Month: June 2011

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.

Rare Auction of Original Pop/Anime Art by Yoshitaka Amano to Raise Funds for Ongoing Japan Disaster Relief at New People July 9th

from New People:

Don’t miss a rare opportunity to own an original artwork by pop and anime artist Yoshitaka Amano as NEW PEOPLE presents Yoshitaka Amano: FOR JAPAN, a very special art exhibition and auction event at the venue’s SUPERFROG Gallery to fund ongoing Japanese disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. The special auction event is scheduled for Saturday, July 9th from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Guests must RSVPhere to attend. NEW PEOPLE is located at 1746 Post St. in San Francisco’s Japantown. Additional details are available at: www.newpeopleworld.com/arts/yoshitaka-amano-for-japan.

Yoshitaka Amano has donated three striking new brush works on canvas to be auctioned for the tsunami and earthquake victims of Japan. Fully 100% of all proceeds will be received by the Northern Japan Earthquake Relief Fund by JCCCNC (www.jcccnc.org).

All bidders must pre-register to participate. Bidders may register online here or also on-site at the SUPERFROG Gallery. Credit Card information will be attained via phone after registration, along with a Bidder Number that will be used for identification during the auction Bidding will be open to on-site as well as text bidding beginning at 12:00pm (PST) on Saturday, July 9th. Bid amounts will be updated LIVE on NEW PEOPLE’s TWITTER page.

Yoshitaka Amano: FOR JAPAN will further exhibit a range of the acclaimed artist’s works that were originally created as a testament to his childhood love for American pop culture, comics, and automobiles. Reinterpreted with his signature manga and anime-influenced graphic style, these breathtaking and vibrant pieces are boldly coated in auto paint and metallic glitter.

Legendary artist Yoshitaka Amano is widely acclaimed for his work in animation and video games. He is also renowned for designing the characters for the hit video game, Final Fantasy, as well as for anime films including Vampire Hunter D, Guin Saga, Final Fantasy, and Front Mission.

For more information on NEW PEOPLE, please visit www.newpeopleworld.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.

 

Games, Girls, Guns! Hong Kong Action Short Film BLOODTRAFFICK to Debut at One of North America’s Largest Gaming Conventions

from RockGinger:

Games. Girls. Guns. All of these are packed into Gen Con, an exciting four-day event where over 30,000 fantasy and sci-fi gamers convene and where the Hong Kong action short Bloodtraffick, starring rising action star Grace Huang and Kirt Kishita, will have its world premiere. Set in a world torn by a war between vampires and angels, Bloodtraffick features the human vigilante Ava, played by Grace Huang, who stars with Russell Crowe, the RZA, and Daniel Wu in the upcoming Eli Roth-produced action film The Man With the Iron Fists, pitted against the vampire Finn, played by Kirt Kishita. The short is directed by award-nominated American director Jennifer Thym, produced by Desmond So, and features Hong Kong action star Philip Ng as action director and stunt choreographer.

A lifelong fan of roleplaying and video games, Thym partners up again with her key creative team from her acclaimed webseries LUMINA to give this fantasy action film, which serves both as a standalone film and a prequel for a feature film, a distinct gritty Hong Kong feel, influenced by modern action and horror films as well as videogames. “I was so impressed with Grace and Kirt on set. Under Phil’s guidance,they jumped right into the action scenes and gave it absolutely everything,” Thym says. “That level of enthusiasm is contagious and gets the respect of the crew.”

Bloodtraffick will premiere at Gen Con Indy Film Festival at 10 pm, Friday, August 5, 2011, alongside a block of selected horror films, including Waiting Fear, Left for Dead, Prom King, The Window Into Time, Raven’s Hollow, Lullaby, Dark Allies and The Weeping Woman. More information about Bloodtraffick, including stills and anextensive set of behind-the-scenes photos, can be found on http://www.facebook.com/bloodtraffick.

ABOUT LEAD ACTRESS GRACE HUANG:

A native of Sydney, Australia, and fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, Grace Huang is a rising star in Asian cinema. With a wealth of experience in frontof the camera, Grace has acted opposite international A-list actors such as RussellCrowe, Josh Duhamel (Las Vegas), and Daniel Wu, as well as Asian music sensationsAndy Lau, Eason Chan, Andy Hui, and Vanness Wu.

Grace’s depth and flexibility as an actor earned her an exciting action role in the upcoming Hollywood feature film The Man with the Iron Fists(scheduled for release in2012) directed by the RZA, and starring the RZA, Russell Crowe and Lucy Liu. Other upcoming feature film projects includeLove in Space, a Hong Kong romantic comedy scheduled for release in the summer of 2011.

Prior to the big screen, Grace earned critical acclaim as one of six lead characters inthe Taiwan Golden Bell Award-winning television drama Friends.

Bloodtraffick is Grace’s first foray into the vampire action genre.

Grace’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/gracehuangactor
Grace’s Twitter: www.twitter.com/Grace__Huang
Grace’s Blog: www.alivenotdead.com/gracehuang

ABOUT LEAD ACTOR KIRT KISHITA:

Kirt Kishita is a versatile actor on stage and on film, having starred in films in the US and Asia, including Asian Stories Book 3 and Boxed In, which won Best Film and Best Acting at the 48 Hour Film Project: Hong Kong 2010.

Kirt’s Blog: www.alivenotdead.com/kirtkishita

ABOUT ACTION DIRECTOR PHILIP NG:

Philip Ng is a Hong Kong actor who is also a master in the martial arts. Trained inVing Tsun Kung Fu under the late Sifu Wong Shun-Leung, Philip is also a sixthgeneration disciple of Choy Lay Fut Kung Fu, training from his father, Sam Ng.Philip is also a trained expert in Hung Gar Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do, Jiujitsu, andEscrima. In addition to being an accomplished actor, Philip has also worked as fightchoreographer on a number of films. His film credits include Naked Soldier, Bodyguards and Assassins, and New Police Story.

Philip’s Blog: www.alivenotdead.com/philipng

ABOUT PRODUCER DESMOND SO:

Desmond So has extensive experience in the entertainment business and is producer of Bloodtraffick. A television host of Hong Kong’s only English-language lifestyle and luxury-living show on TVB as well as a movie-based entertainment newsprogram on FOX International Channels’ STAR Movies, Desmond and his programs are watched by millions of viewers in more than 20 countries across Asia.

Desmond now stands in front of the camera after having worked behind it for threeyears at The Walt Disney Company’s television network ABC, Inc. in New York. He worked on shows such as The View, The Bachelor, All My Children, and Miss America. While living in New York, Desmond was also involved with Second Generation, a non-profit theater company devoted to bringing Asian American stories to the world’s stage.

In addition to his passion for entertainment, Desmond is also an entrepreneur. Hefounded and operates a consulting firm that provides premier training to Asia’sbusiness managers, professionals, and students.

Desmond’s blog: www.alivenotdead.com/desmondso

ABOUT DIRECTOR JENNIFER THYM & ROCKGINGER:

RockGinger is a film production company founded in 2008 by award-nominated filmdirector and producer Jennifer Thym. Thym’s debut film project, the groundbreaking fantasy web series LUMINA (nine webisodes, 63 minutes total running time, releasedFall 2009), garnered eleven nominations, including a Streamy Awards nominationand a Webby Awards Official Honoree distinction, and has been viewed in festivals and on online platforms around the world. She is also producer of the independentfeature film Jasmine, starring Jason Tobin (The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, Better Luck Tomorrow), Eugenia Yuan (Memoirs of a Geisha) and Byron Mann (The Man with the Iron Fists, Street Fighter). Jennifer and her films have been featured in numerous print and online publications, including the Wall Street Journal Asia, the South China Morning Post, Time Out Hong Kong andMarie Claire (Italy).

Her latest projects are the feature film version of Bloodtraffick and the cross-cultural TV comedy series Mister French Taste, starring Osric Chau (2012, Andy Lau’s What Women Want), Olivier Malet and Sarah Lian.

Jen’s Twitter: www.twitter.com/jenthym

Jen’s Website: www.rockginger.com

ABOUT GEN CON:

Gen Con, LLC produces the largest consumer hobby, fantasy, sci-fi and adventuregame convention in North America. It was acquired in 2002 by former CEO andfounder of Wizards of the Coast Peter Adkison, who owns the Seattle-basedcompany. Gen Con is a consumer and trade experience dedicated to gaming cultureand community. For more information, visit Gen Con’s website at www.gencon.com.

For up-to-the minute details, find us at www.facebook.com/genconindy and at www.twitter.com/gen_con.

 

 

VIZ Media to Premiere the Tense High-Speed Action of New Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s Manga Series

From VIZ:

High Stakes, High Drama And High Speed Turbo Duels Await Readers In TheLatest Saga Of Classic Fantasy Action Franchise

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largestdistributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will releasethe next exciting chapter of the venerable YU-GI-OH! franchise as thecompany launches the brand new YU-GI-OH! 5D’S manga (graphic novel) serieson July 5th.

The new series, written by Masahiro Hikokubo with artwork created by MasashiSato, will be published under the company’s popular Shonen Jump imprint, israted ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.First editions of the premiere volume will also include a special YU-GI-OH!Dark Highlander collectible trading card.

In New Domino City, the hottest game in town is the Turbo Duel, fought fromblazingly fast motorcycles called Duel Runners. On the outskirts of NewDomino City, in a district known as Satellite, a new Turbo Duel hero emerges- Yusei Fudo! On his custom-built Duel Runner, Yusei takes on allchallengers, fighting for his friends and the future of Satellite!  In theopening volume of the new YU-GI-OH! 5D’S series, a high-speed Turbo Duelthrough the streets of Satellite brings Yusei Fudo and his friend Sectface-to-face with an urban legend incarnate! Will Yusei lose Sect to theSkeleton Knight? And what sinister plans does Jack Atlas, master of NewDomino City, have in store for Yusei?

“High stakes, high drama and tense high-speed action await readers in thenew YU-GI-OH! 5D’S manga adventure,” says Mike Montesa, Editor. “InYU-GI-OH! 5D’S, the classic card game of dueling monsters has evolved tonow include ‘turbo duels’ waged in giant stadiums on fantastic racingmotorcycles outfitted with built-in magical dueling equipment. ExistingYU-GI-OH! fans won’t want to miss the launch of this exciting new series,which is also an ideal entry point for readers that are new to the YU-GI-OH!world. We can’t wait for the series launch this July!”

Masahiro Hikokubo is a writer with extensive experience on several notableYU-GI-OH! animated series, having worked on the original YU-GI-OH! animeseries as a duel designer before going on to write scripts for YU-GI-OH! GX,YU-GI-OH! The Movie: Pyramid of Light, as well as the latest YU-GI-OH! 5D’S.

Masashi Sato debuted as a manga artist in Akamaru Jump in the summer of 2004with the short story, Mikakushi Tsumuji. He was also named a semi-finalistfor the 64th Tezuka Award for his work, Guhou Daichi. After working as anassistant to the YU-GI-OH! manga creative team, Sato became the lead artiston YU-GI-OH! 5D’S.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one ofthe most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga(graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing ofJapanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensorsof manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., andShogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in thepublishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiencesin North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is aglobal ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offersan integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthologySHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets,licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumersof all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133;Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and website at www.VIZ.com.

Explore the Farthest Reaches of the Galaxy with Star Wars: The Clone Wars on DVD and Blue-Ray

From starwars.com:

Pull back the starry curtain and reveal the secrets of the galaxy – with Star Wars: The Clone Wars™ The Complete Season Three, coming to DVD and high-definition Blu-ray Disc on October 18th from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Warner Home Video. Featuring stunning high-definition animation as well as a host of behind-the-scenes bonus materials, the complete collection explores the untold stories of “a galaxy far, far away” and reveals the magic behind the making of the cutting edge series.

Relive all 22 Season Three episodes – featuring familiar faces including Jabba the Hutt, Greedo, Tarkin and Chewbacca the Wookiee, as well as assassins, bounty hunters, witches, monsters and mysteries surrounding the very essence of the Force itself – and then explore the Lucasfilm vaults with behind-the-scenes insights on the making of the remarkable series. Bonus materials include five behind-the-scenes featurettes, each with director and crew interviews. And exclusive to the Blu-ray disc, The Jedi Temple Archives provides in-depth access to an extensive database of creative materials – including early test animations, concept art, 3D turnarounds and more than 30 deleted/extended scenes.

“In our third season, we told stories we couldn’t have imagined when we first started making the show,” says Supervising Director Dave Filoni. “George expects the best, every week, so we keep raising the bar. Everything’s gotten better. This series is for everyone that’s ever wondered what went on during this period, and we’re exploring it all. Sorcery, the Force and even Darth Maul’s origins. We are doing things that just wouldn’t have been possible before, and the animation is up to the challenge of bringing the layered Star Wars galaxy to life. And it looks spectacular in high-definition.”

Created and executive produced by George Lucas, the first-ever TV production from Lucasfilm Animation explores the tumultuous time between Episodes II and III, expanding the scope of Star Wars beyond anything seen in the feature films. Featuring the voices of Matt Lanter (90210), Ashley Eckstein (Her Universeapparel line), Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad), James Arnold Taylor (Johnny Test), Catherine Taber (Just Like Heaven) and Tom Kane (Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes), the third season also features a formidable line-up of guest stars – including Emmy-winner Seth Green (Robot Chicken), Sam Witwer (Being Human), Clancy Brown (Superman: The Animated Series), Jaime King (Sin City) and Oscar-nominee Liam Neeson.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season Three will be available on October 18th for the suggested retail price of $44.98 for DVD and $59.99 for Blu-ray.

Special Features:

Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Complete Season Three is presented in widescreen with English, Spanish and French 5.1 DTS audio and English, French and Spanish subtitles.  Bonus features include:

·               Featurettes

o   Creating Kamino

o   Hutts and the Underworld

o   Witches and Monsters

o   Secrets of Mortis

o   Chewbacca Returns

·               Blu-ray Exclusive – The Jedi Temple Archives

o   An extensive database exploring special effects footage, early concept art, 3D character and object turnarounds, early animation and more than 30 deleted/extended scenes. The Archives is a rare look at the assets in various stages of creation for The Clone Wars, with a wealth of surprises and never-before seen moments sprinkled throughout

Synopsis:

Mystery and adventure await the heroes of the Republic in the transformative third season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. As the dark side grows ever stronger and the Jedi Knights are pushed to their breaking point, alliances will be tested, truths will be questioned and galaxy-changing secrets will be uncovered to shake the very foundations of the Star Wars universe. From the nature of the Force itself to secrets about the destiny of “The Chosen One,” surprises wait at every turn – all while the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.

Order your copy today at Amazon!

RiffTrax’s Riff of “X-Men: The Last Stand” is Coming Out Next Week!

from RiffTrax:

For some reason, San Francisco has become the go-to location for hack directors to set their abysmal movies. The mere sight of the Golden Gate Bridge or Lombard Street are enough to trigger unpleasant memories of Tommy Wiseau’s ass. And as if to prove that the city’s unique charms were no fluke, James Ngyuen broke out the coat hangers and did him one better with Birdemic.

But we venture to say that with X-Men: The Last Stand, director Brett Ratner has outdone both of those movies in terms of resources squandered and the resulting tonnage of raw suckitude.

For while The Room gave us endless catchphrases, breast cancer scares and Chris-R, and Birdemic delighted us with Hangin’ Out With My Family, bark beetles and solrpnls, X-Men 3 only offers up the ridiculous sight of Kelsey Grammer in bright blue fur as a means of easing the pain of cliché ridden dialogue, disinterested performances and Vinnie Jones.

Mike, Kevin and Bill were extremely disappointed to learn that X-Men:The Last Stand even lies with its name, as the franchise continues to stand to this day, despite repeated requests at ever escalating volumes to please, PLEASE, in the name of all that is holy, take a seat!

Only $3.99!

Get more info here.

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.

DC Comics’ Green Lantern X MIMOBOT

from Mimoco:

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