Tap Your Inner Manga Artist for the Official “Bakuman” Art Contest

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media and Shonen Jump Magazine invite fans and artists to participate in a new art contest inspired by the hit manga (graphic novel) series Bakuman. Contest submissions will be accepted until April 29th and may be mailed to:

Bakuman Fan Art Contest
C/O VIZ Media
P.O. Box 77010
San Francisco, CA 94107-9913

A release form must be signed and included with each submission. More information and the release form is available at: ShonenJump.com/bakumanfanartcontest.

Winners will be announced on June 7th.

One First Place winner will receive a DELETER Manga Manga Tools Set ST, a Sakura Pigma Manga Comic Pro 8 Piece Set and a Manga Studio EX 4 software package. Three runner-up winners will each be awarded a DELETER Manga Tools Set ST along with a Manga Studio Debut 4 software package. Special Honorable Mention awards will go to five other winners who will each receive a Sakura USA Pigma Manga — Comic Pro 6 Piece Set.

Bakuman (Rated ‘T’ for Teens) is written by the author of Death Note, Tsugumi Ohba, with artwork by Takeshi Obata, the artist known for series such as Death Note, Hikaru no Go, and Ral Grad. The story follows average student Moritaka Mashiro, who enjoys drawing for fun, but when his classmate and aspiring writer Akito Takagi discovers his talent, he begs Moritaka to team up with him as a manga-creating duo. But what exactly does it take to make it in the manga-publishing world?

For more information on Bakuman or other Shonen Jump titles, please visit ShonenJump.com.

Since 1984, DELETER has manufactured an innovative line of high quality manga art supplies and accessories, including pens and markers, paper, screentones and instruction books. The company’s products are sold in Japan and 25 other countries. More information is available at: deleter-mangashop.com.

Sakura of America supplies art products exclusively from their parent company, Sakura Color Products Corporation of Japan (founded in 1921), whose history of product innovation and superior product quality is recognized around the world. Product brands include Cray-Pas oil pastels, Pigma Micron fine line pens, Gelly Roll pigmented roller pens and Solid Markers. More information may be found at: sakuraofamerica.com.

The OneUps: Intergalactic Redux

from OneUp Studios:

The new album from The OneUps — straight from outer space and into your CD player (or digital player if you prefer). You can purchase the CD from our Web site** or buy it either digital-only or digital AND CD from Bandcamp!

I recommend Bandcamp. You’ll be able to:
– Buy the physical copy of the CD
– Get an immediate digital download in whatever format you wish (MP3, Apple Lossless, FLAC, etc.)
– Pay a minimum of $5.94 (for digital only)
– Get to hear the whole album for free before you buy to make sure you’re making a smart purchase.

It’s the future. And this album is the future. Check out the amazing new sound from The OneUps. Classics like “Contra”, “Super Metroid”, “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” and more — in ways you’ve never heard them before.

But don’t take our word for it:

“It’s solid. It hits you like a truck. A funk truck.” ~ Patrick Gann, OriginalSoundVersion.com

“I love the music that this outfit puts together and, having listened to this album a few times this evening, think it’s some of their best work.” ~ Conrad Zimmerman, Destructoid.com

“…if you’re looking for an interesting take on video game music that doesn’t fall into the same pitfalls that much of it does, The OneUps are a truly unique band deserving of your attention.” ~ Eric Stuckart, PrimaryIgnition.com

For those of you who want digital but don’t want to use Bandcamp:
iTunes
AmazonMP3
TheOneUps.com

Bad Dudes vs. OCReMix — Heroes vs. Villains
Heroes vs. Villains is a free album from both the Bad Dudes and OverClocked ReMix, bringing opposing hero and villain themes together as remixed by “opposing” Bad Dude and OverClocked ReMix artists. The OCR peeps took on the hero themes, and the Bad Dudes, appropriately, handled all the villains. This album marks the first official collaboration between these two factions in the video game remixing world, and the end result can only be called incredible. To think, one project that includes top-notch arrangements from classics such as The Legend of Zelda, The Secret of Monkey Island, Super Metroid, Mega Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, God of War, and more. You can download the entire album as a torrent, complete with both MP3 and FLAC versions of each track, or grab each of the 20 tracks individually.

New The OneUps Shirts
New shirts! We have a new “legendary” shirt for boys and for girls, and also a new shirt with our logo “icon” (designed by Mykola Dosenko) — the logo shirt GLOWS IN THE DARK! We hope you’ll check ’em out and snag you one. Show your love for the band. Visit the store and pick OneUp.

You Can Find Us on the Internet
Twitter
Facebook
TheOneUps.com

Mike, Kevin and Bill take on “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”! Available now!

from RiffTrax:

It’s Order of the Phoenix time and the entire gang is back! Harry, Ron, Hermione, Old Weird Harold, Beezus, Ramona, Moomintroll, Peppermint Patty, Churchy LaFemme, Handsome Pete, Kimmy Gibler, Trevor Ochmonek, Chris-R, Sawyer, CCH Pounder, The Fat Kid from “The Sandlot”, Snoopy’s brother Spike, Gobbler, Muffy the Mouse, Minkus, Van Go Lion, Two Bad, Fin Fang Foom, Ugly Naked Guy, Clamps, Yaddle, Carl Winslow, Strong Sad, Mr. Digger, Funky Kong, Error, U-God, Flute Cop, Lester Freamon, The green sumo wrestler thing from the Commodore 64 version of “Bruce Lee”, Dr. Robotnik, Earl Sinclair, Cedric Diggory… Wait, scratch that last one…

Yes, in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the series continues its descent into the dark, twisted real world problems that the wizards face. Namely, the addition of an irritating wizard named Tonks to the cast of characters.

Hogwarts is taken over by the Ministry of Magic, who installs a puppet regime in the form of Dolores Umbridge. Because if there’s one thing kids love in their fantasy novels, it’s ham-fisted satire of totalitarian regimes! Will Harry master occulmency? Will he describe his first kiss simply as “wet”? Will he severely overreact to the death of a character he had only really met a couple of times? Will Mike, Kevin and Bill imply that Dobby has taken up pimping as a way to earn extra cash? All these questions and more will be answered in the affirmative in this RiffTrax of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix!

Only $3.99!

Get it here.

It’s an Action-Packed Introduction to an All-New Three-Part “Clone Wars” Arc – this Friday on Cartoon Network!

from StarWars.com:

Led by Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker, an elite rescue team attempts to free a captive Jedi general from an impenetrable Separatist prison. Deep within enemy territory, The Citadel is surrounded by droids and run by a sadistic warden determined to prevent anyone from breaking out — or in. Our heroes stage an action-packed forced entry to “The Citadel,” the first chapter in an explosive three-part storyline — at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT Friday, February 18 on Cartoon Network.

“This arc is basically classic Star Wars; we focused on the things that I really remember loving about the Saga from when I was a kid,” says Dave Filoni, supervising director of The Clone Wars. “In the Mortis trilogy, George wanted us to explore some ground that’s never really been covered in Star Wars before. And now with the Citadel arc, we’re going back to some of those essential, classic conventions that have always made Star Wars so fun.”

Action-packed and filled with nods to the live-action saga, the Citadel trilogy finds its heroes behind enemy lines — using an unusual infiltration tactic that fans of the original trilogy will recognize as a twist on a classic Star Wars scene. With the heroes encasing themselves in carbonite to slip past The Citadel’s impenetrable security, the episode explores quintessentially familiar ground in decidedly unfamiliar ways.

“There are a lot of references packed into these episodes,” says Filoni. “Even the basic break-in idea parallels the Death Star rescue from Episode IV. It was really fun to do our version of that, but it’s definitely not the only thing that will feel familiar — though we’ve put our own spin on everything. This whole arc allowed us some fun opportunities to pay homage to the Star Wars that we all fell in love with when we, the older fans, were kids. Pretty much everyone on the crew is a fan, so it’s been fun to revisit some of those classic elements in The Clone Wars.”

Another familiar element come in the form of a classic Star Wars villain — introduced here on the side of the Republic! First appearing in Episode IV as the Imperial officer bold enough to “[hold] Vader’s leash,” Grand Moff Tarkin (now just a captain) will have his fateful first meeting with Anakin Skywalker in this week’s Clone Wars adventure.

“Tarkin was tricky,” says Filoni. “We had to capture his essence, while also aging him down appropriately. Peter Cushing is such a distinguished actor, and Tarkin is such an iconic role. He fills the room with his presence and, aside from the Emperor, he’s the only character who ever orders Vader around. So getting him right was very important to us, because his introduction to Anakin is an important one. And they’ve got a fun relationship that’s been very interesting to explore.”

Nintendo Celebrates “ValenSlime Day” with Launch of “Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation”

from Nintendo of Canada:

Starting today, video game fans in North America can embark on a classic hand-held adventure that has been unavailable outside of Japan for more than 15 years. The Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation game makes its North American debut for the Nintendo DS family of systems, combining classic role-playing thrills with fresh character options, unique challenges and play-it-anywhere convenience. With a robust class system and the ability to enlist monsters to help players on their quests, this memorable entry in the popular Dragon Quest series will enthrall experienced players and newcomers alike.

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation invites players to explore multiple worlds and take a stand against the villainous Murdaw, who spreads terror and unrest throughout a strange alternate universe. Joined by a traveling martial artist and a mysterious girl, the game’s hero must face down an imaginative cast of enemy monsters — including the iconic Slime. In this new edition of the game for Nintendo DS systems, players can even have monsters join their traveling party to lend a hand in battles. Other special features include enhanced graphics and new touch-screen mini-games.

“With Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation, players not only get to discover a classic game that’s been unavailable outside Japan since 1995, but they’re also getting some fresh twists and surprises,” said Ron Bertram, Nintendo of Canada’s vice-president and general manager. “The ability to switch between character classes and recruit enemies into the player’s party adds a new level of fun to the classic Dragon Quest game play.”

Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation offers players more than 15 character classes, such as Priest, Warrior, Merchant and Thief. Throughout the adventure, these classes will become more powerful and grant the player new abilities that can be deployed as the game progresses.

For more information about Dragon Quest VI: Realms of Revelation, visit dragonquest6.nintendo.com.

Order your Batman, Robin, Catwoman or The Joker MIMOBOT now! Plus new Stuff We Like!

from Mimoco:

NEW! Batman X MIMOBOT Wave 1 Series! DC Batman X MIMOBOT Wave 1 Series is here! Starts shipping February 25th! Learn More!

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Stuff We Like! LEGO minifigures — Get Me!

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FREE Shipping on ALL Orders Over $50! (Excludes Hawaii, Alaska)

Roger Corman’s Sci-Fi Classics: Triple Feature

from Shout! Factory:

Roger Corman’s Sci-Fi Classics: Attack of the Crab Monsters, Not of This Earth (1957) and War of the Satellites
Triple-Feature Collector’s Edition 2-DVD Set
Three Films Directed and Produced by Legendary Roger Corman
Featuring All New Film Transfers from the Negatives and Widescreen Presentation of Attack of the Crab Monsters and Not of This Earth

In Attack of the Crab Monsters, a group of scientists become marooned on an island while investigating the disappearance of researchers who were looking into atomic activity in the Pacific. They quickly fall prey to giant, mutant crustaceans that have the ability to absorb the minds of their prey. Starring Russell Johnson (Gilligan’s Island), Richard Garland and Mel Welles (Little Shop of Horrors). Attack of the Crab Monsters is a Roger Corman Production. Produced and directed by Roger Corman; screenplay by Charles B. Griffith. (Allied Artists Picture)

An alien (Birch) comes to Earth, masquerading as a human, to scout our planet for a new blood source in Not of This Earth (1957). He needs the blood of humans to take back to his planet of Davana for his dying race. Starring Paul Birch, Beverly Garland (It Conquered the World), Morgan Jones (McMillan & Wife) and Jonathan Haze (Little Shop of Horrors). Not of This Earth (1957) is a Roger Corman Production. Produced and directed by Roger Corman; screenplay by Charles B. Griffith. (Allied Artists Picture)

In War of the Satellites, an “unknown force” declares war against planet Earth when the United Nations disobeys warnings to cease and desist in its attempts at assembling the first satellite in the atmosphere. Starring Dick Miller (Bucket of Blood), Richard Devon (Blood of Dracula), Susan Cabot (The Wasp Woman) and a cameo by Roger Corman. War of the Satellites is a Roger Corman Production. Produced and directed by Roger Corman; screenplay by Lawrence Louis Goldman; co-producers, Jack Rabin and Irving Block. (Allied Artists Release)

Attack of the Crab Monsters: 1957 / Black & White / 62 minutes / Widescreen
Not of This Earth: 1957 / 67 minutes / Widescreen
War of the Satellites: 1958 / 65 minutes / Full Frame

Roger Corman’s Sci-Fi Classics Special Features:
• A Salute to Roger Corman — featuring new interviews with Roger Corman, Peter Fonda, Peter Bogdanovich, Joe Dante and many more.
• Audio Commentaries on Attack of the Crab Monsters and Not of This Earth (1957) with Tom Weaver, John Brunas and Mike Brunas, authors of Universal Horrors.
• The Roger Corman Trailer Collection features over 25 trailers produced and directed by Roger Corman.
• All-new interview with Roger Corman looking back at all three films.

Order now at Amazon.com:
Roger Corman’s Sci-Fi Classics (Canada)
Roger Corman’s Sci-Fi Classics (US)

S&S Signs Up New YA Trilogy by Tonya Hurley

from Publishers Weekly:

Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing announced today that it has acquired U.S. and audio rights to The Blessed, a trilogy by Tonya Hurley, author of ghostgirl and its two sequels. Justin Chanda, v-p and publisher of Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, negotiated the deal with Andy McNichol of William Morris Endeavor. The trilogy — a contemporary, supernatural romance that is a reimagining of the martyrdom legends of three saints — will be edited by executive editor Zareen Jaffery; the inaugural novel will be published in July 2012.

Hurley says that her inspiration for the trilogy grew out of her fascination with martyr stories. To create The Blessed, she drew from the legends of St. Lucy, St. Cecelia, and St. Agnes, who were martyred at a relatively young age. “The legends of these martyrs are among the first real YA stories that we have, and I thought it would be interesting to reimagine them in a modern, romantic context,” she says. “These are infamous tales that are so gruesome and so profoundly beautiful at the same time — and so empowering.”

The author views The Blessed, which centers on three teenage girls in Brooklyn who must determine who is good and who is evil in the battle for love and for their own souls, as a “natural next step” for her as a writer. “The story deals with some of the themes in ghostgirl, but it is grittier, more grown up, and probably more Quentin Tarantino-esque — which I’m very excited about.”

With impressive credits in non-print media — she has created, written, and produced two TV series, wrote and directed several independent films, and developed video and board games — Hurley was pleased when ghostgirl was optioned this week by Chernin Entertainment/20th Century Fox. “It certainly is gratifying,” she says. “We’ll see what happens, but I’m hoping to be able to work on it and continue the story in a different medium. For me, it’s all about storytelling and any way you can tell a story interests me.” Ironically, Hurley initially wrote the first ghostgirl novel as a filmscript, which first appeared on the Internet before she decided to reshape it into a novel.

Chanda explains that S&S acquired The Blessed, which was headed to auction, with a preemptive bid — and a speedy one. “I think this might be the fastest we’ve ever moved on anything,” he says. “We received the proposal and bought the book on the evening of that same day. It was like lightning. We all loved it and decided to go for it.”

The publisher, who expects that the first printing of the debut installment of The Blessed will be in the 100,000 to 200,000-copy zone (“and that’s conservative”), was struck by the inventiveness of Hurley’s vision for The Blessed. “From the first sentence of Tonya’s proposal, this felt different and exciting,” Chanda says. “The story has a religious bent, and these are figures readers may have heard about, but it is told in a very different way. We publish a lot of high-end commercial fiction, but this trilogy doesn’t compete with anything else on our list. It’s very exciting to find something so entirely new.”