NEW EVENT MINISERIES ‘HEROES REBORN’ COMES TO NBC IN 2015

Tim Kring to Executive Produce 13 New Episodes of Groundbreaking Series ‘Heroes’

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Feb. 22, 2014 — NBC is bringing back its conquering “Heroes.” 

An iconic series that still commands a rabid fan base, “Heroes” will return to the network in 2015 as an event miniseries with original creator and executive producer Tim Kring at the helm, it was announced today by NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke.

NBC has ordered 13 episodes for a new stand-alone story arc entitled “Heroes Reborn,” with all details of storylines and characters being kept under wraps. 

“The enormous impact ‘Heroes’ had on the television landscape when it first launched in 2006 was eye-opening,” said NBC Entertainment  President Jennifer Salke. “Shows with that kind of resonance don’t come around often and we thought it was time for another installment. We’re thrilled that visionary creator Tim Kring was as excited about jumping back into this show as we were and we look forward to all the new textures and layers Tim plans to add to his original concept. Until we get closer to air in 2015, the show will be appropriately shrouded in secrecy, but we won’t rule out the possibility of some of the show’s original cast members popping back in.”  

The original series chronicled the life-changing stories of a series of unrelated ordinary people who discovered they had superhuman abilities. As the saga unfolded, they learned they were part of a grand plan that brought them together to change the world.

With the return of “Heroes Reborn,” NBC will launch a digital series prior to the 2015 premiere that will introduce the characters and new storylines. This leveraging of social media is a way for fans to re-engage with what was one for the true pioneers in multiplatform storytelling. 

#HeroesReborn

The iconic sci-fi series, which ran on NBC from 2006-10 and was an immediate hit, ranked as television’s #1 new drama with an average audience of 14.5 million viewers during its initial season. The show was Golden Globe-nominated in its first year of eligibility for best drama series; it won the BAFTA Award for best international series, the AFI Award, the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films Saturn Award, two People’s Choice Awards and the Television Critics Association Award for Program of the Year. 

“Heroes” remains one of the best-selling TV series on DVD of all time with more than 10 million units sold.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCLUSIVE

BLUE EXORCIST DIGITAL MANGA PROMOTION

Fans Of The Smash Hit Paranormal Action Series Can Collect Volumes 1-10 With A Special Digital Discount Available For A Limited Time Only

VIZ Media announces a special digital manga discount on the hit supernatural action adventure series.BLUE EXORCIST. For a limited time only from February 22^nd until March 3^rd, fans can check out the inspiration for the anime debuting this weekend on Adult Swim’s Toonami block with $1.00 off the digital MSRP (regularly $6.99) on Volumes 1-10 of the hit series, making all volumes available for only $5.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. The sale price will be available through the VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga app for iOS and Android, and special pricing may be available through the digital partners storefronts for Nook, Kindle, GooglePlay, iBooks and Kobo.

BLUE EXORCIST is rated ‘T+” for Older Teens and is published in North America by VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump imprint; the newest chapters from Japan debut in VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital anthology.

Raised by Father Fujimoto, a famous exorcist, Rin Okumura never knew his real father. One day a fateful argument with Father Fujimoto forces Rin to face a terrible truth – the blood of the demon lord Satan runs in Rin’s veins! Rin swears to defeat Satan, but doing that means entering the mysterious True Cross Academy and becoming an exorcist himself! 

Manga creator, writer and illustrator Kazue Kato is the creator of BLUE EXORCIST and was born in Tokyo on July 20^th, 1980. In 2000, at age 19, she won the prestigious Tezuka Award for her work, Boku to Usagi (Rabbit and I), which was published in Akamaru Jump. From 2005 to 2006 her series Robo to Usakichi, a sci-fi adventure also featuring a rabbit, was published in the monthly magazine Shonen Sirius (Kodansha). Her acclaimed action series, BLUE EXORCIST, debuted in Japan in Jump Square magazine in April, 2009 and is published in North America by VIZ Media and also appears in the company’s Weekly Shonen Jump digital magazine. Kazue Kato’s forthcoming new manga series is titled, TIME KILLERS: KAZUE KATO SHORT STORY COLLECTION.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. The platform features a massive library with over 2,000 volumes across more than 175 different series, and new series and volumes added every Tuesday. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday.

All manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) each and readers can also explore all titles with free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

Download the free VIZ Manga App for Android and iOS devices at www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

###

AO NO EXORCIST © 2009 by Kazue Kato/SHUEISHA Inc.

The Heart of Rock n' Roll is Jill Beaton Portland, OR (February 21, 2014) – It is with a heavy heart that Oni Press announces the medical retirement of longtime editor Jill Beaton. Since starting with the company in 2007, Beaton has been an integral part of the Oni Press team. Beaton oversaw a body of work that includes acclaimed and best-selling titles like Ted Naifeh’s Courtney Crumrin, John Allison’s Bad Machinery, R Stevens’ Diesel Sweeties, and the recent smash hit Letter 44 by Charles Soule and Alberto Jiménez Alburquerque, among many, many others.

"Jill brought me into the Oni Press family via Letter 44, and helped to guide that project from a silly little verbal pitch I gave her in Chicago years ago into a series that I think is among the finest work I've ever done,” said writer Charles Soule. “She is a fantastic editor who navigated the inevitable hiccups from pitch to production with endless grace and skill, and that book - and many, many other incredible stories over the years - simply wouldn't be as good as they are if she hadn't put her definitive Jill Beaton stamp on them."

“Every single page she touched was the better for it,” added Diesel Sweeties creator R Stevens. “I couldn’t have done what I did without her.”
 
Beaton possessed a lauded acumen of traditional editorial skills, but her abilities reached far beyond those conventional bounds. Imbued with the warmth and effervescence typically eroded from most editors by deadlines and wanton caffeine abuse, Beaton spearheaded the acquisition and development of a number of all-ages titles such as Joey Weiser’s Mermin, Joshua Williamson and Vinny Navarrete’s Sketch Monsters, and Nunzio DeFilippis, Christina Weir, and Emma Vieceli’s Avalon Chronicles, to name a few.

“Jill has been a great friend and, more importantly, a skilled taskmaster, gently coaxing me to do my best work, helping me brainstorm, catching my many mistakes, and always, always reminding me that I'm good at this job,” said Courtney Crumrin creator Ted Naifeh. “I only hope I gave her the same encouragement.”

Beaton also became responsible for one of Oni Press’ most popular convention fixtures, the “Make Your Own Monster Panel.” Creating an opportunity for children of all ages to create fantastic creatures with comics creators like Naifeh, Navarrete, and Double Fine Action Comics’ Scott C. Held at multiple conventions across the country, the “Make Your Own Monster Panel” became a runaway hit and symbolizes Beaton’s commitment to filling the world with as many creative, inspiring, and downright fun comics as possible.

Though she’s stepping down due to continuing health issues, Jill will always be a part of the Oni Press family. Her dedication and talent will echo through the halls and hearts of the Oni Press offices forever.

“Jilly is one of the kindest, most compassionate, and intelligent people I’ve had the pleasure of encountering in my 15 years in comics,” concluded Oni Press Editor in Chief James Lucas Jones. “Her insights, her humor, her dedication, and her heart have been fixtures of my daily life for so long, I honestly can’t imagine what things will be like without her. Her love of the comics and creators of Oni Press will be felt forever. We miss her already.”

AXE COP RETURNS WITH AMERICAN CHOPPERS!

Critically Acclaimed Nicolle Brothers Deliver Killer Miniseries!

FEBRUARY 21, MILWAUKIE, OR—Fresh off their television debut on FOX’s Animation Domination High-Def, Ethan and Malachai Nicolle return with a three-part miniseries chock full of action in Axe Cop: American Choppers!

“Axe Cop is comics taken straight back to their source — to a child’s unharnessed imagination. And there’s also axes." said Axe Cop voice actor Patton Oswalt. 

President of the World Axe Cop reunites with Super Axe (an old friend from college), and the two decide to start a superteam of axe-wielding heroes to defend America—the American Choppers. They are joined by Captain Axe, Axe Girl, Axe Woman, Axe Dog, and other axe-wielding heroes. The only problem is that there are no bad guys left, but that all changes when mysterious giant creatures attack the city!

Praise for Axe Cop:

“The brilliance is precisely a function of its incongruity.”

—Pop Matters

“Axe Cop emerges as a wacked-out, irreverent hoot, full of colorful absurdities.”

—Variety

“It’s a nonsensical but inventive and purely entertaining takeoff on superhero tales.”—New York Times

“So engaging that you can’t help but read this book all in one sitting.”

—IGN

Watch episodes of Axe Cop on Animation Domination High-Def!

Axe Cop: American Choppers #1 debuts May 21 in comic shops everywhere! Catch up with Axe Cop Volumes 1–5!

Malachai Nicolle was a five year old kid when he and his brother created Axe Cop together.  He is from rural Washington and he loves Dinosaurs, Ben 10, video games of all kinds, and anything involving bad guys getting destroyed.

Ethan Nicolle is 29 years old when he created Axe Cop with his brother.  He is a comic artist/writer living in Los Angeles. He is the writer/artist/creator of the Eisner Award nominated Chumble Spuzz (SLG Publishing). He currently has a couple of shows optioned at Cartoon Network and is working on the Axe Cop TV show at FOX ADHD, as well as his other web comic, Bearmageddon.

About Dark Horse

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Felicia Day, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, EVE Online, Halo, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

###

 

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES TWO ALL-NEW EDITIONS OF FRANK MILLER AND

WALTER SIMONSON’S CLASSIC

ROBOCOP VS. THE TERMINATOR SERIES!

MILWAUKIE, OR, FEBRUARY 21—Nearly twenty years after its first publication, the classic four-issue miniseries that teamed two great characters with two great creators, Frank Miller and Walter Simonson’s RoboCop versus The Terminator, returns to print in two formats: a hardcover graphic novel and a gallery edition!

Comics’ greatest creators pit the supreme machine killer against the ultimate cybernetic cop in one of the most celebrated crossovers ever! When fate reveals that the technology that built RoboCop will lead to the creation of Skynet, Alex Murphy must engage in time-twisting battle against both the murderous computer network and the human resistance fighters out to destroy him! This newly restored collection features remastered colors from Steve Oliff and an introduction by 2 Guns writer Steven Grant!

The super deluxe RoboCop verus The Terminator Gallery Edition ushers in Dark Horse’s new gallery series format—reprinting Walter Simonson’s original art at full size, exactly as it appeared on his drawing table! Relive Simonson and writer Frank Miller’s seamless blend of the RoboCop and Terminator worlds while marveling at the sheer virtuosity of Simonson’s draftsmanship in all its original glory.

In addition to the full story, the gallery edition provides the greatest insight available into Simonson’s process, with pages of his original pencils and promotional art faithfully reproduced, along with a revealing foreword by the artist himself!

“When Frank first sent me the story for the series, I loved it. And it was both a treat and a challenge to try to bring it to life in pictures,” said Walter Simonson. “I couldn’t be more pleased to see RoboCop versus The Terminator back in print after all these years. I can only hope that a new generation of readers will take as much delight in discovering the series as we took in creating it.”

The RoboCop versus The Terminator hardcover graphic novel collection arrives on sale at finer comic shops everywhere on July 2, 2014, for $24.99. The gallery edition will be available on July 9 for $125.00.

About Dark Horse

Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent such as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Brian Wood, Gerard Way, Geof Darrow, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends such as Will Eisner, Neal Adams, and Jim Steranko, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, including The Mask, Ghost, Timecop, and SpyBoy. Its successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Mass Effect, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Halo, Serenity, The Legend of Zelda, Game of Thrones, and Domo. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading publishers of both creator-owned content and licensed comics material.

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, 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.

###

 

 

RUSH AND BOOM! STUDIOS THINK BIG WITH 'CLOCKWORK ANGELS' COMIC

 

CLOCKWORK ANGELS Cover A by Hugh Syme


CLOCKWORK ANGELS Cover B by Hugh Syme


CLOCKWORK ANGELS Cover C by Hugh Syme
 

February 21,  2014 - Los Angeles, CA - Award-winning publisher BOOM! Studios is pleased to announce the March debut of CLOCKWORK ANGELS, a new limited series based on author Kevin J. Anderson’s New York Times bestselling novel and legendary rock band Rush’s concept album of the same name. Rush lyricist and drummer Neil Peart and Anderson, along with interior artist Nick Robles and cover artist Hugh Syme, create the steampunk world of Albion in comic book form for the first time.

“Rush is one of our all-time favorite rock bands here in the office, so we immediately jumped at the chance to work on CLOCKWORK ANGELS,” said BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “The icing on the cake is that author Kevin J. Anderson is somebody we’ve always wanted to work with, so this is an all-around thrill. Mr. Anderson and Mr. Peart have brought us a breathtaking story that illustrator Nick Robles has beautifully visualized.”

WHY WE LOVE IT: Rush’s CLOCKWORK ANGELS is a testament to the band’s creative versatility—it has been successful as a concept album, novel, and international tour. Now, Rush drummer and lyricist Neil Peart and New York Times bestselling author Kevin J. Anderson are bringing the story of CLOCKWORK ANGELS to comics, where newcomer artist Nick Robles will bring the journey of Owen Hardy to visual life!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT: Die-hard Rush fans have longed for Peart’s narrative songwriting to be adapted into comic book form for decades, but fans of steampunk fantasy will enjoy journeying into the world of Albion thanks to Anderson’s skilled storytelling.

WHAT IT’S ABOUT: Owen Hardy, like all the people of Albion, has lived his whole life under the rule of The Watchmaker. His entire life has been planned down to the exact second. But what happens when a young boy decides that things should not always goes as planned?

CLOCKWORK ANGELS #1 arrives in comic shops on March 19th, the four-year anniversary of the album’s initial announcement by the band members, with a cover price of $3.99 under Diamond order code JAN140981. The first issue will ship with two variant covers including a subscription cover and a retailer incentive. 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.

ECW Press will release the paperback version of Kevin J. Anderson’s bestselling CLOCKWORK ANGELS novel (ISBN: 978-1-77041-156-2, $14.95) in May.

 

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, 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.

VIZ MEDIA PARTNERS WITH LEADING ANIME/MANGA RETAILER RIGHT STUF TO OFFER WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ANNUAL MAGAZINE MEMBERSHIPS

Prominent North American Online Retailer Offers Annual Subscriptions And Got Anime Memberships Bundle To Explore The World’s Most Popular Weekly Digital Manga Anthology

San Francisco, CA, February 20, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, has announced a partnership with leading online anime retailer and video publisher Right Stuf, Inc. Right Stuf will offer annual subscriptions to the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga magazine, bundled with their Got Anime membership, offering exclusive product discounts and other offers.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is VIZ Media’s renowned weekly digital serial anthology that features the synchronized latest chapters of a variety of popular manga series debuting on the same day as the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump magazine counterpart. Right Stuf is a prominent independent video publisher that specializes in packaging and distributing a variety of Japanese animation (anime), foreign live-action content, manga graphic novels and other products.

Right Stuf will offer WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP annual 12-month memberships to North American readers for the regular price of $25.99 (USD) at RightStuf.com. Fans signing up for an annual subscription will also receive a free 12-month membership to Right Stuf’s Got Anime Club, which offers exclusive product discounts and other premium offers. If a buyer is renewing, the new 12-month WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP membership will commence at the end of their current subscription, but the Got Anime Club membership will begin immediately.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is the world’s most popular digital weekly manga magazine and features the latest chapters of many of the world’s most popular series such as BLEACH, ONE PIECE, NARUTO, NISEKOI, TORIKO, and WORLD TRIGGER. Monthly series such as BLUE EXORCIST and YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL debut on the closest Monday after the Japanese release. Also serialized in the anthology are ONE-PUNCH MAN, a new color version of DRAGON BALL and the most recent addition to the magazine SERAPH OF THE END. Annual memberships also give fans a variety of fun bonus premiums including 4 special YU-GI-OH! collectible trading cards throughout the year. Members can also access additional magazine content including creator interviews and insightful promotional videos. More information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is available at: http://shonenjump.viz.com.

“Right Stuf is one of the most popular online destinations for fans to purchase the hottest selection of anime, manga and other unique Japanese collectibles and they will be a great partner for WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP,” says Andy Nakatani, Editor-in-Chief of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP. “Right Stuf offers two ways for fans to dive into all the fun with WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, either with an annual subscription that delivers 48 issues throughout the year jam-packed with the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series, or with the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Jump Pack that gives fans a 3-month digital subscription and a cool YU-GI-OH! collectable card bonus. Don’t miss your chance to explore WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP with these special new offers!”

Right Stuf will also offer the new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Jump Pack. Manga fans can get up-to-date on all series currently featured in the world’s most popular weekly manga magazine before diving into the latest issue. The Jump Pack is available from Right Stuf, rated ‘T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN. The first print edition notably features a YU-GI-OH! “Archfiend Commander” Card along with a chance to win an extra “Slifer: The Sky Dragon” card.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit shonenjump.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.

###

VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS FIRST-EVER LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY AND DVD COMBO PACK FOR THE ANIME SCI-FI ACTION THRILLER “K”

Savor The Complete Series About A Case of Mistaken Identity That Embroils An Easygoing Teenager In A Deadly War, Along With An Array Of Special Bonus Material

San Francisco, CA, February 20, 2014 – The wait is finally over as VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, prepares to release the anime action thriller – K – as a special Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo pack and also as a standard DVD edition on February 25^th, 2014.

The 13-episode series is rated ‘TV-14’ and will debut as a 4-Disc Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo pack with an MSRP of $69.99 US/CAN. The standard edition 2-disc DVD edition will be offered at an MSRP of $44.82 US/CAN. An extensive collection of bonus material also makes this release a must-see for anime fans.

K introduces viewers to Shiro, an easygoing teenager content with just being a student – until his seemingly perfect life is suddenly halted when a bloodthirsty clan, glowing red with fire, attempts to kill him in the streets. Unbeknownst to Shiro, he is suspected of murdering a member of their clan and will need a miracle to escape their vengeance. Miraculously, a young man named Kuroh Yatogami swings in and aids Shiro in his getaway, only to reveal afterward he's also after Shiro's life. Now a hunted man, Shiro will have to evade the clans of seven powerful kings and desperately try to prove his innocence – before it’s too late!

The K Blu-ray/DVD combo pack comes packaged in a luxurious collectible specialty print chipboard box containing a full-color 80 page premium art booklet containing individual episode synopses, character profiles, poster art, translated song lyrics. Additional Limited Edition combo pack extras include: VIZ Presents an Interview with KANAME☆, an insightful segment with one of Japan’s most popular professional cosplayers during his first-ever U.S. guest appearance to celebrate the debut of K at Anime Expo in Los Angeles in 2013; a KANAME☆ as Fushimi Photo Gallery; special K Day Events and convention highlights from Anime Expo including the VIZ Media K panel with cast, staff and special guests; exclusive English cast and crew interviews; the series’ original Japanese and English trailers; and clean opening and ending segments (with English translated and subtitled options), next episode previews and more. A special bonus gift of exclusive full-color K stickers is also available with purchase from select anime retailers including Robert’s Anime Corner and the Right Stuf.

“K debuts as VIZ Media’s first-ever Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD combo pack title, and with its multilayered story, engaging characters, and beautifully rendered animation, this series is guaranteed to delight anime fans across North America,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media Senior Manager, Animation Marketing. “We’ve also packed this release with an array of fun extras that will give viewers the chance to dive into the amazing world of K even more. Don’t miss the release of this kinetic action-filled drama debuting this month!”

For more information on K and other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit http://www.viz.com/anime.

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.

###

©GoRA・GoHands/k-project

The Library Of American Comics & IDW Present Genius, Animated The In-Depth Look At Alex Toth Concludes In Style!   San Diego, CA (February 21, 2013) – Celebrating the life and art of the legendary comics creator Alex Toth, The Library of American Comics and IDW will release the third volume in the Genius series, Genius, Animated this April. Delving deep into the contributions Toth made to the animation industry, this volume by Dean Mullaney and Bruce Canwell joins Genius, Isolated, and Genius, Illustrated as an essential look at the influential artist. “Alex combined his mastery of comic book artistry with his innate quest to experiment and try new things, and he distilled that combination into a complete language of adventure storytelling for TV animation,” says Bruce Canwell, “Genius, Animated gives readers a ‘behind the scenes’ look, with lots of previously-unreleased artwork and commentary by experts in the animation field.” Featuring never-before-seen work from Toth, Genius, Animated unearths a trove of lost treasures from the Hanna-Barbera archives. From character designs to storyboards, Toth helped shape favorites like Space Ghost, Shazzan, and Super Friends. This oversized extensive look at his legacy is accompanied by commentary from Toth himself as well as insights and observations from professionals throughout the animation industry. “You can’t overstate Alex Toth’s influence on animation,” says Dean Mullaney. “This book will stand as the definitive statement on his animation artwork.” The Genius series from The Library of American Comics has been praised for its thorough work, garnering awards for both previous volumes including the 2012 Harvey Award for Best Biography. Crafting exemplary books that analyze and honor the rich history of landmark creators and their works, The Library of American Comics has set the precedent for archival works. Genius, Isolated ($49.99, Diamond Code JAN110542), and Genius, Illustrated ($49.99, Diamond Code FEB120393) are still available. Start and/or complete the collection this April!

About IDW Publishing IDW is an award-winning publisher of comic books, graphic novels and trade paperbacks, based in San Diego, California. Renowned for its diverse catalog of licensed and independent titles, IDW publishes some of the most successful and popular titles in the industry, including: Hasbro’s The TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE and MY LITTLE PONY; Paramount’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; 2000AD’s Judge Dredd; The Rocketeer; Toho’s Godzilla; Wizards of the Coast’s Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons; and the Eisner-Award winning Locke & Key series, created by best-selling author Joe Hill and artist Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to the Library of American Comics imprint, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, and the multiple award-winning Artist's Edition imprint. IDW’s critically- and fan-acclaimed series are continually moving into new mediums. Currently, Jerry Bruckheimer Films and Disney are creating a feature film based on World War Robot; Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Warner Brothers are producing a film based on Ashley Wood's Lore; Michael Bay‘s Platinum Dunes and Sony are bringing Zombies vs. Robots to film, Kurtzman/Orci are producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

THE NEXT CHAPTER OF BURN THE ORPHANAGE BEGINS WITH REIGN OF TERROR #1

Orphan Rock fights his way back onto the shelves in new series

Daniel Freedman (Undying Love) and Sina Grace (THE LI'L DEPRESSED BOY, NOT MY BAG) are at it again! The original blow-up hit miniseries about revenge and action is now an all-new monthly Image Comics series called BURN THE ORPHANAGE: REIGN OF TERROR..    Rock finally returns home, only to find his city under siege. And you won’t believe who is the cause of all the chaos.    “We tested our fans with the oversized and sprawling chapters in Born to Lose, so Reign of Terror should feel like an unlocked level of absolute fun,” said Grace. “The gang is back together and we are glad to have them on their home turf, working with and against some familiar faces.”   REIGN OF TERROR moves readers into the the next phase of BURN THE ORPHANAGE. While Rock and his team of street fighters have gone on a lot of adventures together, they've never faced such overwhelming odds. “Friendships and allegiances will be tested as our heroes are put through a gauntlet of new and old foes, betrayal, and oversized robot mayhem,” said Freedman. "Reign of Terror is exciting because it's the first in a series of longer form story arcs we have ready to tell. BURN THE ORPHANAGE is only just getting started."   Rock will be taking back his city in BURN THE ORPHANAGE: REIGN OF TERROR #1, which arrives in stores on on 5/7 and will be available for $3.50. It can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code MAR140488. Cover B by Andy Belanger can be pre-ordered using Diamond Code MAR140489.

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.

ARE WE ALONE? WEEK MAKES CONTACT THIS MARCH ON SCIENCE CHANNEL

--World Premiere Episodes of CLOSE ENCOUNTERS and a Special Episode of THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN begins on Sunday, March 2 at 10 PM ET/PT—

(Silver Spring, Md.) — Seventy-four percent of Americans believe in the existence of aliens - and 15 million believe that they have actually made contact with extraterrestrials.  This March, Science Channel returns with its programming event dedicated to one of mankind’s most pressing questions with ARE WE ALONE? – a week-long campaign dedicated to satisfying viewers’ appetite for aliens.  The week kicks off on Sunday, March 2 at 10 PM ET/PT with the premiere of new episodes of NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES, and continues with four more all-new programs including the series CLOSE ENCOUNTERS on Tuesday, March 4 at 10 PM ET/PT and a special premiere episode of THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN on Wednesday, March 5 at 10 PM ET/PT. 

“So many people are obsessed with the existence of aliens,” said Debbie Myers, executive vice president and general manager, Science Channel. “ARE WE ALONE? ignites their imaginations with bold new questions, and engages current research happening in the field of extraterrestrial life. It’s programming that asks questions and makes you think.  We hope ARE WE ALONE? advances the conversation even further.”

ARE WE ALONE? features world-renowned scientists, leading journalists and alien investigators examining compelling accounts of unusual encounters, strange happenings and possible UFO sightings from around the globe.

ARE WE ALONE? Week Programming Includes:

NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES – Sunday, March 2 & Thursday March 6 at 10 PM ET/PT

NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES returns with more mysterious encounters, unusual discoveries and strange sightings, straight from NASA’s best and brightest.  Tune in for true stories of unexplainable phenomena first observed by the most credible scientific organization in the world. 

NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES is produced by WAGTV.  Martin Durkin is the executive producer for WAGTV.  Wyatt Channell is the executive producer and Katie Pyne is Associate Producer for Science Channel.  Bernadette McDaid is vice president of production for Science Channel, and Deborah Adler Myers is general manager and executive vice president for the network.

ALIEN PLANET EARTHS – Monday, March 3 at 10 PM ET/PT

The search for Earth’s twin is one of the hottest topics in science. Just two decades ago, the Earth appeared to be the only planet in the Universe capable of sustaining life. Today, thanks to NASA’s ground-breaking Kepler mission, astronomers believe there are more than 20 billion alien worlds with liquid water and the potential to support life. ALIEN PLANET EARTHS transports viewers across the Milky Way to the surface of newly discovered exoplanets and exomoons using dynamic, state of the art CGI. ALIEN PLANET EARTHS reveals the next crucial steps in our search for alien life on billions of distant worlds.

ALIEN PLANET EARTHS is produced by Pioneer Productions.  Stephen Marsh and Kirstie McClure are the executive producers for Pioneer Productions.  Wyatt Channell is the executive producer and Katie Pyne is Associate Producer for Science Channel. Bernadette McDaid is vice president of production and Deborah Adler Myers is general manager and executive vice president for Science Channel.

THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN – Wednesday, March 5 at 10 PM ET/PT

In an all-new episode of the critically acclaimed THROUGH THE WORMHOLE WITH MORGAN FREEMAN, scientists seek answers to the controversial question “Is God An Alien Concept?”. Ancient evidence suggests humans have practiced religion since they first walked the planet. But is God being worshipped in other worlds, across the cosmos? Is Earth the Universe’s only home for religion? Or is God an Alien Concept? The answers might be buried here on Earth.

THROUGH THE WORMHOLE is produced by Revelations Entertainment.  James Younger is executive producer with Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary, and Tracy Mercer for Revelations Entertainment.  Bernadette McDaid and Rocky Collins are executive producers for Science Channel and Lindsey Foster Blumberg is coordinating producer.  McDaid is vice president of production and Deborah Adler Myers is general manager and executive vice president for Science Channel.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS – Tuesday March 4 & Friday, March 7 at 10 PM & 10:30 PM ET/PT

Science Channel explores the countless UFO sightings which are reported from thousands of regions around the globe. Many of these sightings are documented and investigated. Most of them can be accounted for by weather patterns, flight schedules or extraordinary imagination. But a select few are still considered unsolved extraterrestrial puzzles that police investigators, government officials and even medical communities cannot explain.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS is produced by Newroad Media Inc. in Association with Discovery Channel Canada for Science. Executive Producers for Newroad Media include Marlo Miazga and Ann Marie Redmond.  For Discovery Channel Canada Production Executives include Christine Nielsen and Kathryn Oughtred. For Science Channel, Rocky Collins is the executive producer, Bernadette McDaid is vice president of production and Deborah Adler Myers is general manager and executive vice president. 

About Revelations Entertainment

Revelations Entertainment reveals truth.  Academy award winning actor Morgan Freeman and Emmy nominated producer Lori McCreary lead a group of inspired professionals who are the go-to producers of thought provoking entertainment that have universal appeal and soul. Recent successes have been two Emmy Award nominations for the Science Channel show Through The Wormhole With Morgan Freeman, a Peabody Award for the ESPN 30 for 30 episode The 16th Man, and an Academy Award nomination for Morgan Freeman in the film Invictus.  ​

About Pioneer Productions

Pioneer Productions is the go-to company for ambitious and audacious factual programming.  Multi-award winning, with bases in the UK and the US, the company has built a world-wide reputation for bringing cutting edge visual effects, brilliant story-telling and incredible production values to all of their output.  The company's mission is make the complex appealing,   their vast portfolio of science, adventure and history programming has been enjoyed by millions in over 80 countries world-wide. Specialists in fast-turn around programmes, they've told the stories of Superstorm Sandy, the Boxing Day Tsunami, the Chilean Miners and Steve Job's death (to mention just a few) within weeks of the event, each production carrying the Pioneer hallmark of great journalism, compelling story-telling and bold visual style.

About WAGTV

WAGTV is a leading international producer of TV shows. We produce and distribute high-quality, high-rating returnable series for many of the world’s major broadcasters. WAGTV has been listed among REAL SCREEN's global top 100 media companies, based on a survey of the top 70 broadcasters world-wide, and was listed among Britain's top ten TV production companies in an industry poll conducted by REAL SCREEN magazine. WAGTV is the largest single supplier of programs to Discovery Networks International.

About Science Channel

Science Channel, a division of Discovery Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), is home for the thought provocateur, the individual who is unafraid to ask the killer questions of “how” and “why not.”  The network is a playground for those with audacious intellects and features programming willing to go beyond imagination to explore the unknown.  Guided by curiosity, Science Channel looks for innovation in mysterious new worlds as well as in its own backyard.  Science Channel and the Science Channel HD simulcast reach more than nearly 80 million U.S. households.  The network also features high-traffic online and social media destinations, including ScienceChannel.com, facebook.com/Science Channel and twitter.com/Science Channel.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching 2.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 190 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and the Hub Network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.