LAKESHORE RECORDS PRESENTS

FROM INSIDE – GARY NUMAN SPECIAL EDITION DVD

 

Graphic Novel-Turned Award-Winning Film From Writer/Director John Bergin

 

(November 13, 2014– Los Angeles, CA) – Lakeshore Records has released the FROM INSIDE – GARY NUMAN SPECIAL EDITION DVD.  The film adaptation of the 1994 graphic novel has screened in over 35 international film festivals.  John Bergin, the writer/illustrator of the novel, wrote, directed and animated the film.

 

FROM INSIDE may be the most faithful film adaptation of a comic book. Bergin described; “The animation in the film is created directly from the original artwork. I strove to make the film look like ‘paintings that move.’ I wanted to maintain the emotional impact that comes with having artwork be read as a substitute for reality. Watching the film feels exactly like reading a comic.”

 

FROM INSIDE is the story of Cee, a young pregnant woman who finds herself on a damaged train slowly transcribing its way across a bleak post-apocalyptic landscape.  Flood, war, starvation and a plague of death threaten the train’s passengers.  Cee struggles through these dangers while coping with the memory of her lost husband and the imminent birth of her child. 

 

John Bergin’s life has been spent creating art.  Both a writter/illustrator of comics and a musician, most notably in the band Trust Obey, Bergin originally conceived FROM INSIDE as a graphic novel.  After writing/illustrating the comic ASHES, Bergin went to Tundra (the publishing company founded by Kevin Eastman, creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) who published FROM INSIDE  in 1994.  At the same time, Trust Obey was signed to Trent Reznor’s Nothing Records. 

 

Towing both artistic lines, Bergin created the comics series GOLGOTHIKA, ROT FROM THE STARS, DEATH OF A WITCH, and COCCYX, while simultaneously working on a number of musical projects including a WARHAMMER 40K score, Tertium Non Data (featuring Pam Bricker), Lolo, and Blackmouth (with Jarboe of Swans). He has also worked as an animator for Hallmark and created short films which have screened at festivals such as The Chicago International Children's Film Festival, Temecula, Seattle, The TED conference, and a special children's film program at The Smithsonian. Bergin is an in-demand graphic artist, creating hundreds of movie posters, book and album covers.  He is currently working on a new comic and soundtrack series called WEDNESDAY.

 

In 2008 Bergin decided to adapt FROM INSIDE to screen.  The film played the festival circuit from 2008-2010 – earning numerous awards including Best Animated Film at SITGES, Best Feature at Utopiales and Winner: First Feature at Fantasia. In 2014, Bergin had the film re-scored by legendary recording artist Gary Numan and Ade Fenton.

 

Lakeshore Records presents FROM INSIDE – GARY NUMAN SPECIAL EDITION DVD, available through Amazon.com and other online retailers. 

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http://www.lakeshore-records.com/

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS FANS A VIVID SELECTION OF EXCITING ANIME RELEASES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Dive Into Exciting New And Continuing Series With Bu-ray And DVD Releases For GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, SAILOR MOON, RANMA ½, And The Latest Action-Packed

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Feature Film

San Francisco, CA, November 13, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, gives fans a wide array of exciting new anime releases to consider for wish and gift lists this holiday season. 

New and veteran fans are invited to dive into legendary anime series such as the newly dubbed and uncut SAILOR MOON and RANMA ½ with box sets that also contain a wealth of extra features and special bonus material. VIZ Media is also proud to present GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, the vivid sci-fi/action series from the famed anime studio, Production IG, presented in a comprehensive DVD and Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Fans of the world’s most popular ninja, Naruto, will not want to miss the hero’s latest animated feature film, THE ROAD TO NINJA: NARUTO THE MOVIE, which also will be available on DVD and Blu-ray formats.

New Anime Series Holiday Debuts:

GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET · Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN ·

Available Now!  

In the distant future, Ledo, a young soldier from space wakes up and finds himself marooned on an ocean planet. Growing up in space, and knowing nothing but battle, he is a stranger in a strange land, full of odd customs and a foreign language, but he’s not alone. Starting a new journey on this verdurous planet, Ledo must find a way to survive and reconcile the fact that he may never be able to return home!

VIZ Media gives GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET a collection-worthy treatment with a 16x9 high definition presentation and the inclusion of 2 bonus OVA episodes. The home media releases feature premium packaging with an O-Card for the DVD edition and an illustrated chipboard box with a full-color 2-sided Amaray™ wrap and a special GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET art book included with the Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack

RANma ½ Set 4 · Limited Edition Blu-ray MSRP: $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN · Available December 2^nd!  

The Mayhem continues in the latest RANMA ½ home media set!! Shampoo visits Ranma, bringing a souvenir bell from China along with a Phantom Cat, who’s in search of a bride! Ranma will have to endure his fear of felines in order to defeat the Phantom Cat. Then, after a series of certain events, Ryoga becomes the strongest martial artist in the world. After that, Kuno gets his hands on a secret sword call the “Mangamaru,” which grants the user here wishes, and one of them is to have a date with the Pigtailed Girl! Finally, a mysterious foursome has come from China in search of the legendary Dragon’s Whisker and will stop at nothing to get it. But what is the Dragon’s Whisker and what does it have to do with Ranma? Set contains Episodes 70-92 on 3 Blu-ray or DVD discs housed in a gorgeously illustrated chipboard box with embossed foil stamping.

Fan Favorite Holiday Debuts:

THE ROAD TO NINJA: NARUTO THE MOVIE · Blu-ray Combo Pack

MSRP:  $29.99 U.S. / $37.48 CAN; DVD MSRP: $19.98 U.S. / $34.98 CAN ·

Available November 25^th!  

In ROAD TO NINJA – NARUTO THE MOVIE, long ago, a mysterious masked shinobi unleashed the Nine-Tailed Fox onto the Village Hidden in the Leaves to spread chaos and destruction. But the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and his wife Kushina Uzumaki sealed the Tailed Beast into their newborn son, Naruto, to save the village, foiling the shinobi’s plan. Years later, Naruto and his friends succeed in driving away the infamous Akatsuki, who have mysteriously returned from the dead. Upon returning to the village, the young shinobi are praised by their families for completing a dangerous mission. Reminded of how alone he is, Naruto begins to wonder what it’s like to have parents, when a strange masked figure appears before him – the same masked shinobi responsible for the death of his parents!

The Blu-ray edition features crisp 1080p High Definition video and also includes a special bonus art gallery.

SAILOR MOON SEASON 1 SET 1 · Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD

MSRP: $79.98 U.S. / $93.99 CAN; DVD MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN · Available Now!  

SAILOR MOON depicts the adventures of Usagi Tsukino, a cheerful 14-year-old schoolgirl who often finds herself in unwanted trouble. One day, she saves a talking cat named Luna from some mean kids, and her life is changed forever. Luna gives Usagi a magic brooch that transforms her into Sailor Moon, guardian of love and justice! Now Usagi must work with Luna to find the other Sailor Guardians and the Moon Princess, whose Legendary Silver Crystal is Earth’s only hope against the dark forces of the evil Queen Beryl!

The stunning SAILOR MOON Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack offers a deluxe, 6-disc collection (3 DVDs & 3 Blu-rays), housed in a beautiful shimmery holofoil chipboard box with specialty printing, and contains an array of exclusive extra features along with an 88-page full-color booklet filled with artwork, character profiles, an episode guide, lyrics, and more! Blu-ray episodes are presented in full 1080p High Definition video

For more information on anime 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 ONE PIECE, 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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NARUTO © 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO /2007 SHIPPUDEN
© NMP 2012

Monster Motors Roar Back To Life at IDW Classic Monsters Meet Classics Cars This February San Diego, CA (November 14, 2014) – Following in the tire tracks of this summer’s Monster Motors, about which Comic Book Therapy said “Monster Motors is a one-shot, but hopefully IDW decides to extend the warranty on this shiny new car,” IDW is happy to announce just that: February sees the launch of the two-part follow-up to the acclaimed debut by Brian Lynch, Nick Roche and Leonard O’Grady: Monster Motors: The Curse of Minivan Helsing. Genius mechanic Vic Frankenstein and his assistant iGOR (interactive Garage Operations Robot) have moved to the quaint town of Transylvania, Kentucky. But this quaint town has a bit of a problem; it’s becoming overrun by Monster Motors! Vampire cars suck gas from their victims and lunar-powered werewolf vehicles grow fangs and claws when the moon is full! And that’s just for starters. Someone has to keep them all in check. Enter MINIVAN HELSING: four-wheeled monster-hunter. It is his job to hunt down the Monster Motors and bring them to justice. His new target? Vic and his Frankenride, a monstrous truck made from the parts of fallen cars and trucks. “MONSTER MOTORS is a world I love coming back to,” said Lynch. “Combining everyone's favorite monsters (and, with this story, monster hunters) with the coolest vehicles originally made me say ‘wow, if I were a kid I'd love to see this’. But as the world gets fleshed out and we start figuring out each Monster Motors' personality, I realized this was a story anyone can enjoy, no matter their age. It's got tons of action, it's funny, it's scary, and thanks to Nick and Len, it's the best looking book you'll read all month.” Don’t miss the next chapter in the story Horror Talk called “the kind of fun, creative story that comics were made for. It's silly and easy for kids to pick up while also being smart enough for adults. This needs to be an ongoing title. 10 out 10.”

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; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and 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.

DRIFTER LAUNCHES
TO HUGE READER RESPONSE
The first issue of the dark new sci-fi
will be rushed to second printing

Writer Ivan Brandon (Wolverine, Men of War) and artist Nic Klein (Captain America, Thor) are on fire with their dark and moody new series DRIFTER which puts a fresh and layered spin on sci-fi. Best described as an ominous marriage of Unforgiven and Dune, DRIFTER #1 is slated for a second printing in order to meet customer demand.

"I can't even express how blown away we are by the reaction to our crazy book,” said Brandon. “I've been walking around in a daze like a lovesick 10-year-old. We feel so grateful and lucky to have found such an amazing readership."

In DRIFTER, mankind has spread across the universe in a frantic rush to survive and has colonized and strip-mined countless planets in the process. Abram Pollux barely survives a crash landing on Ouro, a lawless backwater world where life is cheap. This world’s unique properties set the stage for a story that combines the dark wonder of a strange and alien landscape with the struggles of an abandoned and lawless frontier town. 

DRIFTER #1 is also 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.

The second printing of DRIFTER #1 (Diamond Code OCT148057) will release on 12/10.

DRIFTER #2 by Klein is available in stores on 12/17 and can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code OCT140736. Cover B by Becky Cloonan can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code OCT140737.

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.

MCKELVIE & WILSON
ARE THE FACE OF COMICS IN DECEMBER
The two lend their artistic interpretation to six new story arcs
and series launches

Bestselling artists Jamie McKelvie (THE WICKED + THE DIVINE, Young Avengers) and Matthew Wilson (THE WICKED + THE DIVINE) team up to lend their artistic interpretation to a series of covers for six highly anticipated new launches and critically acclaimed series’ new story arcs coming from Image Comics this December.

"We're huge fans of all the creators behind these series,” said McKelvie. “So to be asked to provide covers for them all this month was an honour. Hopefully fans will enjoy these glimpses of the characters fired through the WicDiv filter!"

The titles that will feature variant covers by McKelvie/Wilson include BITCH PLANET #1, SHUTTER #7, RUMBLE #1, REVIVAL #26, THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #6, and EAST OF WEST #16.

Retailers interested in the McKelvie/Wilson covers should refer to the Image Comics Retailer Newsletter for ordering information or inquire with their Diamond Customer Service representative.

BITCH PLANET #1 (Diamond Code OCT148037) Cover B and SHUTTER #7 (Diamond Code OCT148038) Cover B by McKelvie and Wilson will hit shelves on 12/10. Order details of EAST OF WEST #16 cover by McKelvie and Wilson to come.

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.

WYTCHES—SECOND PRINTING BREWING
Image Comics has pledged issue #2 for a second printing

“These weren't going to be the bulbous nose, broom-riding Halloween caricatures. These witches are a cannibalistic, skeletal race that hide in the forest, gifting their naturalistic powers to greedy folk who pledge other people in exchange. And those poor saps are doomed to be food for the creatures.” —NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
 

The second issue of WYTCHES by Scott Snyder and Jock, one of the most buzzed about horror series of the year, has garnered rave reviews and left readers horror-stricken and hopelessly hooked. It is slated for a second printing in order to continue to haunt readers.

“I don't know how to thank readers enough for the support on this book,” said Snyder. “It was always going to be dark and personal and I think it's safe to say none of us on the team expected this sort of response, sales-wise. But thank you guys so much. You're truly changing the landscape of comics with the support you're throwing behind creator-owned books lately. It's incredibly exciting and inspiring to see.”

In WYTCHES #2, a strange bite grows on a girl’s neck and the wytches are getting closer, creeping out of the woods. Readers beware, this terrifying second chapter of the new smash hit WYTCHES is even more chilling than the last.

Across the globe, century after century, men and women were burned, drowned, hanged, tortured, imprisoned, persecuted, and murdered for witchcraft. None of them were witches. But witches—real witches—are out there. They are ancient, elusive, and deadly creatures that are rarely seen and even more rarely survived.

WYTCHES #2 is also 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.

The second printing of WYTCHES #2 (Diamond Code OCT148059) will release on 12/10.

WYTCHES #3 is available in stores on 12/17 and can be pre-ordered with Diamond Code OCT140779. 

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.

Uncover An Important Page Of Comic Book History With The Untold History Of Black Comic Books  A Groundbreaking Collection Coming This February San Diego, CA (November 13, 2014) – IDW and Yoe Books are proud to announce The Untold History of Black Comic Books, brought to you by Professor William H. Foster III, a leading authority on the history of Black cartoonists and comics, and fellow comic book historian Craig Yoe. This groundbreaking collection in both scope and detail, traces the changing image of African-Americans in comic books from the 1940s right up to the present day. Perfect for fans and comic scholars alike, it includes nearly 200 pages of rarely seen comic book stories never reprinted before. There has never been a book with this incredible and fascinating cultural scope and is truly not to be missed. “This book is important to me on several levels,” said Professor Foster. “It is not just the culmination of years of research. It is the latest chapter in my efforts to illuminate the forgotten corners of comic book history. Despite the fact that I have been a fan, collector, and historian for comics for many years, I still meet people in and out of the comic industry who say they have never seen, or heard of Black comic books. Incidents like that used to depress me. Nowadays I just smile and say, ‘Well, let me tell you a story…’” The Untold History of Black Comic Books is a 9” x 12” full-color hardcover slated for release February 2015 ($39.99 - DEC140581 - ISBN: 978-1-63140-290-6). For more information on this title and other Yoe Books visit http://www.yoebooks.com

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; V-Wars from New York Times best-selling author Jonathan Maberry; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; Winterworld, created by Chuck Dixon and Jorge Zaffino; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and 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.

DIRECTORS TI WEST, RACHEL TALALAY, JENNIFER LYNCH AND JEREMIAH CHECHIK JOIN ELI ROTH ON WE tv’s “SOUTH OF HELL”

NEW YORK, NY -- November 11, 2014 -- In addition to the well-known horror director Eli Roth (“Hostel,” “Cabin Fever”), an array of respected directors have signed on to direct individual episodes of WE tv’s original supernatural thriller, “South of Hell.”  The line-up includes Ti West (“House of the Devil,” “The Sacrament”), Rachel Talalay (“Doctor Who,” “Tank Girl”), Jennifer Lynch (“The Walking Dead,” “Teen Wolf”) and Jeremiah Chechik (“Helix,” “Reign”).

“South of Hell” (8x60) premieres on WE tv in 2015.  Production is currently underway in Charleston, SC.

WE tv recently announced the cast of “South of Hell,” led by actress Mena Suvari in the dual role of Maria Abascal and her inner demon, Abigail.  The cast also includes:  Zachary Booth as David Abascal, Maria’s brother; Bill Irwin as Enos Abascal, Maria and David’s father and cult leader; Drew Moerlein as Dusty, Maria’s neighbor; Lamman Rucker as Rev. Elijah Bledsoe, a priest with a strong attraction to Maria,; Paulina Singer as the Reverend’s daughter, Grace; Lydia Hearst as southern belle Charlotte Roberts; Slate Holmgren as the local drug dealer, Sweetmouth; and Lauren Velez as Tetra, a spiritual informant.

Charleston, South Carolina is the most possessed city in the world.  Evil thrives there. Something with which 30-year-old exorcist Maria Abascal is intimately acquainted.  She wrestles demons for a living.  Especially Abigail, the one that lives within her.  The one who feeds on damned souls and who’s violated the laws of hell to live on earth—and live on, inside Maria.  Now, as they work as one, Maria will discover how personal her battle with evil has become and how far Abigail will go to protect them both.  It’s a journey where the unspeakable is just a heartbeat away.

“South of Hell” is produced by Sonar Entertainment and Blumhouse Television.  The premiere episode was written by Matt Lambert.  James Manos, Jr. (“Dexter,” “The Shield,” “The Sopranos”) is executive producer and showrunner.  Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions (“Paranormal Activity,” “Insidious,” “Sinister”) also serves as executive producer, along with Gerard Bocaccio, Stewart Till, Gene Stein, Erica Motley and Eli Roth.

About WE tv

With compelling, can’t miss unscripted shows and dramatic scripted series, WE tv’s programming is fueled by personalities and relationships filled with purpose and passion. WE tv welcomes everyone and creates an inclusive experience across all platforms: on TV, online, on demand, and social media, embracing how today’s digitally savvy, socially engaged audiences connect through content, using it as a catalyst to drive conversation and build community.  WE tv is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., alongside its sister channels AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV.  WE tv and is available to over 85 million U.S. homes.  WE tv: All In.

VIZ MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS EXCITING MANGA TITLES FOR WISH LISTS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

2014 Holiday Releases Include New Manga Box Sets, Shojo And Action/Sci-fi Manga Series And Other Exciting Gift Ideas For Any Special Fan!

San Francisco, CA, November 11, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced a compelling array of manga, special box sets, novels and other titles that will make ideal gifts to suit a wide range of budgets and interests to delight readers and fans of all ages this holiday season.

Notable selections, which will be available in plenty of time for the start of the 2014 holiday shopping season, include lavish new box set editions for manga series BLACK BIRD, ONE PIECE, and VAMPIRE KNIGHT as well as the hardcover  storybook – PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY – an oversized, full-color edition of the original Princess Mononoke story, created by Hayao Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film.

New and exemplary shojo manga series from VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat imprint that also will make thoughtful gifts include KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS and YUKARISM, a new manga series by the creator of YURARA AND RASETSU that launches December 2^nd. Fans and readers of the gothic drama VAMPIRE KNIGHT will not want to miss a special limited edition of the series’ final volume, along with the release of VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS, a special collection of short stories based on Matsuri Hino’s critically acclaimed series.

Action fans can dive into the debut of the new RESIDENT EVIL series from the VIZ Signature imprint, as well as two exciting new Shonen Jump series, teen-friendly WORLD TRIGGER and Takeshi Obata’s ALL YOU NEED IS KILL, the stunning manga realization of the popular Japanese sci-fi novel written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka that also inspired the blockbuster Edge of Tomorrow film that starred Tom Cruise.

Sci-fi readers also are invited to take note of ASURA GIRL and PHANTASM JAPAN, a pair of riveting new literary releases from the company’s Haikasoru imprint.

HOLIDAY MANGA BOX SETS:

ONE PIECE MANGA Box Set Vol. 2 · Rated “T” for Teens ·

MSRP: $185.99 U.S. / CAN · Available Now! 

The latest ONE PIECE manga box set features Volumes 24-46, which comprise the series’ third and fourth story arcs – Skypiea and Water Seven. The Box Set also features a full-color poster and special ONE PIECE mini-comic. As a child, ONE PIECE main character Monkey D. Luffy dreamed of becoming King of the Pirates. But his life changed when he accidentally ate the Gum-Gum Fruit, an enchanted Devil Fruit that gave him the ability to stretch like rubber. The only drawback? He'll never be able to swim again – a serious handicap for an aspiring sea dog! Years later, Luffy sets off on his quest to find the "One Piece," said to be the greatest treasure in the world...

BLACK BIRD MANGA Box Set · Rated “T+” for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $149.99 U.S. / CAN · Available Now! 

The BLACK BIRD Complete Box Set features the entire series run of 18 volumes. In the acclaimed series crated by Kanoko Sakurakouji, there is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, and she wants nothing to do with magical realms. She just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But she is the bride of demon prophecy, and her blood grants incredible powers, her flesh immortality. Now the demon realm is fighting over the right to her hand...or her life!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Manga Box Set 2 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $89.99 U.S. / $99.99 CAN · Available November 4^th!

This comprehensive manga box set features the second-half of the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga series, Volumes 11-19, along with the hardcover 42-page art book. Set is contained in a gorgeously illustrated slipcase.

NOTABLE holiday shojo manga:

YUKARISM · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN ·

Available December 2^nd  

In this new manga series by the creator of YURARA AND RASETSU, Yukari Kobayakawa, an accomplished author at the age of 17, writes with amazingly accurate details about historical Japan. As it turns out, he has the ability to slip into his past life in the Edo period – as a beautiful, renowned courtesan named Yumurasaki!

KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS · Rated “T” for Teens ·

MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available Now! 

Anise Yamamoto has been told that if she ever removes the rose choker given to her by her father, a terrible punishment will befall her. Unfortunately she loses that choker when a bat-like being falls from the sky and hits her. Anise is granted four cards representing four knights whom she can summon with a kiss. But now that she has these gorgeous men at her beck and call, what exactly is her quest?!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vol. 19 (Series finale) Limited edition ·

Rated “T+” for Teens · MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available Now! 

Savor the tense finale to Matsuri Hino’s acclaimed paranormal series in a limited edition featuring an exclusive alternate cover and a hardcover 42-page art book.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN / $10.99 Digital · Available December 2^nd!

Fans will not want to miss this special collection of short stories by Ayuna Fujisaki based on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, with illustrations by Matsuri Hino! Stories include “Deranged Love,” in which a dying Rido reflects on his obsessive love for Juri. Kaname seeks to reward Yuki for doing well on her studies with tutor Aido in “Gifts for Yuki.” The story of Sara’s first love is revealed in “Hidden Love.” In “Queen of the Abyss,” after Zero parts ways with Yuki and returns to being a vampire hunter, he encounters a vampire named Shien.

NOTABLE SHONEN ACTION MANGA:

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL · Rated “T+” for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN · Available Now! 

Takeshi Obata’s ALL YOU NEED IS KILL originally premiered in VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga anthology earlier this year and is the stunning manga realization of the popular Japanese sci-fi novel, written by Hiroshi Sakurazaka. In this rousing action story, when the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158^th iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally – the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?

world trigger · Rated “T” for Teens ·

MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available Now! 

“Destroy thy Neighbor” in Daisuke Ashihara’s thrilling sci-fi action manga series, WORLD TRIGGER! Earth is under constant threat from Neighbors, invincible monsters from another dimension that destroy humanity’s way of life. At least there are the elite agents of Border, warriors who co-opt alien technology to fight back. Our hero Osamu Mikumo may not be the best agent, but along with his Neighbor friend Yuma, he’ll do whatever it takes to defend life on Earth as we know it.

NOTABLE VIZ SIGNATURE MANGA:

RESIDENT EVIL · Rated “M” for Mature Readers ·

MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN · Available Now! 

Discover the sinister beginnings of the Resident Evil story in the first-ever manga series based on the smash hit game property. The highly virulent C-virus became a global disaster, but where did the outbreak start? In the series’ opening volume, at the prestigious and elite Marhawa Academy in Singapore, a female student suffers a horrifying transformation. Called in to investigate, Professor Doug Wright and his nephew Ricky find themselves caught up in a deadly and growing tragedy. As things get rapidly out of hand, Chris Redfield and his team from the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance arrive on the scene, while behind it all a mysterious figure looms.

FOR STUDIO GHIBLI FANS:

PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY · MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $39.99 CAN · Available Now! 

This is the original Princess Mononoke story, created by Hayao Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film that would be released to universal acclaim seventeen years later. As an initial version of the tale, it offers a new and significantly different perspective from the final version presented in the film. After a long, exhausting war, a samurai lost in a forest encounters a giant wildcat – a mononoke. The beast saves his life, but at the price of his daughter's hand in marriage... 

HAIKASORU SCIENCE FICTION, FANTASY, AND THRILLERS:

ASURA GIRL · MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN · Available Now!  

This tense urban drama about the violent and sexually charged life of a Japanese teenage girl in Tokyo is offered in English for the very first time. Seventeen-year-old Aiko lives a life of casual sex and casual violence, though at heart she remains a schoolgirl with an unrequited crush on her old classmate Yoji Kaneda. Life is about to get harder for Aiko, as a recent fling, Sano, has been kidnapped, and the serial killer Round-and-Round Devil has begun slaughtering children. The youth are rioting in the streets, egged on by the underground Internet bulletin board known as the Voice from Heaven. Expecting that Yoji will come and save her from the madness, Aiko posts a demand for her own murder on Voice of Heaven but will she be left waiting...or worse?

PHANTASM JAPAN · MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN · Available Now! 

The secret history of the most famous secret agent in the world. A bunny costume that reveals the truth in our souls. The unsettling notion that Japan itself may be a dream. The tastiest meal you’ll never have, a fedora-wearing neckbeard’s deadly date with a yokai, and the worst work shift anyone—human or not—has ever lived through. Welcome to Phantasm Japan, Haikasoru’s latest anthology of fantasy stories from around the world, including new tales by New York Times best-seller Zachary Mason, horror master Gary A. Braunbeck, popular Japanese author Miyuki Miyabe, and much more.

For more information on 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 ONE PIECE, 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.

DARK HORSE PRESENTS CELEBRATES 200TH ISSUE!

DARK HORSE PRESENTS to Feature The First U.S. Publication of MASKS by Gillian Flynn, the Bestselling Novelist of GONE GIRL & Comics Laureate Dave Gibbons, the Bestselling Artist of WATCHMEN November 11, 2014: Dark Horse Comics will publish the milestone 200th issue of its Eisner and Harvey Award-winning comic book anthology DARK HORSE PRESENTS in February 2015, featuring the story MASKS by Gillian Flynn, the bestselling novelist of GONE GIRL, with art by Dave Gibbons, the bestselling artist of WATCHMEN recently named the first ever comics laureate. The 200th issue of the celebrated anthology will feature a HELLBOY cover by Gabriel Bá, an APE-X variant cover by THE GOON creator Eric Powell, and stories by some of the biggest names in comics, including legendary HELLBOY creator Mike Mignola, GROO Creators Mark Evanier and Sergio Aragones, Alex de Campi, Matt Kindt and Jerry Ordway. DARK HORSE PRESENTS 200 will be go on sale on February 18th, 2015. “DARK HORSE PRESENTS  #1 was the very first comic book our company published back in 1986 and from day one that comic set the tone for our ambitious and diverse publishing philosophy,” said Dark Horse Comics President & Publisher Mike Richardson. “When we started making plans for the landmark 200th anniversary issue of DARK HORSE PRESENTS, it was imperative we pull out all the stops to celebrate the legacy of the preeminent contemporary comic book anthology title.” The 80-page 200th issue of the multiple Eisner and Harvey Award series will feature: Mike Mignola and Gabriel Bá revisiting Hellboy’s time in Mexico with a follow-up to their classic story THE COFFIN MAN. Fred Van Lente and Miguel Sepulveda delivering a Project Black Sky story about the telepathic cyborg gorilla Ape-X Brendan McCarthy’s DREAM GANG Damon Gentry and Aaron Conley’s SABERTOOTH SWORDSMAN The first chapter of a new GROO tale by Sergio Aragones and Mark Evanier A mermaid story by Gustavo Duarte (MONSTERS) Alex de Campi and Jerry Ordway’s SEMIAUTOMAGIC Ed Brisson’s MURDER BOOK featuring art from Michael Walsh The first ever U.S. publication of the short story MASKS, which was originally published in the UK’s GUARDIAN newspaper to commemorate the British Library's exhibition of British comics. The story is the comic book debut for Gillian Flynn, the NEW YORK TIMES bestselling writer of GONE GIRL, which is now a major motion picture directed by David Fincher (FIGHT CLUB). She collaborates with artist Dave Gibbons, (WATCHMEN) for a story about mothers… and vigilantes. 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 Presents #7 - 200th Issue (Mike Mignola Cover)

Dark Horse Presents #7 - 200th Issue (Eric Powell variant cover)