Friday, December 20, 2013


For immediate release

THE FINAL PLAGUE ATTACKS THE HORROR COMIC AWARDS
Action Lab: Danger Zone miniseries nominated for three awards

Pittsburgh, P.A.-The Final Plague, Action Lab’s story of a rural Iowan family attempting to survive the initial onslaught of crazed, rabid animals, presumably the product of a mutated super-virus, has taken the world by storm. The series, written by J.D.Arnold (Top Shelf’s BB Wolf and the 3 LPs) and artist Tony Guaraldi-Brown (Tales of Red Hot Horror) has been nominated in three categories, Best Mini Series and Best Scene, while series letterer Chris Fenoglio  was also nominated for Best Letterer  in the 2013 Horror Comic Awards.


"A huge THANK YOU to everyone on the nominating board, all the great people at Action Lab, and to my fellow creators Tony Guaraldi-Brown and Chris Fenoglio! We are very honored to be nominated alongside so many fantastic books and top notch creators.” Said writer/creator J.D. Arnold “ And a special big thanks to all the fans out there. We hope you are enjoying the book, and we hope you stay along for the ride. It's about to get crazy!”

The staff of the Horror News Network has selected the nominees, and voting is currently open and will remain open until December 30, 2013. The 2013 Horror Comic Awards will be determined by fan voting via the following link:
http://www.comicmonsters.com/horror-comic-awards.html

To see the full list of nominees at: http://www.comicmonsters.com/item-8165-2013_Horror_Comics_Awards_Are_Here.html.


ABOUT ACTION LAB ENTERTAINMENT- Formed in 2010 with the purpose of pooling their collective talents into a single, powerful entity, the members of Action Lab Entertainment have countless years in multimedia publishing, design, and business.  Their first release, Fracture, was successfully funded through Kickstarter and since then they have continued their mission to produce high quality, genre-spanning entertainment.  Since its formation, the accolades for A.L.E continue to build on a daily basis.  Among its more popular titles are all ages material like the Eisner, Glyph, Shel Dorf Award nominated series PRINCLESS, NFL RUSHZONE (based on the Nickelodeon Television series), Jamal Igle's MOLLY DANGER, Artist/ Writer Jeremy Dale’s hit series SKYWARD, and Gale Middleton’s (My Little Pony, The Littlest Pet Shop) monstrously adorable VAMPLETS. Action Lab’s Mature Readers imprint ACTION LAB DANGER ZONE continues to push the envelope of comics entertainment with titles as varied as EHMM THEORY and Dan Mendoza’s over the top horror-comedy ZOMBIE TRAMP, THE FINAL PLAGUE and BO, PLUSHY GANGSTA.
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PRE-ORDERS FOR THE CLASSIC RANMA ½ ANIME SERIES ON RESTORED BLU-RAY FOR THE FIRST TIME AND DVD

Legendary Martial Arts-Action-Adventure-Comedy Debuts In High Definition In New 3-Disc Sets That Feature The First Season Of The Celebrated Series And An Array Of Special Bonus Features

San Francisco, CA, December 20, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delights multiple generations of anime fans as it announces pre-orders for the upcoming March 25th release of RANMA ½, the celebrated martial arts action-adventure based on the smash hit manga (graphic novel) series created by Rumiko Takahashi (2-in-1 omnibus manga editions featuring the original right-to-left reading format also debut the same month).

VIZ Media will release the first of seven seasons of RANMA ½ sets as a special Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set and also as a Standard Edition DVD Set. Pre-orders will be available soon through most major video/DVD/Blu-ray retailers as well as from leading anime retailers including Amazon, RightStuf, and Robert's Anime Corner Store.

The RANMA ½ Blu-ray Box Set carries an MSRP of $54.97 (U.S. / CAN) and offers hours of fun in the special 3-disc set that features 23 episodes of the acclaimed series, presented in full 1080p High Definition resolution taken straight from the original Japanese Blu-ray masters giving fans the uncropped, original 4:3 aspect ratio.  For the first time, all episodes are presented in the original Japanese episode order. Dialogue options are available for original Japanese with English subtitles or with dubbed English audio tracks, and a secondary subtitle track for signs and songs will also be included. The set comes packaged in a premium chipboard box with gold foil stamping with art that is beautifully illustrated by Rumiko Takahashi and also includes a 64-page booklet with a full color episode guide along with a manga re-master sampler.

An extensive selection of bonus features for the Blu-ray Box Set makes it a must-own for North American fans. In addition to trailers and upcoming episode previews, the Blu-ray set includes footage of the packed-capacity RANMA ½ panel from the 2013 New York Comic Con, a highlight reel of the 2013 New York Comic Con VIZ Media events, and an exclusive “We Love Ranma” Part 1 - Manga Re-Mastering interview with the VIZ Media Editor Hope Donovan that details some of the processes of the latest manga release.

The RANMA ½ Standard Edition DVD Set is also scheduled for release on March 25th and will be available soon for pre-order. Carrying an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / CAN, the Standard Set features 23 episodes on 3 discs along with bonus features that include trailers, and a 2013 New York Comic Con highlight reel. English and Japanese audio options will be available, as well as the songs-and-signs subtitle track.

From the legendary oeuvre of master creator Rumiko Takahashi, the mixed-up, madcap, martial arts romantic comedy RANMA 1/2 returns! After taking a surprise dip in a cursed spring while on a training journey in China, martial artist Ranma Saotome and his father, Genma, aren’t quite themselves anymore. Now Ranma turns into a girl whenever he’s splashed with cold water, and Genma turns into a panda! Their new forms cause nothing but confusion at the Tendo dojo, where Soun Tendo is waiting to introduce one of his three daughters to Ranma—as his fiancĂ©e! Turns out Genma and Soun arranged the match long ago, but the girl, Akane, and the boy, Ranma, aren’t exactly crazy about the idea, or each other! Or are they? Watch the gender switching, jealous rages, and martial arts battles unfold all over again!

“This is the series that introduced many fans to manga and anime, and we’re extremely excited to mark the return of RANMA ½ to North America in its High Definition debut,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Animation Marketing Manager. “Catch all of the action and hilarious gender- and species-bending hijinks in the first set of this groundbreaking comedy that also comes jam-packed with an array of special bonus features. We’re pleased to invite fans to take advantage of this special pre-order to secure their Blu-ray or DVD copy of this acclaimed series. These gorgeous sets are truly great to collect and treasure!”

The spotlight on Rumiko Takahashi's career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's prestigious New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another. Maison Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987, Ranma 1/2 from 1987 to 1996, and Inuyasha from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, One-Pound Gospel, and RIN-NE.

Takahashi won the Shogakukan Manga Award twice in her career, once for Urusei Yatsura in 1981 and the second time for Inuyasha in 2002. A majority of the Takahashi canon has been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. Takahashi's manga, as well as the other formats her work has been adapted into, have continued to delight generations of fans around the world. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi's work adeptly incorporates a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. While her series are difficult to pin down into one simple genre, the signature style she has created has come to be known as the "Rumic World." Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga.

For more information on Rumiko Takahashi titles by VIZ Media, please visit 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 digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP 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 www.VIZ.com.

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© Rumiko Takahashi / Shogakukan

Courtney Crumrin Finally Makes a Friend in “The Witch Next Door”!
Volume 5 of the Hit Series to be Released in April!

Portland, OR (December 20, 2013) – The fifth hardcover collection of Ted Naifeh’s hit series Courtney Crumrin will be cast onto shelves this April with the release of COURTNEY CRUMRIN VOLUME 5: THE WITCH NEXT DOOR!

Colored by frequent Naifeh collaborator Warren Wucinich, THE WITCH NEXT DOOR sees the first five issues of the full-color Courtney Crumrin series collected In print for the first time into a 144-page hardcover, the fifth volume in Oni Press’ ongoing series of deluxe collections.

Holly Hart is new to Hillsborough and witchcraft, but when her family moves in next to America’s Favorite Tween Witch™, the two girls become fast friends, but a burgeoning teenage coven is not without peril! As Courtney watches Holly making the same mistakes she once made, she begins to have second thoughts about teaching the neighbor girl magic. Conversely, when Holly sees the aftermath of the other children's "adventures" with Courtney, her suspicions cause her to make a dangerous decision. Following the discovery that her trusted uncle Aloysius may not be all he seems, big changes are afoot in young Courtney’s life.

"This volume collects issues of Courtney Crumrin that were such a joy to work on, both because of the return to the series after a several-year gap, and the relationship that Ted and I have developed over the years," said Jill Beaton, editor of the series. "It's a very special thing to be allowed behind the proverbial curtain, to have influence on the story as it's being written, and it's always so wonderful to look back at those issues and still feel the warm gooey goodness inside. I'm sure that all of Courtney's, and Ted's, for that matter, fans have been waiting for this collection to arrive. Luckily, everyone knows that Courtney is worth waiting for!"

COURTNEY CRUMRIN VOLUME 5: THE WITCH NEXT DOOR flaps its black wings onto shelves April 30th, 2014 as a full-color, 144-page hardcover.

Diamond Order Code: DEC131234

Thursday, December 19, 2013

VIZ MEDIA PARTNERS WITH UNITED, INC. TO OFFER OFFICIAL BLEACH AND NARUTO SHIPPUDEN SMARTPHONE IMAGE SETS

Customize Your Smartphone’s Homepage And One-Touch Icons With Official Imagery From Hit Anime Action Series With The CocoPPa App For Android And iPhone Devices

VIZ Media gives anime and manga fans a fun way to customize their Smartphone with official BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN digital imagery from the CocoPPa App developed by UNITED, Inc., a Japanese digital multimedia company. The CocoPPa app enables Android and iPhone users to purchase exclusive Smartphone image sets based on these popular anime and manga properties, and choose from a variety of colorful images from the hit anime and manga properties to customize "one-touch icons" and homepage backgrounds. Two NARUTO SHIPPUDEN-themed sets debut today, and two BLEACH sets debut on Monday December 23rd.

The CocoPPa App is available for free download to U.S. users from the GooglePlay Store and iTunes Store, and from within the app, users may select and purchase the two different sets available for BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN. Each set contains a wallpaper, a lock screen image, and either 8 or 16 different icons, for 200 or 300 points ($1.99 or $2.99 U.S.) per set.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Selections Available Now:

Symbol Kisekae Set
Hip designs and symbols from the series, including the Sharingan Eye, Rock Lee’s eyebrows, the Akatsuki cloud and more! 

Chibi Kisekae Set
Get all your favorite NARUTO SHIPPUDEN characters in cute chibi-style! Set includes Naruto, Sasuke and Nine-Tail Fox




BLEACH Selections Available December 23rd:

Arrancar Kisekae Set
Featuring fan-favorite Arrancar team members from the series – Grimmjow, Nel, Ulquiorra and more!

Symbol Kisekae Set
Renji’s distinctive hair, Rukia’s butterfly and more, in a modern stylized design!


CocoPPa is a unique application that connects users to a global community with a virtually limitless selection of original icons and wallpapers. Users can both submit and download content to customize their Smartphone home screens. The app amassed over 15 million downloads by September 2013, a mere 14 months after its initial launch. Additional information on CoCoPPa is available at: https://cocoppa.com.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga properties. The manga series (rated ‘T’, in print and digital editions) and anime counterpart (NARUTO & NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, rated ‘TV-14’) are some of VIZ Media’s most successful titles and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe, and South America. Additional information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.viz.com/Naruto.

The BLEACH animated film and TV series (distributed in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘TV-14’) are based on a smash hit manga series created by Tite Kubo (also published in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘T’) and follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace. For more information on BLEACH please visit www.viz.com/Bleach.

To download the CocoPPa Android app, please visit the GooglePlay store.

To download the app for iOS, please visit the iTunes store.

For more information on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, BLEACH or VIZ Media anime and manga properties, please visit www.viz.com.

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NARUTO © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc.

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BLEACH © 2001 by Tite Kubo/SHUEISHA Inc.
BOOM! STUDIOS
AIMS TO PUT A 'CURSE'
ON HORROR COMICS



 
Curse Cover A
Cover A by Riley Rossmo

Curse Cover B
Cover B by Colin Lorimer
 
December 19,  2013 - Los Angeles, CA - Award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios is excited to announce the January debut of its newest horror comic series, CURSE, which puts a fresh twist on the werewolf mythology. The title features a creative team who are no strangers to the horror genre: writers Michael Moreci (Hoax Hunters) and Tim Daniel (Enormous), and artists Riley Rossmo (Drumhellar) and Colin Lorimer (UXB).
"Now this is the way to kick off the new year," said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. "We made some noise in 2013 by curating a line of original series that we're really proud of. The only sensible thing to do in 2014 is to try and top ourselves! I'm proud to present CURSE as our opening salvo. Michael, Tim, Riley, and Colin have joined together to form one hell of a concussive grouping of talent. The fellas have created my favorite type of horror series. One that avoids cheap thrills and gaudy violence in favor of relatable characters on the brink and an unsettling monster that represents more than the terror it inflicts."
    
WHY WE LOVE IT: BOOM! Studios has a long history of publishing some of the industry’s best modern horror, and CURSE takes us back to our roots with a werewolf story unlike any you’ve ever seen.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE IT: The CURSE creative team practically screams “horror”—from writers Michael Moreci (Hoax Hunters) and Tim Daniel (Enormous) to artists Riley Rossmo (Drumhellar) and Colin Lorimer (UXB), you’re in store for a smart, realistic, and haunting read.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Laney Griffith is a man who will do anything to save his son from leukemia, but the cost of treatment has broken him financially. When he pursues an elusive murderer in the wilderness of his small, rural community, in the hopes of securing a substantial bounty, Laney is confronted with something he never could have expected: a werewolf. The captive lycan, in human form, turns Laney’s life upside-down, forcing him to confront his haunted past and race against the clock—because the wolf will return, and Laney’s son’s condition continues to worsen. CURSE is a story of a family’s survival at all costs.

CURSE #1 arrives in comic shops on January 15th with a cover price of $3.99 under Diamond order code NOV130863. Not sure where to find your nearest comic retailer? Use comicshoplocator.com or findacomicshop.com to find one! It’s also available for order directly from boom-studios.com.

ABOUT BOOM! STUDIOS
Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is the home of Mike Carey’s SUICIDE RISK, Clive Barker’s NEXT TESTAMENT and HELLRAISER, Paul Jenkins and Humberto Ramos’ FAIRY QUEST, PLANET OF THE APES, Max Bemis’ POLARITY and Mark Waid’s IRREDEEMABLE. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 GUNS was recently released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ PEANUTS, Jim Davis’ GARFIELD, Cartoon Network’s ADVENTURE TIME and REGULAR SHOW, Mike Kunkel’s HEROBEAR AND THE KID, and Roger Langridge’s Eisner Award-winning SNARKED. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of MOUSE GUARD, COW BOY, GUNNERKRIGG COURT, RUST, SPERA, JIM HENSON’S TALE OF SAND, RETURN OF THE DAPPER MEN, and many other great titles. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films.
SATELLITE SAM
DRAWS MORE READERS INTO ITS ORBIT
 
Volume one of the noir mystery fans can’t get enough of is now $9.99
 
The first volume of SATELLITE SAM by Matt Fraction (SEX CRIMINALS, Hawkeye) and Howard Chaykin (BLACK KISS, American Flagg!) is now only $9.99.
 
Set in the 1950s during the golden age of television, SATELLITE SAM, is steeped in traditional noir and punctuated by sex, violence, and intrigue. When the star of a hit TV series turns up dead, his son must sober up and piece together a chain of dirty secrets to uncover why.
 
Praise for SATELLITE SAM:
 
“The strength of the writer's storyline deserves kudos both for its intrigue and period setting, but also for its ability to bring out the absolute best of one of the industry's most talented and innovative artists.” —Jim Johnson, Comic Book Resources
 
“Like a serialized TV fan, I'm hooked and want to see the next episode of Satellite Sam.” —Jen ‘Miss J’ Aprahamian, Comic Vine
 
Satellite Sam #1 offers the best of both creators; a strong family story told through images that excite, that tease and that have so much energy in them that you can't help but get excited to see what's going to happen on each new page.” —Scott Cederlund, Newsarama
 
Satellite Sam #1 is ironic, irreverent, and impeccably engineered.” —Sam LeBas, Multiversity Comics
 
Satellite Sam #1 is a killer opening. Sexy, vulgar and completely entertaining.”
—Iann Robinson, Crave Online
 
“Fraction and Chaykin imbue this mystery with sex and violence—neither of which is displayed graphically, but sometimes, what you don't see is more powerful than what you do.” —Melissa Gray, IGN
 
Set in the 1950s during the golden age of television, SATELLITE SAM, is steeped in traditional noir and punctuated by sex, violence, and intrigue. 
 
Image Comics is pleased to announce that SATELLITE SAM, VOL. 1 TP will be available on 1/15 for $9.99, and is available for pre-order with Diamond Code: NOV130453

Satellite Sam
MANIFEST DESTINY
BLAZES NEW TRAIL FOR READERS
 
Critics and readers are given a new chance to join the motley crew of monster hunters as this new adventure series goes into a second printing
 
The second issue of the exciting new series MANIFEST DESTINY, by writer Chris Dingess (Being Human) and artist Matthew Roberts (BATTLE POPE), has inspired the imaginations of readers, hooked critics, and sold out instantly at the distributor level. 
 
In MANIFEST DESTINY, Lewis and Clark adventure into the unknown, in an America where monsters and mysterious creatures roam freely, picks up with the crew discovering something even more frightening than a… well, Buffalotaur.
 
Praise for MANIFEST DESTINY:
 
“Historical fiction can be a gamble in comics… By keeping it weird and focusing on their characters, Dingess and Roberts make a great case for how well it can work.” —Marykate Jasper, Comic Book Resources
 
“Salvation lies west, and Manifest Destiny is proof—taking a smart spin on otherwise barren narrative territory, Chris Dingess, Matthew Roberts and Owen Gieni have produced an opening issue that will pique your interest and get you invested in our heroes. This is the kind of trailblazing you won't want to miss.” —David Pepose, Newsarama
 
“Dingess and Roberts have done a terrific job here, establishing the ugly side as well as the wonder of this expedition to the West. Manifest Destiny is looking to be one revelatory journey.” —Michelle White, Multiversity Comics
 
Manifest Destiny #1 promises to be some really solid storytelling, focusing on a time when the world was still a mystery to those who thought themselves above it, and a world which too often valued the pioneer spirit above basic human decency.” —Andy Hunsaker, Crave Online
 
“An enjoyable start, Manifest Destiny #1 delivers two engaging protagonists that readers will root for. I want to see what monsters show up during this exploration into the American frontier.” —Jorge Solis, Bloody Disgusting
 
MANIFEST DESTINY will take readers to the New World and into the unknown for a pulse-pounding adventure.
 
MANIFEST DESTINY #2 has completely sold out at the distributor level, but may still be available in comic stores, and is currently available digitally on the Image Comics website (imagecomics.com) and the official Image Comics iOS app, as well as on Comixology on the web (comixology.com), iOS, Android, and Google Play.
 
Image Comics is pleased to announce that this second issue will be going back to print to meet customer demand. The second printing of MANIFEST DESTINY #2 (Diamond Code NOV138097) will release on 1/8/2014.
 
The second printing of issue #1 is also available with Diamond Code OCT138101.
 
MANIFEST DESTINY #3 releases 1/8/2014 and is available for pre-order with Diamond Code NOV130508.
 
MANIFEST DESTINY
ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.
 
ABOUT SKYBOUND
Skybound is the home of Robert Kirkman's creator-owned work including his Eisner Award-winning comic book series, The Walking Dead, long-running Invincible, all-ages Super Dinosaur, Thief of Thieves, and Clone as well as Ghosted, Witch Doctor and Invincible Universe. Since its inception, Skybound has created television shows, merchandise and a wide spectrum of platforms, games (The Walking Dead: Assault iOS app), and entertainment events (The Walking Dead Escape). Skybound's successes include the comic behind the hit Emmy®-winning television show, AMC's The Walking Dead, the highest-rated basic cable drama of all time in the U.S, also an international success in 122 countries and 37 languages. Skybound/Kirkman frequently top the hardcover and paperback bestseller lists. Your destinations for all news and merchandise from Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead and all Skybound titles are www.Skybound.com and www.TheWalkingDead.com
LOVE TRIANGLE!! ROMANTIC COMEDY!! GANG WARFARE?! MANGA FANS ARE INVITED TO CATCH THE PRINT DEBUT OF NISEKOI FROM VIZ MEDIA
IN JANUARY

It’s False Love And Hate At First Sight In This Hilarious Manga Series About A Pair Of Mismatched Lovers That Kicks Off 2014

San Francisco, CA, December 18, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivers laugh-out-loud fun as it announces the print debut of Volume 1 of the comedy manga (graphic novel) series NISEKOI on January 7th, 2014. The hit series by creator Naoshi Komi will be published under the company’s SHONEN JUMP imprint, rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

It's hate at first sight – or rather, a knee-to-the-head at first sight – when Raku Ichijo meets Chitoge Kirisaki! Unfortunately, Raku’s gangster father arranges a false love match between Raku and their rival gang leader’s daughter, who just so happens to be Chitoge! Raku’s searching for his childhood sweetheart from ten years ago, however, with a pendant around his neck as a memento…but he can't even remember the girl’s name or face!

NISEKOI, Volumes 1-6 are also available for digital download for $6.99 (USD/CAN) each on VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones, and also for NOOK, KOBO, and KINDLE tablets and devices. With one account, registered VIZ Manga users are able to view digital manga purchases across even more devices than ever and the platform currently features over 2,000 volumes across 170 different series.

“North American manga fans got their first taste of NISEKOI when VIZ Media launched it simultaneously in our WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga magazine on the same day as the Japanese debut, and the buzz on this series has grown ever since,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Raku and Chitoge must pretend to be in a relationship to maintain the peace between their fathers’ warring yakuza factions, but false love is easier said than done – especially once an overprotective bodyguard, a dangerous female assassin and a mysterious girl claiming to be Raku’s fiancĂ©e appear! Fans and readers won’t want to miss all the drama and action as we kick off 2014 with the print debut of this great series!”

Manga creator Naoshi Komi’s first serialized title in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump was the series, Double Arts. His current series, NISEKOI, is currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and in North America in VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga magazine.

For more information on NISEKOI, or other manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit 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 digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP 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 www.VIZ.com.

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NISEKOI © 2011 by Naoshi Komi/SHUEISHA Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pro Se Productions, a cutting edge Publisher of Genre Fiction and New Pulp, announced today that January 2014 would be THE MONTH OF REESE UNLIMITED.  Reese Unlimited is the author imprint of New Pulp creator Barry Reese, the man behind The Rook, Lazarus Gray, and Gravedigger, all well known New Pulp characters.  Reese is also known for his work with licensed properties, from The Avenger to Liberty Girl and multiple Marvel characters, but Reese Unlimited, Pro Se’s first in house imprint, focuses solely on his own concepts and ideas.

“Reese Unlimited,” says Tommy Hancock, Pro Se Partner and Editor in Chief, “is a wonderfully mad corner of Publishing where Barry’s heroes, villains, and over the top tales can live and grow and continue on.   Barry’s characters ring true in so many ways with the concepts of classic heroes, and yet he brings to bear not only a modern relevance, but his own masterful touch to each character and world he creates.   Although one of our most popular imprints featuring several best selling titles for Pro Se, we definitely want to make sure everyone gets a chance to experience Reese Unlimited.  So much so that we’re kicking off the new year by dedicating the month of January to promoting Reese Unlimited every single day.”

Beginning on January 1, 2014, Pro Se Productions will feature a different promotion daily related to REESE UNLIMITED. Also, according to Hancock, a REESE UNLIMITED product will be given away each day.  This will include ebooks as well as signed print editions of Reese’s work, and other specials and items as well.   Also, interviews with Reese as well as excerpts from various titles from the imprint will be a part of the promotion.

To follow the daily promotions beginning New Years Day 2014, go to http://prose-press.com/blog/ and/or like Pro Se Productions on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ProSeProductions.  A daily press release will be created for each promotion and distributed to any and all available outlets as well.

JANUARY 2014-THE MONTH OF REESE UNLIMITED.  From Pro Se Productions.

 
NOAH, THE CLASSIC STORY REIMAGINED BY DARREN ARONOFSKY
 
The graphic novel co-developed with Ari Handel
and artist Niko Henrichon from the upcoming feature film
 
From Academy-Award-and-Golden-Globe-nominated director Darren Aronofsky (Black Swan, The Wrestler), Ari Handel, and Niko Henrichon (Pride of Baghdad) comes a fresh retelling of Noah’s Ark. Set in a fantastical world, NOAH tells the epic story of one man’s quest to preserve life for a new world. The graphic novel is based on the first draft of the screenplay for the feature film, NoahNoah, directed by Aronofsky, and starring Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, and Anthony Hopkins, hits theaters in March 2014.
 
“It has been a great thrill to see an artist of Niko’s caliber interpret the Noah screenplay through his own vision,” said Aronofsky. “The results are lavish. This take on the story is from the original screenplay Ari and I wrote, before we began the long process of shaping the story for the big screen. So it is a slightly different take on the material. This book, not merely a movie companion piece, will hopefully give readers a rare insight into the creative process.”
 
This is Henrichon’s first major work since he teamed up with Brian K. Vaughan to create the critically acclaimed Pride of Baghdad. His signature style of sweeping, majestic panoramas lend an otherworldly quality to the pre-Flood world’s environment.
 
NOAH retells the story of the Sisyphian task that Noah is charged with of building an Ark large and safe enough to save a select group of humans and animals. Noah must evade the wicked forces that would see him fail and leave the world to ruin.
 
NOAH, which arrives in stores on March 18, 2014 and will be available for $29.99. NOAH can be pre-ordered using Diamond Code JAN140537, ISBN: 978-1-60706-853-2.
 
NOAH
ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Over 700 French Language Titles From
Delcourt Group (Editions Delcourt, Soleil Productions & Tonkam)
Now Available to ComiXology Fans in The US & Canada
December 18th, 2013 – New York, NY – Over 700 French language titles from Delcourt Group (Editions Delcourt, Soleil Productions & Tonkam) are now available in the U.S. and Canada through comiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform available across the iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8, and www.comixology.com. This release of French language comics, and Bande DessinĂ©e for the US and Canada is something no comics fan will want to to miss.
Whether you speak French yourself, have been looking for a fun way to learn, or are just curious, visit comixology.com today to see all of our latest French language content!
“Just as we were excited to launch these French language titles through comiXology in Europe now we’re just as thrilled to be able to digitally debut these books in the US and Canada,” said comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. “And to read these wonderful French Bande DessinĂ©e and comics with comiXology’s cinematic Guided View reading technology is a great experience for any comics fan.”
“ComiXology has helped bring the great Delcourt and Soleil library of Bande DessinĂ©e and comics to digital and now they are helping us debut in the US & Canada, we couldn’t be happier,” said Delcourt Group’s founder and publisher Guy Delcourt. “They are unmatched in the digital comics space and we could think of no better way to present our BD and comics than through comiXology’s simply amazing platform.”
Delcourt Group, the 2nd largest publisher in France, now features on comiXology a library of over 700 titles including popular French Language series such as Lanfeust, Trolls de Troy, Les Légendaires, La Rose Écarlate, Noob, Prométhée, Le Chant des Stryges and many more.
American comics fans can also rejoice knowing that French language versions of hit series like Criminal, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century, Chew and more are also available now.
The expansion into France started this past January, when comiXology announced the formation of comiXology Europe, a division headquartered in Paris, France. Since then comiXology has signed more than 40% of French comic publisher in France, including Aelement Comics, Akileos, Ankama, Éditions Ça et Là, Glénat, I Can Fly, Indeez Urban Éditions, Panini & more.
With over 40,000 comics and graphic novels from more than 75 publishers, comiXology offers the widest selection of digital comics in the world. ComiXology’s immense catalog and unique Guided View reading experience is available across the iPhone, iPad, Android, Kindle Fire, Windows 8 and the Web—making it the best digital platform for comic and graphic novel fans worldwide.
About comiXology
ComiXology has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel industry by delivering a cloud-based digital comics platform that makes discovering, buying, and reading comics more fun than ever before. ComiXology’s Guided View™ reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become one of iTunes top 10 grossing iPad apps in both 2011 and 2012. Offering the broadest library of comic book content from the top 75 publishers, and including independent creators as well, comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has become a comic book fan.  A privately held company, comiXology is based in New York City.  For more information visit www.comixology.com.