Category: Books & Writing

VIZ Media Launches VIZManga.com

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, announced the launch of VIZManga.com at their 25th Anniversary Party last night in San Diego during the annual Comic-Con International convention. The website joins VIZ Media’s existing digital manga platform and launched with 40 series currently available on the VIZ Manga App for iOS devices, including the wildly popular titles Naruto, Bleach, Blue Exorcist, Ouran High School Host Club and Vampire Knight. With this expansion of the platform, fans can browse and access their digital manga from VIZManga.com and through the VIZ Manga Apps for the iPad and iPhone/ iPod touch. With one account, registered users will be able to view their purchases across even more devices than ever.

“Our digital publishing team wants manga to be available to as many fans as possible, no matter what device or digital experience people prefer,” said Brian Piech, Vice President, Digital Publishing. “Making our extensive library of the best titles direct from Japan available on VIZManga.com is a natural extension of our current VIZ Manga apps available on all iOS devices. One purchase can now be read across multiple devices.”

VIZ Media’s digital manga platform allows for universal access for fans from their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, or now, VIZManga.com. Pricing for manga titles on the web will be identical to the VIZ Manga app. The first chapter of all manga titles will be available as a free preview. Through July 31st, all Volume 1 manga titles will be 40% off.

The VIZ Media digital platform now has an online destination for reading manga on desktop/laptop computers and on Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. The VIZ Manga App continues to be the top app for reading manga on iOS devices and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world, currently offering 40 series and over 300 volumes, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

For more information, visit VIZManga.com or VIZ.com/apps.

Arcana Comics is Excited to announce a couple of special appearances at the Arcana Comics Panel on Thursday evening!

From Arcana Comics:

San Diego Comic Con is a mecca for talent across the entertainment industry. It’s no different this year with the news that Alexa Vega, talented actress from the Spy Kids franchise and many other roles, and Jesse McCartney, platinum selling recording artist, actor, and voice talent will both make a special appearance during the Arcana Comics Panel from 6:00 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, July 21st in room 23ABC.

Alexa Vega and Jesse McCartney are two of the stars in the upcoming 3-D luximation animated film, THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, based on the Arcana Comics graphic novel by Sean Patrick O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna.

In the timeless land of Haraway, a robot girl, Tesla (ALEXA VEGA), is given the gift of life from her creator, Wilhelm the Tinkerer. Tesla meets Huxley (JESSE MCCARTNEY), the monster boy, who happens to be the son of her creator’s chief rival. Together the two break into – and out of – ancient fortresses, fight robots, and travel from the depths of the ocean to the skies above as they attempt to solve the mystery of the plague that has stricken their town.

The 3-D luximation animated film also features the voice talents of Carrie-Anne Moss (THE MATRIX), Jeffrey Tambor (ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT), Brad Garrett (EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND), and Adrian Hough (MORTAL KOMBAT: LEGACY) amongst others.

THE CLOCKWORK GIRL (ISBN:9780062080394) was recently re-released by Harper Collins with a new forward by creators Sean Patrick O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, along with playful, full-page pin-ups of the characters.

Clockwork Girl, Arcana’s slate of interactive apps, and more. See how independent publishers make their mark in the comic book industry and blur the lines between mediums, Arcana style. Attendees will get free comics and the first in a series of Arcana Universe posters.

While you’re on hand for the convention, be sure to stop by the Arcana Comics booth, 2415, to see some of our amazing exclusives, debut books, posters, shirts, and signings. We are also sharing the booth with Platinum Studios’ COWBOYS AND ALIENS, so don’t miss it!

Our exclusives this year, which are featured on the SDCC Exclusives list on the OFFICIAL SDCC WEB SITE, are the KADE ART BOOK and the SIDESHOWS LAUNCH EDITION.

The KADE ART BOOK features original work from some of the most talented artists in the industry! Tim Bradstreet’s unique style sets the tone with an original cover, while Tim Seeley, Brent Schoonover, Greg Horn, Kevin Mellon, Ashley Wood, Liam Sharp, Ben Templesmith, Greg Titus, and Whilce Portacio provide contributions to this amazing art book.

The SIDESHOWS LAUNCH EDITION features extras not available in the retail version of the book. It’s 1950’s Las Vegas & the mob enlisted former circus attractions as their aces in the hole. These SideShows had a little secret — they really did have the abilities they pretended to. High rollers, lounge singers, cigarettes, alcohol, and superpowers. Welcome to Las Vegas. Don’t miss the book Mark Waid (DAREDEVIL, IRREDEEMABLE) describes as “Energetic, dynamic art and a great story.”

Each exclusive is extremely limited and is sure to sell out, so get one before they’re gone!

We are also debuting the first ARCANA UNIVERSE POSTER and several new titles, which haven’t hit the stands yet.

Arcana Comics is Debuting Becoming at SDCC, written by acclaimed creator Brooke Burgess (BROKEN SAINTS)!

From Arcana Comics:

Brook Burgess, creator of the animated epic, Broken Saints, is releasing his debut Arcana comic at San Diego Comic Con, starting on Wednesday, July 20th, where he will appear throughout the week alongside the artist of Becoming, Dane Cypel. Please refer to the updated signing schedule below for the latest signings.

Of his decision to work with Arcana, Brooke explains, “I was approached by Sean back in 2004, after finishing the original Flash motion comic Broken Saints and producing the 4-disc DVD upgrade of the series with Telefilm Canada.  I had no idea there was such a prolific independent comic publisher in Canada, and was impressed with his savvy in developing original IP and packaging concepts for TV, film, and other media.”

At SDCC 2005, Brooke signed a deal with “20th Century Fox to distribute Broken Saints worldwide, which was an amazing opportunity.  It was launched the following year in San Diego, and Sean was one of the first to swing by and offer congratulations and support!  Arcana was growing by leaps and bounds by then, and I knew he had several feature films in development.  I wanted to start writing a new story asap, but some other motion comic projects – Will Smith’s I Am Legend, and Guillermo Del Toro’s Hellboy – owned my life for the next year+.”

Since that time, Brooke has written two films, which are in development, and consulted with various transmedia campaigns. Early in 2010, he pitched BECOMING, “a psychological thriller for mature readers,” to Sean. The story was “based on a short film script a friend of mine and I had concocted – an almost ‘operatic’ battle of wills between an aging psychology professor and a cocky graduate student – and I was really intrigued by its graphic novel potential.   I’ve always been drawn to stories where the protagonist is on a quest for ‘knowledge’, and Becoming asks a crucial question:  is there such a thing as ‘ultimate knowledge’…and what’s the price for it?  The story’s witty, macabre, intense, philosophical, very personal…and even a little funny, in an absurd way.”

Arcana is excited to be working with the talented creator and to have him appearing at SDCC.

 

 

New from BOOM! Studios

From Boom!:

FARSCAPE #21
The War for the Uncharted Territories continues! Tensions rise as the alliance against the Kkore might have a greater enemy…in themselves! But as things seem their darkest, the key to defeating the Kkore may soon be discovered. What is the secret of a peaceful, ancient race only found on a remote planet? From FARSCAPE creator Rockne S. O’Bannon and fan-favorite novelist Keith R.A. DeCandido!

HELLRAISER #3 (A)
HELLRAISER #3 (B)
One of the greatest horror franchises of all time returns, now under the control of its original creator! Clive Barker has touched HELLRAISER only twice: once to write THE HELLBOUND HEART, and once more to write and direct the original HELLRAISER film. Now witness Barker’s long-awaited return to tell a new chapter in the series’ official continuity—a trajectory that will forever change the Cenobites…and Pinhead! In this issue, the machinations of Pinhead’s plans become more intense, and the horror they will unleash is getting closer to Kirsty! She thought she had a new life with friends and a fiancé but…the past is never buried for long!

SPACE WARPED #2
Far away, in a land long ago…there was an orphaned farm kid with daddy issues trying to rescue an orphaned princess unaware of her daddy issues! In the tradition of ROBOT CHICKEN: STAR WARS and SPACEBALLS, SPACE WARPED continues, with a loving, affectionate parody of the greatest science fiction franchise of all time! The second of a six-issue mini-series, this is a fan-pleasing romp that is sure to deliver!

STAN LEE’S STARBORN #8 (A)
STAN LEE’S STARBORN #8 (B)
The crossover fans have been clamoring for continues! It’s Starborn and Soldier Zero fighting the vanguard of the Pride and the survival of the galaxy hangs in the balance! SUPERMAN’s Chris Roberson and SPIDER-MAN’s Khary Randolph bring you a Stan Lee superhero clash of the titans like no other! Worlds collide in this epic conclusion to the second story arc from Stan “The Man” Lee!

 

DON’T FORGET BOOM! STUDIOS COMICS
ARE ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGH THE
BOOM! STUDIOS COMICS APP!

 

BOOM! Studios Digital Comics can also be found
through any of these fine digital vendors!



 

Elric: The Balance Lost #1 Debuts as Day-and-Date Release

From BOOM! Studios:

Today BOOM! Studios launches their latest epic series ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST #1 with a historic day-and-date release of print and digital, making this new series available through your local comic shop and online exclusively through the BOOM! Studios Comics App and the Comics by comiXology App at the same time! Paired with this epic promotion, BOOM! also gives comic fans a chance to try out ELRIC absolutely free through their web browser with the ELRIC FREE ONLINE PRELUDE available at www.elriccomic.com. That’s right! Three ways to try the all-new epic series ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST written by New York Times bestselling author Chris Roberson (iZOMBIE, SUPERMAN) and drawn by white-hot artist Francesco Biagini (DINGO) based on Michael Moorcock’s seminal fantasy creation. Pick up or download your copy today!

BOOM! Studios pioneered day-and-date releases in the comic industry back in January of 2008 with the debut of the NORTH WIND series and continued this innovative promotion with HEXED a year later. With ELRIC, BOOM! enters its third year as the cutting-edge leader of “day-and-date” release.

“We were the first to do day-and-date back in 2008 and now we’re doing it again with Elric! We’re pumped to offer ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST in both print and digital on the same day partnered with a new website, www.elriccomic.com, that hosts an original 10-page story.  If you love Elric or are new to the character, the website will introduce you to the series and leads directly into the new issue for sale in print or digital!” says BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon. “Chris Roberson and Francesco Biagini take Michael Moorcock’s seminal fantasy character to the next level with such an epic scope from the very first page that it’ll be hard to put down!”

“Jumping aboard an all-new comic series has never been this easy!” says BOOM! Studios Marketing & Sales Director Chip Mosher. “With so many ways to check out ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST, you’d be crazy to not take advantage of these great promotions. And be sure to let your friends know that they too can check out the exciting prelude to the ELRIC series, absolutely free at www.elriccomic.com!”

“With ELRIC, we’re not only focusing on print and mobile devices exclusively, but getting out onto internet browsers that billions of people use every day,” says Marketing & Sales Director Chip Mosher. “While there are only 25 million iPads out in the marketplace, there are billions of potential readers that have the ability to find comic books through their internet browsers. With our ELRIC microsite at www.elriccomic.com we’ve not only included a complete prelude for free, but information on how and where to buy our comics both in print and digital — linking to both print, mobile vendors, and the lesser-known web-based option where you can buy and read through the browser as well.”

Comic fans, be sure to visit your local comic shop today to pick up your copy of ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST #1. Not sure where there’s a comic shop near you? Visit http://www.elriccomic.com/local-comic-shop to find out! And for all you folks that love digital comics, you can download ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST #1 from the BOOM! Studios Comics App or Comics by comiXology App today!

Created by Michael Moorcock, Elric has thrilled comic fans for more than 40 years beginning with an appearance in Marvel Comics’ CONAN THE BARBARIAN #15 in 1972. Neil Gaiman called Michael Moorcock “my model for what a writer was” while Warren Ellis said he is one of the “eight core sites in my creative genome” — now, the godfather of the Multiverse concept brings one of the most critically acclaimed and most recognizable figures in the history of fantasy fiction back to sequential art with BOOM! Studios’ ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST!

And if you’ve never heard of ELRIC, you’re in luck! BOOM! Studios is offering the ELRIC FREE ONLINE PRELUDE for anyone to read online at www.elriccomic.com! Showcasing an original complete 10-page story not found in the first issue, along with artist bios and a brief history of Michael Moorcock’s Eternal Champion ELRIC!

ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST features the return of Michael Moorcock’s legendary Multiverse, featuring some of the greatest fantasy characters of all time: Elric of Melniboné, Corum of the Scarlet Robe, and Dorian Hawkmoon in a brand-new story that will test the courage of the Eternal Champion! In this new series, the workings of Fate are being tampered with across the Multiverse, upsetting the Cosmic Balance. Elric of Melniboné must preserve the Balance and save the entire Multiverse from ruin. But no sooner has his journey begun than he is waylaid by dark forces and lost on the Moonbeam Roads. Elric finds himself stranded on a world where Chaos holds sway and where change is the only constant. Heroes are forced into action far and wide, but will they fight on the side of Law or Chaos?

With both the BOOM! Studios Comics App on the iOS platform and the Comics by comiXology App on iOS and Android devices, you can buy ELRIC on either your iPhone, iPad or Android device and enjoy it on that device. When you buy a comic on one of these mobile platforms, you can also enjoy reading the comic through the comics.comixology.com website. If you do not own a mobile device and want to read the comic digitally, all you have to do is go to comics.comixology.com to buy ELRIC to read on your PC or Mac through your browser. Utilizing www.elriccomic.com as an introduction and a portal gives comic book readers an easy way to enjoy the free prelude, then buy the first issue in print at their local comic shop, on their mobile device or on their browser.

In late August, comic book retailers everywhere will be able to participate in the sales of BOOM! Studios digital comics as BOOM! Studios and comiXology roll out retailer digital store fronts.

ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST #1 debuts in print and digitally today, July 6, 2011, and is written by Chris Roberson (iZOMBIE, SUPERMAN) and drawn by Francesco Biagini (DINGO) and includes an afterword by Neil Gaiman. This title ships with A & B covers in a 50/50 split with art by Francesco Mattina and Francesco Biagini respectively, as well as a 1-in-10 incentive cover by Dennis Calero and a 1-in-25 incentive cover by Tim Bradstreet. This premiere issue can be purchased at your local comic shop, through the BOOM! Studios Comics App, Comics by comiXology App and the web at comics.comixology.com for $3.99. ELRIC: THE BALANCE LOST #1 carries a Diamond Code of MAY110918.

About BOOM! Studios
Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (www.boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of bestselling comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent, including Mark Waid’s series IRREDEEMABLE, Stan Lee’s SOLDIER ZERO, THE TRAVELER, and STARBORN (the first new series in print from the industry icon in 20 years), new HELLRAISER comics written by Clive Barker as well as 20th Century Fox’s PLANET OF THE APES, 28 DAYS LATER, and DIE HARD, Philip K. Dick’s DO ANDROIDS DREAM OF ELECTRIC SHEEP?, and The Henson Company’s FARSCAPE. BOOM!’s recently rebranded all-ages imprint, KABOOM! will see publication of PEANUTS, SPACE WARPED, Roger Langridge’s SNARKED, Scholastic’s WORDGIRL and as well as continuing to publish fan-favorite Disney Afternoon series DARKWING DUCK, CHIP ‘N’ DALE RESCUE RANGERS, DUCKTALES along with Disney standards MICKEY MOUSE, DONALD DUCK, UNCLE SCROOGE, and WALT DISNEY’S COMICS AND STORIES.

 

Summertime MANGA Reading Heats Up With New July VIZ MANGA App Updates

from VIZ:

VIZ Media delivers more summer manga reading fun as it announces the debut of four new manga (graphic novel) series that join the extensive library of VIZ MANGA APP titles currently available for digital download for the Apple iPadT, iPhoneT and iPodT Touch.

Launching during the first-half of July will be Shunju Aono’s slacker-inspired I’LL GIVE IT MY ALL TOMORROW, as well as GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA, creator Kaori Yuki’s twisted tale of horror and tortured romance.  The newest round of updates also features the debut of the VIZBIG omnibus version of Rumiko Takahashi’s classic supernatural adventure, INUYASHA. After shopping, also enter to win a $50 iTunes gift card by taking the VIZ Manga App survey, running through the end of August.

The VIZ MANGA APP is now available for free for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch devices through the iTunesR Store, and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada from within the application for only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume.

I’LL GIVE IT MY ALL TOMORROW Vol. 1 . Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens . Available July 4th

Created by Shunju Aono, I’LL GIVE MY ALL TOMORROW is the story of a hapless forty year-old salaryman who quits his job to pursue his dream of becoming a manga artist – and the family that has to put up with him. While not terribly unhappy, Shizuo Oguro can’t fight the feeling that something in his life just isn’t right, so he walks away from his stable (yet boring) day job to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Unfortunately for his family, this journey also involves playing video games all day while his teenage daughter and elderly father support him. Will Shizuo succeed in creating a true manga masterpiece, or will he be just another dropout living a life of slack?

INUYASHA VIZBIG Vol. 1 . Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens . Available July. iPad Exclusive!

Kagome is an ordinary modern schoolgirl living an ordinary life. Who would have thought the dried-up old well on the site of her family’s shrine would be a gateway to Japan’s ancient past? Drawn through the gate against her will, Kagome finds herself battling demons for control of what she thought was a worthless trinket but is actually a powerful magical gem, the Shikon Jewel! Together with an unlikely ally, the half demon Inuyasha, Kagome begins a quest to recover the shards of the Shikon Jewel and learn more about her link to the past.

GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA Vol. 1 . Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens . Available July 11th

GRAND GUIGNOL ORCHESTRA is the latest series from gothic manga queen Kaori  Yuki. 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!

Additional new VIZ Media manga volumes launching include:

June 4th:

  • BLACK BIRD Vol. 7
  • BLEACH Vol. 18
  • CLAYMORE Vol. 13
  • DENGEKI DAISY Vol. 2
  • D. GRAY MAN Vol. 14
  • DRAGON BALL Z Vol. 16
  • HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES Vol. 3
  • NARUTO Vol. 33
  • ONE PIECE Vol. 33

June 11th:

  • DRAGON BALL Z Vol. 17
  • FUSHIGI YUGI: GENBU KAIDEN Vol. 4
  • HYDE & CLOSER Vol. 3
  • KEKKAISHI Vol. 8
  • NARUTO Vol. 34
  • ONE PIECE Vol. 34
  • ROSARIO + VAMPIRE Vol. 10
  • RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 17
  • THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU Vol. 3

The VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch, with an extensive downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. The app now offers nearly 300 volumes available for download. Readers should 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 www.VIZ.com/apps/.

Viz Premiers Cliffhanger Series Finale of NEURO: SUPERNATURAL DETECTIVE

from Viz:

VIZ Media has announced that the exciting concluding episode of the anime series NEURO: SUPERNATURAL DETECTIVE will stream beginning Friday, July 1st on VIZAnime.com (www.VIZAnime.com), the company’s own premier website for free anime, as well as the streaming content provider HULU (www.Hulu.com).

NEURO: SUPERNATURAL DETECTIVE (rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences) is based on a popular manga (graphic novel) series created by Yusei Matsui, and was produced by the famed animation studio, MADHOUSE. The series depicts the adventures of Neuro Nogami, a demon that feeds on unsolved criminal mysteries and riddles of the human world. In order to protect his identity, he forms a secret partnership with Yako, an incisive 16-year-old high school girl. This unlikely crime-solving duo devours one mystery after another in search of the ultimate appetizing mystery!

In the series’ final episode, Neuro’s demon powers do not work inside the ruins, and he is near-death as monstrous Sai the Thief impales him. Yako stops Sai as he is about to end Neuro’s life, and she gets to the bottom of all the unsolved mysteries. She also figures out who killed her father, why Laritta seems to have seen Selene, and who Selene truly is. Yako even unravels details of Sai’s birth and his innermost thoughts. Sai is taken aback, but that won’t stop him from trying to kill Neuro!

VIZAnime.com is a free-to-use web destination that is now the permanent home to some of the company’s best-loved animated series. Over 1,700 episodes are currently available, and new content is added on a weekly basis. Series currently simulcast on VIZAnime.com include TIGER & BUNNY, BLUE EXORCIST, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN and BLEACH. Other fan-favorite series available include CROSS GAME, DEATH NOTE, FULL MOON, INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, KEKKAISHI, NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, ONE PIECE, VAMPIRE KNIGHT, and more!

For more information on NEURO: SUPERNATURAL DETECTIVE and other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit www.VIZAnime.com.

A Sentient Fighter Plane Faces its Most Dangerous Mission in GOOD LUCK, YUKIKAZE, New from Viz Media’s Haikasoru Imprint

from Viz:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, brings the next chapter of author Ch?hei Kambayashi’s YUKIKAZE space war saga to North American readers with the publication of GOOD LUCK, YUKIKAZE, by the company’s Haikasoru imprint, on July 19th. The new novel will carry an MSRP of $15.99 / $18.99 CAN. The digital book edition will also be available simultaneously.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences. The imprint is the first to launch in North America with a dedicated focus on Japanese science fiction.

In GOOD LUCK, YUKIKAZE, the alien JAM have been at war with humanity for over thirty years…or have they? Rei Fukai of the FAF’s Special Air Force and his sentient plane Yukikaze have seen endless battles, but after declaring “Humans are unnecessary now,” and forcibly ejecting Fukai, Yukikaze is on her own. Is the target of the JAM’s hostility really Earth’s machines? And have the artificial intelligences of Earth been acting in concert with the JAM to manipulate Yukikaze? As Rei tries to ascertain the truth behind the intentions of both sides, he realizes that his own humanity may be at risk, and that the JAM are finally about to make themselves known to the world at large.

“Ch?hei Kambayashi’s philosophical approach to military science fiction is extremely methodical–he tangles with the alien mind, the human personality, the impact of the social world on the individual, and even questions of theology,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s Editor. “The YUKIKAZE series also has plenty of aerial assaults and frightening set pieces as well. The books were national bestsellers in Japan, where the book series spawned two popular anime series. Ch?hei Kambayashi has been called the Philip K. Dick of Japanese science fiction. Come discover why!”

Author Ch?hei Kambayashi was born in 1953. In 1979 he won the 5th Hayakawa Science Fiction contest with his debut work, Dance with a Fox. He followed that with his first novel, May Peace Be on Your Soul. His numerous long and short series have won him the prestigious Seiun Award four times, and in 1999 he also won the 16th Japan SF award.

For more information on GOOD LUCK, YUKIKAZE and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at www.haikasoru.com.

HARPER COLLINS to release new printing of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL

From Arcana Comics:

Arcana Studios, an award winning comic book publisher and transmedia producer, is proud to announce that Harper Collins is to release a new printing of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, the amazing creation of Sean Patrick O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, this July.

Long out of print, THE CLOCKWORK GIRL, was originally released in five illustrated stories and sold more than 340,000 copies worldwide. The full story of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL (Harper Design//On Sale:July 12, 2011//ISBN:9780062080394) comes to life again in this beautifully illustrated graphic novel with a new forward from the original authors, Sean Patrick O’Reilly and Kevin Hanna, along with playful, full-page pin-ups of the characters.

The story takes place in a whimsical land far, far away where inventors compete to show off their latest trinkets and inventions at the local fair. A mad scientist, determined to win the top prize at the fair, creates a robot Clockwork Girl. Against all odds, she finds love and companionship in Huxley, the amazing mutant circus boy. Despite the threats of their warring families, they begin to explore the world together and discover what it means to be human—to move, to think, and ultimately, to love.

THE CLOCKWORK GIRL has won the Moonbeam Award, as well as the Graphic Novel of the Year Award at Book Expo America by ForeWord magazine.

This fall, THE CLOCKWORK GIRL will be released a a 3-D luximation animated film, voiced by a “dream team” of talents, including Carrie Ann Moss (Matrix), Jeffrey Tambor (Arrested Development), Alexa Vega (Spy Kids), Jesse McCartney (Horton Hears a Who) and Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond). An exciting sneak peek teaser is available online at http://www.theclockworkgirl.com.

About Arcana Studios:
Arcana Studio Inc. is an entertainment company with over 150 graphic novels and remains independent of major entertainment studio affiliation. Arcana Studio is currently in production of the stereoscopic 3D animated feature, The Clockwork Girl. Arcana is also partnered with Gale Ann Hurd (“Terminator”, “Aliens”) on Gearhead, Alexandra Milchan (Sylvestor Stallone’s “Head Shot”) on Blade of Kumori, Hans Rodinoff and Hollywood Media Bridge (“Lost Boys: The Tribe”) on Raise Kane, Scott Milam (“Mother’s Day”) on Gauze, Ben Magid (“Hack/Slash”) on Trout, Jar Productions (“Hidden Howie”) on Philosopher Rex, Terry Dougas (“The Invention of Lying”) on The Tower, Doc Wyatt (“Napoleon Dynamite”) on 100 Girls, JC Spink (“The Hangover”) on Continuum, Adrian Askarieh (“The Hitman”) on Amnesia and also is producing a three slate at Codeblack/Universal for Light’s Out, Ant and Blam!

Viz Media Debuts a Snapshot of Life in LA QUINTA CAMERA Manga Series

From Viz:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will delight fans and readers with the release of Natsume Ono’s single-volume manga (graphic novel), LA QUINTA CAMERA, on July 19th. The title is highly anticipated as accolades for Ono’s works continues to grow across North America. LA QUINTA CAMERA will be published under VIZ Media’s Signature imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN.

LA QUINTA CAMERA revolves around the tenants of an apartment in Italy. In four of the rooms live four single men with singular personalities. Into this peculiar ménage steps an exchange student, the new tenant of the fifth room. Brought together by chance, friends by choice, they pursue their dreams together as the days drift gently by.

“Natsume Ono first drew acclaim in Japan in 2003 with LA QUINTA CAMERA, which marked her professional debut,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Ono thrilled North American audiences with her recent live appearances in New York City and also at the 2011 Toronto Comics Art Festival, and her fame continues to grow among domestic readers. LA QUINTA CAMERA wonderfully exhibits Ono’s unconventional artistic style and skillful storytelling abilities, and we hope that her fan base will expand even more with the release of this inspiring manga.”

Natsume Ono’s work is characterized by a minimalist yet sensual art style and composed psychological portraits that explore the relationships and dramas of everyday life. Ono made her professional debut in 2003, and her subsequent works including not simple, RISTORANTE PARADISO, GENTE and HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES (all published under VIZ Media’s Signature imprint) have pushed the manga genre in intriguing new directions. RISTORANTE PARADISO and HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES have also been adapted into animated TV series.

Ono’s HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES, a many-sided tale of drama and intrigue set in the world of old Edo, was also recently nominated for a 2011 Will Eisner Comic Industry Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material – Asia.

For more information on Natsume Ono or to check out other VIZ Signature titles, please visitwww.SigIKKI.com.

 

VIZ Media Launches a Special Summertime “Heroes of Anime” Sweepstakes Contest

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, announced the kick-off of a special Heroes of Anime summer sweepstakes. The contest, which also celebrates VIZ Media’s 25th Anniversary, runs throughout the summer. Entry details and more information are available at: viz.com/25years.

The Heroes of Anime Grand Prize will award one lucky winner with 2 passes to attend the exclusive U.S theatrical premiere of the latest Naruto feature film — Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds — set to take place in New York City around New York Comic-Con. The winner will also receive airfare and hotel accommodations for themselves and a guest as part of the Grand Prize package.

Follow-up prizes will include an Apple iPad, awarded to one lucky contestant, as well as several prize packages that will go to other winners and will include fun tchotchkes and collectibles from a variety of top VIZ Media anime properties.

In Naruto Shippuden the Movie: Bonds, a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

“Fans won’t want to miss their chance to win a special trip to New York City to attend the U.S. theatrical premiere of the newest Naruto Shippuden feature film,” says Candice Uyloan, Director, Marketing. “It will be a truly memorable event that will feature some fun interactive activities, celebrity appearances, and plenty of photo opportunities. Come help us celebrate our 25th Anniversary and submit your entry for the Heroes of Anime sweepstakes today!”

More information on Naruto is available at Naruto.com.