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.

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!

An OPEN Internet

In response to the continuing debate of proposed law changes and aggressive attacks on freedom of speech and information on the internet, my state Senator is revealing information about her proposed changes to fight piracy and copywrite infringement without sensoring the internet. I’d like your feedback. What do you think of her proposals?

from Senator Maria Cantwell:

Thank you to the thousands of Washingtonians who raised your voices last week to support an open and free Internet. Thanks for your phone calls and emails to our office regarding the PROTECT IP Act.

Like you, I believe that America’s economy thrives on innovation and freedom of speech. The Internet allows entrepreneurs in Washington state and around the world to create ground-breaking companies and fuel economic growth. We cannot afford to rush an Internet policy that could trample on our innovation economy.

That’s why I opposed the PROTECT IP Act in the Senate from the beginning, and have offered an alternative – the OPEN Act. We need to protect creative content on the Internet from piracy by rogue foreign websites, but we must do so in a way that also protects freedom of speech, innovation and security on the Internet. Read more about the OPEN Act here, or read the full bill text here.

Darth Maul Me

From Star Wars:

Join the dark side and become Darth Maul using the free Darth Maul Me mobile app from Star Wars: Episode I in 3D.  Whether you want to turn your face completely into one of Star Wars’ greatest villains, use the partial Darth Maul tattoos, or only give yourself the Sith eyes, Darth Maul Me has an option for you.  Simply take a photo with your camera or use an existing photo to quickly and easily turn yourself into Darth Maul.  Share your creation with your friends and encourage them to join you on the dark side.

 

See Star Wars: Episode I in 3D on the big screen; only in cinemas!

Supported Devices:

iPhone 3GS / 4 / 4S and iPod Touch

Supported OS:

iOS 5 and above.

Dell’s Alienware Aurora Delivers Extreme Gaming Performance and Experience as Game Developers Intended in Most Advanced Desktop Ever

From Dell:

Competitive gamers asked for the ultimate gaming pc and Dell’s new Alienware Aurora gaming desktop computer, unveiled today, delivers. It is the company’s most advanced desktop ever delivering the extreme gaming performance and experience game developers intended for their players. With the latest technology and intelligent design, gamers can envelop themselves in the action, experience blazing fast performance and immersive
graphics.

*The Aurora desktop delivers the pure, raw power that gamers crave. The systems come loaded with the new 2nd generation Intel(r) Core(tm) i7-3000 series six-core CPUs, factory overclocked1 and liquid cooled, with the Intel X79 Express Chipset (Dell’s first consumer system to offer this chipset), Quad Channel DDR32 memory and the latest SATA technology.

*Gamers can literally “see” all that power firsthand. Dual graphics cards and beyond 1080p gaming with immersive multi-display and 3D HD3 capabilities allow gamers to experience any game at its best – as intended by the game developers.

*And the gaming desktops are intelligently designed for unparalleled customization. In addition to raw power, an innovative chassis design and intuitive internal component layout allows for user-friendly upgrades and optimized thermal
management.

Purposeful Cool Design
Designed from the inside out with performance, function and style in mind, Alienware Aurora’s chassis delivers a purposeful internal layout in a sleek, beautiful and compact form factor.

The desktop’s maintenance-free, high performance CPU Liquid Cooling replaces the standard heat sink and fan that comes with most PCs, and its Active Venting system provides additional heat dissipation during heavy gaming. This unique design increases component longevity and allows Aurora to stay nearly twice as quiet as competitors with traditional heat sink and fan layouts. Additionally, all core components inside the Aurora are purposefully compartmentalized in chambers that provide clean, clear and easy tool-less access for upgrades, maintenance or showing off.

Supporting AMD
CrossFireX technology, Alienware Aurora is capable of housing two graphics cards for maximum performance and extreme graphics power. All Aurora graphics cards use GDDR5 graphics memory2, the most advanced offering available. With Microsoft’s DirectX 11 graphics API, complex virtual worlds will come alive.

“The PC gaming industry continues to grow rapidly, and our customers are demanding systems that can keep up with the most graphic-intensive games on the market,” said Arthur Lewis, vice president, Alienware and Product Management for Consumer, Small and Medium Business. “Alienware Aurora, our most advanced gaming desktop ever, delivers an experience that will exceed the expectations of any serious gamer.”

Complete Control
All Alienware laptops and desktops come complete with the Alienware Command Center, which provides intuitive, user?friendly access to exclusive applications and controls, including AlienFX lighting effects, Thermal Controls and AlienFusion power management system. AlienFX allows users to customize the exterior lighting zones on the chassis with over 25 billion color combinations for a one-of-a-kind personalized experience. Updates and new releases download directly into Command Center, creating a constantly evolving tool for users to modify and personalize their gaming computer.

Gaming Supremacy
Alienware is recognized throughout the industry and with customers alike for performance, functionality and design. The Alienware M17x gaming laptop with Intel Sandy Bridge processors recently won Gold in the Gaming category for “The Best Products of 2011” from PC Magazine , and the Alienware M11x R3 laptop won Silver. As new technology is released, look for Alienware to continually offer the latest in PC gaming hardware, partnering with other industry leaders to deliver an optimized gaming experience.

Detailed Information:

*2nd Generation 3000 series Intel Core i7 Six Core Processor Options

*New Intel X79 Express Chipset with Unlocked BIOS for Overclocking1

*Single and Dual Graphics Options:

o 1GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 68702

o 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 69502

o 1.25GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti2

o 1.5GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 5802

o 3GB GDDR5 NVIDIA GeForce GTX 5902

o Dual 1GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6870 – AMD CrossFireX2

o Dual 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon HD 6950 – AMD CrossFireX2

* 8GB or 16GB Quad Channel 1600MHz DDR3 Memory Options2

* Fast 7,200RPM Hard Drive Options up to 2TB; 256GB and 512GB SSD Options4

* Single and Dual Optical Drive Options; Including Blu-ray Disc Reader and Burner

* High Quality Audio Options:

o Internal High-Definition 7.1 Performance Audio with Waves MAXX Audio Software (Standard)
o Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio (Optional)
o Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium (Optional)

* System Dimensions: height: 16.77” (426mm), depth: 25.39” (645mm), width: 9.85” (250mm); weight: starting at 45lbs (20.41kg)

Availability and Pricing:
Alienware Aurora is available now on dell.com and dell.ca with a starting price of $2,199.99.

J!NX: “World of Warcraft” Holiday 2011

from J!NX:

World of Warcraft Holiday 2011 Collection
Happy Holidays, young and old! Gather ’round! Come feast your eyes and treat your torsos to the new J!NX/WoW 2011 Holiday line! All 10 Legendary Class Hoodies are now available for your warming pleasure! Also, check out the new tee shirt offerings, perfect gifts for any of the Warcraft fans in your life.

Peripherals and Drinkware Now Available
In the ever-expanding world of geek merch, it only makes sense that we continue to offer you more one-of-a-kind products. It’s in this vein that we’re pleased to bring you some cool periphs from our friends over at SteelSeries and drinkware from the masters, Taverncraft.

Save 5% off your order of $30 or more
Save 10% off your order of $50 or more
Save 15% off your order of $75 or more
Save 20% off your order of $100 or more
Use Promotion Code: SAVINGTHROW
This offer expires Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 11:59PM PDT, so don’t wait!
*can’t be combined with any other offers, sale prices, or discounts

J!NX Holiday Gift Guide – Save Up to 20%

“War of the Insects” Now Available!

from Cinematic Titanic:

Hi Everyone,
We are excited to announce:

Cinematic Titanic Live: “War of the Insects” is now available!

Available at our STORE on DVD for $14.99 or Download from EZtakes.com for $9.99.

Holiday DVD Sale!

Now thru New Years Eve, while you’re at the CT store, pick up any of our 10 previous CT titles for only $9.99.

Please visit our STORE FAQ for US and International Holiday Shipping deadlines.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians is back in stock!

Just in time for the holidays, CT’s version of the Classic Christmas riff is once again available. If you’ve seen the MST3K version for years, treat yourself to the Cinematic Titanic version – a whole new set of jokes and extra movie footage cut from the MST3K version.

Please help support Cinematic Titanic (an artist owned and operated venture) by giving the gift of riffing this year!

Thanks!
The CT gang

Follow us on YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | Google+

Nintendo Kicks Holiday Fun Into Overdrive with “Mario Kart 7” for Nintendo 3DS

from Nintendo of Canada:

No matter how they travel from place to place, consumers will soon be buckling up for an unforgettable ride with Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends. The Mario Kart 7 game launches exclusively for the Nintendo 3DS hand-held system on December 4, adding a wild new installment in Nintendo’s fan-favourite racing franchise. Players of any experience level will get to drive, glide through the air and dive underwater for the first time in Mario Kart 7. They will also discover new customizable karts, new courses and abilities, Community features and multiplayer options that allow up to eight friends to race together wirelessly. Best of all, the game makes use of the remarkable capabilities of Nintendo 3DS with access to StreetPass and SpotPass content and the ability to play in full 3D without the need for special glasses. Mario Kart 7 will be offered at a suggested retail price of $39.99 in Canada.

Mario Kart 7 offers a fun, personalized Mario Kart experience by allowing players to race as their favourite Mushroom Kingdom character or their own Mii character. They can even trick out their karts with a new set of customization options, including tires, chassis and gliders tailored to each player’s preferred racing style. For the first time in the series, Mario Kart 7 allows racers not only to zoom around outrageous road tracks but also to soar through the air using a glider and dive beneath the sea using a propeller. In addition to classic courses such as Koopa Beach and Luigi’s Mansion, new courses in the game include diving into Cheep Cheep Lagoon and gliding through Shy Guy Bazaar, plus courses set in the jungles of Donkey Kong Country Returns and on Wuhu Island from Wii Sports Resort.

“Seven is truly a lucky number for Mario Kart fans,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “Whether you’re new to the franchise or a veteran kart competitor, there are loads of new customization features and 3D courses to enjoy with your friends and family. Without a doubt, it’s the most exhilarating Mario Kart game Nintendo has ever created, and it’s only available on Nintendo 3DS.”

Players can race against friends using a local wireless connection, or challenge opponents from around the globe via a broadband Internet connection. As many as eight players can race together in real time. The new Community feature also allows players to join forces with other Mario Kart fans and create groups with their own specific rules and customized racing environments. Communities and Community leaderboards will track the top-scoring members. Players can also choose to share ghost data and challenge one another to beat their fastest times.

Solo players can race through the game’s Grand Prix and Time Trial modes using either the Circle Pad or the motion-sensitive gyro sensor of Nintendo 3DS to steer their karts. The motion controls also allow players to control their karts in a first-person perspective, another first for the Mario Kart franchise.

Remember that Nintendo 3DS features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit nintendo.com/3ds.

For more information about Mario Kart 7, visit mariokart7.com.

ThinkGeek Loves Han. (He Knows.)

from ThinkGeek:

Last holiday ever?

We had to chuckle when a spam email reminded us that the Mayans predicted we’ll be outta here before the holly daze of 2012. If that’s the case, ThinkGeek is prepared! We’re ready to rock your under-tree zone with gifts for fans of Star Wars, Portal, and bonsai kitties.

And zombie fans, don’t fret. The Walking Dead is gone until February, but we have plenty of undead for you here.

Star Wars Han Solo in Carbonite Chocolate Bar
Taste the rich chocolate bounty. Getting these Han Solo in Carbonite Chocolate Bars shipped in from a galaxy far, far, away took a long, long time, but they’re finally here! Enjoy this rich chocolate bounty from Tatooine’s Tasty Treats. It’s the ultimate delight for Star Wars fans — or anyone who has ever wanted to eat Han Solo, for that matter.

Take $10 Off – Happy Blue Beanie Day!
We hope you used the Thanksgiving break to upgrade the browsers on the computers of your not-so-tech-savvy relations. If you didn’t, please do it next month and make the web designers and code monkeys of the world super duper happy! In honor of Blue Beanie day and web standards, we offer $5 off $30 or $10 off $50 by using the code BLUEBEANIE, good through 11:59pm ET on 12/02/11.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

Win a MIMOBOT with Alphabot! Daily Chances Until the Holidays!

from Mimoco:

MIMOBOT Twitter Contest — Alphabot. 26 Days of Saving & Playing. Just because our post Thanksgiving sales are over, doesn’t mean the fun is over! Introducing Alphabot. Everyday for the next 25 days, we’re giving away a MIMOBOT for up to 32 GB. Crazy huh? And everyone wins because winnable bots will also be on sale. So… WANNA PLAY?