VIZ Productions & Warner Brothers to Develop BLEACH Live Action Movie After Banner Year

VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, announced today that Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the live-action feature film rights to the hit manga and anime property BLEACH. The announcement comes after another successful year for BLEACH in print, digital publishing, cable television, streaming video, consumer products and video-on-demand.

“BLEACH has built a huge international following in its manga and anime formats, and we’re excited that Warner Bros. shares our belief that BLEACH can also become a fantastic live-action film,” said Jason Hoffs of VIZ Productions, VIZ Media’s Hollywood-based production company. “BLEACH is an exciting opportunity to mix Japanese and Hollywood storytelling to create something new for the big screen, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to further expose its unique characters and story to film audiences everywhere.”

Peter Segal (GET SMART, THE LONGEST YARD) of Callahan Filmworks is producing with an eye toward directing. The film’s creative team also includes screenwriter Dan Mazeau, who recently penned Warner Bros.’ upcoming sequel to CLASH OF THE TITANS. Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing and Masi Oka (best known for his roles on NBC’s HEROES and CBS’s HAWAII FIVE-0) will produce. From VIZ Productions, Hoffs will serve as Producer, and Branon Coluccio will be Executive Producer. Screenplay development will commence in 2012.

The popular BLEACH animated and manga series, created by Tite Kubo, follows the adventures of Ichigo, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow – a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper tasked to hunting Hollows, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, Ichigo must dedicate his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property around the world. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has over 75 million copies in print in Japan alone. In North America, the manga (rated ‘T’ for Teens) has consistently appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list for Manga and the Neilsen BookScan Top 50 Graphic Novels list, selling more than 2.1 million copies across 36 volumes.

The BLEACH manga is also available digitally through VIZManga.com and for download through the VIZ Manga App for iPadR, iPhoneR and iPodR touch, where it has proven to be a top-seller. The series was recently sped up to bring North American readers up-to-date with the latest story arc in Japan, culminating in it being featured in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, the groundbreaking digital manga magazine that VIZ Media just launched at the end of January 2012.

The BLEACH animated series (rated TV-14) has topped the ratings on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, sold over 1.8 million DVDs and consistently ranked among Hulu’s most watched shows, This success has further spawned an array of related video games (over 820,000 sold), apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.

For more information on BLEACH and to view free streaming episodes, please visit Bleach.viz.com.

For more information on BLEACH digital manga, please visit VIZManga.com/bleach.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, please visit SJAlpha.com.

PULP’S ‘STAR WARS’ Scene Becomes an Internet Sensation

Exactly one week ago, the filmmakers behind Pulp, a sensational new movie comedy set in the world of comic books, released a trailer and controversial exclusive scene on YouTube. The scene, which gives a generation of Star Wars naysayers a voice in the form of despicable cop, Tyler Jake, has become an online sensation and has generated over 300,000 views – a record figure for a low-budget independent film.

You can view the trailer and exclusive scene here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGE0q_bQN4M

In the scene, Tyler goes head-to-head with ‘Rock God’ comic book artist, Rick Bean, in an encounter that ends with only one of them standing. Pulp’s ‘Star Wars’ scene has had real-world audiences applauding and cheering, and online viewers are responding the same way.

Adam Hamdy, co-director of Pulp, said, “The clip we released was pretty controversial. It contains foul language and even fouler views on Star Wars. It’s the geek world equivalent of a knife fight and is really not for the faint-hearted.”

Independently financed, Pulp is building up a global following and a real head of steam. Recently nominated for the London Comedy Film Festival Discovery Award, Pulp, is a comedy feature film set in the irreverent world of comic book publishing.

Phil Bland, producer of Pulp said, “We recently screened Pulp to an audience of 1,200 people at the annual SFX Weekender and the reaction to the film was brilliant. This exclusive scene was our way of thanking everyone involved in making Pulp a success and giving our online audience a taste of what Pulp is all about.”

Pulp is a homage to movies and comic books and will be released soon. If you’d like to see more of Pulp, tweet, like, link, say what you think and help spread the word of Pulp. It’s more than a movie, it’s a way of life.

Don’t miss the sensational exclusive scene that has Star Wars lovers and haters buzzing. Trailer and Exclusive Scene available here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AGE0q_bQN4M

Friend us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pulpthemovie
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/pulpthemovie

About PULP:

Tony Leary, the nice-guy owner of Junk Comics, is gearing up for one last roll of the dice. Nothing will stop his new superhero comic The Sodomizer from being a success except a gang of Geordie criminals who are using another comic company to launder their dirty money. Aided by his trusty geek sidekicks, Rick and Keith, Tony must defy the odds if he is to become a real life hero.

Inspired by real life experiences at San Diego Comic Con, Pulp is directed by Adam Hamdy and Shaun Magher, and produced by Phil Bland, Phil Chalk and Adam Hamdy.

We’ve Gone Hollywood with Felicia Day and Filming at the Shoppe

From Clockwork Couture:

We have started to shoot our Spring Offerings and couldn’t be more excited that Felicia Day ( http://feliciaday.com/ ) modeled for us.The actress has an astounding resume that has included Buffy, Eureka, Dr. Horrible, The Guild ( http://www.watchtheguild.com ) and now her new highly anticipated project, Geek and Sundry (http://geekandsundry.com/ ), is just as lovely in steampunk as she is
in armor.

As if that wasn’t enough star- filled fun for our little Clockshoppe,The League of S.T.E.A.M. ( http://leagueofsteam.com/ ) used our store for the villian’s lair in their newest episode, “Prehistoric Peril.” Tune in to see why Djinn, the shoppe cat was all too excited to assist
with filming.

Our crew has also changed a bit and we have recently welcomed a new full-time milliner and customer service gal to our store while our customer service superstar, Sarah, explores other career paths. She’ll
still be here twice a week, though.

It is with sad news that our original milliner, Jill Pfeiffer (http://www.clockworkcouture.com/accessories-1/hats/the-hats-of-jill-pfieffer.html) was lost to us last week. We warmly welcome her student, Shurie (http://www.clockworkcouture.com/accessories-1/hats/lady-bird-s-hatberdashery.html) to our crew to carry on her magnificient french-room work.

We invite you to come visit ( http://www.clockworkcouture.com/visitus) the recently remodeled Clockshoppe and would like to publicly thank the customers who volunteered their day getting paint on themselves to
make that happen. The store is even more beautiful than before. Come in for a spot of tea and to browse our wares, many of which are in-store exclusives.

Don’t forget! ClockworkCouture.com ( http://www.clockworkcouture.com ) now offers free shipping to all of our U.S. customers. Those residing outside the 50 states still enjoy the same $7.95 flat-rate shipping no
matter how heavy your parcel or how many items you buy.

From the captain and crew of the S.S. Clockwork Caravel, I hope you have a splendid week.

Arcana Acquires Part of Bluewater’s Fiction Library

from Arcana Comics:

Arcana Comics is pleased to annouce they have recently picked up the rights to part of Bluewater’s fiction library! The publishers have been in talks for quite a while, leading to the aquisition. Titles include the popular 10th Muse as well as Legend of Isis, and Judo Girl, as well as twenty-three others.

“I have worked with Arcana in the past and am excited to team up with them again. Teaming up with another independent comic book company, the foundation can only strengthen our brands,” says Darren G. Davis, Bluewater President.

“Darren and Arcana did Valkyrie back in the day and it’s great to be working with him again. He is one of the most talented and prolific creators I’ve worked with, and everyone is very excited about these dozens of graphic novels added into our library,” says Arcana’s CEO Sean Patrick O’Reilly.

Starting later this year, Arcana Comics will release collected editions of the comic books in graphic novel form, giving new readers a chance to learn about these exciting titles.

Keep reading below for a run-down of some of these titles.

10th Muse – Greek mythology has documented the nine Muses, the inspirational daughters of the almighty Zeus. But history forgot one–the Tenth Muse. Emma, Brett and Dawn were the best of friends — until Emma disappeared, leaving only a note saying goodbye. Now, eight years later, Emma is back, without answers. What happened to Emma? What is her connection with Grayson Bishop, and, most of all, how did ordinary Emma Sonnet become the mysterious TENTH MUSE? Introducing The Tenth Muse, a new kind of super-hero saga unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. A mystery. An action series. A character- driven saga that will bring you to the edge of your seat. See if you can unravel the mystery of The 10th Muse.. Apologies for the blurred cover image, but there is a new celebrity modeling as the Tenth Muse, and it has to be kept a secret until she makes it public!

Legend of Isis – Trapped 5,000 years out of time, the would-be Egyptian Goddess, Isis, must adjust to her new life in 21st century Los Angeles. Using her mystical staff and some help from a few new friends, Isis will protect those around her from evil that may threaten their world. But how can she protect a world that she doesn’t fully understand? Join Isis in her ongoing series debut issue, as she’s introduced to the modern world and its new ways of life. But it seems Isis is not the only ancient warrior alive in our time – as she must battle the Mummy of Sekhent upon her awakening from the dead!

Judo Girl – Adjusting to life iof modern day is one thing. Fighting the female assassin Silencer is another. Worse, one of Judo Girl’s (Diana Moore) most dangerous adversaries from the 1960s resurfaces to complicate her life, Lincoln Stanley, aka Hep Cat. Has he really reformed, as he claims, or is he back to his old tricks?

Styx and Stone – Upon returning from South Africa, Detective Mel Stone was put on medical leave after he was found almost dead on the cargo ship he was on with no explanation and almost no memory of what happened to him.. Now, he’s back on the force with his new partner investigating a string of gruesome campus murders. On the surface, everything is back to normal, but in reality, Stone is back with an added bonus; he’s sharing his body with the career criminal and murder James Wyatt.

Deathsport Games – In the near future, three teens find themselves thrust into a twisted version of the Olympic Games against a horde of vicious Sportsmen and a blood-thirsty crowd of onlookers!

Orion the Hunter – To tempt the Fates is one thing. To out and out steal from them is sheer lunacy. Yet Orion must pit his destiny against some of the fiercest and most dangerous forces Olympus has to offer. As he peels away another veil of the gods’ deceit, Orion is forced to walk the precipice between myth and mystery only to find himself at the very mouth of Hades.

Blackbeard Legacy – The only thing of any worth to Hanna amongst the wreckage of an unlucky vessel is its sole survivor, who tells the captain about a secret treasure only he knows how to obtain. But he has reasons of his own to employ her aide. And with zombies, threatening weather, and the ever-gaining Captain Purloin, it’s going to be a difficult task for the crew to even get off the island. quest for gold, adventure and her fathers head on a stick.

Paparazzi – Los Angeles; some call it the city of angels, others call it a cesspool of debauchery and self indulgence, but whatever you choose to call it, one thing is clear; L.A. is where all the action is. When an entertainment newspaper stops covering celebrity tabloids and starts to focus on the superhero community, all Hell breaks loose. From closeted capes, to drugged out Do-Gooders, no one is safe from the poison pen of Sara Michaels and her award winning snake of a photographer, Glenn Barry. This book explores what goes on under the spandex, and we aren’t talking Botox!

Warlock – A new story from the cult film WARLOCK from Lionsgate. The Warlock is on a mission to destroy a book that contains a spell which imprisoned six other Warlocks. If the book manages to be destroyed, the dangerous Warlocks would be released back into the world free to cause chaos and destruction. It’s up to a rag-tag group of people to prevent the Warlock from carrying out his plan.

Leprechaun – From the cult film from Lionsgate. This is the tale of Lubdan, the king and sole survivor of the Leprechaun. The last of the Leprechauns! A treasure dealer stumbles across his pot of gold and steals it. In this modern age, he finds buyers all over the planet through on-line auctions. Lubdan finds the thief after the gold is shipped to humans across the globe. Lubdan’s quest takes him all over the planet, across time and space. Battling greed, the genocidal Cluracan and new mystical adversaries, Lubdan must save all life to save himself…but not without taking lives!

ABOUT ARCANA STUDIOS

Arcana Studios, Inc. Arcana owns one of the world’s largest libraries of graphic novels and comics, with over 200 original intellectual properties, 300 graphic novels, thousands of comic issues and an ever-growing character list. Arcana has begun to adapt this library into live action feature films, animated features and episodic television series. Taking a transmedia approach to brand building and the development of intellectual properties, Arcana publishes graphic novels for North America in print, and now digitally as well. Arcana has been published and distributed in dozens different countries and translated into just as many languages across the globe.

ABOUT BLUEWATER

Bluewater Productions Inc. is one of the top independent production studios of comic books, young adult books and graphic novels. Its extensive catalog of titles includes the bestsellers “10th Muse” and “The Legend of Isis” ”Bluewater publishes comic books in partnership with entertainment icon William Shatner (“TekWar Chronicles”), legendary filmmaker Ray Harryhausen (“Wrath of the Titans,” “Sinbad: Rogue of Mars,” “Jason and the Argonauts,” et al) and celebrated actor Vincent Price (“Vincent Price Presents”), Additionally, Bluewater publishes a highly successful line of biographical comics under the titles “Female Force” and “Political Power.”

Mistress of Her Universe: Ashley Eckstein’s Sci-Fi Store

From  Her Universe:

As the voice of Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano on Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ashley Eckstein lives the fangirl fantasy. Running the online store Her Universe, she hopes to fulfill some of the wishes of others. We caught up with Ashley to talk gender differences, Ahsoka’s arc, Special Editions and even The Brady Bunch.

Nerdist News: Do you ever get guys complaining that they want some of your designs in male sizes?

Ashley Eckstein: We have, actually, and I take that as such a huge compliment! I’ve heard several people say, “Well, what about ‘His Universe’?”, and I say, okay, look on the convention floor. Go to San Diego Comic-Con, and pretty much the entire convention is “His Universe.”

NN: Do you see any major differences between male and female fans?

AE: Sometimes the male fans are really into the action and adventure and the battles, and we female fans become emotionally attached to the characters. You literally envision your relationships with these characters. I don’t even mean in a romantic way; you just view this character as if they’re another family member of yours.

NN: Can you give us any hints about where The Clone Wars is going?

AE: I just beg the fans who gave up on the show after the movie and season one to give it a chance now, because it’s a completely different show. Dave Filoni is a fan: he cares so much about the show and the storyline…Season two was when it really took off, and I think he’s turned it into what the fans wanted it to be all along.

Catch up with our full Ashley Eckstein interview, then check out her wares at Her Universe.

Arcana and Renegade’s Turning Tiger Roars Into Action This April

from Arcana Comics:

Take one state of the art fully armed sentient military attack robot, let it go rogue, then set the army and more robots after it. And let it happen in downtown Ewanstown, USA . If things get bad, have it kidnap a child and see if you can stop her parents blowing the operation wide open to the media.

Arcana Comics is proud to present the April release of TURNING TIGER: SPECIAL EDITION, written by Richmond Clements, illustrated by Alex Moore and produced by Renegade Arts Entertainment. Collecting the two part miniseries, TURNING TIGER: SPECIAL EDITION is also filled with extras such as an afterwards from Richmond Clements, character designs, and a pin-up gallery from artists such as Shane Oakley (Albion, Cthulhu Tales), Chie Kutsuwada (The Story of Lee), Michael Carroll (2000 A.D., Judge Dredd Megazine) and more.

TURNING TIGER involves a top secret military robot colliding with the world of a suburban American family. TURNING TIGER brings a tale of explosive action, government conspiracies, and above all, family. But why has the robot chosen this family and their daughter in particular? All will be revealed…

Critics have raved about TURNING TIGER:

“Turning Tiger is the perfect tale of sci-fi encountering the family next door, a gripping adventure that we know really could happen. The dynamic storytelling will melt the heart of both the young and adult reader alike, so it’s simply not to be missed!” – SciFiPulse.net

“This is a superb comic…” – Forbidden Planet International

“…production is really smart, and the art from Alex Moore is stunning.” – Comic Buzz

“Ultimately, this is a well-produced piece of work and a worthy first effort.” – Irish Comic News

TURNING TIGER: SPECIAL EDITION, a 58-page full-color paperback, will be on sale in stores April 1st for $7.99 and is available to order in the February 2012 edition of Diamond Previews (FEB120740, ISBN: 978-1-926914-87-9). For more information, please visit http://www.arcana.com/view_title.php?id=265

About Arcana Studios


Arcana Studios, Inc. is a transmedia company that has aggressively pursued establishing brands through engaging storytelling and compelling art. With a strong foothold in the print publishing world, Arcana continues to be a premier content provider. Arcana owns one of the world’s largest libraries of graphic novels and comics, and has adapted this library into live action feature films, stereoscopic 3D animated features, episodic television series and toys.

About Clements


Richmond Clements is the father of two wonderful boys and lives in the Scottish Highlands with his partner Vicky Stonebridge, with whom he co-organizes HiEx: The Highland International Comic Expo. As well as writing Turning Tiger, and between bouts on his beloved X-Box, he is an editor for FutureQuake Press and writer of the forthcoming Graphic Novels Ketsueki, Corvus and Pinkerton. For more from visit: http://hiexcomics.blogspot.com/

About Alex Moore
Currently studying illustration at Middlesex University, Alex’s artwork has featured in Orang Utan Comics’ FTL anthology. She is currently working on Liberty, a graphic novel for Markosia. Her influences include Juanjo Guarnido, Adrian Alphonsa, and Fabio Moon. For more on Alex visit her blog: http://threepennyorchestra.blogspot.com/.

About Renegade Arts Entertainment


We are a creator owned publisher of comic books, but only a few and we are very discerning with our choices. Our mix so far has been from experienced A-list writers and artists and newer blood who pitched projects just too good to turn down.

Some of our projects have come from within Renegade itself, like Alan Grant and Shane Oakley’s Channel Evil and Alexander Finbow and William Simpson’s Shades Of Grey. We only publish comic books that our creators are 100% passionate about and all of us at Renegade believe are of the highest quality. For more information, please visit us at www.renegadeartsentertainment.com.

Acta Day of Action

from Avaaz.org:

In 24 hours, people across the planet are joining a global street protest to bury ACTA for good.

This week our massive 2 million ACTA petition caused shockwaves in Brussels, and we’ve just learned that Germany has put ACTA on ice and other governments are close to following suit. If Europe says no to ACTA, it dies!  We’re at a tipping point — If enough of us join the protest tomorrow, we can secure our online freedom and end the threat of ACTA’s censorship nightmare.

Let’s turn out in thousands to protest or, if we can’t be there in person (most of the protests are in Europe), send messages of solidarity to our fellow citizens who are marching. Click here to use our map tool to find an event near you, or leave a solidarity message for marchers:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/acta_day_of_action_hub/?vl

Our massive ACTA petition was personally delivered to leading EU politicians in Brussels this week as it grew to 2.2 million signers and beyond. The European Parliament is choosing their new point person on the treaty right now. Let’s make sure that person realises that ACTA is too hot to handle.

Four Eastern European governments and now Germany have just said they’ll stall their decision on the treaty. Now, if hundreds of thousands of people attend thousands of rallies all across Europe tomorrow, we can ensure that all politicians across the 27 EU countries are put on notice that people don’t want ACTA and will continue to take action until the treaty is buried.

Those of us in Europe can join the protests. And we all can send messages of solidarity to encourage the people there and use social media to pile the pressure on key parliamentarian. Click here to check out the action centre, and tell everyone.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/acta_day_of_action_hub/?vl

Again and again, we’ve shown how people power can work. When our fundamental freedoms are at stake, and we act together, we can forge an unstoppable force that makes politicians turn away from the corporate lobbies, and work in the interests of all of us. Let’s do it again.

With hope and determination,

Alex, Alice, Pascal, Emma, Ricken, Maria Paz, Luis and the rest of the Avaaz team

More information:

Acta activates mass opposition (Euractiv)
http://www.euractiv.com/infosociety/acta-activates-european-civil-society-news-510533

Acta: Europe braced for protests over anti-piracy treaty (BBC) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-16906086

Latest pact on internet piracy set to be derailed (Financial Times) http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/a52f57ec-533d-11e1-aafd-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1lzG5htN5

Czech Republic, Slovakia freeze anti-piracy pact (AFP) http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gguBSrXtQKnr0famyhxMlNK2plDQ?docId=CNG.956cc047c755305c8ad4580183554bcc.71

ACTA vs. SOPA: Five Reasons ACTA is a Scarier Threat to Internet Freedom
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/286925/20120124/acta-sopa-reasons-scarier-threat-internet-freedom.htm?cid=2

Act on Acta now if you care about democracy and free speech (The Guardian)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/feb/03/act-acta-democracy-free-speech

The secret treaty: Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) and Its Impact on Access to Medicines
http://www.msfaccess.org/content/secret-treaty-anti-counterfeiting-trade-agreement-acta-and-its-impact-access-medicines

Support the Avaaz Community!
We’re entirely funded by donations and receive no money from governments or corporations. Our dedicated team ensures even the smallest contributions go a long way.

 

Billy Connolly Joins the Cast of The Hobbit

From WETA:

Billy Connolly is joining the cast of Tolkien’s epicThe Hobbit.

The announcement was made today by Peter Jackson, who is currently in production on “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” and “The Hobbit: There and Back Again,” with the films shooting back-to-back in New Zealand.

In the films, Connolly (“The Last Samurai,” “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events“) will play Dain Ironfoot, a great dwarf warrior and cousin of Thorin Oakenshield. Peter Jackson welcomed the news of Connolly to Middle-earth: “We could not think of a more fitting actor to play Dain Ironfoot, the staunchest and toughest of Dwarves, than Billy Connolly, the Big Yin himself. With Billy stepping into this role, the cast of “The Hobbit” is now complete.

We can’t wait to see him on the Battlefield!”

 

The Princess Bride Duel Statues and Other New Items from Factory Entertainment

from Factory Entertainment:

Roses are red, violets are blue, Factory Entertainment has something new! Embrace your loved one and “inner-geek” simultaneously this Valentine’s Day by pre-ordering two of the most beautiful statues you’ll ever see! We’re proud to offer for the first time in Princess Bride history the mysterious Dread Pirate Roberts and Latin heart-throb Inigo Montoya, replicating one of the most memorable sword fights ever seen on screen. We call them our Princess Bride “Duel” statues and in our opinion, nothing says romance like a sword fight for love! Check them out below and pre-order today!

Looking for a unique “ring” that is sure to take his or her breath away? We’ve got you covered! Our James Bond Limited Edition SPECTRE Ring and Universal Monsters Elite Edition Dracula Ring Prop Replicas are now in stock and shipping!

If jewelry is too much of a commitment and you’re only looking for something to tell your special someone, “You rock,” we have the perfect alternative. Literally! Our KISS Mount KISSmore Polystone Statue based on Mount Rushmore has just landed in our warehouse and is ready for gifting!

Don’t miss out, order now!

Viz Media Expands Digital Manga Titles Available for Barnes & Noble’s NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color

15 New Shonen Jump Series Now Available For Barnes & Noble’s 7-Inch NOOK© Devices, Including BAKUMAN?, BLEACH, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO, ONE PIECE And More!

From VIZ:

The digital manga convergence continues across North America as VIZ Media, LLC, largest distributor and publisher of anime and manga in North America, announces the launch of 15 additional manga (graphic novel) series for the Barnes & Noble NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color. Beginning today, the company expands its library of digital manga titles offered in the NOOK Store™ to include a variety of popular manga series published under the Shonen Jump and Shonen Jump Advanced imprints.

Volumes are presented in their original Japanese Right-to-Left reading format and are available for purchase and fast download in the U.S. and Canada for $4.99 -$9.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Over 35 series and 400+ volumes are now available, and new digital manga volumes, including previews, are added weekly.

Viewing manga on NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color is authentic thanks to Barnes & Noble’s newly implemented technology that formats manga in its original right-to-left reading order. Fans can read favorite graphic novels on the award-winning NOOK 7-inch devices, which feature a full-color VividView™ touchscreen. NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color also give users access to the world’s largest digital bookstore, popular movies, TV shows, music and more through the top entertainment services, as well as a collection of high-quality apps, fast Web browsing and email.

The following VIZ Media manga titles are now available, with more to be announced soon:

BAKUMAN? Vols. 1-8 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

BLEACH Vols. 1-37; Vols. 49-50 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

BLUE EXORCIST Vols. 1-6 ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

CLAYMORE Vols. 1-19 ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

D.GRAY-MAN Vols. 1-21 ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

DEATH NOTE Vols. 1-12 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

DRAGON BALL Vols. 1-16 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “A” for All Ages

DRAGON BALL Z Vols. 1-26 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “T” for Teens

NARUTO Vols. 1-57 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN Vols. 1-6 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

ONE PIECE Vols. 1-58 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

ROSARIO + VAMIPRE Vols. 1-10 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

ROSARIO + VAMPIRE  SEASON 2 Vols. 1-6 ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

RUROUNI KENSHIN Vols. 1-28 (Full Series!) ·  Rated “T+” for Older Teens

TORIKO Vols. 1-7 ·  Rated “T” for Teens

 

For more information on VIZ Media manga titles, please visit www.VIZ.com.

For more information on NOOK devices, please visit www.nook.com.

To purchase VIZ Media manga titles for the NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color, please visit the NOOK Book Store at www.barnesandnoble.com/s?view=grid&store=EBOOK&sort=DD&PN=viz&FMT=KA

Japanese Live Game Sensation “The Real Escape Game” Comes to the Bay Area for Special Sessions at New People

from NewPeopleWorld.com:

NEW PEOPLE, the dynamic San Francisco entertainment destination showcasing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture, brings the newest Japanese live game sensation to the United states for the first time ever with a special installment of “The Real Escape Game: The Escape From The Werewolf Village,” beginning Friday, March 23rd thru Sunday March, 25th.

“The Real Escape Game” is an inventive live game event that requires players to cooperate and use their detective skills to solve multiple mysteries to
locate a hidden key in order to escape from a locked room within a limited time. The U.S. edition, “The Escape From The Werewolf Village,” will be
staged inside the venue’s spacious 3rd Floor SUPERFROG Gallery at NEW PEOPLE, which will be remade as a mysterious village where werewolves have been known to attack people by night. As villagers disappear one by one,players must work together and use their deductive skills and gather clues to escape before the werewolves attack! The game setting will be accentuated with the use of actors, music, sound effects and lighting elements to add ambiance and immerse players in the environment.

NEW PEOPLE Game Times For “The Real Escape Game”

Friday, March 23rd: 6pm, 9pm
Saturday, March 24th: 2pm, 5pm, 8pm
Sunday, March 25th: 11am, 2pm, 5pm

Advanced tickets are now available for $20.00; Tickets at the door are $25.00. Each game session lasts about 90 minutes. Advance tickets and
complete game details are available at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/2012/01/18/come-play-real-escape-game/

**Note: The Game puzzles require no special skills or knowledge to solve; all puzzles can be solved with use of intuitive logic and deductive reasoning. All aspects of The Game will be conducted in English.

“The Real Escape Game” was first played in Tokyo in 2007 and since then, more than 100,000 participants have played in multiple cities across Japan,
China, and Singapore. “The Real Escape Game” was the brainchild of Takao Kato, the founder of the Kyoto-based publishing company, SCRAP. Over 2,300 sessions have been staged to-date with as many as 10,000 participants taking part simultaneously. The Game was recently played by several hundred participants at massive arena venues including the Tokyo Dome and the city’s Jingu Baseball Stadium. The San Francisco session at NEW PEOPLE will be the first time “The Real Escape Game,” has been played in the United States.

“The Real Escape Game has become a big sensation in Japan and is a fun wayfor people to meet and work together to solve ingenious puzzles,” says Seiji Horibuchi, president and founder of NEW PEOPLE, Inc. “The Real Escape Game is often staged in eclectic settings ranging from small theatres to large sporting arenas to cathedrals. NEW PEOPLE will be transformed into a foreboding village beset with werewolves and ingenious hidden puzzles that players must solve in order to escape! Come meet new friends and try out the latest live game phenomenon from Japan with this fun event happening in March!

About NEW PEOPLE, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, California, NEW PEOPLE, Inc.  offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan through its unique entertainment destination as well as through licensing and distribution of selective Japanese films. NEW PEOPLE Entertainment ( <http://www.newpeopleent.com> www.newpeopleent.com), a film division of NEW
PEOPLE, Inc. strives to offer the most entertaining motion pictures straight from the “Kingdom of Pop” for audiences of all ages, especially the manga and anime generation, in North America. Some titles include DEATH NOTE, GANTZ, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, and THE TASTE OF TEA.

VANCAF Announces Inaugural Line-Up

From VANCAF:

The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival has announced the initial line-up for its inaugural exhibition, taking place May 26th-27th 2012 at the Roundhouse Community Arts Centre.  The Festival, which will feature local and international independent cartoonists, will be open to the public and free to attend.  The guests will include indie successes such as Jeph Jacques, Ryan North, and Sarah Leavitt, with artists, creators, inkers, colorists, writers, and small press collectives rounding out the exhibitors.  Special events taking place throughout the festival will be announced shortly.

Artists wishing to exhibit at VanCAF can apply to do so by filling out the application form on the website at http://www.vancaf.com/exhibitors.php.

Further inquiries can be directed to Shannon Campbell, Event Coordinator, at shannon@vancaf.com

Follow them on Twitter, Google+, or Facebook to get all the latest news on VanCAF and comics in general!

About VanCaf:

The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival is a weekend-long celebration of comics slated to enjoy its launch in May 2012. This festival of local cartoonists will feature galleries, readings, panels, and workshops, culminating in a two-day convention for cartoonists from across the country and down the coast to connect with their readers and peddle their wares.

The goal of VanCAF is to appeal to everyone, whether they’re already die-hard comics fans or simply experimenting. For this reason, admission to all events will be free, and table costs for exhibitors will be as low as possible. We’re not so much concerned with making a profit as we are transforming Vancouver into a city of story-telling and comics.

Although we take inspiration from other great Canadian shows, such as the Calgary Comic Expo and Toronto Comic Arts Festival, we are not affiliated with either event. Check back soon for updates on events andexhibitors.

The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival is managed and organized by theVancouver Comic Arts Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting local cartoonists with the community.