Category: Books & Writing

VIZ Media Announces the Release of Bleach the Movie 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion on DVD

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 the upcoming DVD release of Bleach the Movie 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion on September 8th; it will carry an MSRP of $29.92 US / $49.99 CAN, and is rated “T” for Teens.

Adapted from the wildly popular animated series and best-selling Bleach manga series by acclaimed Japanese creator Tite Kubo (both distributed and published in North America by VIZ Media), the animated feature film Bleach the Movie 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion continues the action-packed adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki. After the treasured Ouin is stolen, Toshiro Hitsugaya disappears and becomes suspected of treason. When the Soul Society calls for his capture and execution, Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki vows to prove Hitsugaya’s innocence. Will the secret of the Ouin and Captain Hitsugaya’s motives be revealed before his honor, his life, and the Soul Society are destroyed?

“Bleach the Movie 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion is the next exciting feature film in the ongoing Bleach saga and the new DVD release also includes lots of great extras such as the original Japanese production extras and trailers, a production art gallery, a Japanese movie booklet and both English and Japanese audio,” says Brian Ige, VIZ Media Director of Sales, Home Entertainment. “We know many fans have eagerly awaited this release and the action and drama reach new heights as Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki risks his life to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance of Toshiro Hitsugaya. For fans of the popular Bleach manga and anime series, this is definitely an adventure not to be missed.”

Bleach is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga series has been licensed to more than a dozen countries, and has sold over 52 million copies in Japan alone. In North America the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series 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 and other merchandise. For more information on Bleach and Bleach the Movie 2: The DiamondDust Rebellion, please visit the official Bleach website at bleach.viz.com or viz.com. Bleach episodes can also be viewed on the Sony PlayStation VIZ Media channel, Amazon Unbox, XBOX Live, iTunes, and online at hulu.com.

Smaug the Golden now available in Faux Bronze

from Weta:

Weta are thrilled to now make The Art of John Howe — Sculptures from Middle-earth available in faux bronze.

We first launched this range last month at the San Diego Comic-Con. At that time, we were only able to offer a Bronze option, as we had a few unresolved issues to sort out. Fortunately these issues have been resolved, so we are now able to offer these sculptures in both Bronze and Faux Bronze.

The edition size for the Faux Bronze is limited to only 300 worldwide. Customers will also receive a beautiful 22 page hard cover book written by John Howe, Richard Taylor and leading sculptor Daniel Cockersell. The book contains original sketches from John as well as a series of stunning photographs of the sculptures and the sculpting process. You can preview a few pages of the book here! Click on the corners to turn the pages.

For those customers who have already ordered the Bronze option, there is further good news; our pricing will reduce as we are now able to spread the initial sculpting costs over a much greater number of pieces. Check the pricing on the bronze version here.

We hope you’ll take this unique opportunity to enjoy and cherish the The Art of John Howe.

The first faux bronze available for pre-order is:
Smaug the Golden — faux bronze

Éowyn and the Nazgûl will follow shortly.

This is how you find us online!
http://fans.wetaNZ.com/Magnus/ | Twitter: @wetaworkshop | Facebook: Weta Workshop

NEW PEOPLE Hosts the Theatrical World Premiere of the Third and Final 20th Century Boys Film Based on the Smash Hit Manga Series

from VIZ Cinema:

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, presents a very special world premiere, the final chapter of the 20th Century Boys trilogy of live-action films — 20th Century Boys 3: Redemption — this Friday, August 28th at the newly opened VIZ Cinema located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Japantown. The special world premiere will take place simultaneously with the theatrical release of the film in Japan and will continue to play at the venue through September 3rd. For schedule and ticket information, please visit vizcinema.com.

The 20th Century Boys film trilogy is based on a critically-acclaimed manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoki Urasawa that was a national phenomenon in Japan, selling over 24 million copies. Excitement and anticipation for the release of the final chapter has built steadily from fans because the ending of the film is markedly different from the original manga series that inspired it.

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX-certified sound system. 20th Century Boys 1: Beginning of the End plays at VIZ Cinema until August 27th (matinee only), while 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope runs through August 28th.

Directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi and presented in partnership with Nippon Television, the 20th Century Boys saga begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write The Book of Prophecy. In the book, they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to take over the world and bring about Doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being led by a man only known as “Friend” has emerged and gained strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur, mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji.

Now in 2019, could the catastrophe written in The New Book of Prophecy be happening for real? What’s the true purpose of Friend’s evil plan? Who’s the real savior that will stand up against him?

In the final film, the year is Friend Era Year 3 (2017 A.D.) and the World President, Friend, rules humanity. After a deadly virus ravages Tokyo, a wall is built around the city and inhabitants’ lives have been severely restricted. Friend tells everyone that on August 20th, aliens will destroy mankind and only those who believe in him will be saved. But a movement to stop Friend is in motion. Is protagonist Kenji really still alive? What is Friend’s plan for August 20th? Will the mystery behind the true identity of Friend be uncovered? All of the prophecies, schemes and plans will be finally revealed in the saga’s exciting concluding chapter.

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass facade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: NewPeopleWorld.com.

VIZ Media to Debut the Imaginative Steampunk Action Manga Series Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee

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 the North American debut of the new steampunk/action manga series Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee on September 1st. The series, rated “T” for Teens, will be published under the company’s Shonen Jump imprint and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.50 CAN.

In a land of perpetual night, your heart is your light.

Amberground is locked in darkness. A man-made star casts only a dim light over the land. The pitch-black wilderness is infested with Gaichuu — colossal insects with metal exoskeletons. The Gaichuu make travel between the cities of Amberground extremely dangerous. But thankfully the Letter Bees, a brave corps of messengers, risk their lives in order to keep the hearts of Amberground connected.

Letter Bee first appeared in the pages of Monthly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan and is presently featured in Jump SQ. It’s also currently serialized in VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump magazine and its animated counterpart is set to debut in Japan later this year as part of the annual Jump Super Anime Tour.

“Hiroyuki Asada is a widely known and loved manga creator in Japan and we’re very excited to debut his newest series Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media. “This unique story blends visually captivating motifs of steampunk, an inventive mix of antique and futuristic technology, with the adventures of a boy who runs deliveries across a strange fantasy world. This manga has already captivated readers in the pages of Shonen Jump and we invite everyone to explore the manga’s debut volume in September!”

Weta Rayguns VIP Newsletter

from Weta:

Ladies! Gentlemen! Etc.

It’s come to our knowledge that some of you actually appreciate the belittling and condescension in these missives. So we thought we’d indulge you!

Victory!

The latest scribbles to emerge from the house of Grordbort will be an adventure annual. We’ve managed to wring a few pages out of the still warm, yet mysteriously rigid fingers of a messenger boy who ran across the range during testing of the Righteous Bison.

Using anachronous adhesive, we have pasted a few sheets here!

Light!

There’s no end to the irony (or ironmongery) at Grordbort Industries. Smashing particles has long been a favoured pastime of the good Doctor, so it’s not surprising that the first lightweight gun to emerge from the sweatshop is a particle smasher that bears the name of a very heavy animal.

The Righteous Bison is for everyone. Seriously.

So small it’s hardly there at all!

What the Victorious Mongoose — Miniature Version lacks in bulk and mass, it makes up for in sheer concealability. Its outrageous ickleness has been revered by prominent members of the intergalactic shooterati:

“It takes 13 minutes of discharge of this little beauty to make a rather large cat jump. Literally hours of fun!” Lady Fionnula O’Dourliss

“I got one stuck in a molar on Mars. Damned thing cost me a crown!” Brig. Sir Humphrey L’Ardarcy

“I pre-ordered mine from the planetary underbelly via the intergalactic electric Web. You should too!” Anonymous

New Electric Web Talkatorium (Dr. Grordbort’s Infallible Forum)

An associate of ours in the colonies, the venerable Mr. Charles Song, of Shadow & Flame fame, has kindly agreed to host your blatant misuse of Her Majesty’s tongue in a new Talkatorium. It’s rather excellent and you simply must join in the banter! They’re a jovial and good-hearted bunch. For now. Right Here!

This is how you find us online!
http://fans.wetaNZ.com/Magnus/ | Twitter: @wetaworkshop | Facebook: Weta Workshop

New from Tor: Damien Broderick’s “The Ruined Queen of Harvest World”

The Ruined Queen of Harvest World

from Tor.com:

Damien Broderick, often dubbed the Dean of Australian science fiction, brings Tor.com a new original short story. “The Ruined Queen of Harvest World” is an adventure in the vein of the late, great Cordwainer Smith. Read the author’s introduction to the story for more on Cordwainer Smith and his legacy.

Broderick is a Senior Fellow in the School of Culture and Communication, University of Melbourne. His novel The Dreaming Dragons is listed in David Pringle’s SF: The 100 Best Novels. He has written or edited some 40 books, seven with Rory Barnes (most recently I’m Dying Here, their screwball-noir crime novel from PointBlank Press).

Winner of several Ditmar and Aurealis Year’s Best awards, he received the 2005 Distinguished Scholarship Award from the International Association for the Fantastic in the Arts. Broderick is currently science fiction editor for Cosmos magazine. “The Ruined Queen of Harvest World” is strikingly illustrated by Kekai Kotaki. Kekai Kotaki is a Hawaiian artist and illustrator. He is working hard as Lead Concept Artist for ArenaNet on Guild Wars 2 and on a burgeoning illustration career.

Also on Tor.com, Part Two of “King of an Endless Sky” is now up! This week features reminiscences, and a march to the gerbils. This is an ongoing serial that will be running on Tor.com each Thursday, so stay tuned for future installments!

Magic Trixie

Magic Trixie

Fans of Jill Thompson’s Scary Godmother comic books will be enchanted by her new series, Magic Trixie, a Scary Godmother for the younger set. Filled with witty dialogue, the graphic novels are illustrated in Thompson’s signature style of energetic, brightly-coloured watercolours. The books are recommended for ages 8-12, but the universal childhood themes will appeal to all ages.

Trixie, a young, pink-and-orange-haired witch is introduced in the debut title, Magic Trixie, whose cover proclaims, “Meet Magic Trixie! She’s smart. She’s sassy. She has magic powers.” Trixie’s also an outgoing little girl who shows off, complains, pull faces, gets into mischievous scrapes, and acts rashly like any normal kid. In this first volume, Trixie deals with the familiar problems of peer pressure and sibling rivalry. Any child, or adult who remembers being a child, will relate to Trixie’s school woes and empathize when, frustrated by the constant favouritism she perceives for her baby sister, Abby Cadabra, she wails “Not fair!” and runs off to hide in a closet. Unlike most people, however, Trixie has a talking cat named Scratches to give her a pep talk (or play pirates with her in the backyard). The story’s conclusion, in which one problem is inadvertently resolved by the other, is heartwarming without being sacharrine, and will make readers appreciate the benefits of having a sister, big or little.

In Magic Trixie Sleeps Over, no longer at odds with her sister and having called a truce with her nemesis at school, Trixie turns her displeasure elsewhere. Her parents, she thinks, have gotten much too bossy and demanding, plaguing her with baths and unreasonable bedtimes when all she wants to do is watch tantalizingly forbidden shows on Spell-O-Vision and stay up late playing and making messes. When she finds out that her friends from school — a mummy, Frankenboy, werewolf, and vampire twins — don’t have to put up with such inconveniences, she decides to go stay with them, only to discover that they have other, much less appealing nighttime rituals (to a witch, at least). Each sleepover is amusingly in keeping with its host’s archetypal monster heritage, and the art changes subtly to reflect the associated atmosphere, such as the vampires’ pages being done entirely in a spooky, grey monochrome that’s broken only by the twins’ glowing red eyes. This peek into the home lives of Trixie’s friends really fleshes out the secondary characters, while teaching the increasingly homesick Trixie just how good she actually has it at home.

Magic Trixie and the Dragon whisks Trixie off to visit an extraordinary circus where there are performances by pink elephants, a mermaid, fairies, wizards, robots, alien creatures, and more. Best of all, the main act features real, live dragons! Naturally, Magic Trixie then wants a pet dragon, but has to settle for getting a genuine dragon scale as a gift. When she takes the scale to school to brag about it to her friends, a misunderstanding results in them thinking that she has the amazing beast the scale used to be attached to, and they want to see it. Trixie, like any kid who doesn’t want to lose face in front of friends, never thinks to just ‘fess up. After letting her mind wander during a routine transmogrification spell, she thinks her dilemma is solved when she accidentally turns her sister into a dragon. (Look for a cute cameo appearance by Scary Godmother‘s Bug-a-Boo in Abby’s nursery.) The moment Trixie turns her back on dragon-Abby, though, her baby sister promptly flies off, and Scratches, believing he’s been replaced in Trixie’s affections by this new “pet”, runs away from home to join the circus. A remorseful Trixie must race back to the circus to retrieve them both, in the process surprising her friends by making an unscheduled appearance in the Big Tent with the famous Dragonriders. Later that evening, in bed, Magic Trixie says to Scratches, “Well, everything worked out fine in the end, pal. I learned my lesson, Abby’s Abby again, you’re still my bestest bud, a dragon is a drag, and best of all — no one is the wiser…” From a child’s point of view, it’s the perfect happy ending.

Jill Thompson is the winner of multiple Eisner Awards (the highest honor in graphic novels) for her art and writing. She’s the author and artist behind Scary Godmother, Magic Trixie, and many other titles. She lives in Chicago. Visit her online at magictrixie.com.

Q&A with Jill Thompson:

ÜberSciFiGeek (ÜSFG) Is Magic Trixie set in the same universe as Scary Godmother?

Jill Thompson (JT) Magic Trixie is set in her own world. One that is closer to our own reality. But one where magic is totally part of the culture. And there are monsters and robots and dragons and other marvelous things…

(ÜSFG) Will there be more Magic Trixie books, beyond the three currently published?

(JT) There are only three on the schedule as of now, though I’d love to do more. I’m working on Beasts of Burden, a series debuting in September from Dark Horse. And then I’ll be starting the second Little Endless Storybook which should come out next summer.

(ÜSFG) Do the Magic Trixie books mean the end of the Scary Godmother series?

(JT) Not at all. I’m currently talking to prospective publishers about reprinting the books and comics and subsequently more new stories.

(ÜSFG) Is there any possibility of a Magic Trixie film or television adaptation, like the Scary Godmother animated specials made by Mainframe Entertainment?

(JT) There’s always that possibility but nothing has happened like that as of yet.

(ÜSFG) Has there been talk of any tie-in merchandise for Magic Trixie and Scary Godmother, such as dolls, action figures, or plush toys?

(JT) I’d love to do some merchandise for all of the characters. I’ve recently dabbled in embroidered patches of some of them and I’m looking into creating plush toys, statues, figurines, and other items. I have a sketchbook full of designs I’d love to see made.

Author Interview from HarperCollins Publishers: Jill Thompson on Magic Trixie

Order now at Amazon.com:
Magic Trixie (Canada)
Magic Trixie (US)
Magic Trixie Sleeps Over (Canada)
Magic Trixie Sleeps Over (US)
Magic Trixie and the Dragon (Canada)
Magic Trixie and the Dragon (US)

Magic Trixie is distributed by HarperCollins Children’s Books, a division of HarperCollinsCanada and HarperCollins Publishers. For more information on the book series and its author, visit the Magic Trixie and Jill Thompson websites. Jill Thompson may also be followed on Twitter.

New Comic: Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon’s “King of an Endless Sky, Part 1”

King of an Endless Sky, Part 1

from Tor.com:

Kurt Huggins and Zelda Devon, creators of the dark and chilling The Dreaded Question, have returned (albeit with lighter fare). Here begins the delightful tale of a boy, a robot, and a wrench. King of an Endless Sky is part Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, part Windsor McCay, and part, um… gerbils.

This is part one of an ongoing serial that will be running on Tor.com each Thursday, so stay tuned for future installments!

Last weekend at Worldcon Neil Gaiman read Cory Doctorow’s story “The Right Book” to a packed auditorium. We posted the audio of the post-reading Q&A here, but now we have the video of Gaiman reading the story.

Also from Worldcon: video excerpts of the History of Tor panel!

Pre-order ICHC’s New Book: How to Take Over teh Wurld

from I Can Has Cheezburger?:

I Can Has Cheezburger’s new lolbook, How to Take Over teh Wurld: A LOLcat Guide 2 Winning, will be coming out on September 1! You can pre-order ur copy today at:

» Amazon.com
» Borders
» Barnes & Noble

Added Bonus: When you pre-order How to Take Over teh Wurld, email us your receipt to tehwurld@gmail.com, and we’ll send you our limited edition I Can Has Cheezburger desktop iconz (win and mac) for free!

NEW PEOPLE Invites San Francisco and the World to its Grand Opening Celebration

from VIZ Pictures:

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, announces its Grand Opening next Saturday, August 15th.

Thousands will gather in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown for a day-long celebration that begins at 11:00am with a ribbon cutting ceremony and a traditional Kagami-wari (breaking of a sake barrel for good luck) at the building’s entrance located at 1746 Post Street.

A variety of fun Japanese pop-inspired events including fashion shows, a film premiere, live art performances, and mini-concerts by some of Japan’s hottest punk and alternative bands are scheduled throughout the day both inside NEW PEOPLE, and also at the adjacent Peace Plaza and areas in between. Innovative companies from the Bay area and Japan will exhibit an array of products for sale in open air displays on both sides of Post Street. A food court will further complement the celebration with delicious Japanese cuisine. The event is free to the public.

“There has never been a venue of this type before outside Japan and we will become a unique cultural and entertainment outlet unlike any other in the country,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder/CEO of VIZ Pictures as well as the J-pop Center Project. “Our Grand Opening celebration will give visitors a sample of pure Japanese pop culture in a variety of forms and we invite San Francisco and the world to join in the fun, celebrate our launch, and explore all NEW PEOPLE has to offer!”

Yoshitaka Amano Exclusive Exhibition Opening

Famed artist Yoshitaka Amano makes a rare U.S. appearance to personally open NEW PEOPLE’s SUPERFROG Gallery with his newest exhibit, DEVA LOKA USA. Amano is 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. His new exhibit was created especially for the gallery as an ode to his childhood love for American comics, culture and automobiles. For more information, visit superfroggallery.com. Yoshitaka Amano hosts an insightful panel discussion at 12:00pm on the Main Stage in front of NEW PEOPLE with a rare autograph opportunity scheduled from 4:00-5:00pm.

Special Movie Premiere Event

VIZ Cinema, which is located in the basement of NEW PEOPLE, invites visitors to the country’s first movie theatre with a dedicated Japanese film program and will cap off the day’s celebrations with the San Francisco premiere of 20th Century Boys, a stirring action film based on the smash hit manga comic by Naoki Urasawa. The 143-seat subterranean theatre features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX-certified sound system.

Gothic And Lolita Extravaganza

The influence of Japanese Harajuku fashion is undeniable and NEW PEOPLE welcomes four edgy labels from Tokyo’s hippest fashion district — Baby, the Stars Shine Bright, Black Peace Now, 6%DOKIDOKI and SOU • SOU; each opens its own brand boutique on the building’s second floor. Visitors are invited to explore all of the designs and accessories from four of Japan’s hottest labels and catch a special Gothic & Lolita Fashion Show presented by Baby, the Stars Shine Bright and Black Peace Now on the Main Stage in front of NEW PEOPLE at 1:30pm.

Harajuku Kawaii Makeover

Other couture fun continues at the Harajuku Kawaii Experience at Peace Plaza, located just adjacent to NEW PEOPLE. A Harajuku fashion makeover contest is scheduled for 12:00pm and will award a free trip to Tokyo, Japan to the lucky winner who will be transformed into the most convincing Harajuku girl. Finalists’ fashion show and announcement of the award will take place at 3:00-4:00pm. Appearing at 4:15 will be OMODAKA, a duo that offers an ambient and ethereal sound-mixing Minyo (Japanese traditional-flavored folk music) and electronic music, and a special performance art dance piece by fashion label 6%DOKIDOKI. A Harajuku Kawaii-themed dance party will continue in the plaza from 5:00-6:00pm.

Japan Nite Special: Girls Rock Explosion

NEW PEOPLE, in co-sponsorship with MTV Iggy and Japan Airlines, also presents the Japan Nite Special: Girls Rock Explosion! as part of the first annual 2009 J-Pop Summit Festival, also in Peace Plaza. A special mini-concert begins at 12:45pm and features the punk and alternative rock sounds of TsuShiMaMiRe, Red Bacteria Vacuum, and Noodles.

A second full-set show is scheduled at Yoshi’s S.F., the U.S.’s largest Jazz club / Japanese Restaurant, located near Japantown, on August 16th at 8:00 p.m. Tickets: $10 at the door. Tickets are now available at http://yoshis.com/sanfrancisco/.

Yuichi Yokoyama’s Art performance and Autograph Session

Yuichi Yokoyama, the Eisner Award-nominated creator of New Engineering and Travel, illustrated the abstract faces that adorn the manga balloon inspired interior walls of NEW PEOPLE: The Store, which is located on the mezzanine level and was designed to be not only a retail space, but also a giant art installation. NEW PEOPLE: The Store offers a fantastic selection of carefully selected Japanese products that include apparel, accessories, books, toys, DVDs, music, and design items for the home and office. Yuichi Yokoyama will have a live painting performance at 12:00 pm at the corner of Post and Buchanan Streets, within the same block as the NEW PEOPLE building. Also he appears for the special autograph session at NEW PEOPLE: The Store at 3:00-4:00pm.

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass facade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: NewPeopleWorld.com.

Weta News: August 2009

from Weta:

Hey Weta fans,

This time I would like to draw your attention to a beautiful trailer for Peter Jackson’s upcoming movie The Lovely Bones. Weta helped out with design and specialty props as well as digital visual effects for the movie. We’re really looking forward to the release of the movie in December. See the trailer here! Enjoy!

In the News:
We are incredibly proud and pleased to finally be “back in Middle-earth” again and we’re full of anticipation of exciting times ahead. So, without further ado, we declare our range of Miniature Shields from The Lord of the Rings open for Pre-order!

New Products:

Running Out:

  • Prince Caspian — Caspian and Steed — less than 10 left! And it’s only just arrived!
  • King Kong — Kong Skull — A few left in NZ and the UK

The Dragon’s Gold has been found!
The Hunt for Dragon’s Gold at Comic-Con was a race down to the wire. In fact, it was so close, it was a dead heat. The two winners were Jared Sarajian and Jeff Cox. The hunt was announced by Richard Taylor at the panel organized by our good friends at TORn (theonering.net). It took them just 45 minutes to decipher the series of clues placed around the Convention Hall. Read more!

This is how you find us online!
http://fans.wetaNZ.com/Magnus/ | Twitter: @wetaworkshop | Facebook: Weta Workshop

VIZ Media Presents the Historical and Royal Intrigue of “Ooku: The Inner Chambers” Manga Series

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 the release of Ooku: The Inner Chambers, Fumi Yoshinaga’s historical manga epic set in an alternate version of Edo-era Japan. Ooku, which will be released under the company’s VIZ Signature imprint on August 8th, is rated “M” for Mature Audiences and will carry an MSRP of $12.95 U.S. / $15.00 CAN.

In Edo period Japan (1603 to 1868), a strange new disease called the Redface Pox has begun to prey on the country’s men. Within eighty years of the first outbreak, the male population has fallen to a quarter of the total female population. Women have taken on all the roles traditionally granted to men, even that of the Shogun. The men, precious providers of life, are carefully protected and the most beautiful of the men are sent to serve in the Shogun’s Inner Chambers.

Fumi Yoshinaga is a Tokyo-born manga creator who debuted in 1994 with The Moon and the Sandals. Her series Ooku: The Inner Chambers has received numerous prestigious awards, including the 2009 Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize and the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award. Fumi Yoshinaga was also nominated in the United States in 2008 for the Eisner Award for Best Writer/Artist.

“Ooku: The Inner Chambers is an acclaimed story that blends science fiction themes with strong female characters and will captivate readers with a mix of historical drama and royal intrigue,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media. “Incorporating the richly detailed history of Edo era Japan, Ooku presents a unique portrayal and examination of gender roles in Japanese society. The series was a commercial as well as a critical success in Japan and we look forward to the readers in the US and Canada discovering this unique story.”