Sunday, February 6, 2011

The Black Eyed Peas Get Bluewater Comics' "Fame" Treatment



BLUEWATER BRINGS THE BLACK EYED PEAS TO THE COMIC PAGES
 
The Black Eyed Peas made history in 2009 when its singles I Gotta Feeling and Boom Boom Pow held the top two spots in the Billboard Hot 100. Only 11 artists, including the Peas, have managed this feat in the Hot 100's history.

The Black Eyed Peas will make history of a different sort this February. That's when Bluewater Productions will ship its latest comic, Fame: The Black Eyed Peas to comic shops and online retailers across the country.

The Peas will become the latest artists to hit the pages of a Bluewater-produced comic. The company's Fame series, which profiles the biggest of celebrities and artists, has already featured biographies of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, David Beckham and Taylor Swift.

The Black Eyed Peas comic will trace the history of one of the country's most popular bands from its humble roots all the way to its Grammy winning successes. Along the way, readers will discover a variety of previously unknown facts about the talented musicians that make up the Peas.

“It was impossible to get away from the Black Eyed Peas in the last two years,” said Darren Davis, publisher and founder of Bluewater Productions. “This group is exactly the kind of band we want to showcase in our Fame series, one that has captured the attention of the country. This comic does a tremendous job of showcasing the band's rise, and should provide plenty of new information for even the most devoted of its fans.”

M. Zachary Sherman wrote the script for Fame: The Black Eyed Peas, while Kristopher Smith handled the pencils. Smith also contributed one of the books' two covers.

The suggested retail price (SRP) for the comic book is $3.99. To find a comic book store near you go to http://www.comicshoplocator.com/. The comic will also be on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/gbHYHu

Bluewater Productions, one of the country's leading independent comics publishers, has gained its own brand of fame for its series of biography comics, Fame, Female Force and Political Power. The company, though, also produces a line of fiction comics, including such critically acclaimed series as Insane Jane, Nanny & Hank and Styx & Stone. For more information, visit Bluewater online at http://www.bluewaterprod.com/.


About Bluewater Productions
Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) 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.

For more information, visit http://www.bluewaterprod.com/.

Saturday, February 5, 2011

TOKYOPOP Announces New Web Documentary Series

TOKYOPOP debuts groundbreaking new series America's Greatest Otaku

Eight-episode documentary series to premiere February 24 on Hulu

TOKYOPOP, the leading manga-lifestyle entertainment company, is pleased to announce that the first episode of its weekly documentary series, America's Greatest Otaku, will debut on Hulu February 24, 2011.

America's Greatest Otaku is a revealing documentary series that searches the United States for the number one American otaku. The term "otaku" refers to any uber-passionate fan of anime, manga, games, and Japanese pop culture in which it is less of a hobby, and more of a lifestyle.

Each of the eight episodes will follow TOKYOPOP founder, entrepreneur, and filmmaker Stu Levy and his apprentices, the Otaku Six (six college students that are self-proclaimed die-hard otaku) as they travel across the country, searching for the one person who personifies what it means to be an otaku. The twenty-city nationwide search covers, in order of travel, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Denver, Dallas, Kansas City, Albuquerque, Phoenix, San Diego, Oklahoma, Nashville, Baltimore, Washington D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, Indianapolis, Louisville, Atlanta, New Orleans, and Chicago.

America's Greatest Otaku features nineteen "contenders" who compete for the grand prize of a trip to otaku Mecca--Tokyo, Japan. In the season finale, America's Greatest Otaku will be revealed, and the winner's exciting trip to Japan will be spotlighted.

"My goal with America's Greatest Otaku is to pay tribute to an amazing sub-culture that many people may not be aware of," says Levy. " There are otaku living in every city and town, attending conventions of all sizes. These are fans that are entirely devoted to their passion. With this show I hope to prove that otaku are incredibly intelligent and creative fans, who are also themselves true characters."

Contenders will be judged based on six "core qualities"--pride, personality, passion, participation, expertise, and imagination. From cosplay costume designers, to manga artists, to custom anime toy designers, contenders express their otaku love in many fascinating and entertaining ways. In the season finale, four prominent industry judges vote for the winner--but fans will also be able to vote for a "Fan Favorite" winner on www.americasgreatestotaku.com after Episode Seven airs.

During the nationwide search for America's Greatest Otaku contenders, Levy and the Otaku Six visit over thirty "Otaku Spots"--locations that are rich with otaku style and appeal. Included in these Spots are: an innovative "maid café"; a hotel inspired by Japanese pop culture; a recreation of a 17th century Japanese house and garden; a ninja-themed restaurant; a bento box specialty shop; an Alice in Wonderland themed café; and many, many more.

In addition, Levy and the Otaku Six interview notable people influencing otaku culture, such as J-Pop idol Erina Mano, Three Rings games CEO Daniel James, anime voice actor and Director Eric Vale (Fruits Basket, Dragon Ball Z), FUNimation Director of Production Justin Ryan Cook, and Japanese hip-hop band and anime song writers (Bleach, Naruto) Home Made Kazoku.

To watch America's Greatest Otaku, as well as check out show clips, info, and fan favorite voting, be sure to visit the America's Greatest Otaku website: www.americasgreatestotaku.com.

Credits:
Cast
Host: Stu Levy
Otaku Six: Andre Jeanjacques, Diana Hsu, Dominique Kruse, Meera Jogani, Stephan Cho, William Sullivan Brown

Crew:
Executive Producer & Director: Stu Levy
Co-Producer: Daisuke Kinouchi
Director of Photography: Daisuke Kinouchi
Videographers: Daisuke Kinouchi, Stu Levy, Stephan Cho
Editors: Daisuke Kinouchi, Scott Shaver, Kathria Tizon
Junior Editors: Alice Park, Christina Wong
Motion Graphics: Jason Milligan, Raymond Cinemato, Andrew Guiyangco
Sound Designer: Ben Chan
Field Audio Mixers: Diana Hsu, William Sullivan Brown
Production Associates: Kasia Piekarz, Laura Benefiel, Christina Wong
Production Coordinators: Dominique Kruse, Meera Jogani, Stevie Wegrzyn
Production Assistants: Andrew Guiyangco, Erinn Conlon, Kathryn Cwynar, Lily Chau, Tida Jursudakul, Victor Luo, Jordan Julio Acosta
Production Management: John Parker, Marco Pavia
Brand Manager: Troy Lewter


About TOKYOPOP
Founded in 1997 by international media entrepreneur Stu Levy, TOKYOPOP established the market for manga in North America, introducing the term to the English language in the process. Over its history, TOKYOPOP has published over 3000 books, distributed anime and Asian films on home video and television, licensed merchandise to consumer goods companies, created graphic novels of major brands such as Warcraft, Star Trek, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Hannah Montana, and led the way digitally in social media, e-commerce and user-generated content. TOKYOPOP's brand expanded internationally with offices in Europe and Japan and a network of over 160 partners in more than 50 countries and 30 languages. Taking its Manga Revolution beyond the page, TOKYOPOP has begun producing live-action and animated film and television content based on its extensive intellectual property library, including Priest, Van Von Hunter, and another 20 projects currently in development, along with America's Greatest Otaku, an 8-episode reality show filmed during its 2010 summer-long, 28-city national tour. For more information, visit http://www.tokyopop.com/ as well as www.twitter.com/tokyopop and www.facebook.com/tokyopop.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Fantagraphics Bookstore and Bureau of Drawers Present "Lovesick"


Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery, in association with the Bureau of Drawers, hosts “LOVESICK” Comix Exhibition Opening February 12.

Aaron Renier and Jason Shiga appear on Wednesday, February 23.

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery loves local comix! Saturday, February 12 features the opening of “Lovesick,” an exhibition of emerging and established artists from the Bureau of Drawers cartoonist collective. The show includes original art, handmade books and prints by 16 Seattle comix artists and illustrators. Exhibiting artists will be present for a festive reception at Fantagraphics Bookstore on Saturday, February 12 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM – just in time for Valentine’s.

The Bureau of Drawers formed in 2010 as an alliance of independent local alternative cartoonists. They meet weekly for an informal salon at Café Racer in Ravenna and have participated in high profile events at the Seattle Art Museum, Bumbershoot, and Urban Light Studios. The group includes accomplished cartoonists like David Lasky, Tom Dougherty and Scott Faulkner as well as promising young talent like Nikki Burch and Marc Palm. Other participating artists include Breanne Boland, Billis Helg, Tyler Hill, Calamity Jon Morris, Sean Robinson, Mark Stockbridge, Ed Trumbule, Adam Watson, Dalton Webb, and Stevie VanBronkhorst Expect an eclectic mix of topical works on the loose theme of unrequited love.

This event coincides with the 3rd anniversary edition of the colorful Georgetown Second Saturday Art Attack featuring adventurous – and amorous – visual and performing arts events throughout the historic neighborhood. For more information and a participant map visit: www.georgetownartattack.com. Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery is located at 1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.) just minutes south of downtown Seattle. Open daily 11:30 to 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM. Phone 206.658.0110.

On Wednesday, February 23 at 6:30 PM, Fantagraphics Bookstore is pleased to present Aaron Renier in conversation with Jason Shiga. Renier will present his new graphic novel, The Unsinkable Walker Bean, on the acclaimed First Second imprint. Renier’s previous book, Spiral Bound (Top Shelf, 2005), was widely heralded as a book that appealed to sophisticated readers of all ages. Jason Shiga’s award-winning books also attract an all ages readership. In addition to self-published comics, his work has appeared in McSweeney’s Quarterly. His next effort, Empire State, is due later this year from Abrams. Renier and Shiga will discuss their unique approach to creating comics, followed by a signing and reception. This event marks the first in a series of “Comics Talks” at Fantagraphics Bookstore featuring discussions with writers, artists, and editors of diverse comics from the Northwest and beyond.

Listing Information:
Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery and Bureau of Drawers Present

LOVESICK
Illustration and comix art by: Breanne Boland, Nikki Burch, Tom Dougherty, Scott Faulkner, Billis Helg, Tyler Hill, David Lasky, Calamity Jon Morris, Marc Palm, Sean Robinson, Mark Stockbridge, Ed Trumbule, Adam Watson, Dalton Webb, Stevie VanBronkhorst

Opening reception Saturday, February 12, 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Exhibition continues through March 9, 2011

Fantagraphics Book Club Presents the first in a series of “Comix Talks”

Aaron Renier in conversation with Jason Shiga

Wednesday, February 23, 6:30 PM

Fantagraphics Bookstore & Gallery
1201 S. Vale St. (at Airport Way S.)
Seattle, WA 98108 206.658.0110
Open daily 11:30 – 8:00 PM, Sundays until 5:00 PM
http://www.fantagraphics.com/

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Leroy Douresseaux on "Batman vs. The Undead"



BATMAN VS. THE UNDEAD
DC COMICS
 
WRITER: Kevin VanHook
ARTIST: Tom Mandrake
COLORS: David Baron
LETTERS: Steve Wands
ISBN: 978-1-4012-3035-7; paperback
128 Color, $14.99 U.S., $16.99 CAN

I still find comic book back issues in which the credits list the comic book artist as an illustrator. I don’t know if the term illustrator is appropriate because comic book penciller or artist does not provide illustrations for a comic book story. Rather he tells a story using graphics and drawings.

Certainly, some comic book artists employ the techniques of illustrators because they are the best way to tell a comic book story. A recent example would be Tom Mandrake whose pen and ink style art makes the new trade paperback, Batman vs. The Undead a thrilling superhero comic book, but also a throwback to weird pulp tales.

Batman vs. The Undead collects the storyline originally serialized in Batman Confidential #44-48. This story arc finds Bruce Wayne in New Orleans to contribute money for the post-Hurricane Katrina rebuilding effort. Batman, on the other hand, is in the Big Easy on the trail of madman, Professor Herbert Combs. Combs was released from Arkham Asylum and is in New Orleans seeking to further his knowledge of the dark art of voodoo.

Batman isn’t the only one tracking Combs, so is the vampire Marius Dimeter and the Polish werewolf, Janko, both victims of Combs’ dark magic. Now, Combs has joined forces with another powerful voodoo practitioner, Mama Ezili, in a plot to raise the zombie army to beat all armies. The task to stop Combs is so big that Batman will not only need the help of Dimeter and Janko, but also the help of Superman.

Ten years from now, readers may not remember Batman vs. The Undead the way they remembered Batman: The Dark Knight Returns a decade after it was first published. Hopefully, new readers will continually discover this Batman Confidential storyline and many of them will remember it as one of the better Batman horror stories. Kevin VanHook and Tom Mandrake are in near-perfect dark harmony in creating this riveting mixture of Batman detective story and weird fiction.

Only a diseased mind or an imaginative comic book scribe could use rotting corpses, plastinated bodies, and moldy mummies as seed to grow one of the Dark Knight’s most challenging cases. Which is Kevin VanHook? I’ll let you decide, dear reader. Seriously, VanHook blends pulpy Robert E. Howard/H.P. Lovecraft horror and Denny O’Neil-style Caped Crusader into a gruesome stew that simmers like a summer potboiler.

Borrowing only a tiny bit from recent Batman artists like Jim Lee and Andy Kubert, Tom Mandrake creates graphics that recall the Batman comic book art of Berni Wrightson and Jim Aparo. When Mandrake weaves ghastly pages of undead action, dank swamps, and creepy graveyards, he conjures, in a way, early 20th century pen and ink illustrators (like Joseph Clement Coll). In the zombie and voodoo pages, Mandrake does award-worthy work that is as good as the best recent horror comic book art.

Batman vs. The Undead is a delight to read, like a good scary movie is to watch. The last chapter sort of stumbles in the last act, but overall, this is fun. I hope VanHook and Mandrake plan on giving us more such dark delights.

A-

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 2 2011

DC COMICS

DEC100208 AZRAEL #17 $2.99

DEC100200 BATMAN BEYOND #2 $2.99

DEC100209 BATMAN CONFIDENTIAL #53 $2.99

OCT100185 BATMAN ODYSSEY #6 $3.99

OCT100262 BATMAN THE RETURN OF BRUCE WAYNE DELUXE ED HC $29.99

DEC100168 BRIGHTEST DAY #19 $2.99

NOV100268 DAYTRIPPER TP (MR) $19.99

DEC100165 DC UNIVERSE ONLINE LEGENDS #1 $2.99

DEC100239 FREEDOM FIGHTERS #6 $2.99

NOV100171 GOTHAM CITY SIRENS #19 $2.99

DEC100297 HOUSE OF MYSTERY #34 (MR) $2.99

DEC100300 IZOMBIE #10 (MR) $2.99

DEC100238 JONAH HEX #64 $2.99

DEC100227 JSA ALL STARS #15 $2.99

DEC100286 KANE AND LYNCH #6 (MR) $2.99

OCT100239 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES ANNUAL #1 $4.99

DEC100276 LOONEY TUNES #195 $2.99

NOV100228 REBELS TP VOL 04 SONS OF BRAINIAC $14.99

DEC100277 SCOOBY DOO WHERE ARE YOU #6 $2.99

DEC100232 SECRET SIX #30 $2.99

NOV100249 SUPER FRIENDS MYSTERY IN SPACE TP $12.99

DEC100216 SUPERBOY #4 $2.99

DEC100215 SUPERMAN 80 PAGE GIANT 2011 #1 $5.99

OCT100275 SUPERMAN WAR OF THE SUPERMEN HC $19.99

DEC100304 SWEET TOOTH #18 (MR) $2.99

OCT100236 TIME MASTERS VANISHING POINT #6 $3.99

DEC100187 WEIRD WORLDS #2 $3.99

DC COMICS/DC DIRECT

JUN100301 AME COMI HEROINE MINI FIGURES SER 1 PI

MAR100344 SUPERGIRL MINI STATU $79.99

JAN100398 SUPERMAN FOREVER #1 MINI STATUE $79.99

Marvel Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 2 2011

MARVEL COMICS

NOV100561 AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #653 BIG $3.99

NOV100643 ANITA BLAKE PREM HC CIRCUS OF DAMNED CHARMER BOOK 01 (MR) $19.99

DEC100584 AVENGERS THOR CAPTAIN AMERICA OFF INDEX MU #10 $3.99

DEC100696 CAPTAIN AMERICA BY RON GARNEY POSTER $8.99

DEC100555 CAPTAIN AMERICA HAIL HYDRA #2 $2.99

DEC100677 CAPTAIN AMERICA PATRIOT TP $16.99

AUG100678 CIVIL WAR X-MEN HC $39.99

NOV100598 DAKEN DARK WOLVERINE #5 $2.99

DEC100609 DEADPOOL AND CABLE #26 $3.99

DEC100603 DOCTOR STRANGE FROM MARVEL VAULT #1 $2.99

DEC100694 ESSENTIAL THOR TP VOL 01 NEW $19.99

NOV100586 HULK #29 $3.99

NOV100641 INCREDIBLE HULKS DARK SON PREM HC $24.99

DEC100562 INVINCIBLE IRON MAN #500.1 $2.99

DEC100566 IRON MAN LEGACY #11 $2.99

NOV100662 IRON MAN NOIR GN TP $14.99

DEC100537 OZMA OF OZ #4 $3.99

DEC100591 SHE-HULKS #4 $2.99

NOV100563 SPIDER-GIRL #3 BIG $2.99

NOV100654 SPIDER-MAN BIG TIME PREM HC $19.99

NOV100521 STAND NO MANS LAND #1 $3.99

DEC100580 SUPER HERO SQUAD SPECTACULAR #1 $3.99

DEC100567 THOR FOR ASGARD #6 $3.99

AUG100694 THOR WORLDENGINE PREM HC $19.99

AUG100695 THOR WORLDENGINE PREM HC DM VAR ED 58 $19.99

SEP100564 ULTIMATE COMICS NEW ULTIMATES #5 $3.99

NOV100528 ULTIMATE COMICS THOR #4 $3.99

OCT100630 WARRIORS THREE #3 $3.99

DEC100615 WOLVERINE BEST THERE IS #3 $3.99

DEC100697 WOLVERINE BY PAOLO RIVERA POSTER $8.99

NOV100673 WOLVERINE RECKONING TP $19.99