Comics – Page 7 – ÜberSciFiGeek

VANCAF Announces Inaugural Line-Up

The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival has announced the initial line-up for its inaugural exhibition, taking place May 26^th-27th 2012 at the Roundhouse Community Arts Centre. The Festival, which will feature local and international independent cartoonists, will be open to the public and free to attend. The guests will include indie successes such as Jeph Jacques, Ryan North, and Sarah Leavitt, with artists, creators, inkers, colorists, writers, and small press collectives rounding out the exhibitors. Special events taking place throughout the festival will be announced shortly.

Artists wishing to exhibit at VanCAF can apply to do so by filling out the application form on the website at http://www.vancaf.com/exhibitors.php.

Further inquiries can be directed to Shannon Campbell, Event Coordinator, at shannon@vancaf.com

Follow them on Twitter, Google+, or Facebook to get all the latest news on VanCAF and comics in general!

About VanCaf:

The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival is a weekend-long celebration of comics slated to enjoy its launch in May 2012. This festival of local cartoonists will feature galleries, readings, panels, and workshops, culminating in a two-day convention for cartoonists from across the country and down the coast to connect with their readers and peddle their wares.

The goal of VanCAF is to appeal to everyone, whether they’re already die-hard comics fans or simply experimenting. For this reason, admission to all events will be free, and table costs for exhibitors will be as low as possible. We’re not so much concerned with making a profit as we are transforming Vancouver into a city of story-telling and comics.

Although we take inspiration from other great Canadian shows, such as the Calgary Comic Expo and Toronto Comic Arts Festival, we are not affiliated with either event. Check back soon for updates on events andexhibitors.

The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival is managed and organized by theVancouver Comic Arts Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting local cartoonists with the community.

ARCANA COMICS Announces FCBD, Pre-Orders, and Winter Sale

from Arcana:

Arcana Comics is excited to ring in the new year with a bunch of new books, sales, and an amazing FCBD event! If you haven’t heard, this year, we’re starting a company-wide crossover, kicking off on Free Comic Book Day with INTRINSIC! Read more about that below. Also, our winter sale is still going on, so don’t miss out on that. You can receive 25% off all purchases from our store by entering the code “ARCANAWINTER” at checkout. We’re adding new books all the time, so it’s worth a glance over at our store. Keep reading…

Please remember that all Pre-Orders are Diamond and we’re in the final weeks of ordering from the January 2012 Previews, so if there are any books that pique your interest, be sure to ask you local comic shop to order them. If you’re a store, give Arcana Comics a try!

We’re 175 Graphic Novels and 227 Characters strong and growing every month!

Don’t forget to check out our iPad/iPhone App. It’s a free download in the iStore and gives you access to the Arcana catalog and exclusive downloads! For those Android users out there, there are also Arcana books available through the ComiXology app. DOWNLOAD FROM THE ISTORE.

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

Arcana is proud to be participating in another Free Comic Book Day this year, but this time we’re doing things quite different. We’re kicking off an AMAZING company-wide crossover called INTRINSIC, which will blow you away. We can’t give a lot away now, but we can provide a sneak peak of the cover to INTRINSIC above, plus a description below. Be sure to ask your local comic book shop to get you a copy of INTRINSIC! You won’t want to miss it… trust us! For the price of free, you can’t go wrong.

DIAMOND CODE: JAN120014
FCBD LINK: CLICK HERE

DESCRIPTION: Horrors from different worlds have assembled to bring about a global threat known only as The End. A Philosopher has recognized the signs in time to gather his own forces for Good – including an ordinary, powerless young woman. Only together can they avert disaster on a biblical scale. Every last one of them… is Intrinsic. ‘Intrinsic’ is a company crossover event bringing together characters from hundres of titles beneath Arcana’s library. It is an event of unprecedented ambition, unlike anything that has been before.

To learn more about ARCANA announcements and upcoming titles and sales, check out their webiste at arcana.com

ABOUT ARCANA STUDIOS

Arcana Studios, Inc. is a transmedia company that has aggressively pursued establishing brands through engaging storytelling and compelling art. With a strong foothold in the print publishing world, Arcana continues to be a premier content provider. Arcana owns one of the world’s largest libraries of graphic novels and comics, and has adapted this library into live action feature films, stereoscopic 3D animated features, episodic television series and toys.

Arcana Studios, Inc. remains independent of major entertainment studio affiliation. Arcana Studios 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!

FAIREST #1

From TFAW:

This March, New York Times best-selling, award-winning creator Bill Willingham presents Fairest, a new series starring the female characters from his Fables series. Balancing horror, humor and adventure, Fairest explores the secret histories of Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, Cinderella, The Snow Queen, Thumbelina, Snow White, Rose Red, and many more.
The first 6-issue arc follows the misadventures of Briar Rose after she is stolen away by the goblin army in Fables #107. Fan-favorite artist Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman, The Invisibles) returns to Vertigo to pencil the opening storyline. Award-winning cover artist Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman, Batgirl) provides covers, starting with a wraparound cover on issue #1.

Each issue will carry a $2.99 cover price, but you’ll save 35% off the first issue when you subscribe to the series or pre-order your copy at TFAW by 1/31! That’s just $1.94. Are you game?

ORDER FAIREST #1 TODAY FOR JUST $1.94
SUBSCRIBE TO FAIREST TODAY & GET ISSUE #1 FOR $1.94

Coming March 7: Beyond The Fringe #1

From the mind of Fringe star Joshua Jackson (Peter Bishop), jump Beyond the Fringe with this never-before collected story, previously only available online! In this, his first comics writing gig, Jackson explores key events that take place between seasons three and four of the show.

The stakes are high as Peter undertakes a desperate, time-traveling adventure that Walter believes might save the world.

Preorder at TFAW.COM or get the digital version from DC.COM

BARNES & NOBLE AND VIZ MEDIA BRING THE DIGITAL MANGA EXPERIENCE TO NOOK TABLET™ AND NOOK COLOR™

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS), the leading retailer of digital media and educational products, today announced that it has teamed up with VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and publisher of anime and manga in North America, to bring the digital manga (graphic novel) experience to NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color customers. Debuting in the NOOK Store™ today, VIZ Media’s collection includes 18 series, featuring 107 volumes, from its popular Shojo Beat, Shonen Sunday and VIZ Signature imprints. Volumes are available for purchase and fast download in the U.S. and Canada for $4.99 – $9.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. New digital manga volumes, including previews, will be available weekly.

Viewing manga on NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color is authentic thanks to Barnes & Noble’s newly implemented technology that formats manga in its original right-to-left reading order. Read your favorite graphic novels on the award-winning NOOK 7-inch devices, which feature a full-color VividView™ touchscreen. NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color also give you access to the world’s largest digital bookstore, popular movies, TV shows, music and more through the top entertainment services, as well as a collection of high-quality apps, fast Web browsing and email.

Over its 25 year history, VIZ Media has led the transformation of manga and anime from a niche category into a mass media phenomenon, telling stories that resonate with audiences and fans all over North America. The VIZ Media library includes global hits like BLACK BIRD, BLEACH, CROSS GAME, KEKKAISHI, NARUTO and VAMPIRE KNIGHT.

“NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color are ideal devices for our customers to enjoy manga in stunning high resolution color that virtually makes the action leap off the page,” said Theresa Horner, Vice President of Digital Content for Barnes & Noble. “We’re excited to work with VIZ Media to offer NOOK customers access to some of the most popular manga titles available in North America.”

“The Barnes & Noble team and VIZ Media have put together a fantastic manga reading experience by giving NOOK customers full control of their reading experience with the ability to pinch and zoom to dive into the tiniest details” says Alvin Lu, Senior Vice President and General Manager of VIZ Media. “Barnes & Noble has been a major partner with VIZ Media for many years in growing the North American print manga market, and we’re very excited to expand our relationship to make our vast digital library of manga titles available to NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color customers. Over 100 volumes will be available at launch and we look forward to quickly expanding these selections to more than 500 in the coming months.”

The following manga titles are available today with many more coming:

Absolute Boyfriend Vols. 1-6 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

Arata: The Legend Vols. 1-8 · Rated “T” for Teens

Backstage Prince Vols. 1 & 2 · Rated “T” for Teens

Beast Master Vols. 1-2 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

Black Bird Vols. 1-11 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

Children of the Sea Vols. 1-4 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

Cross Game Vols. 1-4 · Rated “T” for Teens

Dengeki Daisy Vols. 1-7 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

Fushigi Yugi: Genbu KaidEn Vols. 1-9 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

House of Five Leaves Vols. 1-5 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

Hyde & Closer Vols. 1-6 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

I’ll Give It My All…Tomorrow Vols. 1-4 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

Kekkaishi Vols. 1-19 · Rated “T” for Teens

Maoh: Juvenile remix Vols. 1-7 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

not simple · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

Oishinbo Vols. 1-5 · Rated “T” for Teens

Saturn Apartments Vols. 1-4 · Rated “T” for Teens

Solanin · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

What A Wonderful World! Vols. 1 & 2 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens

For more information on VIZ Media manga titles, please visit www.VIZ.com.

For more information on NOOK, please visit www.nook.com.

To purchase VIZ Media manga titles for the NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color, please visit the NOOK Book Store at www.barnesandnoble.com/u/NOOK-Comics-Graphic-Novels-Manga/379003302/

VIZ MEDIA BRINGS BLUE DRAGON: TRIALS OF THE SEVEN SHADOWS TO NORTH AMERICAN FANS ON VIZANIME.COM AND HULU

VIZ Media has announced the launch of BLUE DRAGON: TRIALS OF THE SEVEN SHADOWS, the second season of the hit fantasy adventure series BLUE DRAGON (both rated TV-14), available now on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on the streaming content provider HULU (www.Hulu.com). Episodes 1-5 are available now, and 2 new episodes will debut each Friday.

The BLUE DRAGON series is based on the exclusive Xbox 360 videogame “BLUE DRAGON,” developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of “Final Fantasy,” and features character designs by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (published in North America by VIZ Media).

BLUE DRAGON is a classic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism! Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them.

In the exciting Second Season, Shu and his friends fought to defeat the evil lord Nene, the ruler of the Grankingdom. Nene was defeated, but it was revealed that the true evil was none other than Zola, who was the avatar of the legendary Darkness. Shu and the other Seven Soldiers of Light managed to once again seal off the force of Darkness, but lost their Shadow Powers in the process. Two years has passed since the battle with Darkness. As Shu and Bouquet continue their battle against General Logi and his Rosekstan army, a new threat arrives. Powerful dragons calling themselves the “Legion of Elite Species” set out to test the worthiness of mankind, selecting Shu as the candidate.

For more information on this and other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit www.VIZAnime.com.

JOIN THE STRAW HAT PIRATES AND DIVE INTO THE ARTWORK OF EIICHIRO ODA IN THE NEW ONE PIECE COLOR WALK VOL. 2 FROM VIZ MEDIA

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of a new collection of manga (graphic novel) creator Eiichiro Oda’s artwork from the bestselling pirate adventure, ONE PIECE, with the publication of the ONE PIECE COLOR WALK Vol. 2 on January 3, 2011.The new art book is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

Color images and special illustrations from one of the world’s most popular manga are offered in this vivid new art collection. The book features behind-the-scenes info on how certain characters were designed and also includes an interview with Eiichiro Oda where he discusses his history and evolution as a manga artist. The book also includes a bonus postcard and in-bound full-color poster!

In the ONE PIECE manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens), Monkey D. Luffy is
inspired as a child to become a pirate by listening to the tales of the
buccaneer “Red-Haired” Shanks. But Luffy’s life changes forever when he
accidentally eats the cursed Gum-Gum fruit, and gains the power to stretch like rubber – but at the cost of never being able to swim again! Years later, still vowing to become the king of the pirates, Luffy sets out on an epic adventure… One guy alone in a rowboat, in search of the legendary “One Piece,” said to be the greatest treasure in the world.

“ONE PIECE is the most popular manga series in Japan and continues to be the bestselling manga series of all time with more than 240 million volumes sold to-date,” says Alexis Kirsch, Editor. “This new edition of ONE PIECE COLOR WALK Art Book features a big selection of Eiichiro Oda’s artwork rendered in vivid full color. Oda’s illustrations are imaginative, playful, and often dramatic, and most have never been seen before outside Japan. We invite fans to savor all the character and cover art contained in this wonderful new edition!”

Eiichiro Oda began his manga career at the age of 17, when his one-shot
cowboy manga Wanted! won second place in the coveted Tezuka manga awards.
Oda went on to work as an assistant to some of the biggest manga artists in the industry, including Nobuhiro Watsuki (RUROUNI KENSHIN), before winning the Hop Step Award for new artists. His pirate adventure ONE PIECE, which debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in 1997, quickly became one of the most popular manga series in Japan and also enjoys a major worldwide following.

More information on the ONE PIECE manga series is available at
http://OnePiece.viz.com. The ONE PIECE manga series may also be read digitally through the VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, or through VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers or any internet-enabled device.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets
and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan. Owned by
three of Japan’s largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc.,
Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media
has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking
audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.
With its popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine and
blockbuster properties like Naruto, Bleach and InuYasha, VIZ Media offers
cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime,
manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages. VIZ Media properties
are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature
films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.
Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA EXTENDS 20% OFF HOLIDAY PROMOTION TO COVER ALL DIGITAL MANGA TITLES ON VIZMANGA.COM AND THE VIZ MANGA APP THRU JANUARY 8th

Fans Invited To Explore New Series Or Catch Up On Popular Ongoing Titles With A Special Discount That Applies To More han 500 Digital Manga Volumes

VIZ Media has extended its recently announced holiday digital manga promotion. Now through Midnight (PST), January 8th, 2012, all VIZ Media manga titles on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch will be up to 20% off (regular prices range from $4.99 to $9.99).

The promotion gives readers an opportunity to explore the new SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP ‘speed-ups’ of selected titles such as ONE PIECE and BLEACH, that will quickly bring U.S. readers up-to-date with Japanese releases, catch up with other ongoing VIZ Media manga series, or discover brand new ones!

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms enable universal access to enjoy manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. Over 45 series and 500+ volumes are currently available, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

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

Better Off Red: High-Octane Havoc & Supernatural Soviets

first-squad — Celebrate two decades of Manga Entertainment with killer teens and life-or-death racing

From GeekChicDaily:

Turning twenty has never felt so good…for anime fans. To celebrate its coming-of-age, Manga Entertainment is releasing a double whammy of anime goodness: Takeshi Koike’s Redline is having a limited theatrical run in Los Angeles, which started this past weekend, and in New York City starting on January 6th. If that isn’t enough to keep you excited through the New Year, both Redline and Studio 4ºC/Russian co-production First Squad: The Moment Of Truth are coming out on Blu-Ray and DVD on January 17.

Buckle up, everyone. Redline is a frenetic, pulpy tale about the biggest, deadliest racing tournament in the galaxy, brought to us by the evil geniuses over at Madhouse (Summer Wars, Paprika, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time). Like a weird mash-up of Death Race and The Hunger Games, the tournament is a high-stakes event in which elite drivers seek to make a name for themselves. With a slew of corrupt government officials, organized crime and a mysteriously beautiful female driver in his way, high-octane hero JP is in for the ride of his life. Between Redline‘s gorgeous visuals, accelerating action and its over-the-top characters, the film promises to keep things both fast and furious (minus the Vin Diesel).

On the other hand, if you prefer wartime epics over white-knuckle racing, Yoshiharu Ashino’s First Squad: The Moment of Truth is probably right up your alley. Set during the first days of World War II on the Eastern front, First Squad follows a group of Soviet teenagers with extraordinary abilities who are drafted to form an elite special operations unit to combat the invading Axis forces and an undead army of Teutonic Knights. The series looks like an incredible blend ofGunslinger Girl, Valkyria Chronicles and supernatural World War II action. Don’t lie; you’re going to want to take a Moment of Truth or two come January.

VIZ Media Announces the Release of “D.Gray-man Illustrations: Noche”

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will delight manga (graphic novel) art fans with the release of D.Gray-man Illustrations: Noche on December 6th. The new art book arrives just in time for the holidays and will carry an MSRP of $21.99 U.S. / $25.99 CAN.

Enter the lavish fictional 19th century world of D.Gray-man in this new collection featuring nearly 100 pages of full-color character art, magazine covers, and other original compositions by series creator Katsura Hoshino. Also featured are insightful Q&A’s between Hoshino and two manga creators that inspire her: Takeshi Obata, the artist behind Hikaru no Go, Bakuman, and the smash hit Death Note (all published in North America by VIZ Media); and Osamu Akimoto, whose manga series, Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen Mae Hashutsujo, has been serialized in the best-selling boy’s manga magazine in the world, Weekly Shonen Jump, for 35 years and remains the magazine’s longest-running manga series. D.Gray-man Illustrations: Noche also includes an exclusive, double-sided full-color poster.

Set in a fictional version of 19th century England, D.Gray-man (published by VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump Advanced imprint; rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) is the story of Allen Walker, a 15-year-old boy who roams the earth in search of Innocence. Washed away to unknown parts of the world after The Great Flood, Innocence is the mysterious substance used to create weapons that obliterate demons known as akuma.

“D.Gray-man Illustrations: Noche is an ideal collection of the work of Katsura Hoshino, and shows off many of her most memorable characters from the hit series,” says Andy Nakatani, Editorial Director. “Fans can savor lush renderings of Allen Walker, Lenalee Lee, and the evil Millennium Earl and learn more about Hoshino’s background, influences and the evolution of D.Gray-man in an enlightening interview conducted by two of the biggest names in the manga world! This new release also makes a thoughtful gift for that special fan this holiday season.”

Born in 1980 in Japan’s Shiga Prefecture, Katsura Hoshino’s hit manga series D.Gray-man has been serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump since 2004. Her first series, Continue, debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 2003.

For more information on D.Gray-man, or other Shonen Jump titles from VIZ Media, please visit ShonenJump.viz.com.

VIZ Media Announces the Release of “Bleach the Movie: Fade to Black”

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of the latest Bleach feature film – Bleach the Movie: Fade to Black. The movie is available on DVD and Blu-ray, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $19.98 for DVD (U.S. / CAN) and $24.98 for Blu-ray (U.S / CAN). Bleach the Movie: Fade to Black offers both English and Japanese dialogue options as well as bonus features including production art and the original theatrical trailers.

The film is also available for Download-to-Own (DTO) for only $9.99 and for Download-to-Rent (DTR) for only $4.99 from digital partners including on iTunes (iTunes.com), Amazon Instant Video, and ZuneR on Xbox LiveR. DTO and DTR availability for PlaystationRNetwork is forthcoming.

In this newest supernatural adventure, a strange disturbance in the World of the Living sends Ichigo and Kon to the Soul Society, where the Seireitei has been devastated by an explosion of reishi and Rukia is missing. Stranger still, none of the Soul Reapers remember Ichigo, and they think he’s the one responsible for the destruction. Now on the run, Ichigo is forced into a lonely battle in order to find Rukia and stop the real culprits!

The Bleach animated film and TV series are based on a smash hit manga (graphic novel) series created by Tite Kubo, and follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow – a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

Bleach is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America, the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series (both rated ‘T’ for Teens) is viewed weekly by millions in the United States and Canada. This success has further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.

For more information on Bleach please visit bleach.viz.com.

VIZ Manga Announces “Bleach” Manga Digital ‘Jump Ahead’ to Latest Story Arc

from VIZ Media:

VIZ Media expands its November digital manga update even more with the latest announcement of a Bleach ‘Jump Ahead’ that will deliver 3 new volumes of the hit supernatural action saga throughout the month to users on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. This is part of a Shonen Jump Digital Warp, a speed-up of selected titles to bring U.S. readers up-to-date with Japanese releases and prepare for the launch of VIZ Media’s Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha on January 30, 2012. The new outlet will be North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine.

Bleach volumes available include (print editions forthcoming):

Bleach, Vol. 49 – available now!
Bleach, Vol. 50 – available November 21st
Bleach, Vol. 51 – available November 28th

Bleach Volume 49 jumps ahead to the latest story arc in Japan for the Bleach series. After the big battle, Ichigo finds himself without his Soul Reaper powers. Free from the rigors of defeating Hollows, he tries to settle back into a normal and peaceful life as a high school student. But inside Ichigo still burns with the desire to protect his friends, and when new enemies appear, Ichigo is powerless. However, he is soon approached by a mysterious man who offers to help Ichigo regain his lost powers…

The popular Bleach animated and manga series, created by Tite Kubo, follow the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow – a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

VIZ Media’s digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers and Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free 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 over 45 series and almost 500 volumes, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.

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

For more information on VIZ Media digital manga, please visit VIZManga.com or VIZ.com/apps/.

For more information on the forthcoming Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha, please visit ShonenJump.viz.com.