Weta: Knights, hobbit ears and collectible News!

from Weta:

Sir Richard!
Her Majesty the Queen on the celebration of her Birthday, is pleased to appoint Richard Taylor as a Knight Companion of The New Zealand Order of Merit. To be knighted, in other words, and earn the right to be addressed Sir Richard. Richard received this honour for services to film. From all here at Weta — huge congratulations, Richard. We’re very proud that your contribution to New Zealand film has been recognised in this manner and there’s not a single person here who doesn’t think it’s well deserved.

Are you a Hobbit at heart? Now ‘ear this!
For Hobbits-at-heart everywhere, here’s a wonderful piece of The Lord of the Rings to wear with pride — like a Hobbit. Drawn from the original molds that Frodo’s and Sam’s ears were drawn from for the The Lord of the Rings trilogy, these prosthetics are as authentic as can be. Hand made here at Weta Workshop by Makeup Supervisor Frances Hawker and her team. Made from latex, they can be blended to look like part of your anatomy for your next costume event or convention. Get yours ‘ere!

Raygun shootout May winner
Last month’s winner, for best alien raygun, was Radulan for the Head Mounted Interpolator. This month’s challenge is Rocket Ships!

Weta presence at Anime Expo in LA
Weta’s US envoy, Phil Davis will be at Anime Expo in Los Angeles from the 1-4 July in the LA Convention Center. It is the largest Anime and Media Con in the western US and as usual, Phil will have a selection of Weta merchandise for sale at his booth. See you there!

New collectibles on the way
Tim Launder (when he’s not busy managing us rogues here at Weta Limited) is the guy who gets stuff off tall shelves in the Workshop. He says he found something at the very back — it appears to be an environment from The Lord of the Rings… possibly sculpted back-in-the-day. Looks a bit like a drinking establishment of some sort. As some of the Lord of the Rings fans in the building got very excited, we’ve decided to make a few of them and to put them up for pre-order this week, so keep an eye out for more announcements.

San Diego Comic-Con update!
There is too much news to just cram into newsletters, so we’ve created a whole page dedicated to Comic-Con updates! Save it in your Favourites and come back often — we can’t promise news every day, but there’s already a fair few posts. Check out our Comic-Con updates page!

Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Facebook and to discuss on the forum on The Shadow and Flame!

Follow Weta Online! Twitter | Facebook

J!NX: Don’t Miss our Father’s Day Promotion!

from J!NX:

New J!NX Classic Tee: Dastardly
In the Boy Scouts, good deeds are encouraged. Enough do-gooding will earn you a swell badge for your collection. In the Old West, things are a bit different. Being nice will get you nowhere. You’ve gotta be hard, you’ve gotta be mean… you’ve gotta be dastardly.

iPad Contest… Are You Entered?
We’re approaching the last few days of our iPad Contest, so if you’ve been dilly-dallying, lollygagging or otherwise procrastinating, now would be the time to get motivated. Entry is easy! Just “like” us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and comment on the entry page once a day. That’s it! The contest ends Tuesday (6/15/10), so don’t wait!

Father’s Day Promotion!
Dads are Geeks, too! You’ll receive a $10 discount on an order of $35 or more when you enter the code DADSROCK. With Father’s Day just around the corner, make sure Dear Old Dad gets what he really wants. Or, you can just use the code for yourself (it’s ok, we won’t tell anyone). This offer is not valid in combination with any other sale or discount.

$10 off your purchase of $35 or more

Use Promotion Code: DADSROCK
This offer expires Friday, June 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM EDT, so don’t wait!

Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge Awards at Celebration V!

from StarWars.com:

The Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge for 2010 is in full swing, but there is still time to enter your movie before the coming deadline, June 24. Lucasfilm Ltd. and Fan Movie Challenge partner Atom.com are making a call for immediate submissions at Atom’s Star Wars movie website.

Moviemakers who make the finalist category this year can look forward to seeing their movie in the spotlight at Celebration V, this August 12-15 in Orlando. All finalist movies will be played in a dedicated track throughout the run of the show.

The Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge is produced by a long-running partnership between Lucasfilm and Atom, to celebrate the best in fan made videos and animations. The winning entry each year is selected by Star Wars writer/director George Lucas, and the finalists are also posted online, where a worldwide body of viewers selects the Audience Choice Award. This year the famous golden droid trophies will be presented to the winners at Star Wars Celebration V, in the Fan Movie Award Ceremony, planned for Thursday evening, August 12.

But before moviemakers can receive all that honor and glory, they need to enter their movies in the competition. The deadline for the Ninth Annual 2010 Star Wars Fan Movie Challenge is June 24, 2010. Talented moviemakers need to submit their movie before that date at starwars.atomfilms.com, in order to be considered. All Challenge rules and guidelines are on the site, plus Star Wars movie assets that moviemakers can use in their creations.

Times and location might change. Please check starwarscelebration.com for updates closer to the show. A valid Celebration V admission badge is needed to attend the Fan Movie Award Ceremony.

RiffTrax Presents “Armageddon” with Matthew J. Elliott!

from RiffTrax:

Unasked questions.

So many important historical events would have turned out so differently if people had only thought to voice their concerns when it really mattered. For example, the Amok Time episode of Star Trek would have had a running time of about 20 minutes if Kirk had said: “Listen, before we get started… this isn’t to the death, is it?

Hear Matthew J. Elliott take on Armageddon here.

J!NX Father’s Day Promo: $10 off

from J!NX:

Father’s Day is June 20!
If you haven’t found that perfect gift, you still have a chance. Come on over and check out our entire selection of expressive tees inspired by video games and geek culture. We’re making it even easier for you, giving you $10 off your order of $35 or more. Just use code DADSROCK during checkout.

While you’re here…
Check out the J!NX Design Arcade. You can win up to $1000!

Guild Wars 2: Announcing the Warrior

from NCsoft:

Announcing the Warrior
Announcing our next Guild Wars 2 profession: the warrior! A master of weapons, the warrior marches into battle with swords, rifles, and just about everything in between. The warrior can absorb incredible damage as he builds up adrenaline to power his devastating attacks. Witness the raw power and blinding speed of the warrior in these incredible skill videos!

ArenaNet Summer Events
Tradeshow season is kicking off, and it’s going to be a busy summer for us! We can’t wait to get out there to spread the word about Guild Wars 2 and connect with our fellow gamers.

  • Comic-Con — July 22-25: Grab your sunscreen and join us in sunny San Diego! We’ll be signing copies of our upcoming Guild Wars novel, Ghosts of Ascalon, and our stunning artbook, The Art of Guild Wars 2. While you’re there, also make sure to check out our panel discussion about the creation of Guild Wars 2!
  • gamescom — August 18-22: We wouldn’t dream of missing Europe’s largest game show in Cologne, Germany. We’re going to be at gamescom in a big way this year, so make sure to stop by our booth!
  • PAX — September 3-5: PAX is a big three-day gaming festival right here in our backyard in Seattle! This year we’re going to out-do ourselves with cool swag, fun activities, and some special surprises. Don’t miss it!

For more details about our summer activities check out our blog.

A Look at Dynamic Events and Personal Storylines in Guild Wars 2
Learn more about why Guild Wars 2 is a different kind of MMO. Lead Content Designer Colin Johanson explains the dynamic event system in Guild Wars 2 and how it challenges the traditional ways content has been presented in MMOs. Lore & Continuity Designer Ree Soesbee shares our approach to storytelling in Guild Wars 2, where you follow your own personal storyline and your actions have a real impact on the world around you. Visit the ArenaNet Blog for further information about events and personal stories in Guild Wars 2. Our blog is your official source for behind-the-scenes GW2 info, so bookmark it today and stay up to date!

Alienware and Razer Team Up with NCsoft This Summer
NCsoft is partnering with our good friends at Razer and Alienware for trade shows this summer, and we’ll be using their equipment in our booths. For more information about their gear, head over to the Razer and Alienware websites.

Shout! Factory Presents Roger Corman’s Cult Classics: “Forbidden World” 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD

from Shout! Factory:

Space, the final frontier… it’s also the fiercest, most fearful frontier. No one can hear you scream… but now they can hear you shout! This Summer, Shout! Factory, in association with New Horizons Picture Corporation, have a treat in store for aficionados of sci-fi, horror classics and Roger Corman fans when Forbidden World and Galaxy of Terror debut for the first time on Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD on July 20, 2010. Forbidden World 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD contain two versions of the movie — the newly remastered theatrical version and the never-before-seen unrated director’s cut. Each Blu-ray and DVD boasts a shocking selection of extensive bonus content including all-new interviews and audio commentaries with cast and crew, rare behind-the-scenes footage and much more. These two inter-stellar shockers mark the latest installments from fan favorite Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment series from Shout! Factory. Each Special Edition Blu-ray and DVD is sold separately. Blu-ray is priced to own at $26.97; and DVD is available at $19.93.

Available for the first time on both Blu-ray and DVD, audiences can experience the 2-Disc Special Edition home entertainment release of Forbidden World as it was originally envisioned, in a never-before-seen, unrated director’s cut, as well as a newly remastered theatrical cut.

On the remote planet of Xarbia, a scientific experiment has gone horrifically wrong. An experimental life-form known as Subject 20, created by an elite group of scientists to prevent a major galactic food crisis, has instead mutated into a man-eating organism. It’s getting bigger, it has the ability to change its genetic structure at will and, worst of all, it’s hungry. Very, very hungry!

Two-fisted, hard-living, hard-loving bounty hunter Mike Colby (Jesse Vint, Macon County Line, Deathsport) is called in to combat this monstrous menace, but soon suspects that the scientists are keeping something from him. He soon discovers why: Subject 20 is half-human.

In classic Agatha Christie tradition, Subject 20 begins killing off the scientists one by one, while Colby and the remaining survivors desperately try to figure out a way to destroy it — before it destroys them.

Also released theatrically as Mutant, Forbidden World has it all: Gratuitous gore, unexpected nudity, surprising bits of black comedy, and an assortment of inspired and inventive special effects (done on a Roger Corman budget, of course). Nevertheless, the film earned three Saturn Award nominations: Best Low-Budget Film, Best Special Effects and Best Makeup. The film marked the directorial debut of two-time Primetime Emmy Awards winner Allan Holzman (Survivors of the Holocaust), who like so many Hollywood luminaries got his start under Corman’s auspices.

The cast also includes delectable damsels-in-distress June Chadwick (This is Spinal Tap, the original V) and Dawn Dunlap (Barbarian Queen, David Hamilton’s Laura) and character actors Linden Chiles (Helter Skelter, Who is the Black Dahlia?), Fox Harris (Repo Man, Sid and Nancy), Michael Bowen (Kill Bill — Volume 1, Jackie Brown) and Scott Paulin (The Right Stuff).

You too can embark on a never-before-seen, never-more-explicit journey to Forbidden World. It’s a journey you won’t soon forget!

Forbidden World 2-Disc Special Edition Blu-ray Special Features:
Disc 1 on Blu-ray Disc

  • New anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) in high definition transfer from the Inter-Positive films elements of the R-rated theatrical cut
  • Interview with producer Roger Corman
  • Interviews with cast and crew including director Allan Holzman, composer Susan Justin and actor Jesse Vint
  • A look at the special effects of Forbidden World with John Carl Buechler, Robert Skotak, Tony Randal and R. Christopher Biggs
  • Poster and still Gallery
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Additional New World trailers

Disc 2 on DVD

  • The never-before-seen, unrated Director’s Cut (4:3 — Full Frame)
  • Audio commentary with director Allan Holzman

Forbidden World 2-Disc Special Edition DVD Bonus Content:

  • New anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) in high definition transfer from the Inter-Positive films elements of the R-rated theatrical cut
  • The never-before-seen, unrated Director’s Cut (4:3 — Full Frame)
  • Audio commentary with director Allan Holzman
  • Interview with producer Roger Corman
  • Interviews with cast and crew including director Allan Holzman, composer Susan Justin and actor Jesse Vint
  • A look at the special effects of Forbidden World with John Carl Buechler, Robert Skotak, Tony Randal and R. Christopher Biggs
  • Poster and still Gallery
  • Original theatrical trailer
  • Additional New World trailers

With its unforgettable catch-line “Hell has just been relocated!Galaxy of Terror, known at various times during development as Planet of Horrors and MindWarp: An Infinity of Terror, is the quintessential example of Corman magic. Working behind the scenes was production designer James Cameron, who achieved some measure of success shortly thereafter.

In the distant future, the crew of the starship Quest is dispatched to the barren planet of Morganthus to search for the missing crew members of the starship Remus, which has crash-landed there. Instead, they encounter something far more mysterious and insidious, as the crew members fall victim to their worst fears — each one more horrifying than the last. If any of them are to survive the Galaxy of Terror, they must unlock the secrets of this deadly world.

The star-studded cast of Galaxy of Terror includes some popular veterans and a talented supporting cast, many of whom achieved greater fame subsequently. Topping the cast are Golden Globe winner Edward Albert (The House Where Evil Dwells, The Domino Principle), Erin Moran (TV’s Happy Days, Joanie Loves Chachi), and Primetime Emmy Awards winner Ray Walston (Fast Times at Ridgemont High, TV’s My Favorite Martian, Picket Fences).

In supporting roles are Robert Englund, prior to portraying Freddy Kreuger in the original Nightmare on Elm Street series, future filmmaker Zalman King (Wild Orchid, TV’s Red Shoe Diaries), two-time Gemini Award winner Bernard Behrens (The Changeling, The Man with Two Brains), Grace Zabriskie (The Grudge, TV’s Twin Peaks, Big Love) and cult icon Sid Haig (The Devil’s Rejects, Kill Bill — Vol. 2).

Galaxy of Terror Blu-ray and DVD Special Features Include:

  • Commentary with Cast and Crew
  • New Worlds — producer Roger Corman, screenwriter Marc Siegler and director Bruce D. Clark discuss the origins of the film
  • The Crew of the Quest — Actors Robert Englund, Sid Haig, Taaffe O’Connell and Grace Zabriskie discuss their experiences as crew members of the U.S.S. Quest
  • Planet Of Horrors — A detailed look into the creation of the film’s memorable sets and alien landscapes
  • Future King — Memories of co-production designer (and future visionary filmmaker) James Cameron from members of the cast and crew
  • Old School — A journey into the complicated mechanical and makeup effects with artists Allan A. Apone, Douglas J. White, Alec Gillis and others
  • Launch Sequence — Co-editor R.J. Kizer walks us through postproduction and a profile on composer Barry Schrader
  • Theatrical trailers
  • Extensive photo galleries including posters, production sketches and designs
  • Theatrical trailer with commentary from writer/director Joel Olsen, courtesy of trailersfromhell.com
  • Original screenplay

Shout! Factory will continue to present Roger Corman’s Cult Classics home entertainment releases on a monthly basis. Upcoming highlights include Attack of the Crab Monsters, the original Not of This Earth (1957), Piranha (directed by Joe Dante), Humanoids from the Deep (starring Doug McClure and Vic Morrow), Deathsport (starring David Carradine and Claudia Jennings), Battle Truck (released in the U.S. as Warlords of the 21st Century), among others.

rogercormanscultclassics.com

Independent filmmaker-producer Roger Corman’s illustrious career ranks as one of Hollywood’s most amazing success stories. Having produced more than 350 films and directed 50 others, his influence on American film goes far beyond his own energetic, creative low-budget movies. He is arguably one of Hollywood’s most gifted and masterful filmmakers. In 2009 he was the recipient of an honorary Academy Award for his contribution to the medium of film.

Noted for his keen ability to spot young talent, Corman’s most lasting legacy will undoubtedly be the legion of producers, directors, writers and actors he has fostered, among them: James Cameron, Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Peter Fonda, Jonathan Demme, Gale Anne Hurd, Diane Ladd, Tommy Lee Jones, Sandra Bullock, Bruce Dern, Talia Shire, Charles Bronson, Joe Dante, Peter Bogdanovich and Sally Kirkland.

“Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” Blu-ray

"Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" Blu-ray

If you’ve already watched Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog in its online and DVD incarnations, you now have a third option: Blu-ray.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog was such a huge viral hit that it went on to win an Emmy Award, despite having never actually aired on television, a feat that assured it was only a matter of time until Dr. Horrible earned Blu-ray treatment. A Hugo Awards nomination and a win at the 2009 People’s Choice Awards surely helped fast-track the title to the Blu-ray list, as well.

For those who haven’t already memorized Joss Whedon’s Internet spectacular, here’s a recap:

Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother) stars as Billy, A.K.A. Dr. Horrible, a budding supervillain whose plans for world domination continually go awry. His two goals: getting accepted into the Evil League of Evil, and working up the guts to speak to his laundromat crush Penny, played by Felicia Day (The Guild). The only thing standing in his way is Captain Hammer, Billy’s superhero archnemesis played by Nathan Fillion (Firefly, Castle). With one big score, Billy could get into the E.L.E. and earn the respect of Penny, but only if he can keep her away from the dashing Captain Hammer.

The Blu-ray’s special features are the same as those included on the standard-definition DVD. Some may seem new, but they’re actually the hidden bonuses from the standard DVD’s Easter Egg Hunt, now made much easier to find and access. If a 42-minute movie seems a bit skimpy to warrant buying a Blu-ray disc, then over 90 minutes of bonus material and multiple viewing options should change your mind:

  • Commentaries/Special Version
    • Watch Commentary! The Musical — in this first-of-its-kind, musical meta-commentary, the cast and creators ignore what’s happening on the screen to sing 42 minutes of all-new catchy tunes: “Commentary!” by Company; “Strike” by Company; “Ten-Dollar Solo” by Stacy Shirk (as Groupie #2), Neil Patrick Harris; “Better (Than Neil)” by Nathan Fillion; “It’s All About the Art” by Felicia Day; “Zack’s Flavor” by Zack Whedon, female backups, Joss Whedon; “Nobody Wants to Be Moist” by Simon Helberg (as Moist); “Ninja Ropes” by Jed Whedon, Neil Patrick Harris; “All About Me” by Extras; “Nobody’s Asian in the Movies” by Maurissa Tancharoen; “Heart (Broken)” by Joss Whedon, backups (Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon, Maurissa Tancharoen); “Neil’s Turn” by Neil Patrick Harris; “Commentary! (Reprise)” by Company; and, “Steve’s Song” by Steve Berg.
    • Watch Filmmaker’s Commentary — the regular commentary track, in which stars Neil Patrick Harris, Felicia Day, and Nathan Fillion, and writers Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen discuss the movie.
    • Watch with No Commentary — self-explanatory.
  • The Making of Dr. Horrible Featurettes
    • “The Movie” — a behind-the-scenes look at the movie’s production process.
    • “The Music” — a behind-the-scenes look at the writing and recording of the songs.
    • “What Just Happened?” — the cast and creators share their reactions to Dr. Horrible‘s launch, the after-effects of the movie’s release, their popularity at San Diego Comic-Con, the overwhelming response from fans, and how Internet distribution has empowered artists.
    • Play All Three — again, self-explanatory.
  • ELE Application Videos — the top 10 video applications submitted by fans who sought to join the Evil League of Evil.
  • Outtakes — a blooper reel (originally an Easter egg on the standard DVD).
  • Behind-the-Scenes — rehearsal footage (originally an Easter egg on the standard DVD).
  • Evil League of Evil Interview — candid group interview with the members of the ELE (originally an Easter egg on the standard DVD).
  • Teaser Trailer — the Internet’s first glimpse of Dr. Horrible.
  • Set Up
    • Audio — 5.1 Surround Sound, Stereo 2.0.
    • Subtitles — English, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese (no fake Wiccan this time, like the standard DVD had as part of its Easter Egg Hunt).

New to the Blu-ray is the completely redesigned menu. The standard DVD had a rather basic, amateur-looking menu, whereas the Blu-ray opens with a highly professional one that combines slick graphics and animation. The Dr. Horrible theme song plays in the background, and the selections pop up and expand in the style of a computer’s start menu. Scene selection is split into three sub-menus: Act 1, Act 2, and Act 3, which was how the original web series was divided. The picture and sound are crystal clear, as expected from an HD movie presented on Blu-ray, the colours popping in sharp contrast and minute details coming into focus for closer fan inspection.

The Dr. Horrible Blu-ray is the polar opposite of horrible, so if you already have the standard DVD, it’s well worth the upgrade to the Blu-ray edition.

Order now at Amazon.com:
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Blu-ray (Canada)
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Blu-ray (US)

Or order directly through the New Video Group website.

The Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog DVD and Blu-ray are distributed by New Video Group.

Auto-Tune the Guild

from The Guild:

When it came time to do a recap of Season 3, we thought we’d do something new and different. Everyone at The Guild had become big fans of The Gregory Brothers, creators of Auto-Tune the News, and we got to meet them in person at this year’s Streamy Awards where they won three Streamys and rocked the audience with their live performance and Magical Streamys Remix Video (watch it, it’s awesome). So, we asked if they would lend their talents to our recap.

The Guild Season 3 Recap: Auto-Tuned

Please share this with friends! And for more info about The Gregory Brothers, check them out on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. They also have a debut EP called “Meet the Gregory Brothers” available via their website and iTunes. And join us in our community forums (or in comments) to discuss the Season 3 recap. If you’d like to watch the previous season recaps, you can find them here: Season 1 and Season 2. And yes, this video is our first official word on the release date for Season 4 — coming July 13th!

ThinkGeek less than threes your dad (but not like that)

from ThinkGeek:

Spawn of geek dads,

The day of reckoning is nigh! That’s right — now you can play Farmville on the new iPhone. Thanks, Steve!

What? Your dear old dad is more important than stacking colored hay bales to spell your name? Then you’re in luck, because there’s still plenty of time before Sunday, June 20 to get him something shiny and new. If your dad’s awesomeness exceeds your budget, hurry and enter our Ultimate Geek Dad Sweepstakes with prizes totaling more than $1500!

BuckyBalls — Three new executive flavors
Without a doubt, the king of desktop fidget toys is a set of BuckyBalls. Well, guess what? The monarchy just became an oligarchy. Plain BuckyBalls have now been joined by three executive styles: gold plated, silver plated, and black nickel plated. Think of them as regular BuckyBalls all grown up. Or wearing really fancy armor. Yeah, armor. You still get 216 super-crazy, high-power, rare-earth magnets in each set, you still get the convenient little carrying case, and you still get hours and hours of magnetic fun. And don’t worry, these new executive BuckyBalls don’t want to take over — they play nice with the original flavor BuckyBalls you already have. And if you don’t have any regular ones, get them too!

Admit your parentage, save on gifts!
Father’s day is Sunday, June 20th, 2010. As a wise man called JoCo once said, Mom and Dad rolled the dice and won your genome. All that geek is totally coded in your DNA. Thank Dad for his contribution! Use the code THXDAD to save $10 off $30 from now through 11:59 pm EDT on Friday, 6/11/10.

Patriarch Appreciation Day!
Dads always give the best stuff. You know, like when Zeus gave Perseus that flying horse for his 16th birthday? We’re pretty sure his insurance rates went through the roof, but he’s a dad and dads do cool things like that. Speaking of cool dads, Patriarch Appreciation Day is just around the corner (6/20). We’ve gone to great lengths to assemble a fine selection of epic treasures that will delight and astound even the most granite-faced pater familias. Oh and there’s nothing wrong with mixing a little Greek and Latin.

Find more What’s New items at ThinkGeek!

Multi-National Manga Anti-Piracy Coalition Formed

from VIZ Media:

Today a coalition of Japanese and U.S. publishers announced a coordinated effort to combat a rampant and growing problem of internet piracy plaguing the manga industry. “Scanlation,” as this form of piracy has come to be known, refers to the unauthorized digital scanning and translation of manga material that is subsequently posted to the internet without the consent of copyright holders or their licensees. According to the coalition, the problem has reached a point where “scanlation aggregator” sites now host thousands of pirated titles, earning ad revenue and/or membership dues at creators’ expense while simultaneously undermining foreign licensing opportunities and unlawfully cannibalizing legitimate sales. Worse still, this pirated material is already making its way to smartphones and other wireless devices, like the iPhone and iPad, through apps that exist solely to link to and republish the content of scanlation sites.

Participants in the coalition include the 36 members of Japan’s Digital Comic Association, Square Enix, VIZ Media, TOKYOPOP, Vertical, Inc., the Tuttle-Mori Agency and Yen Press. Working together, the membership of the coalition will actively seek legal remedies to this intellectual property theft against those sites that fail to voluntarily cease their illegal appropriation of this material.

“It is unfortunate that this action has become necessary,” said a spokesperson for the group. “However, to protect the intellectual property rights of our creators and the overall health of our industry, we are left with no other alternative but to take aggressive action. It is our sincere hope that offending sites will take it upon themselves to immediately cease their activities. Where this is not the case, however, we will seek injunctive relief and statutory damages. We will also report offending sites to federal authorities, including the anti-piracy units of the Justice Department, local law enforcement agencies and FBI.”

The coalition stated that it has currently identified thirty sites targeted for action.

Participant members of the Digital Comic Association include: Akane Shinsha, Akita Shoten, ASCII Media Works, East Press, Ichijinsha, Enterbrain, Okura Shuppan, Ohzora Shuppan, Gakken, Kadokawa Shoten, Gentosha Comics, Kodansha, Jitsugyo No Nihonsha, Shueisha, Junet, Shogakukan, Shogakukan Shueisha Production, Shodensha, Shonen Gahosha, Shinshokan, Shinchosa, Take Shobo, Tatsumi Shuppan, Tokuma Shoten, Nihon Bungeisha, Hakusensha, Fujimi Shobo, Fusosha, Futabasha, France Shoin, Bunkasha, Houbunsha, Magazine House, Media Factory, Leed sha, Libre Shuppan