Category: Comics

Beautiful Works of Art are Haunted in New Manga Series “March Story” from VIZ Media

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will release the supernatural manga (graphic novel) series March Story on October 19th. The latest addition to the VIZ Signature imprint, by Hyung Min Kim with artwork by Kyung Il Yang, is rated “M” for Mature readers and will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

Among the quiet villages and towns of 18th century Europe, demons known as the Ill hide within the most beautiful works of art and are sparked to life by the torment of their creators. Attracted by their jewel-like allure, unwary viewers can find themselves possessed by the Ill and will be driven to horrific acts of violence. Only the hunters of the Ciste Vihad can dispel the Ill. March is one such hunter, tracking the Ill from town to town to find the antiques that contain the demons before they can possess anyone. If the worst has come to pass, March’s full powers are unleashed to battle the fiendish Ill.

“Great works of art are not what they appear in this intriguing new series,” says Mike Montesa, Senior Editor for VIZ Signature. “Each haunted masterpiece has a dark tale to tell, as do their creators and untimely victims. And March’s own past is filled with similar tragedy. With its elaborate artwork and quick-paced action, March Story arrives just in time for Halloween and we look forward to adventure fans never viewing pieces of art quite the same way again.”

Writer Hyung Min Kim was born in Jinju, Korea. In 2002 he entered the manga world, and in 2007 he debuted as a storywriter with March Story, originally published in Japan in Sunday GX. Artist Kyung Il Yang was born March 26, 1970. His debut work, Soma Shinhwa Jeongi, appeared in Weekly Shonen Champ in Korea. Notable works include Zombie Hunter (original story by Kazumasa Hirai) and Shin Angyo Onshi (Blade of the Phantom Master, original story by In Wan Youn). Yang also works on Defense Devil, currently serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday.

For more information on this title, or others from VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.

Join VIZ Media to Celebrate Naruto’s Birthday with New Manga and Anime, Special Contests, and Fun Events in October

from VIZ Media:

It’s Naruto’s birthday October 10th, and VIZ Media invites fans to help celebrate the birth of the world’s most popular ninja with the release of the latest volume of the Naruto manga series, the next Naruto: Shippuden box set, special coverage in Shonen Jump magazine, and a series of fun events planned around the 2010 New York Comic Con and Anime Festival.

Naruto Volume 49, the latest manga installment, hits retailers on October 5th (rated “T” for Teens, MSRP $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN). In this volume, The Gokage Summit commences, and the five leaders of the strongest villages in the ninja world meet to discuss the fate of their universe and how to deal with the ever-looming threat of the rogue organization, the Akatsuki. Plans are made that will affect Naruto deeply. The new Hokage, the leader of Naruto’s village, is not afraid to make the final end move against Naruto’s old pal, Sasuke!

Naruto: Shippuden Box Set 4 (rated “T+” for Older Teens) will be available October 19th in Special (MSRP $69.97 U.S. / $99.99 CAN and includes Sasuke figure) and Standard editions (MSRP $49.95 U.S / $71.99 CAN). Team Kakashi’s spying mission brings them face to face with the Leaf’s most deadly enemy, Orochimaru. Naruto’s rage brings forth the Nine-Tailed Fox, but at great risk to both himself and those he cares for the most. With Naruto’s rampage quelled, the team continues on to Orochimaru’s lair to find Sasuke, but the mysterious Sai has disappeared. Could one of their own be planning the ultimate betrayal?

VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump magazine also celebrates Naruto in its October edition, available now on newsstands, and online! A Naruto Birthday Sweepstakes is offered where ten lucky fans will win a very special Pakkun backpack filled with exciting premiums including patches, DVD box sets, a collectable figure and more! Also featured is a story on how Naruto will celebrate his birthday, and fun ideas for fans to celebrate theirs. More info is available at: shonenjump.viz.com/features/index.php?id=410.

Finally, fans in the New York City area on October 8th are invited to catch the VIZ Media Naruto Street Team in action. The team will be stationed throughout Times Square during the day and at the 2010 New York Comic Con and Anime Festival at Jacob Javits Convention Center in the afternoon. Come dressed in Naruto gear to win a prize!

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens with more than 100 million copies in circulation to-date. The manga series (rated “T” for Teens) and animated counterpart (Naruto rated “T” for Teens, and Naruto: Shippuden rated “T+” for Older Teens) are among VIZ Media’s most successful properties and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

The latest Naruto: Shippuden anime episodes from Japan are currently available for free viewing at VIZAnime.com and Hulu.com. Dubbed episodes are available for download to own through iTunes, PlayStation Network, Amazon, Xbox and more.

For more information on Naruto please visit the official Naruto website at Naruto.com.

Attend a Recital Filled with the Undead in New Manga Series “Grand Guignol Orchestra” Coming in October from Shojo Beat

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of a new series from iconic manga (graphic novel) creator Kaori Yuki. Her latest series, Grand Guignol Orchestra, will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint, is rated “T+” for Older Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The series debuts on October 5th.

Lucille loves heading up the traveling Grand Orchestra, roving from town to town, entertaining the masses and making money. But now the musicians have met their toughest audience yet: people infected with the Guignol Virus, turning them into zombie dolls intent on killing all humans!

“Grand Guignol Orchestra is destined to become another dark masterpiece from the queen of gothic manga,” says Pancha Diaz, Senior Editor, Shojo Beat. “The new series combines all of the elements that have made Kaori Yuki’s work a favorite among manga fans. With richly detailed artwork and a twisted tale of horror and tortured romance, Grand Guignol Orchestra takes readers to a recital where no one may make it out alive!”

Manga creator Kaori Yuki was born in Tokyo and began drawing at a very early age. Following her debut work, Ellie in Summer Clothes, in the Japanese magazine Bessatsu Hana to Yume, she went on to write a compelling series of short stories: Cruel Fairy Tales, Screw, and Gravel Kingdom. As proven by her best-selling manga series Angel Sanctuary, Godchild, and Fairy Cube (all published in North America by VIZ Media), her celebrated body of work has etched an indelible mark on the gothic manga genre.

For more information on Grand Guignol Orchestra, or other shojo titles from VIZ Media, please visit ShojoBeat.com.

ElfQuest Fan Film – “Take 2”

from ElfQuest:

Some of you may recall that a while back, there was a valiant attempt at an ElfQuest Fan Film that, for various unforeseen reasons, didn’t come to completion.

Now, the project has been resurrected — or rather, recreated anew. A wonderfully enthusiastic group of film folk based in Los Angeles recently approached us with the idea of making a “teaser trailer” for an imagined ElfQuest movie — and it took us all of half a second to say “yes!” This is very real, and it’s very close to happening on a fast track. All the details are here.

Disclaimer: This project is not affiliated with Warner Bros., which is currently considering a full-length ElfQuest film. It’s a fan film, done with love and solely in the hope that it will help spread elf-awareness further than ever.

So visit these folks’ site, and become a part. We’ll see you at the movies!

Shade and sweet involvement,
Richard Pini

‘The Guild’ Season 4, Episode 11: “Hostile Takeovers”

from The Guild:

Episode 11: “Hostile Takoevers” is up on MSN, Bing, Zune and Xbox Live. And please check out the great Parallel Universe Hub for all the Guild videos.

Vork refuses to put his honor aside; Zaboo does something right for a change.

And speaking of Vork, did you see that the new Vork comic from The Guild is available for pre-order now?

Chloe Moretz Attached to the “Emily the Strange” Movie!

from Emily the Strange:

Expect to see a whole lot more of that already ubiquitous raven haired teen with the trademark bangs. News broke Thursday that Chloe Moretz, the 13-year-old actress best known for playing the foul-mouthed, gun-wielding Hit-Girl in Kick-Ass, will bring another comic-book odd girl to the screen — Universal Pictures has acquired the rights to the Dark Horse series Emily the Strange, about a black-haired, 13-year-old girl with an entourage of dark kitties and a penchant for the peculiar.

Full Story…

Shout! Factory: Video Games as High Art

from Shout! Factory:

Have you ever found yourself humming a song, only to realize it was the theme from that video game you played until 4 a.m. that morning? Video Games Live is here to legitimize your love of 8-bit tuneage with fully orchestrated renditions of some of the greatest game themes ever written. We’re bringing this masterpiece, Video Games Live: Level 2, to Blu-ray, DVD and CD on October 19. It’s a full-on, global, multimedia concert spectacular and now available — like your game playing — in the comfort of your own home. The release includes never-before-released music and video from Mario, Zelda, Halo, Warcraft and many more, and is boosted with bonus content. Seeing is believing, though. Check out the trailer at VideoGamesLive.com and look at the tour dates while you’re there. It’s a not-to-be-missed event!

This ‘N’ That

If you’re on the East Coast, we hope you’re attending the New York Comic Con. It takes place October 8-10 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. We’ll be there in spirit.

Time’s a-tickin’ on our Halloween contest. Enter today to win a prize pack featuring 11 of our scariest DVDs or Blu-rays.

Keep up with the latest Shout! news throughout your day by following us on Twitter and Facebook. Plus, visit our YouTube page for trailers, clips and music videos.

“Scott Pilgrim vs. the World” Coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD & Digital Download on November 9, 2010

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

from Universal Studios:

Inventive visuals, endearing performances and a genre-smashing style define Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, the critically acclaimed, action-comedy coming to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD November 9th from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. In the movie, cutting-edge filmmaker Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) directs Michael Cera (Juno, Superbad) and an incredible ensemble cast in the story of a charming, unemployed bass player who discovers that in order to date the girl of his dreams, he must first battle her seven super-powered, evil exes.

Both the Blu-ray and DVD come loaded with deleted scenes, laugh-out-loud bloopers and cast commentaries assembled by director, producer and co-writer Edgar Wright. The 2-disc Blu-ray Combo Pack is packed with hours of additional in-depth bonus features; a Blu-ray and DVD copy of film; and for a limited time only, a digital copy of the movie that can be viewed on an array of electronic and portable devices anytime, anywhere. Blu-ray consumers will also be able to stream a free bonus movie instantly to any internet-connected player, Smartphone or iPad using the free Pocket BLU app. Starting with Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, iPad owners can also enjoy a new, enhanced edition of Pocket BLU made especially to take advantage of the tablet’s larger screen and high resolution display. With this app, Blu-ray consumers will be able to stream their full-length bonus movie in a way that’s bigger and better than ever before.

In Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Edgar Wright brings Bryan Lee O’Malley’s hugely popular graphic novel series to life with gravity-defying action and videogame-inspired graphics. Joining lead actor Michael Cera is one of the coolest ensemble casts ever to share the big screen including Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Live Free or Die Hard), Kieran Culkin (Igby Goes Down), Chris Evans (upcoming Captain America: The First Avenger), Academy Award nominee Anna Kendrick (Twilight series, Up in the Air), Alison Pill (Dan in Real Life), Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation), Brandon Routh (Superman), Jason Schwartzman (Funny People), Johnny Simmons (Jennifer’s Body), Mark Webber (Broken Flowers), Mae Whitman (Parenthood) and Ellen Wong (Runaway). Scott Pilgrim vs. the World also boasts an awesome soundtrack featuring original music by Beck and performances by Broken Social Scene, Metric and more.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the Critics

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World slayed critics of every generation with its highly stylized visuals. The New York Times’ A.O. Scott raves “You may want to see it again as soon as it’s over.” Jeremy Smith of AintItCoolNews calls the film “Wholly original. There’s never been a movie like it” and Rossiter Drake of the San Francisco Examiner pronounces it a “bold, brilliant spectacle.” Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is “far and away the funniest movie of the summer,” according to the Orlando Sentinel’s Roger Moore, and Peter Travers of Rolling Stone calls the film “a breathless rush of a movie that jumps off the screen, spins your head around and then stealthily works its way into your heart. It’s a game changer.”

Bonus Features Exclusively Available on Blu-ray Combo Pack:
• Insider Documentaries:
o Making of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World
o Music Featurette
o You Too Can Be Sex Bob-Omb
• Alternate Footage: A special look at alternative edits to the film.
• Pre-Production: A look inside the film’s pre-production process including storyboards, pre-visualizations, animatics, motion capture tests, rehearsal footage, casting tapes, hair/make-up tests and more!
• The Music of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: This feature includes four complete music videos and video remixes from legendary DJ Osymyso.
• Visual Effects: This feature takes a second look at the movie’s inventive visual effects.
• Sound Work: A mini documentary about the creation of the film’s super-powered sonic landscape.
• Trailers & TV Spots from the theatrical release of the film.
• Adult Swim: Scott Pilgrim vs. the Animation
• Scott Pilgrim vs. the Censors: TV safe version.
• Behind-the-Scenes Production Blogs from the set of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World by director /producer/ co-writer Edgar Wright.
• Free Bonus Movie for a Limited Time Only: Blu-ray Combo Pack consumers will have instant access to stream action hits Tremors or Pitch Black via BD-Live, Smartphone or computer.
• U-Control: Universal’s exclusive signature feature allows viewers to delve into the making of the film with the click of the remote without ever leaving the movie.
o Storyboard Picture-in-Picture
• Pocket BLU App: USHE’s groundbreaking Pocket BLU app uses iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Blackberry, Nokia Android, PC and Macintosh to work seamlessly with a network-connected Blu-ray player and offers advanced features such as:
o Advanced Remote Control: A sleek, elegant new way to operate your Blu-ray player. Users can navigate through menus, playback and BD-Live functions with ease.
o Video Timeline: Users can easily bring up the video timeline, allowing them to instantly access any point in the movie.
o Mobile-to-Go: Users can unlock a selection of bonus content with their Blu-ray discs to save to their device or to stream from anywhere there’s a Wi-Fi network, enabling them to enjoy exclusive content on the go, anytime, anywhere.
o Virtual Keyboard: Enter data into a Blu-ray player with your device’s easy and intuitive keyboard that will facilitate such Blu-ray features as chatting with friends and sending messages.
• Digital Copy of the Film: Blu-ray consumers can download a digital version of the movie to their Mac and or Windows PC for a limited time only.
• BD-Live: Access the BD-Live Center through your Internet-connected player to watch the latest trailers and more.
• My Scenes: Bookmark your favorite scenes from the movie.
• And Lots More!

Bonus Features Available on Blu-ray and DVD:
• Deleted and Alternate Scenes with commentary from director/producer/ co-writer Edgar Wright
• Scott Pilgrim vs. the Bloopers
• Feature Commentaries
o Feature Commentary with director/producer/co-writer Edgar Wright, co-writer Michael Bacall and Author Bryan Lee O’Malley
o Technical Commentary with director/producer/co-writer Edgar Wright and director of photography Bill Pope
o Cast commentary with Michael Cera, Jason Schwartzman, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Ellen Wong and Brandon Routh
o Cast commentary with Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Kieran Culkin and Mark Webber
• Behind-the-Scenes Photo Galleries including Edgar Wright’s photo blog
• Trivia Track
• Galleries: Production photos, art galleries and marketing concepts.

Synopsis
Meet charming and jobless Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera). A bass guitarist for totally average garage band Sex Bob-omb, the 22-year-old has just met the girl of his dreams… literally. The only catch to winning Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead)? Her seven evil exes are coming to kill him. Genre-smashing filmmaker Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) tells the amazing story of one romantic slacker’s quest to power up with love in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. Scott Pilgrim has never had a problem getting a girlfriend. It’s getting rid of them that proves difficult. From the girl who kicked his heart’s ass — and now is back in town — to the teenage distraction he’s trying to shake when Ramona rollerblades into his world, love hasn’t been easy. He soon discovers, however, his new crush has the most unusual baggage of all: a nefarious league of exes controls her love life and will do whatever it takes to eliminate him as a suitor. As Scott gets closer to Ramona, he must face an increasingly vicious rogues’ gallery from her past — from infamous skateboarders to vegan rock stars and fearsomely identical twins. And if he hopes to win his true love, he must vanquish them all before it really is game over.

Technical Information

Blu-ray Hi-Def Combo Pack
Street Date: November 9, 2010
Copyright: 2010
Material Number: 61112438
Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Layers: BD-50
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Rating: PG-13 for stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references
Technical Info: English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, French DTS Surround 5.1, Spanish DTS
Surround 5.1, English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.

DVD
Street Date: November 9, 2010
Copyright: 2010
Material Number: 61110748
Running Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Layers: Dual Layer
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Rating: PG-13 for stylized violence, sexual content, language and drug references
Technical Info: English 5.1, French 5.1, Spanish 5.1 English SDH, French and Spanish subtitles.

Dangerous Dorks: Say No to Nerd Rage!

from GeekChicDaily:

View the shocking video The Empire doesn’t want you to see…

Once, Nerd Rage could bubble over in a Kirk Vs. Picard debate or a Ditko Vs. Lee message board discussion. In the past, such anger manifested itself as an overturned Mountain Dew glass or a ridiculous internet flame war. These days, though, you’d best watch your back around the nerd herd.

Time was that the nastiest thing you’d see happening at a comic convention was Trekkers making sarcastic remarks towards Twi-Hards. No more. At this year’s Comic-Con, an argument over Hall H seating resulted in a now-infamous eye-gouge.

And physical violence isn’t the only danger. At an Arizona comic convention, a puppet troup tried to stage a skit involving a Stormtrooper and a Na’vi. Suddenly, an over-zealous sci-fi fan came down on them like a fetid rain of curdled blue milk (fun starts at :45).

More norms are coming over to the geekside every day, friends. It’s getting crowded. Has it really gotten to where nerds need to pack heat for protection? No way. Here’s why: firearms can accidentally discharge and shoot fellow Avatar fans. In real life, there are no extra lives. Say No to Nerd Rage!

“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” Season 3 Premiere

from StarWars.com:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 3 Starts Tonight!!

Tune in to Cartoon Network tonight at 9:00 PM PT/ET to catch the first two episodes of the transformative third season of The Clone Wars, “Clone Cadets” and “ARC Troopers” (get a sneak peek at the episodes here and here)!

Still need more Clone Wars? Here’s just a small sampling of all the recent Clone Wars goodness:

Clone Wars Adventures is Now Live!
Clone Wars Adventures, a free-to-play, action packed virtual world for fans of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated television series, is now live and ready to play!

The Clone Wars Season 3 Premiere Event at Lucasfilm
Lucasfilm and Cartoon Network held a red carpet Season 3 premiere screening at the Letterman Digital Arts Center in San Francisco, inviting Boys and Girls Club kids to mingle with George Lucas and The Clone Wars cast.

All New Clone Wars Web Comic
In time for season three, an all new story exclusive to StarWars.com!

Clone Wars Character Soundboards
A fresh batch of Clone Wars characters have been added to the Official Star Wars Soundboards, with more to come! Hear your favorite characters on demand with the following links:

Bounty Hunters | Anakin Skywalker | Ahsoka Tano | Obi-Wan Kenobi | Hondo Ohnaka | clone troopers | Asajj Ventress | Cad Bane | Captain Rex | Aayla Secura

Chaos War: The End of the Marvel Universe is Nigh!

from Things from Another World:

This October, we see an all-new Marvel crossover event in which reality itself hangs in the balance. Hercules, Thor, the Hulks, Silver Surfer and a cadre of other superheroes star in Chaos War. Greg Pak and Fred Van Lente are planning an epic unlike any you’ve ever seen in the Marvel Universe:

“I don’t care how big you think Chaos War is, it’s actually bigger,” says Van Lente. “This is a cosmic big-budget disaster movie set in the Marvel Universe with all the major players playing major roles. Greg and I are trying to redefine epic storytelling in the super hero genre and every time I look at the scripts I get both intimidated and excited in equal measure.”

We’ve made it easy for you to check out all the issues on our Chaos War page. The event starts in October and includes the five-issue Chaos War miniseries, a host of one-shots as well as crossover issues in Incredible Hulks through January. Be sure to check back at the beginning of each month, as we’ll be adding all the latest Chaos War issues!

Visit Our Chaos War Page