I Reads You Juniors: February 2021 - Update #94

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon.

NEWS: 

DC CINEMA - From THR:   A retired federal judge who oversaw one of the three investigations into the misconduct on the set of Joss Whedon's "Justice League" says that Warner Bros. executive Walter Hamada did not interfere with her investigation, despite allegations otherwise from actor Ray Fisher, who played "Cyborg" in the film.

MILESTONE - From DCBlog:   DC Comics has announced the creative teams for the upcoming titles in its Milestone revival.

DC CINEMA - From Variety:   Warner Bros. is rebooting its "Superman" franchise with writer Ta-Nehisi Coates writing and J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot producing.

MANGA TO ANIME - From CBR:  There is now a first image from the new anime adaptation of the 2000 to 2003 title, "Tokyo Mew Mew."

VIZ MEDIA - From YahooNews:  Everything you need to know about "Demon Slayer," the manga, the animated TV series, and the record breaking film.

DC CINEMA - From VanityFair:  The true history of "Zack Snyder's Justice League."

DC CINEMA - From TheWrap:  In an exclusive story, "The Wrap" is reported that Warner Bros. and DC Films are prepping a movie starring the character "Blue Beetle."  The film will focus on the Jaime Reyes version of the character making this Warner's first superhero film featuring a Latino character.

MANGA - From BleedingCool:  Kodansha announces four new digital titles for April 2021" "Girlfriend, Girlfriend;" "Nina the Starry Bride;" "The Honey-blood Beauty & Her Vampire;" and "And Yet, You Are So Sweet."

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:   There is supposedly a "mind-blowing" cameo in "Zack Snyder's Justice League."

From Variety:  Zack Snyder has still not seen the 2017 theatrical release of his film, "Justice League."  He also says that he will not be paid for "Zack Snyder's Justice League."

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DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:  DC Comics announces 11 new titles at COMICSPRO, the annual meeting of the retailers group.  They are Deathstroke Inc.; Harley Quinn Animated Series sequel; A Wonder Woman 80th Anniversary title; Elseworld; "DC Vampires" (working title); Robin and Batman; Joker: A Puzzle Box; The Legend of Batman; Crush and Lobo;Nubia and the Amazons; DC Middle Ages.

MARVEL TV - From WeGotThisCovered:  "X-Men: The Animated Series" (1992-97) has proved to be popular since it was added to the Disney+ streaming service.  Now, there are talks of reviving the series.

DC CINEMA - From WeGotThisCovered:   The DCEU (Warner Bros.' movies based on DC Comics characters) has found its "Supergirl."  She is Sasha Calle, and she will reportedly make her debut in the DCEU film, "Flash."

DC TV - From DCBlog:   See the "Superman & Lois" trailer "All Right Now" (posted Mon., Feb. 8th, 2021).  "Superman & Lois" debuts Tuesday, February 23rd, 2021 on The CW.

MILESTONE - From DCBlog:  Milestone returns to DC with an "Infinite Edition" and all-new digital-first series! DC reveals first wave of Milestone Comics!

SPAWN - From BleedingCool:   Image Comics' President Todd McFarlane announced his plan to create a greater multi-character, interconnected comic book universe based around his Spawn comic. His stated goal is to establish a shared fictional universe over time in the vein of what the other comic industry giants, Marvel, and DC Comics, have accomplished with their comic book universes.

From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane talks about "Spawn's Universe" with Rich Johnston.

From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane talks about "King Spawn #1," which is due in August.

From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane talks about "Gunslinger Spawn #," which is due in October.

From BleedingCool:  Todd McFarlane talks about the "Spawn" spinoff book, "The Scorched #1," which is due in October.

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BOOKS TO TV - From Deadline:  Kalinda Vazquez and George R. R. Martin ("Game of Thrones") are adapting the late science fiction novelist Roger Zelazny's 1979 novel, "Roadmarks," for HBO.

EN MEMORIAM - From 2000AD:   British comic book writer, Si Spencer, has died Wed., Feb. 17th, 2021.  He worked on such titles as "Crisis" and "Judge Dredd Megazine." In the U.S., he wrote such comics as "Vinyl Undergound" and "Hellblazer: City of Demons."  Spencer also wrote for British television, including a stint on "EastEnders."

DC TV - From DCComics:  Meet Black Lightning's daughter, "Thunder," as she debuts on Season Fourof The CW's "Black Lightning" TV series.

COMICS TO TV - From Deadline:   Tim Burton is developing a live-action TV series based on "The Addams Family," and it will focus on precocious daughter, "Wednesday Addams."  Netflix will stream this young adult series.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  With Marvel Studios' "Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings" set to debut in July, Marvel Comics launches the "Shang-Chi" comic book.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics has announced two upcoming digital-first series.  "Superman '78" will be set in the world of the 1978 film, "Superman: The Movie."  "Batman '89" will be set in the world of director Tim Burton's 1989 film, "Batman."

STAR WARS - From BleedingCool:  Marvel is to publish "Star Wars: War Of The Bounty Hunters," a new series written by Charles Soule that goes back to Soule's original pitch document for writing Star Wars comic books.

DC CINEMA - From CBR:   Director Zack Snyder confirms "Justice is Gray," a black and white version of "Zack Snyder's Justice League."

DC COMICS 4 SALE - From BleedingCool:  A number of industry individuals have also heard about DC Comics being for sale.

From BleedingCool:   Crazy rumor - could very wealthy DC Comics fans be looking to buy the comics side of DC Comics?

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STAR WARS - From BleedingCool:  Are Marvel, Charles Soule and Steve McNiven teasing a new Boba Fett comic book?

JOSS WHEDON - From YahooEntertainment:   Joss Whedon: A timeline of allegations against the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' creator

MILESTONE - From TheBeat:  DC Comics announces expanded "Milestone Returns" one-shot and digital-first titles.

MANGA TO ANIME - From BleedingCool:   There is a trailer for Season 2 of the "Demon Slayer" anime, which is of course based on the ultra-hot manga series.  The second season is due later in 2021.

DC CINEMA - From YouTube:   There is a new trailer (Sun., Feb. 14th) for the film now known as "Zack Snyder's Justice League."

EN MEMORIAM - From AVPress:   Notorious Underground Comics artist, S. Clay Wilson, died at the age of 79, Sunday, February 7, 2021.  He is best remembered as an early contributors to "Zap Comix" and for his character, "The Checkered Demon."  He will also be remembered for his highly-detailed, violent and sexually explicit art.

MANGA - From Previews:  Seven Seas Entertainment announces that it has licensed two new manga, "Sundome!!Milky Way" and "Yokai Girls."

EN MEMORIAM - From Locus:   Science fiction and fantasy artist and illustrator, Rowena Morrill, has died at the age of 76, Thursday, February 11, 2021.  Morrill painted covers for books by such science fiction luminaries as Philip K. Dick, Harry Harrison, Ellen Kushner, H.P. Lovecraft, and Anne McCaffrey, to name a few.  Her work was collected in two art books, "The Fantastic Art of Rowena" (1983) and "The Art of Rowena" (2000).  Morrill was nominated for the "Hugo Award for professional artist" four times in the 1980s. She was awarded the "World Fantasy Award for life achievement" in 2020.

From DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   DC gives a first look at Gotham City's newest villain, "Miracle Molly," from Batman #108.

DC CINEMA - From DCBlog:  Director Zack Snyder offers a first look at actor Jared Leto in his "Justice League" film.

MILESTONE - From BleedingCool:   DC Comics has delayed the relaunch of Milestone Comics (Milestone Media) until April 2021 (from February).

DC COMICS - From CBR:   The long-running Batman comic book series, "Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight" (1989-2007), will return as a digital first, weekly anthology series, beginning in May 2021.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  Marvel's launched new X-Men comic book, "X-Corp," in May 2021.

COMICS - From EW:  This "Entertainment Weekly" interview with HBO/HBO Max chief, Casey Bloys, may be of interest to comic book fans.

COMICS - From WKYC:  An artist turns torn and tattered comic books into portraits of celebrities and popular characters.

COMICS - From BleedingCool:   Legendary Comics announces upcoming comic books and books related to the film, "Godzilla vs. Kong."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   DC Comics announces a "Justice League" digital-first limited series from writer, Chip Zdarsky, "Justice League" last ride.

HEROES REBORN - From BleedingCool:   Marvel's "Heroes Reborn" title, "Magneto & The Mutant Force" will offer an alternate take on the X-Men.

IMAGE COMICS - From CBR:  Rodney Barnes, the writer behind the great horror comic, "Killadelphia," has revealed that the is working on a horror comic with hip-hop icon, rapper Xzibit, which is due this year.

From CBR:  Rodney Barnes also revealed that the Tony Award-winning musical, Hamilton," is one of his influences for the creation of "Killadelphia."

MARVEL - From TheNewYorker:   Who really created the Marvel Universe, asks this article from "The New Yorker."

MANGA - From CSMonitor:   Japanese comic creators grapple with racism

MANGA - From KyodoNews:  "Demon Slayer" helps Japan print sales see smallest drop since 2006

MANGA - From ScreenRant:  "Stitch" from the classic Disney animated feature, "Lilo & Stitch," is headed to manga.  TOKYOPOP will debut "Stitch and the Samurai Vol. 1" in May 2021.

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  This May, Doctor Strange reforms "The Defenders."

SONY MARVEL U - From WeGotThisCovered:   Rumors say that actor Keanu Reeves has been offered the role of Spider-Man villain, Kraven the Hunter," possibly to play him in a solo movie, a la "Venom."

CHARITY - From BleedingCool:   Neil Gaiman composes "Doctor Strange" poem for charity.

SALES - From BleedingCool:  Adult graphic novel sales in bookstores double in a year.

HEROES REBORN - From Newsarama:   The "Heroes Reborn" tie-in, "Heroes Reborn: Siege Society," re-imagines the "Masters of Evil" and "Thunderbolts."

BOOM! STUDIOS - From TheBeat:   BOOM! Studios announced the creative teams for all four issues of Jim Henson’s The Storyteller: Tricksters, the first issue of which will be available at your local comic shop on March 17th, 2021 – including new art from issue #3!

FANTAGRAPHICS - From Print:  Acclaimed cartoonist and comics creator, Gary Panter, is profiled in conjunction with his new book, "Crashpad."

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:  The blog profiles five "iconic Black DC creators," including one DC fired.

BIDEN! - From DelawareFirstMedia:   Vancouver-based TidalWave Comics has profiled politicians in comic book form for over a decade .  They released “Political Power: President Joe Biden” and “Political Power: Madam Vice President Kamala Harris” on Inauguration Day.

DC COMICS - From BleedingCool:   ShazaDam?!

BOOM! STUDIOS - From BleedingCool:   Keanu Reeves's "BRZRKR #1" sells 615,000 to comic book shops.

VIZ MEDIA - From Previews:  Diamond Previews interviews VIZ Media editor, Hope Donovan, about the new titles, "My Hero Academia: Team-Up Missions."

MARVEL - From BleedingCool:  "Heroes Reborn: Young Squadron #1" imagines Miles Morales as "Falcon" instead of as Spider-Man, and Kamala Kahn as "Girl Power" instead of as Ms. Marvel.

DC COMICS - From DCBlog:   In an interview, writer Mark Russell talks "Future State: Superman vs. Imperious Lex."

BRITISH COMICS - From 2000AD: The 2000 AD Thrill-Cast Lockdown Tapes – Kevin O’Neill, part one

DC COMICS - From GamesRadar:   DC Comics has announced "Let Them Live," an anthology series that will publish previously unpublished DC Comics stories.  The series will debut as a digital comic on the "DC Infinite" digital reading service.

COMICS TO TV - From Deadline:   "The Walking Dead's" extended 10th season will be comprised of six episodes.  The first will debut Feb. 21st on the streaming service, AMC+, and debut on cable net, AMC, ON Feb. 28th.

COMICS TO TV - From Deadline:  The Nowlan Family Trust, which oversees the "Buck Rogers" Estate, has sent a cease and desist letter to Legendary Entertainment over its plan for a George Clooney TV reboot of the Buck Rogers property.  The trust reportedly has a deal with David Ellison's Skydance Productions to "exploit" the property.

MARVEL - From ScreenRant:   Wu-Tang Clan unites with Deadpool in "Deadpool #10.

BLACK PANTHER - From ComicBook: Writer Geoffrey Thorne talks Serial Box's "Marvel's Black Panther: Sins of the King."

FANTAGRAPHICS - From THR:   Ed Pisko, creator of "Hip-Hop Family Tree" and "X-Men: Grand Design," has a new project.  It is "Red Room," a 12-issue shared universe anthology that Fantagraphics Books will publish.

DC TV - From Deadline:   Actors Elizabeth Faith Ludlow and Rizwan Manji will play the respective recurring characters of "Keeya" and "Jamil" on James Gunn’s upcoming HBO Max series, "Peacemaker."

DC TV - From Deadline:  Actress Azie Tesfai will co-write an episode of the upcoming "Supergirl" Season 6, the series' final season.  Tesfai plays "Kelly Olsen" on Supergirl.

MARVEL - From GamesRadar:   Marvel gives new hints about "Heroes Reborn" which may have links to "Avengers: Endgame."

BLACK PANTHER - From BleedingCool:   Acclaimed poet, Nikki Giovanni, has contributed to Titan Comics' new short-story anthology, "Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda," dubbed "a ground-breaking anthology from the African Diaspora."

From THR:  Actor Jeffrey Wright who will appear in "The Batman" will star in a podcast, "Batman: The Audio Adventures" from HBO Max.

From Outerhaven:  Manga Planet licenses the publishing rights to six romance manga from Japan's Starts Publishing.

From ScreenRant:  The Death Note manga is coming back with a brand new collected volume, "Death Note Short Stories," that will publish the March 2020 one-shot for the first time. The volume is due Feb. 4th, 2021.

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FEBRUARY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Artists, Writers & Artisans for February 2020

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for February 2020

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for February 2021

From TheBeat: DC Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for February 2021 

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel's "King in Black" for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for February 2021

From 2000AD:   Rebellion Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for February 2021

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for February 2021

From BleedingCool:   Zenescope Entertainment for February 2021

 

MARCH 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for March 2021 

From BleedingCool:  AWA Studios for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for March 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM Studios for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Heavy Metal for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for March 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  March Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Second Sight for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  VIZ Media for March 2021

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for March 2021

APRIL 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  AfterShock Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Antarctic Press for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Behemoth Comics for April 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask Studios for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Oni Press for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Scout Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Second Sight for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Source Point Press for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Titan Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Valiant Comics for April 2021

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for April 2021

MAY 2021 COMICS SOLICITATIONS:

From BleedingCool:  Ablaze for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Archie Comics for May 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Black Mask for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  BOOM! Studios for May 2021 

From BleedingCool:  Comic House for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dark Horse Comics for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  DC Comics for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Dynamite Entertainment for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Hero Collector for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  IDW Publishing for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Image Comics for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Mad Cave Studios for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Marvel Comics for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Vault Comics for May 2021

From BleedingCool:  Zenescope Entertainment for May 2021

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Review: BLANC ET NOIR: Takeshi Obata Illustrations

BLANC ET NOIR: TAKESHI OBATA ILLUSTRATIONS
VIZ MEDIA– @VIZMedia

ARTIST: Takeshi Obata
EDITOR (JAPAN): Masahiko Ibaraki
TRANSLATION: Tersuichiro Miyaki
DESIGNER: Yukiko Whitley
EDITOR: Hope Donovan
ISBN: 978-1-4215-8627-4; hardcover-slipcase, (May 2016)
132pp, Color, $99.99 U.S., $119.99 CAN, £65.99 UK

Takeshi Obata is a Japanese manga artist known for his work as the illustrator in collaboration with a writer.  He first gained attention and acclaim for drawing the manga, Hikaru no Go (1998–2003), which was written by Yumi Hotta.  Obata also drew the manga adaptation of Hiroshi Sakurazaka's science fiction novel, All You Need Is Kill, with Ryōsuke Takeuchi writing and providing storyboards.

Obata's best known collaborations are with writer, Tsugumi Ohba.  This duo produced two manga, Death Note (2003–2006) and Bakuman (2008–2012).  Death Note is hugely controversial and notorious.  Originally published in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump, Death Note follows Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook belonging to Ryuk, a Shinigami (a death god).  The notebook grants its user the ability to kill anyone whose name and face Yagami knows.

VIZ Media, which has published English-language editions of several manga drawn by Obata, is releasing a limited edition art book focusing on his work.  Entitled Blanc Et Noir: Takeshi Obata Illustrations, it is part of the “Art of Shonen Jump” line and is limited to a print run of only 10,000 copies.  Blanc Et Noir is a hardcover book with dimensions of 10.25” width and 14.75 in length (like a folio edition).

This over-sized art book is encased in a silver-stamped slipcase and is stuffed with 132 pages of full-color art, all printed on deluxe paper stock.  The book contains several massive foldout posters and 12 pages of artist commentary, including a “how to draw” section.  Blanc Et Noir also includes three large, double-sided laminated posters.  One of the posters with Death Note as its subject acts as the slipcase's “cover” image, because it can be viewed through the cameo oval of the slipcase.

Blanc Et Noir focuses on Obata's work from 2001 to 2006.  That includes cover art for magazines and comics, chapter title illustrations, poster art, centerfold galleries, and other color illustrations.  Blanc Et Noir features definitive illustrations from the manga, Death Note and Hikaru No Go.  Surprises include video game design (for Yoshitsune-ki), original works created for this book (including Death Note and Hikaru No Go pieces), and rare novel illustrations (for Kowloon).

Writer Nobuaki Enoki, Takeshi Obata's collaborator on the manga, School Judgment, refers to Obata as the “God of Drawing” and “Walking Artistic Skill.”  Blanc Et Noir: Takeshi Obata Illustrations makes an overwhelmingly strong argument that Enoki is right.

Obata's black and white manga art, which I assume is done with the aid of assistants, is a symphony of precision graphical storytelling.  Blanc Et Noir shows the purity of Obata's art, showcasing his skill as a color artist, character designer, costume designer, and master illustrator.  Obata's elegant crisp style is set afire with a kaleidoscope of colors that he uses like fuel.

I cannot imagine that any fan of Obata will want to be without this book.  The price, $99.99, is prohibitive (Amazon.com offers it for a little under $68), and if you can afford it, this is the art book book/collector's set to get.  The book, with its use of several different kinds of high-end paper stock, laminated posters, and, of course, lovely contents, is worthy of fans who love manga and the art of their favorite mangaka.

Yeah, my VIZ Media rep provided me with a copy for review.  If he had not, I was not above turning a few tricks for the extra cash I needed to buy this.  Seriously, Blanc Et Noir: Takeshi Obata Illustrations is the real deal.

A+

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


The text is copyright © 2016 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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VIZ Media Manga Mondays in May

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS 40% OFF ON SELECT VOLUME 1 DIGITAL MANGA TITLES EVERY MONDAY IN MAY ON VIZMANGA.COM AND VIZ MANGA APP FOR iPAD, iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH

Latest Digital Update For The First-Half Of May Also Features The Launch Of HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT, MISTRESS FORTUNE, SEIHO BOYS HIGH SCHOOL And EXCEL SAGA

Manga publisher VIZ Media encourages fans across North America to visit VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch every Monday throughout the first-half of May to take advantage of a special 40% off discount on select Volume 1 digital titles (Reg. MSRP: $4.99, Sale Price: $2.99). Five different opening volumes from various manga series will be offered each week, from the hit debuts of BLEACH and BAKUMAN｡, to the non-stop action of DRAGON BALL Z and psychological tension of DEATH NOTE, to the romance of BLACK BIRD and DENGEKI DAISY.

Discount Manga Titles for May 7th Include:

BAKUMAN｡ Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens

DEATH NOTE Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

DRAGON BALL Z Vol. 1 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

ROSARIO + VAMPIRE II Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

TORIKO Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Discount Manga Titles for May 14th Include:

ABSOLUTE BOYFRIEND Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

ARATA: THE LEGEND Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens

BLACK BIRD Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

DENGEKI DAISY Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

HYDE & CLOSER Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

VIZ Media also delivers a substantial digital manga update during the first-half of May with the announcement of the launch of 4 new series. The new series include the romantic shojo fun of MISTRESS FORTUNE, HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT, and SEIHO BOYS HIGH SCHOOL, as well as the zany sci-fi comedy action of EXCEL SAGA.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. More than 55 series and 500+ volumes are currently available for download.

MISTRESS FORTUNE • by Arina Tanemura • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • Available May 7th
Fourteen-year-old Kisaki Tachibana has psychic powers. She works for PSI, a secret government agency that fights aliens. She's in love with her partner Giniro, but PSI won't allow operatives to get involved. Just when Kisaki thinks she may be getting closer to Giniro, she finds out she's going to be transferred to California!

HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT Vol. 1 • by Kazune Kawahara • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • Available May 14th
Hapless Haruna needs help finding a boyfriend! After failing to win the eye of any guy in high school, Haruna enlists the help of cute upperclassman Yoh to coach her on how to make herself more appealing to the male species. Yoh agrees, with one catch: Haruna had better not fall for him!

SEIHO BOYS HIGH SCHOOL Vol. 1 • by Kaeneyoshi Izumi • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • Available May 14th
Remote, lonely and surrounded by the ocean – this isn't Alcatraz we're talking about – it's Seiho Boys' High School, where the student body is rife with sexually frustrated hunks! How can these young men get girlfriends when they're stuck in the middle of nowhere? These are the stories of the students of Seiho High and the trouble they get into as they awkwardly pursue all girls who cross their paths.

EXCEL SAGA Vol. 1 • by Rikdo Koshi • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • Available May 14th
Question: What happens when you try to act like an anime character in real life? Answer: EXCEL SAGA. Two groups of neighbors in an apartment building lead secret lives. One thinks they're trying to take over the city of Fukuoka. The other thinks they're trying to defend it. Only their bosses, would-be conqueror Lord Il Palazzo and obsessed bureaucrat Dr. Kabapu, know the truth behind this increasingly dangerous private game. Too bad neither lets their underlings in on it!

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop PC-enabled computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. The free VIZ Manga App is the top application for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

VIZ Media Offers New Releases for Holiday Season

VIZ MEDIA SHOWCASES A DIVERSE COLLECTION OF NEW MANGA RELEASES TO MAKE UNIQUE GIFT SELECTIONS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

New Releases For BAKUMAN｡, BLUE EXORCIST, DEATH NOTE, D. GRAY MAN, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, VAMPIRE KNIGHT And More Among The Best-Loved Series That Are Sure To Top Holiday Wish Lists

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, offers a wide variety of unique art books and manga (graphic) releases – several of them brand new series – that make ideal gift selections for even the most discriminating fan this holiday season.

From the debut of Natsume Ono’s TESORO and the brand new shojo series, DAWN OF ARCANA, by Rei Toma, to a box set of the recently concluded FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, to the latest editions of popular ongoing titles including BAKUMAN｡, BLUE EXORCIST, DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, and the recently launched PSYREN, there will be plenty of aspiring young manga artists, spirit bending exorcists, royal romantic intrigue, charming stories of bonds between friends & family, tales of alchemy and more to complement everyone’s holiday season this year. And for the fan that has been especially good all year, don’t miss two gorgeously illustrated art books for D.GRAY-MAN and VAMPIRE KNIGHT. Each is filled with vivid character art, concept drawings, and insightful artist commentaries and also includes a full-color poster.

BAKUMAN｡,Vol. 8 · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN· Available December 6th
Average student Moritaka Mashiro enjoys drawing for fun. When his classmate and aspiring writer Akito Takagi discovers his talent, he begs Moritaka to team up with him as a manga-creating duo. But what exactly does it take to make it in the manga-publishing world?

BLUE EXORCIST, Vol. 5 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available December 6th
Raised by Father Fujimoto, a famous exorcist, Rin Okumura never knew his real father. One day a fateful argument with Father Fujimoto forces Rin to face a terrible truth – the blood of the demon lord Satan runs in Rin’s veins! Rin swears to defeat Satan, but doing that means entering the mysterious True Cross Academy and becoming an exorcist himself. Can Rin fight demons and keep his infernal bloodline a secret? It won't be easy, especially when drawing his father’s sword releases the demonic power within him!

D.GRAY-MAN ILLUSTRATIONS · MSRP: $21.99 U.S. / $25.99 CAN · Available December 6th
Enter the fictional 19th-century world of D. GRAY MAN with lavish color artwork from its creator, Katsura Hoshino, showcasing her graphic novel and magazine covers and more! Additionally, this book features insightful Q&As between Hoshino and two manga creators who inspire her: Takeshi Obata, the artist behind HIKARU NO GO and BAKUMAN and the smash hit DEATH NOTE; and Osamu Akimoto, the creator of Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen Mae Hashutsujo. Kochira has been serialized in the best-selling boy's manga magazine in the world, Weekly Shonen Jump, for 35 years and is the magazine’s longest-running manga series. Edition also includes an exclusive, double-sided, full-color poster.

DAWN of the Arcana, Vol. 1 · Rated “T” for Teens MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN· Available December 6th
Princess Nakaba of Senan is forced to marry Prince Caesar of the enemy country Belquat, tantamount to becoming a hostage. While Caesar is pleasing to the eye, he is also selfish and possessive, telling Nakaba outright: “You are my property.” With only her attendant Loki at her side, Nakaba must find a way to cope with her hostile surroundings, her fake marriage...and a mysterious power!

DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION, Vol. 6 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN· Available Now!
Don’t miss the final omnibus volume of the Black Edition series collecting DEATH NOTE Volumes 11 and 12. Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects – and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal…or his life?

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST MANGA BOX SET · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $219.99 U.S. / CAN · Available Now!
This best-selling action series is now available in a complete manga box set! Includes volumes 1-27, plus extras such as Fullmetal Alchemist Novel: The Ties That Bind and a full-color, two-sided poster. Over a 20% savings over buying the individual volumes!

In an alchemical ritual gone wrong, Edward Elric lost his arm and his leg, and his brother Alphonse became nothing but a soul in a suit of armor. Equipped with mechanical ""auto-mail"" limbs, Edward becomes a state alchemist, seeking the one thing that can restore his and his brother's bodies...the legendary Philosopher's Stone.

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, Vol. 6 · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available December 6th
While the day belongs to humans, the night belongs to yokai, supernatural creatures that thrive on human fear. Caught between these worlds is Rikuo Nura. He's three-quarters human, but his grandfather is none other than Nurarihyon, the supreme commander of the Nura clan, a powerful yokai consortium. So, Rikuo is an ordinary teenager three quarters of the time, until his yokai blood awakens. Then Rikuo transforms into the future leader of the Nura clan, leading a hundred demons.

PSYREN, Vol. 1 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available Now!
Ageha Yoshina just got transported to a warped alternate dimension where you've got to fight your way back to our world – or die trying. "Save me!" Those were Sakurako Amamiya's last words to her friend Ageha Yoshina before she mysteriously went missing. Now Ageha's on a quest to find her. He's convinced that the mythical Psyren Secret Society has something to do with the recent rash of disappearances. And now he seems to be caught up as a player in their very deadly game...

TESORO · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN · Available November 15th
TESORO is a treasure of 14 charming stories about family, friends, couples and unexpected bonds. Written by Natsume Ono over ten years, this is the long-awaited collection of her early work, including numerous illustrations and previously unpublished stories!

THE ART OF VAMPIRE KNIGHT · MSRP: $24.99 U.S. / $28.99 CAN · Available Now!
Cross over into the mysterious and deadly world of VAMPIRE KNIGHT with the lush, full-color artwork of Matsuri Hino. This hard cover edition includes an extensive gallery with author comments, a how-to tutorial, and an exclusive poster.

Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

X 3-In-1 DELUXE Collectors Edition, Vol. 1 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN · Available Now!
X, the epic series from CLAMP, is now available in this deluxe collector’s edition. The pages have been recomposed in the original right-to-left reading order and restored to the highest quality. Each volume contains three of the original graphic novels, along with gorgeous, full-color illustrations never before published outside Japan!

Kamui Shiro is a young man followed by mystery. Taken from Tokyo by his mother when only a child, Kamui left behind his dearest friends—the gentle Kotori and her brother Fuma—in the aftermath of a terrible incident that claimed their mother's life. Returning to Tokyo following his mother's death, Kamui is a changed young man – moody and distant to his old friends, yet determined to protect them from the dark forces that swirl around him. It turns out that he is the nexus of a great cataclysm to come, and the inheritor to a strange destiny that could decide the fate of the entire world.

For more information on VIZ Media manga titles, please visit: http://www.viz.com/.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine and blockbuster properties like Naruto, Bleach and InuYasha, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at http://www.viz.com/

VIZ Media Continues to Dominate New York Times Bestseller List

VIZ MEDIA SWEEPS THE LATEST NEW YORK TIMES MANGA BESTSELLER LIST FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A MONTH

Latest NARUTO Edition Takes #1 Spot And Is Complemented By Other Top Manga Properties Including BLEACH, BLACK BIRD, BLUE EXORCIST, ULTIMO, DEATH NOTE And More!

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has swept the latest Top 10 on the New York Times Manga Bestseller list for the week of September 10th. This is the second time the company has dominated the list in less than a month; VIZ Media previously swept all Top 10 spots for the week of August 20th.

The top selling VIZ Media manga (graphic novel) titles included:

NARUTO Vol. 52
BLEACH Vol. 36
BLACK BIRD Vol. 10
DENGEKI DIASY Vol. 6
KIMI NO TODOKE: FROM ME TO YOU Vol. 10
LIBRARY WARS: LOVE & WAR Vol. 6
BLUE EXORCIST Vol. 1
BUTTERFLIES, FLOWERS Vol. 8
ULTIMO Vol. 6
DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION Vol. 5

The New York Times Bestseller lists are an expanded version of those appearing in the September 25th, 2011 print edition of the Book Review, reflecting sales for the week ending September 10th, 2011. Rankings reflect weekly sales for books sold in both print and electronic formats.

“We’re very happy to see such a diverse roster of manga titles dominate the latest New York Times manga bestseller list for the second time in a month,” says Leyla Aker, Vice President, Publishing. “The titles range from science fiction to fantasy to romance to suspense, and are a good representation of the breadth of VIZ Media’s catalog. We look forward to continuing to offer fans the most extensive and varied manga catalog of any publisher in the industry!”

For more information on VIZ Media manga titles, please visit: http://www.viz.com/.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at http://www.viz.com/.

Blue Exorcist, Kekkaishi Among New VIZ App Titles

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS iPad DIGITAL LIBRARY WITH A NEW ROUND OF MANGA UPDATES FOR FIRST HALF OF APRIL

ABSOLUTE BOYFRIEND, BLACK BIRD, BLUE EXORCIST And KEKKAISHI Join The Latest Additions To 12 Other Popular VIZ Media Manga Titles

VIZ Media continues the expansion of its digital manga manga (graphic novel) library available exclusively for the VIZ MANGA APP for the Apple® iPad™ mobile device with several new series that will premiere during the first half of April.

The latest update features the launch of the shojo series ABSOLUTE BOYFRIEND and the fantasy-action of KEKKAISHI on April 4th. Another popular shojo manga series, BLACK BIRD, and the supernatural adventure BLUE EXORCIST will premiere on April 11th. The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. More than 100 manga volumes are now available for download.

ABSOLUTE BOYFRIEND (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) is the romantic shojo drama created by Yuu Watase (ARATA: THE LEGEND, FUSHIGI YUGI, CERES: CELESTIAL LEGEND). Rejected way too many times by good-looking (and unattainable) guys, shy Riiko Izawa goes online to sign up for a free trial of a mysterious Nightly Lover "figure." The very next day a cute naked guy is delivered to her door, and he wants to be her boyfriend! Has Riiko died and gone to heaven? The cute guy turns out to be sweet, smart, a great cook, and lots more. And he looks like a million bucks, which is what he's going to cost Riiko if she doesn't return him in time...

KEKKAISHI (rated ‘T’ for Teens) is an action series created by Yellow Tanabe. By night, junior high student Yoshimori Sumimura is a “kekkaishi” – a demon-hunter who specializes in creating magical barriers around his prey. By day, Yoshimori’s got some other demons to battle: an addiction to sweets and a seriously crotchety grandfather! Yoshimori’s pretty 16-year-old neighbor and childhood friend, Tokine Yukimura, is also a kekkaishi, but their families are feuding over who is the “true practitioner” of the art. In the opening volume, Yoshimori couldn’t care less about catching demons… until he realizes that his apathetic attitude is taking a toll on his friendship with Tokine. Just as he decides to take matters into his own hands, a couple of amphibious demons and the pesky ghost of a pastry-chef show up to complicate matters!

BLACK BIRD (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) is the award-winning shojo manga series by Kanoko Sakurakoji. There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

BLUE EXORCIST (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) was created by Kazue Kato and introduces Rin Okumura, a boy who is the son of a famous exorcist but never knew his real father. One day a fateful argument with Father Fujimoto, the priest who raised Rin, forces the boy to face a terrible truth – the blood of the demon lord Satan runs in Rin’s veins! Rin swears to defeat Satan, but doing that means entering the mysterious True Cross Academy and becoming an exorcist himself. Can Rin fight the demons and keep his infernal bloodline a secret? It won't be easy, especially when drawing his father’s sword releases the demonic power within him!

April updates also include new additions to 12 other popular VIZ Media series currently available. Readers should check the app regularly, as new additions and free Chapter 1 previews of forthcoming manga series for the iPad are also featured.

Twenty-four series will be available on the VIZ Manga App; additional new manga volumes available the weeks of April 4th and April 11th include:

April 4th:
DEATH NOTE Vol. 10
DRAGON BALL Z Vol. 3
NARUTO Vol. 20
ONE PIECE Vol. 20
OTOMEN Vol. 5
OURON HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 5
ROSARIO + VAMPIRE Vol. 3
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 10

April 11th:
BLEACH Vol. 12
CAPTIVE HEARTS Vol. 4
CLAYMORE Vol. 7
D. GRAY MAN Vol. 8
DRAGON BALL Z Vols 4
NARUTO Vol. 21
ONE PIECE Vol. 21

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

Dragon Ball Z Debuts on iPad

MARCH MANGA MADNESS CONTINUES WITH DEBUT OF DRAGON BALL Z FOR THE VIZ MANGA APP FOR iPad

March Manga Madness is fully underway as VIZ Media continues to offer readers special promotions and new manga (graphic novel) titles available exclusively for the VIZ MANGA APP for the Apple® iPad™ mobile device. The latest round of updates features debut of the classic action manga DRAGON BALL Z, as well as new updates for 8 other acclaimed manga titles currently available.

Fans should also stay tuned for an exciting digital manga first as BAKUMAN。Volume 4 prepares to debut on the VIZ Manga App on March 28th, ahead of the print edition’s national release on April 5th.

As part of the March Manga Madness promotion, all Volume 1 manga titles are available this month for only $0.99 each (instead of $4.99). After shopping, fans are invited also enter to win a $50 iTunes gift card by taking the VIZ Manga App survey. By the end of March the VIZ Manga App will feature more than 100 manga volumes available for download.

Creator Akira Toriyama’s much-loved manga classic, DRAGON BALL Z (Rated ‘A’ for All Ages), debuts on today with Volume 2 to be available before the end of the month. After years of training and adventure, Goku has become Earth's ultimate warrior. And his son, Gohan, shows even greater promise. But the stakes are increasing as even deadlier enemies threaten the planet. DRAGON BALL Z is the ultimate science fiction-martial arts manga.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume.

Additional new manga volumes available this week include:

DEATH NOTE Vol. 9
MERUPURI Vol. 3
NARUTO Vol. 18
NATSUME’S BOOK OF FRIENDS Vol. 2
ONE PIECE Vol. 18
ROSARIO+VAMPIRE Vol. 2
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 9
TORIKO Vol. 3

The VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad are featured.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

Rosario+Vampire Bites iPad

ROSARIO+VAMPIRE MANGA SERIES LAUNCHES FOR THE iPad AS VIZ MEDIA CONTINUES SPECIAL DIGITAL OFFERS FOR MARCH MANGA MADNESS

Special Monthly Promotion Makes All Volume 1 Titles Available For Only $0.99; New Series Complements Latest Updates To 6 Other Popular Manga Titles

VIZ Media continues to celebrate March Manga Madness with another round of new updates to the VIZ MANGA APP for the Apple® iPad™ mobile device. Today the company debuts the sexy action series ROSARIO+VAMPIRE and continues a special March-only promotion that makes all Volume 1 manga titles available for only $0.99 (instead of $4.99).

The VIZ MANGA APP is the ideal destination for iPad users to download best-loved manga (graphic novel) series. By the end of March, over 100 volumes will be available for download. Users are also encouraged to enter to win a $50 iTunes gift card by taking the VIZ Manga App survey.

ROSARIO+VAMPIRE (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) was written and created by Akihisa Ikeda and has become a best-selling fan favorite. All-around average teenager Tsukune can't get accepted to any high school save one...but on his first day, he finds the rest of the student body doesn't appear average in the least. Best of all, the cutest girl on campus can't wait to fling her arms around his neck! Wait a sec'--are those her teeth around his neck too...? Tsukune's going to have one heck of a hickey when he gets home from Monster High! But does he have a chance in H-E-double-hockey-sticks of raising his grades at a school where the turf war isn't between the jocks and the nerds but the vampires and the werewolves?

The latest updates for March also feature additions to 6 other popular VIZ Media series currently available. More special offers will be announced throughout the month of March and users should check the App frequently for new announcements.

Seventeen series are now available on the VIZ Manga App; additional new manga volumes available this week include:

DEATH NOTE Vol. 8
DRAGON BALL Vol. 15
NARUTO Vol. 16
ONE PIECE Vol. 16
OURON HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 4
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 8

The VIZ MANGA APP is free through the iTunes Store and manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. The platform is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad are featured.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

Comics and Magazines from Diamond Distributors for March 9 2011

COMICS

OCT101055 AKIRA KODANSHA ED GN VOL 05 (MR) $27.99

DEC101095 ARATA THE LEGEND TP VOL 05 $9.99

JAN111315 ASTERIX TP ASTERIX & OBELIX BIRTHDAY $9.95

DEC100743 B & V FRIENDS DOUBLE DIGEST #212 $3.99

DEC101080 BLEACH TP VOL 34 $9.99

DEC101090 BUTTERFLIES FLOWERS GN VOL 06 (MR) $9.99

JAN111025 CALLING CTHULHU CHRONICLES TP $14.99

NOV100971 CAPTAIN ACTION WINTER SPECIAL $4.99

MAR100740 CAPTAIN SWING #3 (OF 4) (MR) $3.99

MAY100804 CAPTAIN SWING #3 (OF 4) AUXILIARY ED (MR) $3.99

MAR100741 CAPTAIN SWING #3 (OF 4) WRAP CVR (MR) $3.99

NOV101017 CLINT #5 (MR) $6.99

DEC100958 COMIC BOOK COMICS #5 (RES) $3.95

NOV100956 DAY OF THE MAGICIANS GN $29.95

DEC101081 DEATH NOTE BLACK ED TP VOL 02 $14.99

DEC101076 DETROIT METAL CITY GN VOL 08 (MR) $12.99

NOV100919 DF NEMESIS #1 LUCKY 21 MEGA SET $14.99

APR100947 DF NEMESIS #4 BLOODY & BEATEN EX CVR $6.99

JUL101000 DF THOR FOR ASGARD #1 STAN LEE SGN ED $299.99

DEC101015 DISNEY FAIRIES GN VOL 05 TINKER BELL PIRATE ADVENTURE $6.99

DEC100810 DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP HC VOL 04 (OF 6) $24.99

DEC101075 DOGS TP VOL 05 (MR) $12.99

JAN111056 DONALD DUCK #364 $3.99

JAN111030 FARSCAPE #17 $3.99

OCT101012 FREEWAY GN (RES) $28.99

JAN111231 FUN HOME TP (O/A) $13.95

JAN111114 GARTH ENNIS JENNIFER BLOOD #2 (MR) $3.99

DEC100720 GOLD DIGGER #126 $3.99

DEC101096 HAYATE COMBAT BUTLER TP VOL 17 $9.99

SEP101069 HONEY WEST #3 $3.99

DEC101038 HOPE HERO INITIATIVE TP $19.95

DEC101084 HOSHIN ENGI TP VOL 22 $9.99

DEC101086 HUNTER X HUNTER TP VOL 27 $9.99

JAN111041 INSURRECTION V3.6 #1 $3.99

DEC101043 INUKAMI OMNIBUS TP VOL 02 (OF 2) $15.99

JAN111259 ISAAC THE PIRATE GN VOL 01 TO EXOTIC LANDS (O/A) $14.95

DEC100934 JOHN STANLEY MELVIN MONSTER HC VOL 03 $24.95

DEC100744 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #168 $3.99

DEC101089 KAMISAMA KISS TP VOL 02 $9.99

DEC101093 KUROZAKURO GN VOL 03 $9.99

DEC101092 LA CORDA DORO TP VOL 13 $9.99

JAN111067 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #3 $3.99

JAN111068 LADY DEATH (ONGOING) #3 WRAP CVR $3.99

DEC101029 LENNY ZERO & PERPS OF MEGA CITY ONE TP $17.99

DEC101091 LIBRARY WARS GN VOL 04 $9.99

DEC101069 MAGUS #3 (OF 5) $3.99

DEC101072 MASSIVE AWESOME #3 $2.99

JAN111339 NIGHT ANIMALS (ONE SHOT) (MR) $7.95

NOV108275 NIGHT ANIMALS (ONE SHOT) (O/A) (MR) $7.95

OCT101066 NORTHERN GUARD #2 $3.99

DEC101088 ORESAMA TEACHER GN VOL 01 $9.99

JAN111042 PALE HORSE TP $14.99

NOV100922 PRINCE VALIANT HC VOL 03 1941-1942 $29.99

DEC100907 RED SONJA REVENGE O/T GODS #1 (OF 5) $3.99

DEC101094 RIN-NE GN VOL 05 $9.99

NOV100699 SARAH PALIN VS WORLD ONE-SHOT $3.99

DEC101008 SAVAGE BEAUTY #1 HOOVER CVR B & C $2.99

DEC101007 SAVAGE BEAUTY #1 YEATES CVR A $2.99

DEC100900 SHERLOCK HOLMES YEAR ONE #2 $3.99

JAN110972 SOULFIRE VOL 3 #0 $1.99

JAN111045 STAN LEE STARBORN #4 $3.99

NOV101016 STUFF OF LEGEND THE JUNGLE #4 (OF 4) $4.25

DEC101097 TARO TERROR OF EATS STREET GN $7.99

SEP100919 TAROT WITCH OF THE BLACK ROSE HC VOL 01 SGN 10TH ANN ED (MR) $49.99

DEC101044 TORADORA GN VOL 01 $10.99

DEC101083 TORIKO GN VOL 04 $9.99

JAN111387 TWIN SPICA GN VOL 06 $10.95

DEC101085 ULTIMATE MUSCLE GN VOL 28 $9.99

JAN111049 UNKNOWN TP VOL 02 DEVIL MADE FLESH $14.99

DEC100751 VERONICA #205 $2.99

JAN111094 WARLORD OF MARS DEJAH THORIS #1 $3.99

NOV100957 WEAPONS OF THE METABARONS HC $19.95

DEC101082 YU GI OH GX GN VOL 06 $9.99

MAGAZINES
OCT101219 CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG #140 BETA RAY BILL $12.00
NOV101121 CLASSIC MARVEL FIG COLL MAG #141 PYRO $12.00
NOV101129 DC BLACKEST NIGHT FIG COLL MAG #1 BLACK HAND $14.00
OCT101231 DC SUPERHERO FIG COLL MAG #74 DEADMAN $14.00
NOV101131 DC SUPERHERO FIG COLL MAG #75 STEEL $14.00
JAN111447 FAMOUS MONSTERS OF FILMLAND RETRO #70 $8.99
NOV101157 HOBBY JAPAN FEB 2011 $14.90
OCT101255 MEGAMI JAN 2011 (NOTE PRICE) $20.60
OCT101256 NEWTYPE JAN 2011 (NOTE PRICE) $16.00

March Explodes with VIZ Media Titles for the iPad

MARCH MANGA MADNESS LAUNCHES FOR THE VIZ MANGA APP FOR THE iPAD

VIZ Manga App Surpasses 100 Volumes Milestone in March; All Volume 1’s Available For Download in March For Only $0.99

VIZ Media continues to rapidly expand its online library of manga (graphic novel) titles available from the FREE VIZ MANGA APP for the Apple® iPad™ mobile device. By the end of March, over 100 volumes will be available for download. To celebrate, a special March-only promotion will launch that makes all Volume 1 manga titles available for only $0.99 (instead of $4.99).

After shopping, also enter to win a $50 iTunes gift card by taking the VIZ Manga App survey. The latest updates for the first week of March feature new additions to 8 of the 16 popular VIZ Media series currently available. More special offers will be announced throughout the month and users should check the App frequently for new announcements.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for FREE through the iTunes Store and manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. The VIZ MANGA APP also now features a new software upgrade (Version 3.0), which delivers better functionality including bookmarks, improved storage, navigation, and the ability to browse-by-series in the "My Manga" library. Push notifications will also automatically notify users when new volumes of favorite bookmarked titles are added.

Sixteen series are now available on the VIZ Manga App; manga volumes available this week include:

BAKUMAN｡ Vol. 2
BLEACH Vol. 9
CAPTIVE HEARTS Vol. 2
CLAYMORE Vol. 4
D.GRAY MAN Vol. 5
DEATH NOTE Vol. 7
DRAGON BALL Vol. 14
MERUPURI Vol. 2
NARUTO Vol. 15
NATSUME’S BOOK OF FRIENDS Vol. 1
ONE PIECE Vol. 15
OTOMEN Vol. 3
OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 3
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 7
TORIKO Vol. 2
VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vol. 4

The recently launched VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad are featured.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

New Titles Available for VIZ Manga App

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES CAPTIVE HEARTS, CLAYMORE, D.GRAY-MAN AND TORIKO MANGA DOWNLOADS FOR THE VIZ MANGA APP FOR iPad

Four Acclaimed New Series Join The Latest Updates Of More Than Ten Other Titles

VIZ Media continues to rapidly expand its digital library of manga (graphic novel) titles available for the VIZ MANGA APP on the Apple® iPad™ mobile device. Just launched is the dark, armored action of CLAYMORE and the supernatural adventure D.GRAY-MAN, and set to launch on Tuesday, January 25th is the shojo fantasy of CAPTIVE HEARTS and the zany culinary adventure of TORIKO. The latest updates also features new additions to more than ten other popular VIZ Media manga series already available to iPad users.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume.

CAPTIVE HEARTS, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Available January 25th
Carefree Megumi Kuroishi was living a life of luxury until the day a girl named Suzuka Kogami walked into his life. All of a sudden, Megumi finds himself kneeling at Suzuka's feet and prostrating himself like a servant! What Megumi doesn't know (until that very moment anyway) is that his family is cursed to follow the orders of the Kogami family.

CLAYMORE, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available Now!
In a world where monsters called Yoma prey on humans and live among them in disguise, humanity's only hope is a new breed of warrior known as Claymores. Half human, half monster, these silver-eyed slayers possess supernatural strength but are condemned to fight their savage impulses or lose their humanity completely.

D.GRAY-MAN, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available Now!
Set in a fictional 19th century England, D.Gray-man is the story of Allen Walker, a 15-year-old boy who roams the earth in search of Innocence. Washed away to unknown parts of the world after The Great Flood, Innocence is the mysterious substance used to create weapons that obliterate demons known as akuma.

TORIKO, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Available January 25th
In a savage world ruled by the pursuit of the most delicious foods, it's either eat or be eaten! While searching for the tastiest foods imaginable, Gourmet Hunter Toriko travels the world with his bottomless stomach, facing every beast in his way.

Additional new manga volumes available by the end of the month include:

BAKUMAN｡ Vol. 2
BLEACH Vol. 6
D. GRAY MAN, Vol. 2
DEATH NOTE Vol. 5
DRAGON BALL Vol. 9
NARUTO Vol. 10
ONE PIECE Vol. 10
OTOMEN Vol. 2
OURON HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 2
RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 5
VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vol. 2

The recently launched VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad are featured.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

Death Note (Always Bet on) Black Edition

I read Death Note Black Edition, Vol. 1

I posted a review at the Comic Book Bin (which has FREE smart phone apps).

Death Note Gets New Release in "Black Edition"

A SHINIGAMI DEATH GOD AND THE HUNT FOR AN ‘ETHICAL’ SERIAL KILLER TO ENTHRALL THE MANGA WORLD AGAIN IN THE RELEASE OF VIZ MEDIA’S DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION

 

New Edition of the Riveting Supernatural Crime Mystery Features A Larger Size And Added Full Color Pages

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 DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION, an oversized version of the acclaimed supernatural crime thriller. Volume 1 hits stores on December 28th and includes the first two editions of the popular manga (graphic novel) series as well as added full-color pages. The DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION will be offered under the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, and will retail for $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects—and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal…or his life?

“DEATH NOTE took the manga world by storm and became an international bestseller with its sinister plot and captivating artwork,” says Beth Kawasaki, Sr. Editorial Director. “The BLACK EDITION is an ideal way for those who never read the original series to finally see what the buzz is all about in six volumes versus the original 12-volume run. For established fans or anyone that might have missed later DEATH NOTE volumes, the new version also presents a great opportunity to revisit the series with its larger trade paperback size, new cover design, and bonus color pages.”

The original DEATH NOTE series, a 12-volume mystery created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata, continues to be a must-read among legions of ardent fans, having sold over 1.2 million copies in the U.S. to date. DEATH NOTE has spawned not only a fanbook (DEATH NOTE: HOW TO READ 13) and two novels (DEATH NOTE ANOTHER NOTE: THE LOS ANGELES BB MURDER CASES and DEATH NOTE: L, CHANGE THE WORLD), all published by VIZ Media, but also a 37-episode animated series (available streamed online for free at VIZAnime.com and on DVD from VIZ Media), three live-action feature films and a plethora of related posters, toys and action figures. The DEATH NOTE manga and anime are both rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens.

For more information on DEATH NOTE, please visit DeathNote.viz.com.

To view animated DEATH NOTE episodes for free, please visit http://www.vizanime.com/.

For more information on other Shonen Jump titles, please visit http://www.shonenjump.com/.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and website at http://www.viz.com/.

New VIZ Media Manga for the iPad

VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS NEW MANGA ON THE FREE-TO-DOWNLOAD VIZ MANGA APP FOR THE iPad

VAMPIRE KNIGHT, OTOMEN, OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB And RUROUNI KENSHIN Join Lineup of Legendary Manga Series Available

VIZ Media announces the launch of VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB (rated ‘T’ for Teens), OTOMEN (rated ‘T’ for Teens), and RUROUNI KENSHIN (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), available now from the VIZ MANGA APP on the Apple® iPad™ mobile device. The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free download through the iTunes Store, and all manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada directly within the application for $4.99 per volume.

The recently launched VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad are featured.

Other series now available for download on the VIZ Manga App include volumes from BLEACH (rated ‘T’ for Teens), BAKUMAN｡ (rated ‘T’ for Teens), DEATH NOTE (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), DRAGON BALL (rated ‘T’ for Teens), NARUTO (rated ‘T’ for Teens), and ONE PIECE (rated ‘T’ for Teens).

In OTOMEN, a romantic comedy by creator Aya Kanno, Asuka Masamune is a guy who loves girly things--sewing, knitting, making cute stuffed animals and reading shojo comics. But in a world where boys are expected to act manly, Asuka must hide his beloved hobbies and play the part of a masculine jock instead. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

In the screwball romantic comedy OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB by Bisco Hatori, Haruhi, a poor girl at a rich kids' school, is forced to repay an $80,000 debt by working for the school's swankiest, all-male club--as a boy! There, she discovers just how wealthy the six members are and how different the rich are from everybody else...

Action, romance, and historical intrigue help make Nobuhiro Watsuki's RUROUNI KENSHIN, the tale of a wandering swordsman set against the backdrop of the Meiji Restoration, one of the most popular Shonen Jump titles among fans to date! Himura Kenshin, once an assassin of ferocious power, is now a humble rurouni, a wandering swordsman fighting to protect the honor of those in need.

In fan favorite hit VAMPIRE KNIGHT, by Matsuri Hino, Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

VIZ Media iPad App Now Available

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES FREE VIZ MANGA iPAD APP

App Debuting with NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, BLEACH and Other Greatest Hits of Manga; DEATH NOTE Volume 1 As A Free Download for a Limited Time

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced its long-awaited digital manga (graphic novel) application for the Apple® iPad™ mobile device, launching today for FREE download through the iTunes Store. With this launch, the VIZ MANGA APP instantly becomes the leading destination to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world.

The VIZ MANGA APP will launch on its first day with five legendary manga series, BLEACH Vols. 1-2, DEATH NOTE Vols. 1-2, DRAGON BALL Vol. 1, NARUTO Vols. 1-2, and ONE PIECE Vols. 1-2, as well as the recently launched BAKUMAN。 Vol. 1. In Week 2, the shojo fan favorite OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 1 joins the lineup. All volumes will be available for purchase and download directly within the application for $4.99 per volume. In addition, DEATH NOTE Vol. 1 will be available as a FREE download for a limited time only. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad will also be featured and added on a frequent and regular basis.

“Fans have been clamoring for an official manga-dedicated app from the moment they heard of the iPad’s existence,” says Alvin Lu, Senior Vice President and General Manager of VIZ Media. “It’s easy to see how manga and the iPad make for a perfect and natural fit. The VIZ MANGA APP is a great start, and this is just the beginning of manga’s brave new world. Look for plenty more developments to come.”

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

I Reads You Review: DEATH NOTE, VOL. 1

Creators: Story by Tsugumi Ohba; art by Takeshi Obata

Publishing Information: VIZ Media, paperback, 200 pages, $7.99 (US), $9.99 CAN, £5.99 UK

Ordering Numbers: ISBN: 978-1-4215-0168-0 (ISBN-13); 1-4215-0168-6 (ISBN-10)

The shonen manga Death Note, by writer Tsugumi Ohba and artist Takeshi Obata, remains popular long after its conclusion not just because of any infamy or controversy the series has gained, but also because of the generally thoughtful approach to the storytelling and the series’ philosophical matters.

Death Note, Vol. 1 introduces the primary players and central concepts. Light Yagami is a high school student with great prospects for the future, but in spite of his academic achievements, he is bored. Ryuk is a shinigami – a death god, and he is bored out of his mind with the sorry state of affairs in the Realm of the Shinigami. To have some fun, Ryuk drops his Death Note into the human world. The Death Note is a notebook, and any human whose name is written on a page within the notebook will die.

Light finds the Death Note and learns of its use via instructions included inside, so he decides to use it to rid the world of evil – especially of the vilest criminals. After criminals start dropping dead in large numbers, Interpol assigns the legendary detective, L, to track down the killer of these criminals, a killer they name “Kira.” With L seemingly getting closer to discovering his activities, Light engages in a game of cat and mouse with the detective, while trying to stay true to his noble goal.

The seven chapters that comprise this first volume of Death Note serve to introduce the story, settings, and characters to readers, which they do with some detail and quite a bit of efficiency. Ohba not only moves quickly to establish the hook – how Light Yagami uses the Death Note – but the author also begins to dig into the why of Light’s activities. Ohba presents Light as a very intelligent, thoughtful, and well-meaning young man, but a young man who is also conniving, manipulative, and dangerous. In these early chapters, Ohba does make one wonder to what extent the Death Note has affected Light’s personality. Has this supernatural notebook changed Light or merely brought out his true nature?

The graphic storytelling and art by Takeshi Obata is excellent. Obata establishes Death Note’s suspenseful mood, and balances the narrative’s supernatural and real world aspects. With his drawings, Obata peers into Light’s soul, allowing the reader to investigate the character. Obata also creates an impenetrable aura of mystery around the detective L that makes this excellent series all the better.

A

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