VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU LITERARY IMPRINT PUBLISHES THE SUPERNATURAL TINGED

HANZAI JAPAN – FANTASTICAL, FUTURISTIC STORIES OF CRIME FROM AND ABOUT JAPAN

New Short Story Collection From Haikasoru’s Anthology Series Features 16 Crime And Mystery Works From A Vanguard Of Critically Acclaimed Japanese And Western Authors

San Francisco, CA, September 30, 2015 – VIZ Media’s Haikasoru literary imprint captivates fiction readers and fans of Japanese pop culture with the debut on October 20^th of HANZAI JAPAN - Fantastical, Futuristic Stories of Crime From and About Japan.

HANZAI JAPAN contains 16 inventive crime/mystery stories that incorporate supernatural elements from a vanguard of top authors that includes New York Times best-seller Carrie Vaughn, All You Need Is Kill/Edge of Tomorrow’s Hiroshi Sakurazaka, Catwoman’s Genevieve Valentine, mystery genre stalwarts S. J. Rozan and Naomi Hirahara, cross-genre author Jeff Somers, and many more. HANZAI JAPAN - Fantastical, Futuristic Stories of Crime From and About Japan, edited by Nick Mamatas And Masumi Washington, will carry a print MSRP of $15.99 U.S. / $18.99 CAN. An eBook edition also will debut on the same day for the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, Barnes & Noble’s Nook Book Store, the Kobo eBooks Store, and the Google Play store.

A murderer doing time in hell. A girl who just wants to win her high school band contest…no matter what it takes. Sumo wrestlers with a supernatural secret. A future Tokyo where vampires are menial laborers nursing long-held grudges against humanity. And even a very conscientious, if unstable, Universal Transverse Mercator projection. These crime and mystery stories from and about Japan explore myth, technology, the sharpness of a sleuth’s mind, and the darkness in the hearts of criminals. Read these stories and learn that hanzai means crime!

“Haikasoru’s short story anthologies have proved extremely popular with readers and we are excited to release the latest addition to the series with the debut of HANZAI JAPAN later this month,” says Nick Mamatas, co-editor. “The new book presents a unique array of weird crime and mystery stories from an international cadre of best-selling authors and some of the hottest new writers working today. We look forward to readers embarking on a mind-blowing journey to the darker sides of Japanese pop couture with this new release!”

HANZAI JAPAN is the third release in Haikasoru’s critically acclaimed anthology series that presents thematic short story collections inspired by the Land of the Rising Sun. The anthology series also includes the previously released PHANTASM JAPAN: FANTASIES LIGHT AND DARK, FROM AND ABOUT JAPAN and THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE.

For more information on HANZAI JAPAN and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at www.haikasoru.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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POSTAL EMBARKS ON A NEW STORY ARC

Matt Hawkins (IXTH GENERATION, THE TITHE), Bryan Hill (BROKEN TRINITY, NETHERWORLD), and artist Isaac Goodheart will launch a new story arc in their bold ongoing series POSTAL this November.

Previously in POSTAL, the townsfolk of Eden, Wyoming were rocked by the first official murder in twenty-five years. This event had special significance, owing to the fact that Eden is a haven for fugitive criminals waiting on their last chance at redemption. Crime of any sort is not tolerated by its ruling family, the youngest son of which is seen by the FBI as a weak link to exploit; the murder of a strange girl is their opportunity.

In POSTAL: FBI DOSSIER #1, readers discover why the FBI doesn’t raid Eden. Mayor Shiffron keeps these wolves at bay, but by what methods?

"We get a lot of questions from readers about the origins of Eden and how it works and this one shot dossier style book is intended to help fill in some of those gaps," said Hawkins.

Hill added: "Until now we've seen the world of Eden from the inside, looking from its center to the outside world. In this one shot we see what the outside world, the few who are aware, think of Eden and gain an understanding of what keeps Eden safe from interference."

POSTAL: FBI DOSSIER #1 Cover A by Linda Sejic (Diamond code SEP150541) hits stores Wednesday, November 11th. Cover B by Isaac Goodhart (Diamond Code SEP150542) will also be available on Wednesday, November 11th. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, October 19th.

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.

THE AUTUMNLANDS SETS OUT ON A NEW STORY ARC

New York Times bestselling writer Kurt Busiek (ASTRO CITY, MARVELS) and rising-star artist Benjamin Dewey (I WAS THE CAT, TRAGEDY SERIES) will launch the second story arc of the high-fantasy epic THE AUTUMNLANDS in November.

Previously in THE AUTUMNLANDS, a secret enclave of wizards reached into their forgotten past to bring back a legendary hero to save their dying lands. But instead of the savior they’d hoped for, they got a completely unexpected kind of hero.

In THE AUTUMNLANDS #7, our lost and wounded heroes seek safety, but instead find something...bizarre.

Said Busiek: “There are answers, there are questions, there are clues about the nature of the world and how it changed from Learoyd’s era to the Autumnlands. And there’s beer. A breakfast. And angry goats. It’s our first look at the wider world of the Autumnlands, and it’s not what anyone was expecting. Least of all Learoyd and Dusty.” He added, “As usual, Ben Dewey’s making miracles happen on the page—and Jordie Bellaire’s taking it even further. I’ve got to up my game just to do justice to what they’re delivering. It’s stunning, stunning work.”

“Issue seven ends with one of the most ambitious spreads I've ever done and I have to build a model of it so I can make sense of it for any subsequent appearances!” said Dewey. “The [plot] details [Kurt] has revealed to me will be challenging, exciting and fun to manifest. I really hope that we are able to welcome some new readers to the series by expanding the scope and introducing unexpected characters. Current readers ought to enjoy seeing the world they've come to know unfold more and in surprising ways.” He continued, “I'm always excited to see what Jordie and JG will do overtop the raw inks to improve what Kurt and I establish. We've switched up some formatting elements and moved outside the cityscape so it should be a whole new playground for them to practice their wizardry.”

THE AUTUMNLANDS #7 (Diamond Code SEP150520) hits stores Wednesday, November 11th. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, October 19th.

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.

MONSTRESS LENDS STEAMPUNK FLAIR TO KAIJU-INFESTED FANTASY
The all-new epic series by Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda begins this November 

"[Marjorie] is as imaginative as she is prolific."
—USA Today

New York Times bestselling author Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men, Black Widow) and artist Sana Takeda (X-23, Ms. Marvel) come together for the all-new ongoing fantastic adventure, MONSTRESS, first announced at Image Expo and set to launch from Image Comics this November. 

“Monstress is the story I’ve wanted to tell for years, a dark epic fantasy about a young girl who has suffered tremendous loss and who isn’t quite certain how to put herself back together—if that’s even possible. To make matters worse, she fears something else is living inside her: a monster. And she’s right to be afraid,” said Liu on why she was first inspired to write MONSTRESS.

“My other motivation for telling this story is that powerful women are always imagined as monstrous. Bringing women, monsters, and power together—setting this in a world that never was, and could be—is something that speaks to my heart. Every single girl in the world has had to fight to have herself heard, to have space and a self in societies that try their best to deny them all three. Every single girl, whether we want to recognize it or not, is a warrior. And me writing about a young warrior woman is less a fantasy than a reflection of what it means to grow up a woman in societies like ours. 

And then there’s Sana Takeda, who is a genius. It’s really that simple. Magic? She’s got that, too. Her vision, and sense of story and beauty is beyond compare. I am in constant awe of her talent. That this is also an ongoing monthly comic written and drawn by two women of color, two Asian women—Chinese-American and Japanese—is also satisfying on a totally different level.” 

In MONSTRESS, steampunk meets Kaiju in an alternate 1900s Asia, where a teenage girl named Maika begins to unravel her mysterious past, and in the process discovers a psychic connection to a powerful otherworldly creature, one of many that roam the earth—a connection that will transform them both, and make them the target of both human and otherworldly powers... 

MONSTRESS #1 (Diamond Code SEP150509) will launch at triple size, weighing in at 72 pages for only $4.99 and in stores on Wednesday, November 4th. The final order cutoff deadline is Monday, October 12th. Pre-order cards are available online for customers: http://monstress-comic.tumblr.com/preorder.

About Marjorie Liu: 

Marjorie in an attorney and the author of over nineteen novels and two New York Times bestselling series: the Hunter Kiss urban fantasy novels about a woman covered in demonic tattoos; and the Dirk & Steele paranormal romances, following a group of psychic and non-human misfits: mermen, gargoyles, shape-shifters, and witches. 

Marjorie is also celebrated for her comic book writing and is a popular panelist at conventions and other domestic and international comic book and literary events. 

Marjorie co-wrote the bestselling Dark Wolverine series for Marvel, and authored NYX: No Way Home, X-23, Black Widow: The Name of the Rose, and Astonishing X-Men, which received national media attention for the gay wedding of X-Man Northstar and his boyfriend, and was also nominated for a GLAAD Media Award for its 'outstanding representation of the LGBT Community'. Additionally, she wrote the story for the Marvel animated film, Avengers Confidential: Black Widow and Punisher, produced by Marvel, Sony Pictures Entertainment (Japan) Inc. and Madhouse Inc. Marjorie also gained national attention with the paranormal romance video game, Tiger Eye: Curse of the Riddle Box, which was based on her novel, Tiger Eye. The game was featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live, was a top ten bestseller at Big Fish Games, and is now available at select major retailers. 

This fall, Marjorie will be authoring her first creator-owned ongoing with Image Comics: MONSTRESS, a highly anticipated epic steampunk fantasy about a teenage girl who has a psychic connection to a monster. Set in an alternate 1900’s Asia, MONSTRESS pairs Marjorie with Sana Takeda, her former artist on X-23. Other upcoming work includes as-yet unnamed projects for Marvel and Dark Horse. 

Marjorie attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin for her undergraduate studies, majoring in East Asian Languages and Cultures, with a minor in Biomedical Ethics. She then attended law school at the University of Wisconsin. For more than 16 years, Marjorie studied and traveled throughout Asia, working briefly at the US Embassy in Beijing, China. In 2004 she gave up practicing law to become a full-time writer, and divides her time between the American Midwest, Boston, and Beijing, China. She is a Lecturer at MIT, teaching comic book writing, and also leads a class on Popular Fiction at the Voices of Our Nation workshop.

Praise for Marjorie Liu: 

“[Marjorie Liu] consistently offers audiences her visionary creativity in tying socially relevant issues with genre fiction… Liu’s superb mastery [is] involving readers at a deep emotional level...That act of finding the inherent drama is the high art of Marjorie Liu, and the signature of a true master storyteller." ­—Pop Matters on Astonishing X-Men Vol. 3 #51

“Artists have paint brushes, musicians have instruments and writers have… well I guess they have keyboards. Liu is by far one of the most imaginative writers out there. From the opening sentence to the final period, you're invested in this world of fantastical wonder! It's breathtaking and marvelous all at the same time… No writer today is like Liu and I lovingly long for that freshness, from all of her stories. She's talented beyond her years and if it's not clear this far in my review, I'm a fan.” —I Smell Sheep on Labyrinth of Stars 

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.

IDW Announces NYCC 2015 Exclusives Portfolios, Lithographs, And Comics…Oh My! San Diego, CA (September 30, 2015) – IDW Publishing is going back to the Big Apple for New York Comic Con 2015 and is bringing this year’s hottest exclusives with them. With a diverse selection of portfolios, lithographs and comics to pick from, IDW has every fan covered! See you at BOOTH #1844! PORTFOLIOS MICHAEL GOLDEN’S G.I. JOE: ARTIST’S EDITION PORTFOLIO The legendary G.I. JOE Year Book #2 by Michael Golden, cover and all 22 interior pages, are presented here on individual plates that mimic Golden’s gorgeous original art. As an added bonus, each page is printed twice, one with the original lettering in place, the second version without. As with all Artists’ Edition portfolios, this comes in a handsome hardcover case. $40, Limited to 200 copies, 3 per person WALTER SIMONSON’S RAGNARöK: ARTIST’S EDITION PORTFOLIO Walter Simonson’s Ragnarök Artist’s Edition Portfolio features all 12 covers—main and variants—from the acclaimed writer/artist’s first six-issue story arc. Simonson, an Eisner Award-winning creator of such classics as Thor, Alien: The Illustrated Story, Manhunter and Star Slammers, has returned to his love of Norse mythology in the pages of Ragnarök. Like all our AE books and portfolios, each image has been meticulously scanned and reproduced to the same exacting standards that have made Artist’s Editions the most imitated line in comics. $40, Limited to 250 copies, 3 per person LITHOGRAPHS ROCKEETER AT WAR! LITHOGRAPH The upcoming Rocketeer At War series is celebrated with a classic World War II style propaganda poster of one Dave Bullock’s stylish covers! Measuring 13 x 20 inches, this gorgeous print is suitable for framing! $10, Limited to 1,000 copies TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES LITHOGRAPH This convention exclusive lithograph measuring 24 x 24 inches features the stunning interconnecting covers of TMNT #45 through to the landmark 50th issue by Mateus Santolouco. $10, Limited to 1,000 copies COMICS Jem and the Holograms Outrageous Annual #1 (Convention Debut!) Sophie Campbell (Convention Exclusive Cover) Kelly Thompson (writer) • Jen Bartel, Amy Mebberson, Agnes Garbowska, Arielle Jovellianos (artists) MOVIE NIGHT! JEM and her sisters relax with some popcorn and on-demand… but their subconscious minds have other ideas, as their favorite films… shine a spotlight on each HOLOGRAM’s fears! $10, Limited to 300 copies, 3 per person DANGER GIRL: RENEGADE #1 J. Scott Campbell (Convention Exclusive Cover) Andy Hartnell (writer) • Stephen Molnar (artist) Abbey Chase is renowned across the globe as a brilliant young archeologist and (a bit less renowned) as a member of the super-secret spy organization known as Danger. But what set of circumstances lead Abbey to become who she is—who trained and shaped her into the remarkable person she is? Now, for the first time ever, Danger Girl readers will find out the answer to these questions and more… in Danger Girl: Renegade! $5, Limited to 400 copies, 3 per person TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES #50 Kevin Eastman (Convention Exclusive Cover) Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman (writers) • Mateus Santolouco (artist) The epic conclusion to over four-years worth of storylines! The Turtles stand against Shredder for one final battle that will determine the fate of NYC, and the world, for years to come! $10, Limited to 500 copies, 3 per person G.I. JOE: A REAL AMERICAN HERO: COBRA WORLD ORDER PRELUDE Paolo Villanelli (Convention Exclusive Cover) Larry Hama (writer) • S L Gallant (artist) It’s zero hour for Real American Hero! This table-setter leads into a mammoth 6-part bi-weekly event kicking off with next month’s RAH #219 and #220! G.I. JOE has been fighting the evil forces of COBRA for decades, but now COBRA is ready to unleash its master plan on an unsuspecting G.I. JOE! $5, Limited to 300 copies, 3 per person

About IDW IDW Publishing 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; Disney’s classic characters including Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Uncle Scrooge; Paramount/CBS’s Star Trek; Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles; Zombies vs. Robots by Chris Ryall and Ashley Wood; Ragnarök from Eisner Award-winner Walter Simonson; and Little Nemo from the award-winning duo of Eric Shanower and Gabriel Rodriguez. IDW is also home to acclaimed imprints such as the Library of American Comics, which publishes classic comic reprints, Yoe! Books, a partnership with Yoe! Studio, IDW Artist’s Editions, and Top Shelf Productions. IDW Entertainment launched in November 2013 to distribute productions globally and to develop film and television properties based on IDW's extensive catalog.  Three projects are set up: “Wynonna Earp,” a property distributed globally by IDW Entertainment and licensed to Syfy in the U.S.; “Brooklyn Animal Control”, a property created by JT Petty and produced by David Goyer, has a pilot order at USA; and Douglas Adams’ Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, with writer/executive producer Max Landis at BBC America. IDW Entertainment’s development slate of properties includes the chilling vampire thriller, V Wars, by New York Times Best-Seller Jonathan Maberry with writer/executive producer Tim Schlattmann (“Dexter,” “Smallville”); political conspiracy series, Cobb, with writer/executive producer Thania St. John (“Chicago Fire,” “Covert Affairs”); supernatural action series, Pantheon, with co-creator Michael Chiklis (“The Shield”); Wormwood by Ben Templesmith with writer David M Stern (“The Simpsons, Ugly Americans); among others. IDW also has several active theatrical projects in development.  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; and Alex Kurtzman is producing a movie based on Locke & Key at Universal.

DESCENDER SETS OUT ON NEW STORY ARC
The new issue of the critically acclaimed sci-fi epic will feature a special 3-D diorama cover

New York Times bestselling writer Jeff Lemire (SWEET TOOTH, TRILLIUM, PLUTONA) and New York Times bestselling artist Dustin Nguyen (MANIFEST ETERNITY, BATGIRL) will launch the second story arc of the critically acclaimed series DESCENDER in November.

Previously in DESCENDER, readers met the young robot boy TIM-21 and his companions as they struggled in a universe where androids are outlawed and the skies are all but safe from bounty hunters and other thugs.

In DESCENDER #7, a mysterious figure from TIM-21’s past emerges and sends shockwaves through the galaxy.

"Arc 2 is called MACHINE MOON, and the title itself is a bit of a hint. We will see the hidden home world of the HARDWIRE, the robot resistance. More specifically, Tim-21, Telsa, Quon, and the gang will be brought there. But not all of TIM’s companions will make it that far,” said Lemire. “We will also delve deeper into the origin of TIM-22 and what makes him and TIM-21 unique from one another and what their existence means to one another and to the larger mystery. And on top of that we will introduce a MAJOR new character. One I am very excited about. One with links to TIM-21’s past and one who will change the course of the series completely."

DESCENDER #7 cover A by Dustin Nguyen (Diamond code SEP150502) hits stores Wednesday, November 4th. Cover B by Lesley-Anne Green (Diamond code SEP150503) will feature a 3-D photo cover, and will also be available on Wednesday, November 4th. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, October 12th.

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.

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS NEW COMPLETE MANGA SERIES BOX SET EDITIONS FOR CLAYMORE AND ROSARIO+VAMPIRE

Dark Fantasy Manga Series Box Set Debuts This Month Followed By Cheeky Supernatural Action In November; Each Set Contains 20+ Manga Volumes Along With Exclusive Bonus Premiums!

San Francisco, CA, September 28, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, gives readers the opportunity to dive into a pair of acclaimed manga series from start to finish as it delivers comprehensive box set editions for the acclaimed medieval dark fantasy CLAYMORE on October 20^th and the sexy romantic horror comedy ROSARIO+VAMPIRE on November 3^rd.

Each of the new box set releases feature over twenty individual manga volumes at a substantial savings over buying them individually. Exclusive premiums such as special mini-comics and bonus art collections are also included with each set.

CLAYMORE Complete box set · Rated “T+” for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $214.99 U.S. / $249.99 CAN · Available October 20^th!

The complete best-selling dark fantasy series is now available in a value-priced box set that includes volumes 1–27, plus an exclusive booklet of black-and-white cover art previously unreleased in the English editions. In a world where monsters called Yoma prey on humans and live among them in disguise, humanity's only hope is a new breed of warrior known as Claymores. Half-human, half-monster, these silver-eyed slayers possess supernatural strength but are condemned to fight their savage impulses or lose their humanity completely.

CLAYMORE series creator Norihiro Yagi won the 32^nd Akatsuka Award for his debut work, UNDEADMAN, which appeared in Monthly Shonen Jump magazine. His first serialized manga was his comedy Angel Densetsu (Angel Legend), which ran in Monthly Shonen Jump from 1993 to 2000. His epic manga saga, CLAYMORE, ran from 2001 to 2014 and also was adapted into a television anime series and a video game.

ROSARIO+VAMPIRE Complete box set · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $185.99 U.S. / $214.99 CAN · Available November 3^rd!

The complete bestselling ROSARIO+VAMPIRE and ROSARIO+VAMPIRE SEASON II series are now available in a value-priced box set that includes 24 volumes of monstrous action, horror, fun and romance, plus an exclusive full-color mini-comic previously unreleased in the English editions. In the series, average human teenage boy Tsukune accidentally enrolls at a boarding school for monsters – no, not jocks and popular kids, but bona fide werewolves, witches, and unnamable creatures out of his wildest nightmares! On the plus side, all of the girls have a monster crush on him, especially far-from-average cute vampire Moka. On the O-negative side, she also has a burning, unquenchable thirst for his blood... Now, can Tsukune and his unlikely group of friends and rivals save humanity from evil monsters?

ROSARIO+VAMPIRE creator Akihisa Ikeda debuted in 2002 with the four-volume magical warrior fantasy series Kiruto, which was serialized in Monthly Shonen Jump. ROSARIO+VAMPIRE debuted in Monthly Shonen Jump in March of 2004 and continues in the new magazine, Jump Square (Jump SQ), as ROSARIO+VAMPIRE, SEASON II (also published by VIZ Media). In Japan, ROSARIO+VAMPIRE is also available as a drama CD and has been adapted into a popular anime series available in English on Hulu and a Nintendo DS game.

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.

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CLAYMORE © 2001 by Norihiro Yagi/SHUEISHA Inc.

ROSARIO + VAMPIRE © 2004 by Akihisa Ikeda/SHUEISHA Inc.

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES NEW YORK COMIC CON 2015 EXCLUSIVES!

New York City's most anticipated event will host more exclusive Dark Horse merchandise than ever before! FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MILWAUKIE, OR – Dark Horse announces the full line up of 2015 NYCC exclusives, available in the Dark Horse Comics booth #1636! Dark Horse has produced incredible items for this year’s show, as well as secured a few other extremely limited edition items from our partners! The list can be found below, available only at the Dark Horse Booth at New York Comic Con 2015!

Visit Bluefin at 2015 New York Comic Con Booths ^#1612 & ^#1813

BLUEFIN ANNOUNCES AN EXCITING LIST OF EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIBLES FOR PURCHASE AT 2015 NEW YORK COMIC CON

Leading Toy And Hobby Distributor Returns To The East Coast’s Largest Pop-Culture Convention With New Figures For Gundam, Dragon Ball Z, And Mega Man, And Showcases Prototypes For Upcoming Releases

Irvine, CA, September 28, 2015 – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, details a colorful array of exciting new and exclusive products to be showcased and also available for purchase at the 2015 New York Comic Con. Bluefin products will be located on the Main Hall in Booths #1612 and #1813.

New York Comic Con (NYCC) will take place October 8^th – 11^th at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. NYCC is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention and plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Additional information on New York Comic Con is available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

The company will showcase one-of-a-kind prototypes from Naruto and Godzilla that are sure to capture the attention of attendees, including:

S.H.Figuarts Kakashi Hatake

MSRP $59.99; Jan 2016 release

S.H.Figuarts Minato Namikaze

MSRP: $57.99; Feb 2016 release

S.H.Figuarts Naruto Sennin Mode

MSRP/Release date:  TBD

TAMASHII BUDDIES Naruto Uzumaki  

TAMASHII BUDDIES Sasuke Uchiha

MSRP:  $14.95; Spring 2016 release

X-Plus 8” King Ghidorah

X-Plus 8” Biollante

MSRP/Release date: TBD

Several brand new figures will also be unveiled for the first time anywhere in the world. Visit Booths #1612 and #1813 for more details!

Bluefin will also feature several limited edition or special variant kits and figures for sale from popular properties such as Gundam, Mega Man, Dragon Ball Z and more! All items listed below will be sold through ticketed sales only and will be strictly limited to one per person.

Exclusive Bluefin products for sale at the 2015 NYCC include:

Bandai Hobby

Gunpla Models – Various Kits*

*Every kit purchase will include a FREE set of accessory parts while supplies last.

RG 1/144 Wing Gundam Zero ver EW Pearl Gloss finish

A special RG Wing Zero Ver EW that has been coated in a beautiful pearl gloss finish will be made available in limited quantities specifically for New York Comic-Con.  Utilizing the Advanced MS Frame that allows armor to be mounted on to a skeletal support structure, this iconic angel winged Gundam from “Gundam Wing Endless Waltz” is capable of performing its signature poses with its Twin Buster Rifles. Limit 1 per person per day, no reservations. MSRP $36.00

HGUC 1/144 Banshee Norn (Unicorn Mode) Metallic

A metallic coated version of the HGUC Banshee Norn (Unicorn Mode) model kit. Originally a Japan event exclusive, it will be available again for purchase at NYCC to celebrate the release of the PG Banshee Norn.  Includes Revolving Launcher, Armed Armor DE shield which can be mounted on backpack, interchangeable hands, and Armed Armor VN. MSRP: $38.00

HGUC 1/144 Banshee Norn (Destroy Mode) Theatrical Clear

To commemorate the finale of Gundam Unicorn, Bandai released this in a limited quantities to theaters in Japan and select events outside of Asia.  This item is once again available to celebrate the release of the PG Banshee Norn. Plastic on this kit has been specially treated both for its translucency and also sparkle effects in its Psychoframe equipment.  Includes beam rifle with Revolving Launcher beam jitte attachment, and Armed Armor DE shield. MSRP: $29.00

The exclusive Banshee kits will be available individually or bundled together for special convention price of $60.00.

HGUC 1/144 Zeta Plus Test Type Image Color Version

Previously only available at GunPla Expo and events on the West Coast of the U.S., this limited release of the Zeta Plus has been colored to match the test color red-orange white pattern found on the machines used by Karaba in the photo novel, Gundam Sentinel. Includes rifle, shield, hip cannons and 2 beam sabers. Mobile suit also can transform into wave rider form through part swapping. Limit 1 per person per day, no reservations. MSRP: $25.00

RG 1/144 Gundam Exia Extra Finish Version

A special GunPla Expo limited event item previously only available at West Coast events in the U.S.: the Real Grade Exia with a sharp metallic finish!  Its parts have been specially chromed to give off a high shine. The Real Grade series combines the intricate part complexity of the higher end MG and PG lines with the size and affordability of the HG and SD lines into a new product that draws inspiration from real world machines. This version of the Exia was supervised by creator Kanetake Ebikawa and features custom markings. All of Exia’s equipment is included, with melee weapons having chromed blades and GN condensers feature transparent plastic. New Advanced MS Joint allow impressive movement to replicate combat scenes in the Gundam 00 anime series. Limit 1 per person per day, no reservations. MSRP: $48.00

HGBF 1/144 Try Burning Gundam PP Clear Version

An enhanced version of the Burning Gundam in the second half of the Gundam Build Fighters Try TV anime series. Features impressive articulation for recreation of martial arts poses. Includes fiery punch, kick, back, and numerous flame effect parts as well as 4 different types of hands showcasing martial arts gestures. This special GunPla expo variant previously only available in Asia and events on the West Coast of the U.S. renders the model in translucent plastic with sparkles to replicate the flow of Plavisky particles that flow through the plastic in the TV show. Limit 1 per person per day, no reservations. MSRP: $22.00

For additional information on Bandai GunPla products, please visit:

www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/gundam-models.html

Bandai Tamashii Nations

These items are available for early pre-sale and will be sold through ticketed sales only.

S.H. Figuarts Golden Frieza “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’”

From the new animated feature film Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F', Frieza joins S.H.Figuarts in his physically and visually powerful new form! Golden Frieza’s sculpt has been meticulously designed to allow for the recreation of iconic scenes from the movie. Set includes interchangeable faces (x3) and interchangeable hands (x3). Don’t miss out on this “golden” opportunity to own this stunning figure!

Limit 1 per person per day, no reservations. MSRP: $39.99

S.H. Figuarts Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan Son Goku “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection ‘F’”

From the new animated feature film Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection 'F', comes Son Goku as he appears as Super Saiyan God Super Saiyan!! This new edition to S.H.Figuarts is as super as it sounds, with Goku sporting his icy blue hair and new ‘gi’. The wide variety of accessories allows you to recreate the action from the movie. Set includes interchangeable face parts (x2), interchangeable head, and interchangeable hands (x7).

Limit 1 per person per day, no reservations. MSRP: $39.99

S.H. MonsterArts Godzilla (1964) Emergence Ver.

S.H.MonsterArts Godzilla (1964) joined the Tamashii MonsterArts legacy back in 2013 and now he is making a comeback with this exceptional Special Color Version. Fans will recall the striking scene of Godzilla emerging from the earth in a cloud of sand and dust. This new edition brings to life the Godzilla from this unforgettable moment with an authentic earthy coloration. Set also includes a Showa-style white breath effect part and effect support.

Limit 1 per person per day, no reservations. MSRP: $63.99

For additional information on Tamashii Nations products, please visit:

www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/tamashii-nations.html.

SEN-TI-NEL

Gaiking the Knight - Open Face Version "Metamor-Force" – NYCC Exclusive!!

Presented by TOEI animation and SEN-TI-NEL comes this exclusive collaboration project – the Gaiking reborn in “Knight” style with a super-weapon face of horror. Just like the original character, this Gaiking can be separated to Daiku Maryu's head part and other two parts. With the uncompromising quality on action features and die-cast composite materials, there is no doubt that Gaiking the Knight is one of the masterpieces in the METAMOR-FORCE series. Set includes: Main figure, 3 sets of interchangeable hand parts, Miracle Drill × 2, shield, cloth waist cape and a brand new head sculpt design as well as a special black tone paint scheme. 

MSRP: $179.00

For more information on SEN-TI-NEL, please visit:

www.bluefincorp.com/catalog/sen-ti-nel.html.

TruForce Collectibles

NYCC Exclusive: X-Kai "Mega Man X"

TruForce Collectibles is pleased to announce an exclusive figure from the Mega Man X franchise exclusively for New York Comic Con. X-Kai! X-Kai is X’s evil counterpart developed by a mysterious man during the formation of the X-Hunters. He was given much higher specs than that of X and uses state-of-the-art technology. This figure features over 30 points of articulation, die-cast armor on the chest, shins and feet, an LED X-Buster, purple effects parts and a completely unique paint application that is sure to stand out in any display!

Limit 1 per person per day, no reservations. MSRP: $89.99

For more information on TruForce Collectibles, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/truforcetoy

About Bluefin

Based in Irvine, CA, Bluefin built its reputation as a leading distributor of Japanese toys, collectibles, novelty and hobby products. In recent years, Bluefin has grown to include a range of high quality collectible lines from the United States, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore and established itself as the official North American consumer products and retail development partner for Studio Ghibli. Selling to thousands of specialty, chain and independent stores, Bluefin is an official North American distributor for Bandai Hobby, Kotobukiya and Capcom, is the sole provider of Bandai Tamashii Nations products, and is also the exclusive and official distributor for Beast Kingdom, Comicave, Mr. Hobby, Groove’s Pullip dolls, SEN-TI-NEL and X-Plus. Bluefin also represents TruForce Collectibles products worldwide. Additional information is available at: www.bluefincorp.com.