The Comic Book Gazette

San Francisco, CA, AUGUST 22, 2008 -- VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the Canadian theatrical debut of the live-action DEATH NOTE feature film, based on the wildly successful manga and animated series. The DEATH NOTE feature film will screen as a special event in approximately 60 Cineplex Entertainment and Empire Theatres locations across Canada on Monday, September 15 at 9:00pm local time. A special DVD advance ticket bundle has also been announced that goes on-sale August 29th. The bundle will include a ticket to the theatrical screening as well as the DVD of the live action film (the DVD can also be purchased separately on-site immediately after the screening). The DEATH NOTE DVD advance ticket bundle has a suggested retail price of $29.99 Canadian plus tax. Interested viewers may go to www.DeathNoteFilms.com, www.cineplex.com or www.empiretheatres.com/deathnote for more information, advance tickets and a complete list of participating theatres.

This special theatrical event will also include an insightful 20-minute feature on how the manga translates to live action as well as a rare interview with director Shusuke Kaneko, who is also known as the director of popular monster film Gamera.

DEATH NOTE is based on the hit supernatural action mystery manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The live-action film was released in Japan in 2006 and mirrors the mangaÕs story of Light Yagami, an ace student with great prospects who is bored out of his mind. All of that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god named Ryuk. 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 mysteriously begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to investigate, and he is soon hot on the trail of Light, who must now reevaluate his one noble goal. Both Light and L believe themselves to be on the side of justice, and the two match wits trying to show exactly which of them is "good" and which of them is "evil."

"The DEATH NOTE live action film wowed audiences when it screened theatrically in the United States earlier this year, and as the popularity of the manga and anime series have spread we are very pleased to debut the film to Canadian audiences," says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. "Inspired by its manga and animated counterparts, the live-action DEATH NOTE film combines the best aspects of suspenseful crime dramas like Heat, Seven and Sea Of Love with supernatural plot elements to make for a very unique story. We encourage fans will take advantage of the special DEATH NOTE advance ticket bundle to secure a seat at the screening and a copy of the DVD!"

"Cineplex Entertainment is very pleased to provide this one-night-only Canadian screening of the DEATH NOTE live action feature film to our guests across the country," said Pat Marshall, Vice-President, Communications and Investor Relations for Cineplex Entertainment. "We are also excited to offer our guests the opportunity to experience this movie first on the big screen as well as offer them the added bonus of a DVD copy to take home with them."

"Live action adaptations of popular graphic novels, animated series and comics are this year's box office darlings. We expect this to continue with DEATH NOTE, which will definitely be a hit with those familiar with the franchise, but we also anticipate it will be enjoyed by a wider audience, much in the way that Hido Nakata's films were." said Dean Leland, Vice President of Media and Studio Relations for Empire Theatres.

The DEATH NOTE manga and animated series have become extremely popular domestically. The 37-episode animated series is seen by millions each week on cable broadcast and the series is also distributed on DVD by VIZ Media (rated T+ for Older Teens). On the print side, DEATH NOTE 13: HOW TO READ, a companion volume to the successful manga series, also published domestically by VIZ Media, was recently ranked in USA Today's Top 150 list of America's best-selling books.

For more information on DEATH NOTE and other VIZ Pictures films please also visit www.viz-pictures.com. For more information on DEATH NOTE please go to deathnote.viz.com.

Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan's point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA, THE TASTE OF TEA, and PING PONG. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series. For more information please visit www.viz-pictures.com. © 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc

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 JapanÕs 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 magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, 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; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Empire Theatres Limited is a 100% owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited with its corporate headquarters in Stellarton, NS and regional offices in Halifax, NS, Toronto, ON and Calgary, AB. Empire Theatres owns and operates 50 theatres with 372 screens across Canada from Newfoundland to British Columbia. Empire Theatres is Canada's second largest and fastest growing film exhibition company providing an exciting out-of-home entertainment experience including traditional film exhibition as well as other content using its digital and satellite capabilities. 2008 marks Empire Theatres 30^th year in the motion picture exhibition business. With approximately 3,000 employees, Empire Theatres provides excellent employment opportunities for the youth of Canada in an exciting and energetic industry.

      Get Link

Press Release: Comics Aren't Just For Guys! (08.21)

The following is a press release from VIZ Media.

San Francisco, CA, August 21, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced five new shojo manga (graphic novel for girls) titles set to debut throughout the Third Quarter.

Published under the company’s popular Shojo Beat imprint, the new series include TIME STRANGER KYOKO, SHORT-TEMPERED MELANCHOLIC AND OTHER STORIES, SUGAR PRINCES: SKATING TO WIN, MIXED VEGETABLES and WANTED.

"The debut of these latest shojo manga series features a variety of romantic stories set against an array of interesting backdrops that range from time travel to ice skating to cooking to pirates!" says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. "Fans will be excited to explore these intriguing new stories from renowned manga artists such as Arina Tanemura, who created The Gentlemen’s Alliance † and FULL MOON, Hisaya Nakajo, the creator of HANA KIMI, and Matsuri Hino, who created the popular gothic drama VAMPIRE KNIGHT. As the popularity of shojo manga continues, readers won’t want to miss these exciting new series by some of the genre’s most acclaimed and innovative artists and creators."

Kyoko Suomi is the Princess of Earth in the 30^th century but she lives among the commoners, unwilling to reveal her true identity and ascend to the throne. Her father the King will only allow Kyoko to live as she pleases if she can revive her twin sister Ui, who has been trapped in time since birth. To do this Kyoko must find 12 holy stones and 12 telepaths to move the clock that has stopped time for her sister. TIME STRANGER KYOKO was created by Arina Tanemura, who began her manga career in 1996 when her short stories debuted in Japan’s Ribon magazine. She first gained fame with the 1997 publication of I•O•N, a high school romance with a supernatural twist that is also published domestically by VIZ Media. Tanemura worked on the popular series Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne, about a young girl who is the reincarnation of Joan of Arc, followed by Time Stranger Kyoko, The Gentlemen’s Alliance †, and FULL MOON (all published domestically by VIZ Media). TIME STRANGER KYOKO has also been previewed in SHOJO BEAT magazine.

SHORT-TEMPERED MELANCHOLIC AND OTHER STORIES · Rated "T" for Teens · MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available Now!

A new collection of four unique short stories from famed mangaka Arina Tanemura! Kajika Yamano is a female ninja whose job is to protect her family's legendary weapon. But when a boy she has a crush on tells her she should be more ladylike, she vows to give up all her ninja activities. In "This Love is Nonfiction" Yuri sends her pen pal Ryo a picture of herself – but it's really of her best friend Karin, who she feels is much prettier. Now Ryo wants to meet, so she has no choice but to send Karin instead! In "Rainy Afternoons Are for Romantic Heroines" Minori falls in love with Takato, a boy who shared his umbrella with her one rainy afternoon. Now she "forgets" her umbrella every time it rains in hopes of catching the boy’s attention. The final story, "The Style of the Second Love" presents a girl named Mana who secretly likes her friend's boyfriend, but Nakamura, a younger boy, is determined to win Mana's heart.

SUGAR PRINCESS: SKATING TO WIN · Rated "A" for ALL AGES ·

MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available Now!

Maya Kurinoki is an 8th grader who has no experience ice-skating but seems to have natural talent. She performs a double axel and impresses a scout named Eishi Todo, who tells her that he can make her a skating "princess." But Todo also tells Maya that she'll have to convince the famous skater Shun Kano to coach her and become her skating partner. But unfortunately for Maya, Shun only wants to skate singles. Will she be able to change his mind? SUGAR PRINCESS: SKATING TO WIN was created by Hisaya Nakajo's who also created the hit manga series HANA KIMI (published domestically by VIZ Media). SUGAR PRINCESS: SKATING TO WIN was recently previewed in the July 2008 issue of Shojo Beat magazine.

MIXED VEGETABLES · Rated "T" for TEENS · MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available September 2, 2008

A new culinary manga series by Ayumi Komura, MIXED VEGETABLES introduces readers to Hanayu Ashitaba, daughter of the family that runs the celebrated Patisserie Ashitaba. Despite her famous lineage all she wants to be is a top-notch sushi chef. Meanwhile, Hayato Hyuga is the son of the prestigious Sushi Hyuga, and all he wants to do is be a pastry chef! It's love and leftovers at the Oikawa High School Cooking Department as these star-crossed gourmets do their best to reach their cuisine dreams! Hanayu knows that it will break her parents' hearts if she defects from the bakery to become a sushi chef. But if she marries into a sushi family, they'll have to understand her decision. Now she just has to get Hayato Hyuga interested, and what better way than to wow him with her cooking skills! MIXED VEGTABLES will captivate fans of dramatic cooking shows like Iron Chef and Hell’s Kitchen and follows a notable legacy of culinary manga series such as YAKITATE JAPAN! (also published by VIZ Media). The series features clean and energetic artwork and strongly developed characters as well as a comprehensive glossary of interesting cultural and cooking terms and detailed notes by the author. MIXED VEGETABLES was edited for domestic release by noted food writer Stephanie Lucianovic.

WANTED · Rated "T+" for TEENS · MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available September 2, 2008

WANTED is the latest series by Matsuri Hino (creator of VAMPIRE KNIGHT and MERU PURI, both published domestically by VIZ Media). In the Mediterranean at end of the 17th century, former songstress Armeria disguises herself as a boy and boards a ship belonging to the pirate Skulls – the evil man who kidnapped Luce, her first love. Captain Skulls is arrogant, violent, and a skirt chaser! And unfortunately for Armeria, he discovers she's really a woman. Now she must fend off his advances while trying to find her beloved. WANTED is previewed in the new August issue of SHOJO BEAT magazine. Artist and creator Matsuri Hino first captured attention with her debut manga, WHEN THIS DREAM IS OVER, which was published in Japan in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of that, and her other popular series CAPTIVE HEARTS (to be published by VIZ Media November 2008), and MERU PURI, Hino has established herself as a major creative force in the world of shojo manga. Her gothic series VAMPIRE KNIGHT is also currently serialized in SHOJO BEAT magazine and published by VIZ Media.

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 magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, 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; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

      Get Link

Press Release: Spore Comic Book Creator Launched (08.21)

The following is a press release from Electronic Arts Inc.

The MashON Spore E-Card Creator which was successfully launched in July 2008 gives Spore fans the opportunity to create, interact, and send personalized MashON Spore E-card using creatures, backgrounds and word bubbles. The MashON Spore E-Card Creator is an extension of the MashON Comic Book Creator.

The MashON Creative Media Suite is a collection of online social media applications, which allows users of all ages to easily create engaging, multimedia mashup stories combining their own user generated pictures, videos and sounds with their favorite characters and creatures. The resulting MashON creation can be saved and posted to the MashON Gallery, shared via email or published to the user’s favorite Social network or web site.

By registering for the free MashON Spore E-Card Creator at MashON.com, fans can bring Spore creatures to life by combining Spore backgrounds, clip art and word bubbles using unique digital assets. Creators can also add their own personalized speech bubbles and share their Spore E-Card creation with their friends by posting to their favorite social networking site or emailing directly to friends.

For more information, please visit http://www.MashON.com/SPORE/ to register.

---

About MashON

MashON develops and publishes interactive software for the MashUP generation. MashON produces web-enabled tools & widgets that provide personal interactivity in the creation, connection and easy syndication of user generated content online across the Internet. The company's signature latest product, the MashON Creative Media Suite, embraces user-generated content ("UGC") enabling its users to blend their own unique creations into their social networks, blogs, and Internet brand spaces. MashON has licensed its interactive platform to world-class lifestyle brands and advertisers in entertainment, online portals, video games, motion picture, television, music, sports, fashion, art, and travel.

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(TM), EA(TM), EA SPORTS Freestyle(TM) and POGO(TM). 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 http://www.ea.com/. More information about EA's products and full text of press releases can be found on the Internet at info.ea.com.

EA, EA SPORTS, EA SPORTS Freestyle, POGO and SPORE are trademarks or registered trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

      Get Link

Press Release: New Anime From VIZ (08.20)

The following is a press release from VIZ Media.

San Francisco, CA, August 20, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced an exciting array of new DVD releases for the 3^rd Quarter of 2008 that expand some of the most popular animated series in North America.

The new releases include DVD Box Sets and Special Editions containing limited edition collectible figurines, as well as the latest single disc editions for popular series including BLEACH, NARUTO, and DEATH NOTE, as well as much-loved classics like INUYASHA, and RANMA _.

The Yotsuba Group enlists an investigator to uncover L’s identity, while Misa, who’s been hired as their spokesperson, does some investigating of her own. When she discovers the identity of the owner of the Death Note, it’s a race between the killer and the task force — who will catch up to the other first? Time is of the essence, especially when the new Kira makes the trade for the Shinigami Eyes!

DVD-only collection featuring episodes from the hit series, no figure included.

While trying to evade the pursuing Soul Reapers and rescue Rukia, Orihime and Uryu are confronted by the captain of Squad 12, the despicable Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who plans on using them as guinea pigs for his experiments! Meanwhile, Yoruichi has revealed her true form to the astonishment of Ichigo and the others, and must use all her tricks and skills to keep her fellow intruders from losing everything for which they’ve fought so hard.

Lieutenant Momo Hinamori recalls her days in training at the Soul Reaper Academy, where she first met Captain Sosuke Aizen. In the present, the letter Aizen left for her at his death scene leads Momo to believe she has identified his killer... While Ichigo and Renji train with Yoruichi to achieve bankai, Rukia recalls a bit of her own past in a dream that she believes will prepare her to face her execution--which has been moved up to the next day!

Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf Village to find Sasuke, frustrated with Naruto's sudden growth, thirsting to fight to decide who the better ninja is once and for all. Kakashi stops the fight before the worst can happen, but soon Orochimaru's henchmen arrive in the village to lure Sasuke to Orochimaru with the promise of greater power, a promise Sasuke can't refuse. In order to retrieve Sasuke, newly appointed chunin Shikamaru forms a squad of genin, including Naruto, to pursue the terrifying Sound Ninja Four. Will they catch up before Orochimaru gets his hands on Sasuke? Let the chase begin. Special Edition Box Set comes with a Limited Edition Collectible: Summoning Creature – Manda.

DVD-only collection featuring episodes from the hit series, no collectible summoning creature included.

Naruto and Jiraiya head home with Tsunade and Shizune in tow, and the four stop at a hot spring resort for a little relaxation and an unexpected adventure. But at home again in Hidden Leaf Village, it's back to business. Tsunade's first task: heal the injured ninja. The others are successfully revived, but Tsunade has bad news for Rock Lee. While the village cheerfully prepares for Tsunade's inauguration as Fifth Hokage, Rock Lee must ponder the possibility that he will never fulfill his ninja dreams.

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura are on the ultimate mission: discover what Kakashi looks like behind his mask! Then, Tsunade sends Squad Seven to the Land of Tea and the village of Degarashi, where every four years two rival families hold a race to decide who will rule the village for the next four years. Jirocho, who represents the Wasabi family, asks the teammates to protect their runner, Idate. But the task proves difficult when Idate, who has nothing but contempt for ninja, takes off running the wrong way!

Naruto has always thought of Sasuke as a friend, but when Sasuke awakens in the hospital to discover that Naruto has grown stronger, Naruto finds himself on the receiving end of Sasuke's fury. It's Chidori vs. Rasengan! Kakashi steps in to stop the battle, while in the shadows Orochimaru's Sound Ninja Four steal their way into the village with an offer for Sasuke he may not be able to refuse! Will the promise of greater power lure Sasuke away from everything he's known and everyone who cares about him – forever?!

News of Sasuke’s departure reaches the Fifth Hokage, who immediately gives new chunin Shikamaru his first mission as leader—bring back Sasuke! Shikamaru recruits some of his best friends for the job: Naruto, Choji, Neji and Kiba. With a chunin and four top genin on their heels, the sound Ninja Four race to get Sasuke over the border and into Orochimaru’s hands. The Leaf ninja use all their wiles to ambush the Four, but find themselves trapped in a giant dome of earth that’s sucking up every last drop of their chakra!

Half-demon Inuyasha, modern-day schoolgirl Kagome and their companions face their deepest fears and worst nightmares as their quest to find the Sacred Jewel shards continues in this exciting fifth season box set. The deadly Band of Seven, a group of mercenaries executed for their crimes, have returned from the dead to wreak havoc, and Inuyasha is determined to stop them. But the battle leads them all to the sacred and mysterious Mount Hakurei, where a barrier not only renders demons, including Inuyasha, powerless, but also hides a terrible secret about their worst enemy—Naraku! The Deluxe Box Set includes 5 DVDs and also features a special “Sesshomaru Wall Scroll” and bonus Inuyasha footage.

DVD-only collection of the fifth season episodes, no wall scroll included.

It's not easy being teenage martial artist Ranma Saotome, but it's even worse when your martial-artist father Genma takes you from home at an early age to go on a decade-long training mission. He doesn't speak a word of Chinese, and yet he insists upon bringing you to the cursed training ground known as Jusenkyo, where falling into one of the many springs there instantly turns you into whoever – or whatever – drowned there last. And then, the two of you have this little accident...

From now on, a splash of cold water will turn your father into a giant panda, while you... well, you turn into a red-haired (and problematically well-built) female version of yourself. Hot water will reverse the effect, but only until the next time. What's a half-guy, half-girl to do?

     

Press Release: Slew Of New Books From Takehiko Inoue (08.20)

The following is a press release from VIZ Media.

San Francisco, CA, August 19, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the publication of a diverse new collection of manga (graphic novel) and art books by famed artist/creator Takehiko Inoue.

The new titles include the manga series REAL (rated T+ for Older Teens) and SLAM DUNK (rated T for Teens), which depict the sport of basketball in two vastly different but equally exciting ways, as well as the publication of SUMI and WATER, a pair of lavishly illustrated art books that capture the essence of Inoue’s techniques in black and white and color.

Takehiko Inoue is a skilled artist whose intricately detailed and lifelike visual style has raised the manga genre to a new level. He has been the recipient of numerous awards including the prestigious Tezuka Osamu Culture Award and the Media Arts Festival Award. Inoue’s highly acclaimed series VAGABOND (Rated M for Mature audiences and published domestically by VIZ Media) is a fictional account based on the life of legendary 17th century samurai Miyamoto Musashi. Without question, his most successful work to date is SLAM DUNK, which has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. VIZ Media complements this release of SLAM DUNK with the debut of REAL, a riveting manga series about the sport of wheelchair basketball. Inoue is a self-professed fan of basketball and also worked on the character designs for the PlayStation video game One On One among others. SLAM DUNK has been credited with introducing basketball to millions of Japanese readers. Legions have taken up the sport after becoming captivated by Inoue’s series.

REAL · Rated "T+" for Older Teens · MSRP: $12.99 US / $15.99 CAN

Available Now!

REAL is a gritty drama that offers a unique twist on the sports manga genre as it focuses on wheelchair basketball. A motorcycle accident, bone cancer, and a speeding truck crashing into a boy on a stolen bicycle all present tragic, life-changing events that turn the worlds of three young men upside down in this gripping new series. These three characters with very different personalities have only one thing in common – their passion for basketball.

SLAM DUNK · Rated "T" for Teens · MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.50 CAN

Available September 2, 2008

SLAM DUNK is the highly anticipated 31-volume basketball drama that has been a smash hit in Japan. Sakuragi Hanamichi's got no game with girls – none at all! It doesn't help that he's known for throwing down at a moment's notice. A hopeless bruiser, he's been rejected by 50 girls in a row! All that changes when he meets the girl of his dreams, Haruko, and she's actually not afraid of him! When she introduces him to the game of basketball, his life is changed forever. Selected volumes of SLAM DUNK features a profile of a specific NBA player, their stats, and their signature on-court move. The profiles begin with Volume 1, which features the Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James and his signature move, the Slam Dunk as a bonus excerpt.

VAGABOND VIZBIG Volume 1 · Rated "M" for Mature Audiences

MSRP: $19.99 US / $23.50 CAN · Available September 16, 2008

VIZ Media is re-releasing VAGABOND in the VIZBIG format featuring three volumes in one oversized edition with bonus content and new cover art. Bonus features in Volume 1 include character concept sketches, interview with Takehiko Inoue and special author comments not previously included in previously published manga from VIZ Media. Graphic novel aficionados who are just discovering Takehiko Inoue’s work will be able to enjoy his art in the larger trim size (5.75" X 8.25") while existing fans will appreciate the added bonuses included in this particular volume. The schedule for the single volume editions of VAGABOND will continue with the publication of Volume 28 in October 2008.

SUMI: VAGABOND ILLUSTRATION COLLECTION · MSRP: $34.99 US / $39.99 CAN

Available September 16, 2008

This gorgeous oversized (8.86" X 11.42") art book captures Inoue’s magnificent pen and brush work in black and white. It will include a behind-the-scenes look at VAGABOND with rough sketches and photos of Inoue’s studio.

WATER: VAGABOND ILLUSTRATION COLLECTION · MSRP: $34.99 US / $39.99 CAN · Available September 16, 2008

WATER captures Inoue’s masterful work in color and contains artwork only published in this volume. Oversized (8.86" X 11.42") contains dozens of lush watercolor depictions of samurai Miyamoto Musashi in various garments and settings.

"Takehiko Inoue’s skill as both an artist and dramatic storyteller have catapulted him to the uppermost echelon of Japan’s manga artists," says Alvin Lu, Vice President Publishing, VIZ Media. "His samurai action series, VAGABOND, first introduced his flair for historically-based sagas to domestic readers and his dynamic and realistic style shines in a completely different arena with the debuts of REAL and SLAM DUNK. Readers will delight in Inoue’s comprehensive knowledge of the sport of basketball and tributes to many great NBA players. The further release of THE ART OF VAGABOND: SUMI and WATER showcase Inoue’s pure skill as an artist and will be a must-have for serious fans of this celebrated series."

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 magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, 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; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Slam Dunk © 1990 – 1991 Takehiko Inoue and I.T. Planning, Inc.

Vagabond © 1998-2007 I.T. Planning, Inc.

     

Press Release: MGM Options 'The Many Worlds Of Jonas Moore' For Television Series Development (08.20)

The following is a press release from MGM Studios.

Combining comic book illustration with 3D animation, live action photography, newsreel archival footage, and an original music score, THE MANY WORLDS OF JONAS MOORE marks a revolution in online branded entertainment and user-generated content. Pushing the boundaries of the graphic novel genre, THE MANY WORLDS OF JONAS MOORE engages fans by inviting them to become part of the journey by downloading the JONAS MOORE digital elements and animating their own stories or creating comic book adventures for JONAS MOORE. Garage bands and musicians all over the world are also invited to strip out the music and send in their own soundtracks. The best fan-generated comic books, animations and soundtracks will be posted at www.jonasmoore.com when the online digital comic book series goes live later this year.

Previews for THE MANY WORLDS OF JONAS MOORE digital graphic novel can be seen at www.jonasmoore.com and www.factory-publishing.com. 

For over five years, Factory Publishing Ltd has been producing a title that regularly impacts with special editions on the top 10,000 names in the movie and TV industry in LA and NY from its base in London. Its new online edition, found at www.factory-publishing.com, has attracted over 2 million hits to date. Factory's founder, Howard Webster, is a photographer and film director (www.howardwebsterphotography.com) THE MANY WORLDS OF JONAS MOORE (WWW.JONASMOORE.COM) is the first of a series of original 'hero-based' digital graphic novels designed for digital and iPod download that Factory currently has in development.

Combining comic book illustration with 3D animation, live action photography, newsreel archival footage, and an original music score, THE MANY WORLDS OF JONAS MOORE marks a revolution in online branded entertainment and user-generated content. Pushing the boundaries of the graphic novel genre, THE MANY WORLDS OF JONAS MOORE also engages fans by inviting them to become part of the journey by downloading the JONAS MOORE digital elements and animating their own stories or creating comic book adventures for JONAS MOORE. A special extended preview of THE MANY WORLDS OF JONAS MOORE is posted at Factory magazine online (www.factory-publishing.com). The full online digital graphic novel series for THE MANY WORLDS OF JONAS MOORE is scheduled for a late 2008 release, with the creative assets for fans to exploit and mash-up.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co, MGM International Television Distribution In, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

     

Press Release: Explore The Mind Of Alan Moore In New Documentary (08.19)

The following is a press release from the Disinformation Company.

NEW YORK, NY – As Comic-Con 2008 set records for attendance this summer, much of the “buzz” centered on Zack Snyder’s eagerly anticipated, big screen adaptation of the Hugo Award-winning cult classic graphic novel “Watchmen,” authored by legendary comic book writer Alan Moore. Now, in the first and only documentary in which the heretofore reclusive, visionary and innovative Moore participates, his hugely-devoted fan base and the soon-to-be-indoctrinated can enter the mind of the world’s most famous comic book author, embarking on a fascinating and psychedelic journey through the life and career of the creator of “Watchmen,” “From Hell,” “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen,” “Constantine” and “V for Vendetta.” THE MINDSCAPE OF ALAN MOORE makes its DVD debut on September 30, only from The Disinformation Company.

“Alan Moore is universally acknowledged as the most important mainstream comics writer of the last three decades”

-- Slate.com

Moore – writer, artist and performer – is the arguably the world’s most critically acclaimed and widely admired creator of comic books and graphic novels, a true original responsible for many of the genre’s iconic creations. In THE MINDSCAPE OF ALAN MOORE, viewers are granted a portrait of the artist as contemporary shaman -- someone with the power to transform consciousness by means of manipulating language, symbols and images. The award-winning film, from director DeZ Vylenz, leads the audience through Moore ’s world with the writer himself as guide, beginning with his childhood background, following the evolution of his career as he transformed the comics medium, through to his immersion in a magical worldview where science, spirituality and society are part of the same universe.

This exclusive 2-disc collector’s set, containing the extraordinary film on the life of this modern-day philosopher, artist and magician presented with English, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles, features over three hours of extras that further illuminate the masterful mind of Moore, including:

• Interviews with Melinda Gebbie (“Lost Girls”), Dave Gibbons (“Watchmen”), David Lloyd (“V For Vendetta”), Kevin O’Neill (“League of Extraordinary Gentlemen”) and Jose Villarubia (“Promethia” and “Mirror of Love”)
• “Making of” featurette
• Introduction to Alan Moore’s work by Paul Gravett
• Selected scene analysis with director’s commentary
• Interviews with director, composer and special make-up FX artist

Recipient of the Special Recognition Award for Creative Achievement in Documentary Filmmaking at the San Francisco World Film Festival, THE MINDSCAPE OF ALAN MOORE has also been featured at film festivals worldwide including Comica at the ICA Cinema London, Copenhagen International Film Festival, Belfast International Film Festival, San Diego Comic-Con Film Fest, Comicdom Con Athens and Caption Oxford.

As excitement continues to build for “Watchmen” (scheduled for release in March ’09) – the publisher just put an additional 300,00 copies in print following the release of the trailer and Comic-Con – get an inside glimpse inside the psychedelic worldview of one of the world’s most visionary and creative minds with THE MINDSCAPE OF ALAN MOORE.

---

The Disinformation Company Ltd. is active in TV production, book publishing and home entertainment. It is most widely recognized for its distribution of products on subjects not usually covered by the traditional media. Recent DVD exclusives from The Disinformation Company include the best-selling Robert Greenwald documentaries Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price, Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism, Uncovered: The Whole Truth About the Iraq War, and Unconstitutional: The War on our Civil Liberties, as well as Robert Baer’s The Cult of the Suicide Bomber, and Greg Palast’s Bush Family Fortunes.

      Get Link

The following is a press release from Radical Publishing.

In addition to the live music, silent auction and entertainment, Radical Publishing’s video trailers for Caliber: First Canon of Justice, Freedom Formula: Ghost of the Wasteland, Yoshitaka Amano’s Mateki: The Magic Flute and the upcoming January 2009 release, Shrapnel will be shown on the plasma screens lining the walls. Radical’s video trailers first made an appearance at the San Diego Comic-Con in July and can be seen either on Radical’s myspace page (www.myspace.com/radicalpublishing) or on the following youtube.com page links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJCYftV1h_U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRABoVBSN28

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEYuveRBy80

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VY2WB3ZXos

For more information on Heal the Bay and how you can join or donate, please visit www.healthebay.org

About Radical Publishing

Radical Publishing is founded by BARRY LEVINE (Producer for Universal Studios, Spyglass Entertainment, Film 44, and Radical Pictures’ HERCULES, Lion Rock Productions, Infinitum Nihil and Radical Pictures’ CALIBER, and Bad Hat Harry Productions and Radical Pictures’ FREEDOM FORMULA. Executive Producer for the in development Warner Brothers’ REX MUNDI movie, written by JIM UHLS, starring JOHNNY DEPP and Universal Pictures’ R.I.P.D), his protégé JESSE BERGER (Executive Producer of HERCULES, CALIBER and FREEDOM FORMULA), and longtime writer/publisher DAVID ELLIOTT (Atomeka Press and Tundra Publishing).

Radical Publishing is bringing the best in writing, storytelling and fully-painted cover and interior artwork to the global comic book market by prominent international talents such as YOSHITAKA AMANO, JOHN BOLTON, LUIS ROYO, JIM STERANKO, STEVE NILES, IAN EDGINTON, STEVE MOORE, SAM SARKAR, STJEPAN SEJIC, DAVE WILKINS, STEVE PUGH, JAMES HEFFRON, TOMM COKER, CLAYTON CRAIN, BILL SIENKIEWICZ, WETA WORKSHOP, IMAGINARY FRIENDS STUDIOS, and many more.

www.radicalcomics.com

www.myspace.com/radicalpublishing

      Get Link

Press Release: Former Presidential Candidate Wants Obama For President! (08.19)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

18 August 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - As reported in the New York Times, a former presidential candidate will give his endorsement for this years' race in SAVAGE DRAGON #137, as the titular character supports Democratic nominee, Barack Obama!

"Four years ago the Dragon was a reluctant presidential candidate," SAVAGE DRAGON creator Erik Larsen said. "Fans have asked if he'll be running again, but given the importance of the upcoming election it seemed appropriate that he would back Barack Obama, the candidate whose politics most reflect his own. Savage Dragon will be giving Barack Obama his full support."

Savage Dragon made his initial play for the presidential election in the 2004 campaign, but rescinded once the man claiming to be his running mate turned out to be Dreadknight, a supervillain bent on world domination. SAVAGE DRAGON #137 will sport a special 1:5 variant cover featuring Dragon formally endorsing the one candidate he is confident is not a potential nemesis, Barack Obama.

SAVAGE DRAGON #137 (DEC072099), a 32-page full color comic book for $2.99, will be available September 3rd, 2008. The full New York Times story may be read at http://themoment.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/08/14/geek-beat-savage-love/.

---

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.

      Get Link

The following is a press release from Heroic Publishing.

FLARE ADVENTURES #21 can be viewed online free of charge, exclusively at the new global Wowio.com, along with nearly the entire inventory of both published and unpublished Heroic titles. You can find FLARE ADVENTURES #21 at http://www.heroicpub.com/wowio.php?bookid=5250 

More information about Heroic Publishing can be found on the Heroic Publishing website at http://www.heroicpub.com

Retailers interested in stocking back issues of classic Heroic Publishing titles may want to register on the Heroic Publishing website at www.heroicpub.com/retailer and take advantage of Heroic's back issue services.

For more information, please contact:
Heroic Publishing Inc
6433 California Ave
Long Beach CA 90805
562-428-4124
news@heroicpub.com

     

Press Release: Introducing G-Girl! (08.18)

The following is a press release from Heroic Publishing.

Her name is Billi Jayne "BeeJay" Jensen. And she's just a couple of weeks short of turning all of fifteen! But with the League of Champions off on a secret mission, and the abominable OGRE on the loose, it's up to the sensational G-GIRL to skip on out to battle, and help the brave officers of the San Francisco Police Department take that monstrous bad guy down.

More information about Heroic Publishing can be found on the Heroic Publishing website at http://www.heroicpub.com

Retailers interested in stocking back issues of classic Heroic Publishing titles may want to register on the Heroic Publishing website at www.heroicpub.com/retailer and take advantage of Heroic's back issue services.

For more information, please contact:
Heroic Publishing Inc
6433 California Ave
Long Beach CA 90805
562-428-4124
news@heroicpub.com

     

Press Release: Darwyn Cooke Comes To Madman! (08.18)

The following is a press release from Image Comics.

14 August 2008 (Berkeley, CA) - DC: THE NEW FRONTIER author Darwyn Cooke will collaborate with writer J. Bone this November for an all-new story featuring Mike Allred's seminal creation, Madman, in MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14!

"Darwyn and I are like twins separated at birth," Allred said. "We dig all the same things and get ridiculously excited about whatever we're working on. We also throw fits whenever we're told 'no' by 'the Man', and, sometimes to our detriment, have a 'burned earth policy' when it comes to doing a project the way we want. Fortunately, we usually get the support needed to build our visions, and MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS is a prime example of that. Image Comics could not be more supportive in their backing me up with all my crazed paper dreams in MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS. They're just as jazzed as I am to invite Darwyn and mutual pal, and cool genius, J.Bone, on MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14!"

While Cooke and Allred have worked together on various projects such as CATWOMAN and THE X-STATIX, this will mark the very first time Darwyn and collaberator J. Bone have delved into a full story featuring Snap City's number one superhero. Their short, "Madman: The Movie," takes Frank Einstein and company down the treacherous road to Hollywood as a film studio intends to loosely adapt Frank's life story with some very strange results.

MADMAN ATOMIC COMICS #14, a 32-page full color comic book for $3.50, will be in-stores November 19th, 2008. In addition, Allred fans can meet the creator himself mere weeks before the issue's release on October 4th at San Francisco's Neon Monster.

Image Comics is a comics and graphic novels publisher formed in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Since that time, Image has gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. There are currently five partners in Image Comics (Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino), and Image is currently divided into four major houses (Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, and Image Central). Image comics and graphic novels cover nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable, offering science fiction, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor, and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. Visit www.imagecomics.com.

      Get Link

Press Release: IDW Releases 'Fubear' HC (08.18)

The following is a press release from IDW Publishing.