Category: Arts & Culture

Innovative Multimedia Group Blends Technology and Pop Sensibilities for New Album Featuring Vocals by Virtual Pop Culture Star Hatsune Miku

from VIZ Media:

Sony Music Direct (Japan), Inc., a division of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Inc., has announced the U.S. release of the full-length major label debut from the Japanese pop group, Supercell, on Tuesday, June 21st. Supercell blends catchy pop melodies and technology-inspired vocals with captivating anime-influenced imagery and notably features the world’s first virtual pop star, Hatsune Miku. The new record will be available exclusively on iTunes and Amazon.

The album for Sony Music Direct is titled Supercell Featuring Hatsune Miku and features a striking cover illustration of the singer by renowned manga artist Shiro Miwa. The record’s first single, “The World is Mine,” was released in North America on May 10th on iTunes and Amazon and placed as high as Number 4 on the iTunes World Music charts.

Supercell is a group of multimedia creators and artists led by composer/lyricist Ryo. Hatsune Miku, whose name means, “first sound of the future,” is a digital female avatar and the most popular of the Vocaloid Character Series software originally created by Crypton Future Media using Yamaha’s Vocaloid 2 engine to create synthesized vocal tracks.

Supercell Featuring Hatsune Miku features 12 upbeat tracks that are driven by the singer’s bright vocals supported by lush electronic, pop and rock-inspired melodies. “Because Hatsune Miku is portrayed as a 16 year-old girl, I wanted to compose love songs that would be believable for a teen like her to sing,” says Ryo.

He adds, “I’m very intrigued with the new possibilities for creativity that vocaloid technology and virtual personalities like that of Hatsune Miku present. This is the ultimate hybrid of organic human creativity combined with the latest technological innovation to produce a whole new kind of pop group. I’m very excited at the prospect of U.S. audiences discovering Supercell!”

In Japan, Hatsune Miku is a major national phenomenon appearing in many popular video games and music videos. She’s also played several sellout “concerts,” where she performed on stage as a 3D hologram backed by a live band. Her international notoriety is spreading to North America, where she’s currently featured in a new commercial for the 2011 Toyota Corolla. Hatsune Miku is also scheduled to perform her first U.S. concert with an event called “MIKUNOPOLIS in LOS ANGELES,” at the 2011 Anime Expo in Los Angeles, CA July 1-4. Information on the concert is available at: mikunopolis.com.

More information on Supercell is available at: facebook.com/supercell.JPN.

ThinkGeek 1UPs the GeekDad Giveaway

from ThinkGeek:

Power up your patriarch with ThinkGeek’s Ultimate GeekDad Giveaway!
Father’s Day is June 19 and you can bring home super loot by entering our contest below by 12 noon ET on June 17, 2011. We’ll announce our randomly chosen winner the evening of June 17 so you’ll be able to deliver the good news on Father’s Day.

Enter Now!

Receive 20% Off “Naruto” Digital Manga with New VIZ Manga App Promotion

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media has just launched a special digital promotion for its Naruto manga (graphic novel) series. Digital versions of Volumes 1-27 of the classic action adventure story are available via the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch for only $3.99 — 20% off the normal MSRP. The promotion kicks off today for a limited time only and ends Friday, June 17th at midnight PST.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999, Naruto (rated ‘T’ for Teens) quickly became Japan’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85 million copies to-date. Naruto is also one of the most popular anime/manga properties in North America. The Naruto manga and animated series depict the adventures of a young boy named Uzumaki Naruto who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with the spirit of the nine-tailed fox demon sealed within his body, is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. But Naruto is resilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him. Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity and right vs. wrong. More information on Naruto is available at Naruto.com.

The VIZ Manga App is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPhone iPod Touch, and iPad. The app is free to download through the iTunes store, and volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada for only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each.

An extensive library of over 250 volumes is available now, including popular series such as Bleach, Blue Exorcist, Death Note, Naruto, One Piece and many more. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series are featured.

For more information on the VIZ Manga App, please visit VIZ.com/apps/.

VIZ Media Announces Product License for Hot New Anime Action Series “Tiger & Bunny”

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced it has been named the exclusive U.S. product licensor for the new animated crime-fighting action series Tiger & Bunny. The company will showcase the property to a variety of potential merchandise partners during the 2011 Licensing International Expo, held in Las Vegas, June 14th-16th, 2011. VIZ Media will be located in Booth #2481.

The Licensing International Expo is held at Mandalay Bay Convention Center and is the preeminent marketplace for the hottest international brands and properties. The event features a show floor of more than 7,000 properties from all of Hollywood’s major film studios, global entertainment companies, Fortune 500 consumer brands, sporting teams, interactive properties, fashion labels, and cutting-edge artists and designers. The annual event celebrated its 30th Anniversary in 2010.

Tiger & Bunny currently simulcasts the same day it debuts in Japan on Hulu (Hulu.com) and VIZAnime.com, the company’s own exclusive web destination for anime. Tiger & Bunny Blu-ray currently rank Number 1 on Amazon Japan, and a wide variety of toys, collectables, and other products are already licensed for the Japanese market.

“We’re very excited to participate again at the Licensing International Expo, and this year we’ll showcase Tiger & Bunny, a new series that has been the subject of tremendous buzz among fan circles,” says Tracy Hanchett, Director, Consumer Products. “With its multi-textured characters and unique blend of comedy and over the top action, the Tiger & Bunny brand is ideally suited to a range of product merchandising options across all categories for the key male 14-25 demographic. We look forward to meeting with leading product partners at the show to explore the exciting range of possibilities for this hot new property.”

Tiger & Bunny (rated TV-14) is directed by Keiichi Sato (director of Karas), with original character designs by Masakazu Katsura, creator of the manga series, I”s and Video Girl Ai (also published by VIZ Media). Stern Bild is a metropolitan city where superheroes called NEXT help to maintain peace. Sporting sponsor logos on their suits, these heroes work to solve cases and save people’s lives in order to earn Hero Points, while also helping to improve the public image of their corporate sponsors. Their activities are documented and broadcast by the popular show “HERO TV,” in which each superhero strives to become the “King of Heroes” of the year.

One such hero is Wild Tiger (real name Kotetsu T. Kaburagi), a veteran superhero who relies on his years of experience and instincts to fight crime. Though obligated to work for his boss’s best interest, Kotetsu follows his own code of honor and is even willing to cause destruction to public property for the sake of protecting the lives of his fellow citizens. Over time, he has grudgingly earned the nickname “Crusher for Justice.” Now, Kotetsu suddenly finds himself forced to team up with rookie hero Barnaby Brooks Jr.

To view the official trailer and to follow Tiger & Bunny on the official Facebook page, please visit www.facebook.com/TigerAndBunny.

For more information on Tiger & Bunny and other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit VIZAnime.com.

ThinkGeek Has Headcrabs

from ThinkGeek:

Hot enough for ya?

It feels a bit like Athas here at ThinkGeek World Domination HQ. We haven’t run into any cannibal halflings, but rumor has it that our marketing director is half-human, half-Ssurran.

Sadly, that Star Wars ice cream truck we found in April seems to have disappeared. We really could use an Admiral Snackbar right about now. In the meantime, hug your air conditioner and get as much stuff delivered to you as possible.

Half-Life Headcrab Plush Hat
Were you forced against your will to see footage of the royal wedding? Did you laugh your butt off at all the ridiculous hats? If you don’t know, those wacky hats are called fascinators. We assume it’s because they’re fascinating. Y’know, in a “WTF is that thing on your head?” kind of way. Of course, the original “WTF is on your head?” hat is the headcrab. Be sure to keep a crowbar nearby when you try it on… just in case.

Save $10 — Guanine met Cytosine, fell in love…
Doing some early shopping to thank Dad for his half of your most fantastic genome? You’re clearly the best kid in the family. (But we knew that.) Use code DADGENES for $5 off $30+ or $10 off $60+ through 11:59pm ET 6/4/2011.

Father’s Day is June 19 — Shop now, slack later!
Father’s Day is June 19th. It may seem far, far away, but if you’re like us and prepping your games and costumes for convention season, it’ll sneak up on you like a ninja. Why not grab a gift for Dad now while you’re thinking about it? Check out our list of Pop-worthy presents, hand-picked by ThinkGeek’s own GeekDads.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

Tickets on Sale Today for “Star Wars” Celebration VI

from StarWars.com:

Star Wars Celebration VI Sets Its Sights on Orlando, August 23-26, 2012
Tickets on Sale Now — Buy Today!
After the impressive (most impressive) success of last year’s Empire-themed Star Wars Celebration V, we are thrilled to announce that the biggest party this side of the galaxy, Star Wars Celebration VI, is setting down August 23-26, 2012 back at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida!

With official Celebration host hotels starting as low as just $65 per night, it’s never been more affordable for fans to vacation in Orlando on any budget. Orlando is a destination for fans and families from around the world, with highlights including the all-new Star Tours: The Adventures Continue at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Traveling to Celebration VI will provide the perfect opportunity to experience the all-new Star Tours adventures with Star Wars fans from around the world!

Tickets
Tickets to Star Wars Celebration VI are available now! Be among the first to grab your ticket and guarantee your spot at this not-to-be-missed Star Wars event! All-new memories begin with a ticket to the convention, and it’s not too soon to start planning your trip today! Don’t miss out on all of the exclusive merchandise, interviews with cast and crew — and MORE! Buy Tickets.

Hotels*
SAVE when you reserve your hotel room through starwarscelebration.com. Our official travel desk will land you great rates at a number of host hotels in the Orlando area starting at just $65/night. And booking through the official site will also grant you access to ride the Celebration VI Shuttle bus back and forth to the convention center! Don’t wait, reserve your room(s) today!
*Note: the ONLY official Celebration VI travel partner is powered by onPeak. Don’t be fooled! Book your travel today by visiting starwarscelebration.com and receive our “Best Rate Guarantee.” We cannot honor room rates reserved through other travel groups.

Bigger, Better… and All About You
Like the Empire’s second Death Star, Celebration VI is shaping up to be even BIGGER than all previous iterations — and also like the second Death Star, it’s all still under construction. That means that we’re still planning the programming, the panels, guests, special events and activities, and we want to hear from YOU to help make this the best Celebration yet! What do YOU want to see?

Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to let us know what you think.

Celebrations are for YOU, the fans, whether you saw Star Wars when it first premiered or you’re just now exploring that galaxy far, far away for the very first time. So send us a tweet or write on our wall. We’ve got more than a year until Celebration VI, and we’re going to build it together! When completed, this ultimate Celebration will spell certain fun for Star Wars fans across the galaxy.
 
We thank you for all your support and passion. It’s the fans who have sustained the Saga for all these years, and — come August 2012 — we’re excited to welcome you back to our galaxy.

May the Force be with you!

VIZ Media’s Anime Fantasy Adventure Series “MÄR” Launches on Netflix

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media has announced the availability of the anime series, MÄR, on Netflix, Inc., the world’s leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. 52-episodes of the animated fantasy adventure story will be available to stream to subscribers in the U.S. beginning May 31st.

MÄR (rated TV-PG, subtitled) is based on the hit 15-volume manga series created by Nobuyuki Anzai (Flame of Recca), published in North America by VIZ Media. The series joins several other popular VIZ Media anime titles such as Bleach, Death Note, Naruto, and InuYasha, which can now be instantly streamed from Netflix.

An ordinary middle-school boy with an overactive imagination, Ginta Toramizu dreams about fairy tales and make-believe lands. One day at school, a gate appears and he enters the World of MÄR, the world of his dreams. Within the World of MÄR exist ÄRM: accessories with unique powers. Soon, Ginta stumbles upon Babbo, an ÄRM that can speak, and learns that he has been summoned to this mythical world to stop the Chess Pieces, a group of rogue soldiers, from destroying the World of MÄR. Now part of Team MÄR, Ginta and Babbo fight in War Games against the Chess Pieces to save the MÄR World. But will Ginta’s mission be compromised by his ally’s secrets?

To learn more about MÄR anime and manga series, please visit VIZAnime.com or ShonenSunday.com (free Chapter 1 manga preview available).

J!NX: “World of Warcraft” Summer 2011

from J!NX:

World of Warcraft Summer 2011 Collection
The days have grown longer, and the sunshine brighter; at last Summer is upon us. As you eagerly await the Midsummer Fire Festival, stay cool this season with an upgrade to your wardrobe from the epic new WoW Summer 2011 Collection.

Just a Few Days Left
Fans of The Guild! You’ve only got until this Friday to enter the J!NX Quest: The Guild Quote-a-thon. Enter now before you miss your chance at a $250 J!NX Gift Certificate and all seasons of The Guild on DVD.

Factory Entertainment: SDCC Exclusive “Green Hornet” Diecast!

from Factory Entertainment:

Factory Entertainment is delighted to reveal the first of its exclusives for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con July 21-24th 2011.

Stop by the Factory Entertainment booth (#3751) to pick up this numbered limited edition of just 1000 pieces, while supplies last!

1:50 Scale high quality die cast model of The Black Beauty featuring a ‘Camouflage’ white paint scheme, as seen in the final scenes of Columbia Pictures’ movie The Green Hornet.

“But I cannot make it to Comic-Con” we hear you cry… fear not! A limited quantity will be made available to order online via our website soon! (For shipment after the convention strictly while stocks last). Stay tuned for further updates.

“Blackstar Warrior” Trailer

from Outsider Features / Indent Studios:

Our 30th anniversary tribute to The Empire Strikes Back. Created for under $4,000, this not-for-profit fake trailer was made to celebrate 30 years of the best Star Wars film ever made. Many thanks to everyone who volunteered to create this labor of love, especially the men and women of the 501st Legion, Cloud City Garrison.

Directed by Matthew Haley, written by David Walker, produced by Tim Whitcomb, shot by Ryan E. Walters, starring Leonard Roberts of HEROES fame as “Lando”, Star Wars cosplay star Jimmy Siokos as “Han Solo” and Leverage guest star Ire Wardlaw as “Lava Moonblaster”. Music by Fall On Your Sword, edited by Dan Didsbury, finished by Pablo colorist Darren Griffiths. DARTH VADER voice (and trailer voiceover) superbly provided by DR. SMOOV.

ThinkGeek Flips On the Blinkenlights

from ThinkGeek:

Can you smell the BBQ?

Sumer is icumen in, Lhude sing cuccu! Okay, maybe it’s not QUITE summer yet, but Timmy’s been taking advantage of the warm weather. It’s all about the Hawaiian shirt and the charred meatstuff. It’s a good thing we don’t depend on Timmy to code anymore because he keeps skipping out on work early to fire up the grill.

And since we’re a little short on fireflies for our feasts, we love these jars full of Dreamlight Fireflies. They’re the perfect light by which to nom pulled-pork sammiches, don’t you think?

Dreamlights Fireflies in a Jar
Solar Powered Electroluminescent Robots Under Glass
When summer rolls through and pushes the chilly spring rains away, we’re left with sultry steamy nights full of bugs. Most of those bugs are of the annoying buzzing and bloodsucking varieties, but occasionally they’re of the pretty benign luminescent set. Call them fireflies or lightning-bugs, their blinky-backside broadcasts are as mysterious as they are beautiful. As kids, many of us would capture them in jars which, looking back, may have been a little cruel. Now you can have a solar-powered electronic analogue, cruelty-free, to mesmerize and delight you all year ’round!

Take $10 Off — Do you know where your towel is?
Are you ready for Towel Day on May 25th? You’ve got your Guide to the Galaxy (aka iPad), you’ve got a reasonable facsimile of the Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster, and you’ve got your towel. Stock up on the rest of your hitchhiking needs with code TOWELDAY2011 for $5 off orders of $30+ or $10 off orders of $60+ through 11:59 pm ET 5/20/11. We recommend some Tactical Sammiches (you can never trust alien sandwich shops).

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

J!NX: Win $250 and all “Guild” Seasons + Free Shipping

from J!NX:

Got a favorite Guild quote?
Now, we know that some of you are such big fans of The Guild that you can recite each episode back and forth. Others might have caught just an episode or two. Whatever your level of devotion, tell us your favorite quote and you can win some booty. You know, like pirates and such.

Free Standard Shipping on Orders $40+
Use Promotion Code: INVASION
This offer expires Friday, May 20, 2011 at 11:59PM PST, so don’t wait!
*can’t be combined with any other offers, sale prices, or discounts