Tag Archives: manga

Viz Media Europe Comes To ComiXology!

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ComiXology has announced a manga digital distribution agreement with VIZ Media Europe and its French subsidiary, Kazé. Kazé’s extensive library of French language manga content will be available for readers to purchase in key French speaking European countries across comiXology’s mobile apps and website.

Additional manga content from VIZ Media Europe, a subsidiary of the leading Japanese based manga publishers Shūeisha and Shōgakukan, and its network of European licensors, will also become available on the comiXology platform as the partnership grows.

This digital distribution agreement between comiXology and Kazé will see French language manga content from many top Japanese publishers including Shūeisha, Shōgakukan, Hakusensha, Kadokawa Shoten, Gentosha, Akita Shōten, Square Enix and Ichijinsha become available for purchase across comiXology’s multi-platform mobile apps and websites including on Apple iOS, Google Android, Amazon Kindle Fire and the Web with a dedicated right-to-left full-page manga reading experience.

Viz Media Europe Comes To ComiXology

NYCC 2013: VIZ Media’s Exciting Plans

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VIZMedia-RectLogo-NoTMVIZ Media rolls into the Big Apple with a robust schedule of events, special booth appearances, insightful panel discussions and promotional giveaways for the 2013 New York Comic Con, taking place October 10th-13th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

The VIZ Media booth #1944 on the main show floor will be a continual hub of activity throughout the convention. Visitors may sign up for newsletters on the latest manga and anime releases and receive a free Naruto Shippuden or One Piece poster, a random exclusive Weekly Shonen Jump button AND a 2013 New York Comic Con Tiger & Bunny collectible card pack. Other free giveaways throughout the weekend include full color posters, bookmarks, manga samplers, kids’ original comic samplers, and much more!

Fans can also sign up for an annual membership to the Weekly Shonen Jump digital manga magazine that features the latest manga chapters of multiple series released simultaneously with Japan! Subscribe for a show rate of only $19.99 a year and receive a special “Vulcan The Divine” Yu-Gi-Oh! trading card and a glow-in-the-dark button along with 48 digital issues of the world’s best selling manga magazine.

Over 140 manga series are now available digitally from the VIZ Manga App and VIZManga.com. Booth visitors will be able to check out the extensive content, demo Weekly Shonen Jump, and preview over 1,700 volumes right at your fingertips!

Anime fans are invited to sample Neon Alley, VIZ Media’s innovative 24/7 uncut anime channel. Let the Neon Alley team know how you like to watch anime and walk away with a complementary VIZ Media tote bag and a 30-day free trial membership! Don’t miss the exciting Fall Season running now. Also test your gaming skills with Neon Alley and win fun prizes including glasses, t-shirts and more! Every participant will win a premium.

VIZ Media invites attendees to charge phones and digital devices with lightning speed at the Ben 10 Omniverse charging station, where they also can learn about the company’s exciting series of original graphic novels inspired by the hit animated show.

VIZ Media New York Comic Con Panels & Special Events Include:

Friday October 11th

3:00PM – 4:00PM Panel: Weekly Shonen Jump Podcast – Live Recording! (Room 1A23)

Meet the team behind the English-language edition of Weekly Shonen Jump and be part of a live podcast recording! Bring your toughest SJ questions for the editors and your own manga knowledge for a chance to win some awesome prizes in our trivia challenge!

4:15PM – 5:15PM Panel: VIZ Media (Room 1A15)

Join the VIZ Media staff for a presentation all about the latest in manga and anime! We’ll be talking about the latest news, upcoming releases and other cool announcements from our publishing and animation teams.

5:30PM – 6:30PM Panel: RANMA ½ (Room 1A23)

From the legendary manga creator, Rumiko Takahashi, RANMA ½ is the manga and anime series that ignited a passion for these mediums in North America. With its wacky hi-jinks and crazy comedic action, the characters and stories of RANMA have resonated with generations of fans. Join the VIZ Media manga and anime teams as they discuss the history of this legendary title and the process of re-launching the new Right-to-Left manga editions as well as releasing the anime series for the first time on Blu-ray and digital.

Saturday October 12th

2:30PM – 3:30PM UGLYDOLL Signing & Photo Op (VIZ Media Booth #1944)

Meet UGLYDOLL® artist Ian McGinty and Uglydoll Big Toe at the VIZ Media booth and get an exclusively signed free poster!

 

4:15PM – 5:15PM Panel: Writing for Kids of All Ages: Perfect Square (Room 1A15)

Perfect Square is dedicated to delivering “squarely perfect storytelling” for kids and kids at heart. That means any age comics reader can enjoy new content with beloved characters starting with the youngest readers to the most seasoned true comics fan. Discussing the importance of what it means to make age-appropriate comics that everyone can enjoy are the highly-acclaimed writers for Perfect Square including Brian Smith (writer VOLTRON FORCE, MONSUNO, MAX STEEL; former DC & Marvel editor), former Marvel editors Sebastian Girner (writer MONSUNO) and Cory Levine (writer MONSUNO, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE), B. Clay Moore (writer MAX STEEL, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE), Jacob Chabot (writer/artist HELLO KITTY), Corin Howell (writer/artist BEN 10: OMNIVERSE) and Tom Pinchuk (writer MAX STEEL). The panel will be moderated by Perfect Square’s editorial team: Beth Kawasaki, Joel Enos and Traci Todd.

8:00PM – 9:00PM Panel: VIZ Anime, Featuring Neon Alley (Room 1A15)

This panel is all about anime! Learn about the latest and greatest projects, announcements and releases from the VIZ animation team as well as what’s in store for our 24/7 streaming anime channel, Neon Alley.

Sunday October 13th

12:15PM – 1:15PM Panel: ALL YOU NEED IS KILL: Adapting An Adaptation (Room 1A15)

First came author Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s mind-bending novel, which is published by VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint in the U.S. Now ALL YOU NEED IS KILL delivers a double-whammy of being adapted both into a major motion picture (Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise) and a full-length graphic novel edition. Join the VIZ Media editorial team behind the novel and comic to learn how it all came together and what’s next for this science fiction juggernaut.

Anime Screenings

Thursday October 10th

6:45PM – 7:45PM Screening: RANMA ½ (Room 1A06)

Catch the classic martial arts action adventure comedy that has thrilled generations of anime Fans! Ranma Saotome never thought a martial arts training mission to China would turn out like this! Due to an unfortunate accident at the cursed Chinese training ground Jusenkyo, when Ranma and his father get splashed with cold water, papa turns into a giant panda and male Ranma becomes a buxom young woman! Hot water reverses the effect, but only until the next time! Constantly chased by battle-happy martial artists and lovesick suitors of both sexes, what’s a half-boy, half-girl martial artist to do?

Saturday October 12th

7:45PM – 9:45PM Film Premiere: BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC III – THE ADVENT (Room 1A22)

Watch the dubbed epic conclusion to the dark medieval fantasy movie trilogy BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC! It’s been a year since Griffith’s imprisonment by the Kingdom of Midland. Once praised as the saviors of the Midland, The Band of the Hawk has been on the run and is on the brink of breaking apart. Much to everyone’s surprise, Guts returns to the Hawks and the search for Griffith begins!

VIZ Brings the Digital Manga in September

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VIZ Media delivers a substantial digital manga update for the month of September featuring a host of new titles on VIZManga.com and available for digital download through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, Android-powered smart phones, and also for NOOK tablets and devices.

A trio of new shojo manga series that are available now include creator Yumi Tamura’s celebrated classic, Basara, both volumes 1 and 2, as well as the dark romance of Midnight Secretary, and the on-the-ice drama of Sugar Princess: Skating to Win. The second-half of this month offers the launch of four additional shojo series including Baby & Me, Doubt!, The Magic Touch, and W. Juliet, both volumes 1 and 2.

More than 30 other acclaimed series also feature new monthly updates. Many are available now! Don’t miss notable multi-volume weekly updates for fan favorites such as Case Closed, Hana Kimi, Skip Beat and Yu-Gi-Oh! Duelist.

New September Titles Available Now Include:

BASARA Vols. 1-2 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens!

Born under a prophecy that will liberate and unite Japan, Sarasa has had to take her brother Tatara’s place as the “Boy of Destiny.” Fighting for the oppressed, Sarasa journeys across Japan to gain allies and defeat her enemies – all while keeping her identity a secret! BASARA creator Yumi Tamura broke into the manga world with a bang, winning the 1983 Shogakukan Grand Prize for new artists. She has gone on to write many extremely popular shojo manga stories such as the hit series, There Goes Tomoe, That Summer has Ended, and X-DAY. But the title that solidified her reputation as a top shojo manga artist was the breakthrough fantasy/action manga smash hit, BASARA. Always one to experiment in action/adventure formats, CHICAGO (also available from VIZ Media) is Tamura’s latest completed work.

MIDNIGHT SECRETARY Vol. 1 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers

Kaya Satozuka prides herself on being an excellent secretary and a consummate professional, so she doesn’t even bat an eye when she’s reassigned to the office of her company’s difficult director, Kyohei Touma. He’s as prickly – and hot – as rumors paint him, but Kaya is unfazed… until she discovers that he’s a vampire!! Manga creator Tomu Ohmi debuted in 2000 with the romantic supernatural series, Let’s Make Forbidden Love. Her series, MIDNIGHT SECRETARY, also ran in the popular Japanese shojo magazine, Petit Comic.

SUGAR PRINCESS: SKATING TO WIN Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

When ice-skating novice Maya Kurinoki lands a double axel for the first time, coach Eishi Todo sees her potential and vows to make her a figure skating “princess.” All Maya has to do is convince famous skater Shun Kano to become her partner. Too bad Shun doesn’t want to have anything to do with her!

New Series Launching September 17th:

DOUBT! Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

Average, unremarkable Ai Maekawa navigates school life unnoticed… until one day when a spiteful classmate totally humiliates her in front of everyone. Determined to jettison her embarrassing past, she overhauls her image and enrolls at a new high school where no one knows the old Ai. From the start, Ai is the target of romantic advances and jealous gossip – can a formerly invisible girl handle this avalanche of attention? And is Ai’s erstwhile identity as a loser really as far behind her as she hopes?

W. JULIET Vols. 1-2 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Makoto Amano wants to become an actor, but his stern father has decreed that the only way Makoto can pursue his dream is to spend the last two years of high school as a girl! He quickly makes friends with popular tomboy Ito Miura, another drama enthusiast at this new high school and the only student to find out his secret – but are they more than just pals?

New Series Launching September 24th:

BABY & ME Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

Young Takuya has it tough. After his mother passed away it has been his job to take care of his baby brother, Minoru while their father, Harumi, works the long hours of a Japanese salaryman. Takuya must sacrifice the playtime usually associated with childhood for the responsibilities of an adult. Cooking, cleaning, sewing and scolding are all now an integral part of the young boy’s life.

THE MAGIC TOUCH Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

In this series by Izumi Tsubaki, author of ORESAMA TEACHER (also available from VIZManga), the star of her high school’s Massage Research Society club, Chiaki Togu is otherwise a normal, quiet girl until she falls in love at first sight with a gorgeous back – a back that happens to belong to Yosuke, the hottest guy at her school! Unfortunately, Chiaki’s attraction to Yosuke is thwarted by her own insecurity and the scheming of other girls – especially her twin sister Saya!

Download the free VIZ Manga App for your Android and iOS devices.

Basara-GN01 SugarPrincess_01_Cover

Magic is in the Air as Mameshiba Return for a New Graphic Novel from Viz Media

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VIZ Media announced the return of the whimsical Japanese character sensations – Mameshiba – for a brand new original graphic novel adventure in Mameshiba: Enchanted!, featuring stories by James Turner and artwork by Jorge Monlongo.

Mameshiba: Enchanted! is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and debuts today from VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint with an MSRP of $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN. A digital version of Mameshiba: Enchanted! for the Apple iPadand iPad Mini is also available for download from the Perfect Square App for $4.99 U.S. / CAN.

In Enchanted – the third graphic novel featuring the cute bean-dogs from Japan – there’s magic in the air! Cranberry Bean is under a spell, Edamame’s kitchen is haunted, and Sword Bean is protecting the newest members of the Mameshiba family: Babyshiba! It’s all fun and games until someone upsets a magic tortoise!

Perfect Square is VIZ Media’s new comprehensive publishing imprint aimed at kids and kids at heart with a focus on delivering comics, manga, graphic novels and other children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.

Mameshiba_GN03_cover

VIZ Media Debutes New Shojo Manga Series Happy Marriage?!

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VIZ Media presents a new take on domestic bliss as releases Maki Enjoji’s shojo manga series, Happy Marriage?! The first volume is available now from the Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Happy Marriage?! is also available digitally for $4.99 (U.S / CAN) from VIZManga.com and for digital download through the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhoneand iPod touch, Android-powered smart phones, and also for NOOK tablets and devices.

In order to help her father, Chiwa Takanashi agrees to an arranged marriage with the company president, Hokuto Mamiya – a man she doesn’t know – at the request of Hokuto’s grandfather. Chiwa believes the arrangement isn’t binding, but her new partner seems to think otherwise.

This follows the release of Yuki Yoshihara’s Butterflies, Flowers as a manga entry targeted at adult women.

Maki Enjo made her debut with the manga series Fu•Junai (Wicked Pure Love). She is currently published with Petit Comics magazine. Happy Marriage?! is her fourth series..

HappyMarriage01_cvr

Around the Tubes

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The weekend is almost here and it is a long one! I’ll be spending it relaxing as well as checking out the NOVA Open game convention. Expect some coverage of that along with more from Gen Con and even San Diego Comic-Con!

Around the Tubes

CBLDF – Barefoot Gen Ban Lifted – This is a good thing.

Bleeding Cool – Marvel And Disney’s Big Hero 6 To Feature The Teen-Speak Stylings Of Easy A’s Bert V. Royal – Can’t wait for this movie.

ICv2 – Batman vs. Superman’ Will Be Filmed in Michigan – Detroit is the bombed out Metropolis?

CBR – Elder & Archer Bring “Scribblenauts Unmasked” To DC Digital Comics – Could be the first digital series I get hooked on?

 

Around the Tubes Reviews

Comic Vine – American Vampire Anthology #1

CBR – Angel & Faith #25

Comic Vine – Batman/Superman #3

Talking Comics – Batman/Superman #3

Comic Vine – Captain America #10

Talking Comics – Captain Marvel #15

Comic Vine – Deadpool #15

Comic Vine – FF #11

Comic Vine – The Flash #23

Comic Vine – Itty Bitty Hellboy #1

Crave Online – Justice League #23

CBR – Justice League #23

Comic Vine – Lazarus #3

Comic Vine – Scarlet Spider #21

Talking Comics – Station to Station

Comic Vine – Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #25

ICv2 – Tiger & Bunny Comic Anthology Vol. 1 TP

Comic Vine – Uncanny X-Men #11

Otakon 2013: A First Timer’s Take

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otakonI’ve made the trek from Washington, DC north to Baltimore, Maryland numerous times over the years for Baltimore Comic Con and other events. On August 9-11, 2013, I returned once again to the Baltimore Convention Center this time to celebrate fandom with the otaku that attend Otakon. While this was my first year, the convention celebrated it’s 20th with over 34,000 of its closest friends.

As I was stuck in traffic making my way slowly to a parking garage I was bombarded by the fans crossing the streets, walking down sidewalks and the excitement oozed from their movements. I’ve seen this before at the numerous conventions I’ve attended, but not to this amount. The shear count of people, blocks away from the convention center, hit me. What was I getting into? I decided that I couldn’t wait for traffic, and a quick fire drill got me out of the car and making my way to the convention hall.

Blocks away the crowds gathered in the scenic plazas and skywalks perfect for taking photos. The positive vibe filled the area as folks chatted costumes and what brought them to the show. What strikes me about this convention is it’s for fans, by fans. While many conventions are about the creators, publishers and product, this was all about the fans. This was truly a convention that celebrates fandom, exactly the otaku culture the convention is named after.

The convention was filled with dozens of events, official and unofficial. Video games, anime, photo shoots, workshops, autograph signings, art shows, music and more. I was bombarded by geekdom, most of which I knew little to nothing about. I was absolutely out of my element. Would I go to panels? Would I just check out all of the cosplay? Should I play some games? Wander the floor? I’ve never been a panel person, so being my first time, I thought it best to scope out the convention in hopes of having a better idea as to what to expect in the years to come. And even just walking the floor, I was overwhelmed.

PIC_3986

After picking up my pass from the press office (very professional and friendly) I made my way to the convention center. I’ve been to shows there before, but nothing like this. Where crowds have gathered for other conventions to get to the hall floor, instead was a mass of individuals celebrating each other’s cosplay, snapping photos in flashmob like opportunities. Again, I’ve seen cosplay, but nothing on this level or in one location. The costumes were so varied too. Anime, manga, comic books, movies, video games, television, cartoons, toys and more were represented by the fans and many of the costumes were amazing to look at.

I made my way around the hall, thinking the layout was what I was used to from other conventions, boy was I wrong. I walked into gaming central with the drum beat and thumping of video games assaulting me as I walked through the doors. Not what I expected, but more than cool. After circling the room, I wandered the hall some more attempting to find the dealer room and Artist Alley. I walked, finding sections of the convention center I’ve never been in.

The dealer room was as big as other conventions I’ve been too, with an intelligent layout that allows you to wind your way up and down the aisles and space enough that you weren’t forced to squeeze your way through. The fact I was out of my element and comfort zone became more apparent. I really know little about this world, having only read some manga and watched maybe a dozen anime movies. I had an agenda, searching for some manga and finding some series’ I never knew existed. After two spins around the floor I hopped next door to artist alley, a decent size space with varied talent and offerings. Comics, art, cosplay, prints, it was all there and the convention had something for everyone. I checked out the art showcase and auction and found beautiful works that I wish I could buy.

PIC_4105After a few more hours of stumbling around, I decided to head home, planning out what I could do differently next year, and how to make it a more productive convention. But, most importantly I walked away wanting to find out more about this world. And that’s what struck me the most about Otakon. This is a show that’s truly about fandom, and all that’s positive about it. The kids attending (and it seemed to be a lot of kids) showed an excitement and level of enthusiasm that is missing from many other shows. They love what they love, and want to discuss it and share it with others.

I found that over and over from everyone I chatted with. When I was asked numerous times what I was there to check out, I couldn’t name anything other than the convention itself. When I was asked what anime, manga or cartoons I liked, I stumbled for an answer, saying I was a comic book fan. But instead of the conversation ending, I was engaged with enthusiasm and warmth that’s missing from so many jaded fans. They wanted to tell me what they enjoyed and why they enjoyed it. The fact that the people doing this were so young made me walk away with a positive vibe about the next generation of geekdom.

I had heard many stories about Otakon going into it, but coming out of it, sign me up for next year. I have many months to brush up on my manga and anime, so that next year I can hopefully share my enthusiasm with someone else.

AM2 Postpones Their Event “Till an Indefinite Future Date.”

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AM2 ANNOUNCES 2013 CONVENTION POSTPONED

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (July 24, 2013) – With great regret, AM2 announces that they will postpone their event till an indefinite future date.

“It is with great regret that we are postponing this event”, states Chase Wang, “all exhibitors, Artist Alley participants and attendees have either received FULL refunds or are in process of receiving their FULL refunds-this is due to inaccurate mailing/email addresses, if there are any issues individuals can contact us at info@am2con.org“.

About AM2

Located in Anaheim, California – AM2, established in 2010, is a multi-day (3 day)   public fan convention aspiring to be a key meeting place for fans that share a common interest in Asian music, Animation/Anime, and Comics/Manga. More information can be found at www.am2con.org

SDCC 2013: UDON comes to ComiXology

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At San Diego Comic-Con 2013, UDON Entertainment and comiXology announced that UDON’s line onf comics will now be available on the digital platform. To kick off the announcement, the two companies released seven full-length comic books and graphic novels from UDON Entertainment’s back catalog.

UDON Entertainment’s fans across the globe can now experience UDON’S licensed and original comics, graphic novels, manga, and even art books, through the power of comiXology’s Guided View™ reading technology and with Retina Display will get to experience these works in stunning high-definition with CMX-HD. Plus there’s the bonus of taking all of the comics on the go.

The launch titles are:

Street Fighter #0 story by Ken Siu-Chong & art by Arnold Tsang, Alvin Lee, Rob Ross, Andrew Hou
Street Fighter #1story by Ken Siu-Chong & art by Arnold Tsang, Alvin Lee, Andrew Hou, Rey, Joe Madureira
Street Fighter #2 story by Ken Siu-Chong & art by Alvin Lee, Arnold Tsang, Alan Tam, Rob Ross, Andrew Hou, Rey, Adam Warren
Street Fighter #3 story by Ken Siu-Chong & art by Alvin Lee, Alan Tam, Hanna Chen, Joy Ang, Rey, Rob Ross, Kevin Yan, Shane Law, & art by Arnold Tsang, Andrew Hou, Kevin Lau
Street Fighter #4 story by Ken Siu-Chong & art by Alvin Lee, Rob Ross, Alan Tam, Hanna Chen, Joy Ang, Andrew Hou, Arnold Tsang, Rey, Kaare Andrews
Makeshift Miracle 1 story by Jim Zub & art by Shun Hong Chan
Super Street Fighter Volume 1: New Generations story by Ken Siu-Chong, Jim Zub, Chris Sims with art by Jeffrey Chamba Cruz, Sean Galloway, Joe Ng, Gonzalo Ordonez Arias, Long Vo, Omar Dogan, Edwin Huang

The debut of the seven initial titles will be quickly followed by more of UDON Entertainment’s back catalog along with new releases coming out same-day-as-print, including this fall’s epic Street Fighter Origins: Akuma original graphic novel.

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