain bonus trading cards inside, limited quantities available. Volume 2 will be releasing in April 6, 2010.

The titles under the VIZ Kids imprint offer engaging manga and manga-related content intended specifically for a younger audience. All VIZ Kids products share the same core values of strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and lots of good humor in an effort to delight a whole new generation of readers.

For more information on this title or other VIZ Kids titles, please visit http://www.vizkids.com/. [END]

Dark Horse Offers "Mass Effect" Digital Comic

Press release from Dark Horse Comics:

DARK HORSE AND EA ANNOUNCE THE NEW SMASH HIT COMIC, MASS EFFECT: REDEMPTION

THE YEAR’S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW COMIC SERIES EXPLODES OFF OF THE PAGE AND ONTO YOUR iPHONE!

Tomorrow, the year’s most anticipated video game Mass Effect 2 is released nationwide. In celebration, Dark Horse and Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) announced that the comic will be released to the iPhone mobile comics platform.

Mass Effect: Redemption tells the exciting back-story that led up to the events of Mass Effect 2, the eagerly anticipated 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 is scheduled for release 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've been trying to figure out a way to not only profit from these new technologies, but to use them in a way that it would drive customers into the stores of our loyal retailers” said Dark Horse Director of Communications, Dirk Wood. “We came up with the idea of this staggered release in hopes of accomplishing just that.”

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. The first issue will hit iTunes February 3rd, just in time for the release of second issue of the series.

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

About Dark Horse Comics
Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way and comics legend Will Eisner, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as The Mask, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Additionally, their highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Emily the Strange, Tim Burton, Trigun, Serenity and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the U.S. and is recognized as one of the world's leading publisher of licensed comics material.

About BioWare
BioWare develops computer, console, handheld, mobile and online video games focused on rich stories and memorable characters. Since 1995, BioWare has created some of the world's best-selling titles, including the award-winning Baldur's Gate™ and Neverwinter Nights™ series, Star Wars®: Knights of the Old Republic™ and Sonic™ Chronicles: The Dark Brotherhood (for the Nintendo DS™). Original BioWare-created intellectual properties include Jade Empire™ and the 2007 Game of the Year, Mass Effect™. With studios in Edmonton (Alberta, Canada), Montréal (Québec), and Austin (Texas), BioWare is hard at work on the epic fantasy roleplaying game, Dragon Age™: Origins, Mass Effect 2™, the epic sequel to Mass Effect, and the story-driven massively multiplayer game, Star Wars®: The Old Republic™, as well as several unannounced projects. In 2008, BioWare was acquired by the world's leading electronic entertainment publisher, Electronic Arts. For more information on BioWare, visit www.bioware.com

*BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Nintendo DS is a trademark of Nintendo. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the Company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, cellular handsets and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS™, EA™, EA SPORTS Freestyle™ and POGO™. In fiscal 2008, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.67 billion and had 27 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at http://info.ea.com.

*BioWare, Mass Effect, Dragon Age and Jade Empire are trademarks or registered trademarks owned by EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. in the U.S. and/or other countries. EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS BIG and POGO are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. Xbox and Xbox 360 are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. . All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. [END]