Category: Comics

Breadpig: n00b! Asian Adventure! Colbert!

from Breadpig:

Ahoy, Breadpig legionnaire!

We know it’s only been two weeks since we’ve written, but it’s been an action-packed time and we didn’t want you to fall behind on the news!

The observant among you may have noticed that the last briefing had TWO signatures at the bottom instead of just one. That’s because as of a few weeks ago, Breadpig officially has a new employee! Christina Xu has joined on to help steer our porky hero towards greater heights of do-goodery and generally improve awesome levels in the world. If you have any questions for Christina, please ask her!

One of the first missions that our largest-ever Breadpig team will tackle is an epic voyage to South Asia in October to visit, observe, and document the work Room to Read is doing with the $85,460 we’ve donated to them. Both Alexis and Christina will visit the Laos Room to Read office as well as the XKCD school Breadpig built in Salavan, Laos. Then, Christina will continue solo to the RTR programs in Hanoi, Vietnam; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Kathmandu and Bariya, Nepal to find out how our other funded projects (and Room to Read in general) are getting along. We’ll be posting an official itinerary soon — please contact us if you have advice, requests, suggestions for great organizations to team up with in the future, or the ability to meet up for a drink anywhere along the way!

Finally, Breadpig joined in Reddit’s efforts to create the largest fundraiser for DonorsChoose ever to convince Stephen Colbert to have a rally in DC. We donated $1776.63 to the campaign to celebrate Reddit breaking the $30,000 mark (Hilary Clinton’s record over the last 3 years!) in less than 24 hours, and in return Mr. Colbert wrote us a little letter. We are proud (and starstruck) beyond words!

Breadpig doubled in size as a company, is going to visit Room to Read sites in Laos/Vietnam/Sri Lanka/Nepal in October, donated $1776.63 to DonorsChoose to congratulate Redditors on generating over $30k in less than 24 hours.

Love and crusty bacon,
Alexis and Christina

(P.S. This Sunday, November 19th, is Talk Like a Pirate Day. We hope you observe this holiest of days.)

VIZ Media Announces the Latest “Bleach”, “Naruto” and “Vampire Knight” DVD Releases for September and October 2010

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced several new DVD releases scheduled for September and October that expand the company’s popular Bleach, Naruto and Vampire Knight animated series.

New Bleach Releases Include:

Bleach Volume 32
Rated “T” for Teens
MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN
Available September 21st
Captain Hitsugaya’s advance Soul Reaper troops get involved in some unexpected sidelines during their stay in the World of the Living. When Karin Kurosaki agrees to go up against a tough group of middle school students in a game of soccer, Hitsugaya himself steps in to lend a hand. Then all the top members of Karakura First High School’s kendo team are injured, and Ikkaku is brought in to put the remaining team members through a training regimen from hell! Contains episodes 132 thru 135.

Bleach Uncut Box Set Season 6
Rated “T” for Teens
MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN
Available September 28th
Back in the World of the Living, Ichigo Kurosaki has been officially recognized as a Substitute Soul Reaper by the Soul Society. But trouble soon comes to Karakura Town in the form of Visoreds, a group of ex-Soul Reapers that have crossed over into the realm of the Hollows. As they try to recruit Ichigo to their side, it is revealed that former Captain Sosuke Aizen is attempting to create an army of Hollows with Soul Reaper powers called Arrancars. It will take Ichigo and his friends, along with a detachment of Soul Reapers, to keep them from destroying the town. Contains episodes 110 thru 121 (Original and Uncut).

For more information on Bleach, please visit BLEACH.viz.com.

New Vampire Knight Releases Include:

Vampire Knight Volume 2
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN
Available September 28th
A new teacher arrives at Cross Academy with a hidden identity and possibly deadly connection to Zero, whose suffering is driving him to desperation. Yuki’s feelings are torn between Zero and Kaname, and her determination to help Zero may lead her to betray the one she loves most. Contains episodes: 5-8.

For more information on Vampire Knight, please visit: ShojoBeat.com.

New Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden Releases Include:

Naruto: Shippuden Box Set 4 Special Edition
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $69.97 U.S. / $99.99 CAN
Available October 19th
Team Kakashi’s spying mission brings them face to face with the Leaf’s most deadly enemy, Orochimaru. Naruto’s rage brings forth the Nine-Tailed Fox, but at great risk to both himself and those he cares for the most. With Naruto’s rampage quelled, the team continues on to Orochimaru’s lair to find Sasuke, but the mysterious Sai has disappeared. Could one of their own be planning the ultimate betrayal? The Special Edition Box Set contains 14 episodes (episodes 40-53) on 3 discs, and a special limited edition collectible Sasuke figure.

Naruto: Shippuden Box Set 4 Standard Edition
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN
Available October 19th
DVD-only collection featuring 14 episodes on 3 discs. Limited edition collectible figure not included.

Naruto Uncut Season 4, Part 1
Rated “T+” for Older Teens
MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN
Available October 26th
In the Hidden Leaf Village there are few things that Naruto and Choji love more than a steaming bowl of Ichiraku ramen. But when the daughter of the noodle shop owner is kidnapped, they’re on the case. Then, missions for the Leaf ninja lead them to the Land of Bears after a fallen meteorite and on to the Land of Greens where the team must protect a princess. When an evil ninja who’s after the princess gets in their way, Naruto puts his life on the line to save her! Contains episodes 164-191.

For more information on Naruto and Naruto: Shippuden, please visit NARUTO.com.

Things from Another World: Back to School Steals

from Things from Another World:

This September, thousands of products will be progressively discounted during our Back to School Steals sale. Over 7,500 products were marked at 40% off this past Monday, but that’s only the beginning!

The sale will heat up throughout the month, as we’ll be taking an additional 10% off the price each week! Don’t wait, though: like summer, deals like these won’t last long. If you see something you like, be sure to grab it quickly, because someone will likely steal it out from under you if you wait too long.

See All Back to School Steals Now

Dark Horse Introduces New Events and Community Manager, Kari Yadro

from Dark Horse Comics:

Today Dark Horse announced the appointment of Kari Yadro to the newly created role of events and community manager. In the beginning, Dark Horse was built on the idea of creating an atmosphere that was friendly and accessible to both creators and fans. In 2010, Dark Horse has looked to continue this tradition with a heavy focus on the growing online social-networking channels. Looking forward to 2011, the company hopes to focus heavily on the growing comics community in Portland, Oregon, and the world at large, with more events and activities demonstrating leadership balanced with accessibility.

This new position will not only encompass all Dark Horse trade-show coordination and planning, but also any and all Dark Horse events, such as in-store appearances and signings. In addition, the Dark Horse events and community manager will focus heavily on Dark Horse’s social-networking strategy, overseeing Facebook, Twitter, and all other channels, as this has become an increasingly important area for Dark Horse.

Kari Yadro comes to Dark Horse from a storied career with Barnes & Noble, where she currently holds the position of community relations manager. In her time there, she has handled coordination of all in-store events, large and small. Kari’s passion for science fiction led her into the comic shop by way of Dark Horse’s own Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight.

“It’s an honor to be joining the comic-book industry, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where there are so many amazing publishers,” said Kari Yadro. “I’m really excited about connecting with Dark Horse’s fans and exploring partnership opportunities with organizations in the local and world communities.”

“As Dark Horse continues to expand our presence in the minds of fans on and off of the trade-show floors, I am confident that Kari brings the perfect balance of events experience and community building to her new role,” said Dark Horse’s director of public relations, Jeremy Atkins. “I couldn’t be happier about the level of energy and enthusiasm she brings to the position.”

Kari will cut her teeth at October’s New York Comic Con. Please make sure to stop by the Dark Horse booth and say hello.

Hot Topic: Yowzer! Choose your hero + Accessories BOGO!

from Hot Topic:

Who’s Your Hero?
Shop Superheroes

Last Chance to Mix N’ Match!
All Accessories: Buy One, Get the 2nd 1/2 Off*
Shop Now

*Offer valid online and in stores thru 9/8. Excludes lingerie, shoes and clearance. Price of second accessory must be of equal or lesser value. Price adjusted at time of checkout. Hot Topic, Inc. reserves the right to end or modify this promo at any time.

Find a Hot Topic store.

Facebook | Twitter | MySpace | Hot Topic Foundation

New Emily Tees Available Now at Hot Topic!

from Emily the Strange:

FIVE new Emily Tees in Hot Topic stores RIGHT NOW!

Mummy Curse V-Neck Tee
Bad Kitten Club Raglan Tee
Team Strange Football Tee
Tie and Kitty Pocket Tee
The Cat-Girl Tee

Hot Topic stores that carry the current line of Emily the Strange Tees & Accessories…

Find Emily on: Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | YouTube

Star Wars: Knight Errant

from Things from Another World:

More than a thousand years before Luke Skywalker, a dark age grips the galaxy as the Republic abandons entire systems to Sith control. A newly knighted Jedi on her first mission, Kerra Holt, has joined a band of Jedi traveling deep behind enemy lines, with no support from the Republic and little chance of survival. She thinks she is prepared for anything. She’s wrong.

Star Wars: Knight Errant is the newest title to join Dark Horse’s stellar Star Wars line. Starting in October, the series promises plenty of Sith vs. Sith action! We had the chance to chat with writer, John Jackson Miller, about his new series and the companion novel he’s writing for Del Rey.

Read Our Exclusive Interview with John Jackson Miller

Pre-Order Star Wars: Knight Errant #1-2 Today

Start a Star Wars: Knight Errant Subscription (starting with issue #2)

See All Upcoming Star Wars Comics

Lady Robotika: Message from Jane & Bill

from Lady Robotika:

After much soul searching and number crunching, Bill & I have come to the sad realization that we can’t keep producing our beloved comic, Lady Robotika, the way we are currently operating.

Despite rave reviews, orders have been low, and that’s driven our costs up to DOUBLE what the books actually retail for!

Holy negative cashflow, it’s a rough Universe out there for a new superhero!

We have decided to jump space-ship and come up with a new plan for galactic domination. We LOVE making Lady Robotika, and we are committed to continuing her story. One way or another, Lady Robotika’s saga MUST be told!

Stay tuned for news regarding our new plan of action. Expect new LR comics and a CD of Lady Robotika MUSIC in the near future.

Many thanks to all of you who have rallied around our creation! We REALLY hope you will stick with us during this transitional time!

Love, Jane & Bill

Breadpig: SXSW! Kilimanjaro!

from Breadpig:

Dearest Breadpig Legionnaire,

First, some great news: Breadpig has just broken $115,000 in funds raised and profits donated! We are so grateful for all the support and generosity you’ve shown along the way, and hope you’re with us as we try to triple that number by this time next year.

For those of you headed to SXSW in March, we wanted to make sure you were aware that we’ve proposed Breadpig panel! This would be a great chance to share our knowledge and philosophy with other geeky organizations while also being a convenient place to meet with and answer questions from you, our faithful fans. Think of it as a party with a Q&A. Alexis is also slated to talk on these two panels about bridging creatives and technical folks and porcine startup aerodynamics. Breadpig allies Awesome Foundation and ROFLCon also have panels up. Please give all of them some love before voting closes this Friday, August 27th!

It’s also the last week before courageous (and adorable) Breadpig allies Mitu and Maherunesa Khandaker climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa (38,688 bacon strips tall!), to raise funds for their charity Arohon. They’re looking for £5000 to build a women’s education center in one of Bangladesh’s many poverty-stricken areas, and we’re matching every donation you make over the next week until they reach their goal. They’re still about £1600 short, so please donate and help our intrepid friends with their mission to empower girls!

Finally, we’re excited to announce that xkcd: volume 0 is now available on Amazon — at a 32% discount, no less. What’s more, in what may be the most unifying geek event for the US and the UK since the installation of the trans-Atlantic telegraph cable, UK fans can finally purchase xkcd: volume 0 as well through Amazon.co.uk. Breadpig is for the children.

Until next time,
Alexis and Christina

BOOM! and Stan Lee Present Soldier Zero

Soldier Zero

from Things from Another World:

From Stan Lee, the most colossal force in the history of comics, teams up with BOOM! Studios to deliver a brand-new line of superhero comics! The great innovator brings his inimitable talents back in an explosive line of comics that nobody is prepared for!

In this first ongoing series, Soldier Zero, Stan teams up with critically acclaimed writer Paul Cornell (Action Comics, Doctor Who) and artist Javier Pina (Superman, Batman) for a dramatic, action-packed superhero scorcher.

When an alien parasite falls to Earth, wheelchair-bound college student Stewart Travers becomes infected, and goes through super-human changes that no mortal could imagine. Forced into a galactic war that’s chosen Earth as the battlefield, Stewart defends the front line as Soldier Zero!

The intergalactic war hits Earth this October in a new ongoing series from Stan Lee and BOOM! Studios. Stay tuned to future editions of the TFAW News newsletter to hear about Lee’s other upcoming titles!

Order Your Copy of Soldier Zero #1 Today

Check Out the Five-Page First Look Preview of Soldier Zero #1

See All Upcoming Products from BOOM! Studios

Shout! Factory: Post-Comic-Con

from Shout! Factory:

The excitement of the 2010 San Diego Comic-Con is finally wearing down. Certainly you’ve seen the mass coverage in every entertainment nook and cranny. For our part, the Roger Corman panel was amazing. A packed room of 500+ joined our esteemed panelists in discussing the genius that is Roger Corman. Look for footage on an upcoming DVD release in the Roger Corman’s Cult Classics series. We also had loads of fun taking pictures of attendees at our Max Headroom photo booth. You can visit the gallery here. Many thanks to everyone who came by the booth. We’re already thinking about next year’s extravaganza!

Iron Man to the Extreme
Another fun outcome of Comic-Con was that the Tom Kenny (yes, the voice of SpongeBob and so many others) made an important announcement for Shout! at the Marvel panel. The second title in our Marvel Comics series will be Iron Man: Extremis, out November 30. This is the DVD debut of this title, and it’s packed with some awesome bonus features, like a conversation with writer Adi Granov, a behind-the-scenes look at Marvel Knights animation, a visual history of Iron Man and more. The DVD, like X-Men: Gifted, is packed in a replica comic-book-style package. You’ll love it.

This ‘N’ That

IFC just started airing one of our favorite TV shows, Freaks & Geeks. They’re broadcasting them in order every Friday and, once wrapped, will lead into another favorite, Undeclared. Check their site for more details.

Our latest contest is up just in time for Halloween, and it will make you scream and SHOUT! Enter to win a prize pack featuring 11 of our scariest DVDs or Blu-rays — if you dare.

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

“Angel” Returns to Dark Horse Comics

from Dark Horse Comics:

Dark Horse Comics is thrilled to announce that Joss Whedon’s Angel will return to the Dark Horse stable in 2011. Dark Horse’s Angel will bring the beloved characters from Whedon’s longest-running shows under one roof, allowing for new and exciting explorations of the Buffyverse featuring favorites from the casts of both series.

“I’ve always regretted letting Angel go in the first place,” Dark Horse senior managing editor Scott Allie said. “So we’re really excited about getting him back, as well as all his supporting cast. It’s necessary for how Joss wants to handle season nine, details of which will start spilling out in the months to come. Right now, we’ve got to wrap up season eight, and IDW still has a good long run of books before season nine starts.”

IDW Publishing confirmed today that it will launch the company’s final Angel story arc in November. This closing six-issue arc will serve as a bridge to Dark Horse Comics, which will pick up the series in late 2011. Under the direction of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel creator Joss Whedon, all parties are working together for as seamless a transition as possible. The companies have been coordinating story lines in both Dark Horse’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season Eight and IDW’s Angel, creating a greater sense of cohesion and cooperation to ensure that this transition is true to both ongoing story lines and to the faithful fans of both series.