NYAF Folds Into NYCC!

NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL
FOLDS INTO NEW YORK COMIC CON

Anime Content To Remain Vital Part Of NYCC Programming

Feature Anime Guests To Be Announced Soon

Norwalk, CT, May 29, 2012: Officials at New York Comic Con (NYCC) have today announced that the New York Anime Festival (NYAF) will become an integral part of the massive pop culture convention rather than continue to operate as a separate co-located event. NYAF was launched in December 2007 as a stand-alone festival delivering quality content and entertainment to anime fans and professionals in New York City. NYCC organizers note that while NYAF will no longer be staged as a separate entity, their mission to serve the anime community will be a priority and will remain consistent with past standards of excellence. Since its inception, NYAF has presented the latest and the best in anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music and games and this programming will be a vital part of NYCC planning moving forward. New York Comic Con provides something for attendees across diverse fandoms, and in this new configuration, the anime fan will play a central role – as opposed to a separate role – in defining convention activity by being part of the NYCC pop culture community.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game - Gold Series: Haunted Mine

KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT
BRINGS BACK HOBBY EXCLUSIVE GOLD SERIES
WITH A BRAND NEW TWIST

Ghost/Gold Hybrid Cards Released for the First Time Ever

El Segundo, CA (May 24, 2012) – Every year, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (Konami) rewards the hobby channel with a content-packed release just for them. Gold Series: Haunted Mine, hitting store shelves on June 12th, is this year’s Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) hobby exclusive. Each pack (MSRP $19.99) consists of one Ghost/Gold Rare card plus two standard Gold Rares and 22 Common cards.

Madoka Magica Final Episode to be streamed in English

NicoNico and Aniplex of America presents the
"Puella Magi Madoka Magica English Finale Screening"
A FREE simultaneous streaming live event

Santa Monica, CA (May 23, 2012)– With the high demand for more Madoka Magica screening events, Aniplex has heard the requests and has saved the best for last. Aniplex of America has announced today that they will host an Exclusive Screening of episode 12 (Final episode) of the hit anime series "Puella Magi Madoka Magica” in English. Just like the screenings in the past, this screening event will be shown in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Japan simultaneously for free. This one day event will be on the Nico Nico Live-streaming channel on June 8th, Friday at 20:30 PST (June 9th Saturday at
12:30pm Japan local time).

Godzilla's One Crazy Summer!

GODZILLA'S ONE CRAZY SUMMER!
IDW announces digital Godzilla comics, new characters, and a new title!

May 23, 2012 San Diego, CA – Expanding what has become an explosive publishing partnership, this summer IDW Publishing and Toho Co., Ltd.are bringing even more kaiju chaos to comic fans everywhere!

New Releases from Yen Press - SUMOMOMO, MOMOMO, Vol. 12

SUMOMOMO, MOMOMO, Vol. 12
by Shinobu Ohtaka

New Releases from Yen Press - PANDORA HEARTS, Vol. 10

PANDORA HEARTS, Vol. 10
by Jun Mochizuki

New Releases from Yen Press - OMAMORI HIMARI, Vol. 7

OMAMORI HIMARI, Vol. 7
by Milan Matra

New Releases from Yen Press - NABARI NO OU, Vol. 10

NABARI NO OU, Vol. 10
by Yuhki Kamatani

New Releases from Yen Press - THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA, Vol. 12

THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA, Vol. 12
by Yukako Kabei

New Releases from Yen Press - BAMBOO BLADE, Vol. 13

BAMBOO BLADE, Vol. 13
story by Masahiro Totsuka, art by Aguri Igarashi

New Releases from Yen Press - SOUL EATER, Vol. 9

SOUL EATER, Vol. 9
by Atsushi Ohkubo

New Releases from Yen Press - UNTIL DEATH DO US PART , Vol. 1

UNTIL DEATH DO US PART, Vol. 1
story by Hiroshi Takashige, art by DOUBLE-S

New Releases from Yen Press - DANIEL X, Vol. 3

DANIEL X, Vol. 3
story by James Patterson, art by SeungHui Kye

New Releases from Yen Press - PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, Vol. 1

PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, Vol. 1
story by Magica Quartet, art by Hanokage

Anime Network Selects iN DEMAND to Handle VOD Transport

ANIME NETWORK SELECTS
iN DEMAND TO HANDLE VOD TRANSPORT

Top Japanese Animation Service
Added to iN DEMAND Portfolio.

New York, May 21 - Anime Network, the most widely distributed anime channel in North America, has concluded a deal with iN DEMAND, the industry's leading distributor of transactional Video On Demand (VOD) as well as Pay-Per-View (PPV) content, to handle all transport of its popular service to its subscriber universe beginning on May 24, 2012, it was announced today by Bob Benya, President & CEO, iN DEMAND and Stacy Dodson, Executive Vice President, Anime Network. Anime Network joins the more than 40 programmers who currently use iN DEMAND to deliver their On Demand content to homes across North America.

RUROUNI KENSHIN Returns in Reboot Manga, Only On WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA!

CATCH THE SAMURAI ACTION OF NEW
RUROUNI KENSHIN MANGA REBOOT ON
WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPLHA

Digital Manga Updates for 2nd Half of May Include Continuation
Of Monday 40% Promo on Select Volume 1 Titles, HONEY AND
CLOVER Debut

May 21, 2012 VIZ Media rounds out the month of May with big news for WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members as it debuts in today’s issue the new RUROUNI KENSHIN manga (graphic novel) reboot – RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION.

Joe Kubert's Tarzan of the Apes: Artist's Edition coming in September from IDW

Joe Kubert's Tarzan of the Apes: Artist's Edition
coming in September from IDW

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of
Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic creation

San Diego, CA (May 18, 2012) – Joe Kubert is one of the most lauded artists in the history of comics, a true living legend. He has been a vital creative force since the 1940s and remains so to this day. He has had defining runs on Hawkman, Enemy Ace, Tor, Sgt. Rock, and many others. Among his career highlights is Tarzan of the Apes, and Kubert's rendition could arguably be called the definitive comic adaptation of the Ape-man.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal is Almost Here!

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS THE LATEST YU-GI-OH! ADVENTURES
WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW
YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL MANGA SERIES IN JUNE

Brand New Action Adventure Series Follows A Young Boy’s Quest
To Fulfill His Destiny And Become A Dueling Champion;
Vol. 1 First Editions Include Limited Edition YU-GI-OH! Trading Card

San Francisco, CA, May 17, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, notably expands its bestselling YU-GI-OH! manga (graphic novel) brand with the forthcoming release of the newest series in the popular franchise. YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL launches on June 5th under the company’s SHONEN JUMP imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Volume 1 First Editions will also contain a limited edition collectable YU-GI-OH! trading card.

The Crow Comic Book flies again

The Crow Comic Book flies again
IDW Brings back James O’Barr’s iconic anti-hero this summer!

San Diego, CA (May 17, 2012)– Proving that the spirit of vengeance is timeless, Bram Stoker Award-winning author and co-screenwriter of the original The Crow film, John Shirley, has teamed with Eisner Award-nominated, Fishtown artist Kevin Colden, to bring the dark spirit back to comics. Concurrently, the film’s producer Edward R. Pressman, in conjunction with Relativity Media and Dimension Films, is in pre-production on a gritty reinvention of the 1994 cult classic to be directed by F. Javier Gutiérrez (Before the Fall) and written by Jesse Wigutow.


IDW Brings The Love This August

IDW Brings The Love This August
Thom Zahler returns with new Love and Capes series
Exclusive variant releasing at San Diego Comic-Con

San Diego, CA (May 17, 2012) – IDW Publishing is excited to announce LOVE AND CAPES: WHAT TO EXPECT, the fourth installment of the Harvey Award-nominated comic book series. The fan-favorite “heroically super” romantic comedy by creator Thom Zahler is back with an addition to the cast, a super baby!

Thirteen Years and Stronger Than Ever!

Thirteen Years and Stronger Than Ever!

IDW Publishing rings in its teen years with a string of successes

San Diego, CA (May 16, 2012) – Buoyed by extraordinary fan response, explosive material, and a dedicated retail market, IDW is spending a lot of year thirteen making repeated trips to the printer!

Dark Horse Comics Goes Pre-Code!

DARK HORSE COMICS GOES PRE-CODE!

DARK HORSE PUBLISHES RARE & OUT-OF-PRINT ARCHIVES!

May 16, MILWAUKIE, OR—With a jaw-dropping selection of well-known titles, accurate color restoration, uncoated off-white paper, and an impressive roster of foreword writers, Dark Horse Archives is hitting another peak season this year with a lineup of pre-Code collections!

Tony Puryear's CONCRETE PARK Returns to Dark Horse Presents!

TONY PURYEAR’S CONCRETE PARK RETURNS
TO DARK HORSE PRESENTS!

May 16, MILWAUKIE, OR —With overwhelming fan support, Tony Puryear’s Concrete Park is slated for a new story arc in Dark Horse Presents #14–#17!

Celebrate Deadweek This August!

CELEBRATE DEADWEEK THIS AUGUST!

Gary Reed’s DEADWORLD returns in a weekly miniseries!

San Diego, CA (May 16, 2012) – This August, IDW Publishing is proud to announce the return of original co-creator Gary Reed’s classic zombie series Deadworld! When vicious masses of undead monsters have taken over the planet, desperate humans cling to hope while warring factions of uniquely sinister zombies conspire against each other. Deadworld is a zombie tale unlike any other and a horrific and thrilling world that is decades in the making and unique unto itself.

Elvira Joins Forces with Stan Lee's Comikaze Presented by POW! Entertainment

Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo partners with
Legendary Horror Icon Elvira Mistress of the Dark.

Stan Lee’s Comikaze to be the only place You can MEET Elvira

Beverly Hills, Calif.(May 2012) - Stan Lee's Comikaze Expo Presented by POW! Entertainment, the largest multimedia pop culture, comic book, horror and gaming convention in Los Angeles, has set the date for its 2nd annual show at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Book of Bantorra Collection 1 and 2 Giveaway

Anime Network Announces
Book of Bantorra Collection 1 and 2 Giveaway

HOUSTON, TX — May 15, 2012 — In celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Anime Network invites fans to enter this summer’s hit series Book of Bantorra promotional giveway. The first 13 episodes of this hit series are now airing on Video on Demand and Xfinity’s Top Picks.

Seto Kaiba & Obelisk the Tormentor Card Sleeves

CLASSIC CHARACTERS REUNITE IN

Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME CARD SLEEVES

El Segundo, CA (May 14, 2012)– This Spring, Battle Pack: Epic Dawn is bringing Sealed Pack Play to the Dueling world for the very first time. Duelists everywhere will crack open Battle Packs, ten at a time, build all-new Decks, and execute incredible unexplored strategies. Every ten Battle Packs means 50 new cards, including ten Starfoil cards, and Duelists are going to want to keep each and every one of them safe and pristine. Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (Konami) will help them achieve that on May 29th with the release of the Seto Kaiba & Obelisk the Tormentor Card Sleeves.

Only 14 Days Until Philadelphia Comic Con

Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con is only 2 weeks away! Check out the standout lineup that is scheduled to attend, May 31, June 1-3 at Philadelphia Convention Center. Top stars Chris Hemsworth, WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, Paul Wesley and Scott Bakula will be joined by dozens of other amazing celebrities and comic creators at the convention!

Get Your Tickets Now!

~~~

Philadelphia Comic Con Press Release

Galactic Overlord Booster Packs

HISTORIC DRAGONS AWAKEN IN MAY
WHEN Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME
GALACTIC OVERLORD BOOSTER PACKS
FLY ONTO STORE SHELVES

El Segundo, CA (May 11, 2012) – On May 8th, the Hieratic Dragons took flight with the arrival of Galactic Overlord, the highly anticipated Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME booster set from Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (Konami).

The mighty 100-card Galactic Overlord set launches an entire fleet of new high-Level Dragon monsters. Eight Hieratic Dragon Effect Monsters wield a vast array of powers, including the ability to Summon more Dragons straight from the Deck. Combined with the strength of Hieratic Seals such as Hieratic Seal of Banishment and cards that help out all Dragons, like Draconnection, Duelists will have a blast testing out the abilities of these new cards against their friends.

Geoff Johns and Jim Lee are SPOTLIGHT Guests at NYCC!!

GEOFF JOHNS AND JIM LEE
TO BE SPOTLIGHT GUESTS AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

Norwalk, CT, May 11, 2012: Geoff Johns, Chief Creative Officer of DC Entertainment, and Jim Lee, Co-Publisher of DC Entertainment, will head the list of top talent who will be attending New York Comic Con (NYCC) on behalf of renowned comic book publisher DC Entertainment. Mr. Johns and Mr. Lee will be Spotlight guests at the annual pop culture extravaganza, where they will be joined by other leading DCE guests who will be announced in the near future. This is the first guest announcement for the 2012 edition of NYCC. Show organizers note that while more major guest announcements will follow in the weeks and months ahead, they are pleased that this first announcement is focused on two of the comic industry’s leading talents.

AniMinneapolis Announces Wendy Powell

AniMinneapolis Announces Wendy Powell

Bloomington, Minneapolis - May 10, 2012 - AniMinneapolis, one of the largest conventions in Minneapolis, is excited to announce that Wendy Powell will be a guest at the 2012 Anime Minneapolis convention. AniMinneapolis will happen June 29 - July 1, 2012 at the Ramada Hotel near the Mall of America. Admission is just $30 online, or $35 at the door, which includes access to free autograph sessions, free soda and snacks, and over 100+ different events.

Canadian Comic Creators Cross Channel to Kill Shakespeare in Bard’s Country

Canadian Comic Creators Cross Channel
to Kill Shakespeare in Bard’s Country

May 9, 2012 San Diego, CA - The creators of IDW Publishing’s Kill Shakespeare comic book series look to court controversy this month by bringing their take on Shakespeare and his characters to the birth country of the Bard himself this month on a two-week signing and convention tour of England.

Anime Midwest Announces LittleKuriboh of Yu-Gi-Oh Abridged

Anime Midwest Announces LittleKuriboh of Yu-Gi-Oh Abridged

Lisle, IL - May 9, 2012 - Anime Midwest 2012, one of the largest up-and-coming anime conventions to happen in the Chicagoland region, is happy to announce the appearance of Martin Billany, more famously known as LittleKuriboh, at the 2012 Chicago anime convention. LittleKuriboh (creator of Yu-Gi-Oh abridged) will be doing a Q&A session, special screenings, and giving out autographs. Anime Midwest will be held at the Wyndham Hotel & Convention Center in Lisle, Illinois from July 6-8, 2012.

Archie’s Sunday Finest Hits Shelves

Archie’s Sunday Finest Hits Shelves Tomorrow

Collecting Bob Montana’s 1940s and early 1950s Sunday strips

San Diego, CA (May 8, 2012) – IDW Publishing is pleased to announce the launch of ARCHIE’S SUNDAY FINEST, available in comic book stores this Wednesday. This hardcover collection features full-color Archie Sunday strips, presenting classic Archie themes and characters by cartoonist Bob Montana.

Anime Network Celebrates Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month on Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand

Anime Network Celebrates
Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
on Comcast’s Xfinity On Demand

HOUSTON, TX — May 8, 2012 — In celebration of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, Anime Network and Comcast’s Xfinity TV are featuring four exciting titles during May on Xfinity On Demand under the Top Picks folder. The titles represent the unique use of colorful illustration, pop music and storytelling indicative of the Japanese art form that has grown in worldwide popularity.

BAKUMAN Concluding Chapter, YU-GI-OH! TCG Promo, Only On WEEKLY SJ ALPHA!

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS NEW AND EXISTING
WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA MEMBERS A
SPECIAL YU-GI-OH! TRADING CARD PREMIUM

This Week’s Issue of North America’s Leading Digital Manga
Magazine Features Series Conclusion Of BAKUMAN｡ And Interview
With Manga Creator Takeshi Obata

May 7, 2012 Leading manga publisher VIZ Media continues to offer a plethora of fan-favorite, must-read manga (graphic novel) content along with exclusive creator interviews and a special collectable trading card premium for WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members throughout the month of May.

Dark Horse Free Comic Book Day Comics Available for Download!

DARK HORSE FREE COMIC BOOK DAY COMICS
AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD FOR LIMITED TIME!

MAY 7, MILWAUKIE, OR—If you missed out on picking up your Free Comic Book Day comics at your local comic-book store, you can get them from Dark Horse Digital for a limited time!

Nina Dobrev Coming to Chicago Comic Con

Meet Nina Dobrev Of "Vampire Diaries"
At Wizard World Chicago Comic Con!

The hit CW series "Vampire Diaries" has officially been renewed for next season, which makes August the perfect time for fans to catch up with its leading lady, Nina Dobrev, at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con.

Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG, Battle Pack: Epic Dawn

KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CREATES NEW BLOCKBUSTER Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME

DUELING EXPERIENCE WITH BATTLE PACK: EPIC DAWN

First Booster Set Designed for Sealed Pack Play

El Segundo, CA (May 4, 2012)– With ten years of booster packs, Structure Decks and Starter Decks under its belt, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (Konami) is now unleashing the greatest Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME booster set ever: Battle Pack: Epic Dawn. The 220-card Epic Dawn booster set (MSRP $1.99 per pack) crashes onto store shelves on May 29th packed with enough monsters, Spells and Traps for Duelists and their friends to immediately jump into sealed pack play!

Announcing May VIZ Manga Digital Mondays & Updates!

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS 40% OFF ON SELECT VOLUME
1 DIGITAL MANGA TITLES EVERY MONDAY IN MAY
ON VIZMANGA.COM AND VIZ MANGA APP FOR
iPAD, iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH

Latest Digital Update For The First-Half Of May Also Features The
Launch Of HIGH SCHOOL DEBUT, MISTRESS FORTUNE,
SEIHO BOYS HIGH SCHOOL And EXCEL SAGA

May 3, 2012 Manga publisher VIZ Media encourages fans across North America to visit VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch every Monday throughout the first-half of May to take advantage of a special 40% off discount on select Volume 1 digital titles (Reg. MSRP: $4.99, Sale Price: $2.99). Five different opening volumes from various manga series will be offered each week, from the hit debuts of BLEACH and BAKUMAN｡, to the non-stop action of DRAGON BALL Z and psychological tension of DEATH NOTE, to the romance of BLACK BIRD and DENGEKI DAISY.

Matt Kindt's MIND MGMT: SECRET FILES Unlocked! Free Digital Prequel!

MIND MGMT’S SECRET FILES UNLOCKED

MATT KINDT RELEASES EXCLUSIVE FREE DIGITAL PREQUEL!

May 2, MILWAUKIE, OR—Can’t wait for the new series from visionary Super Spy and 3 Story creator Matt Kindt? Well, lock up your dolphins, shield your brain, and don’t believe anything you see, because MIND MGMT is here!

VIZ Media Announces Shonen Jump Alpha Trivia Sweepstakes!

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES SHONEN JUMP ALPHA
TRIVIA SWEEPSTAKES

Everyone Is Invited To Enter Contest
For A Chance To Win A Pair
Of 4-Day Passes To 2012 San Diego Comic-Con

May 1, 2012 VIZ Media invites manga fans to test their knowledge of the nation’s leading digital manga magazine with a just-announced new online SHONEN JUMP ALPHA Trivia Sweepstakes Contest, running exclusively at http://www.sjalpha.com/sja-trivia-contest through May 23rd, 2012. No WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA membership is required to enter the contest.

BioWare and Dark Horse Unveil New DRAGON AGE Comic Miniseries!

BIOWARE AND DARK HORSE COMICS EXPAND AND
UNVEIL NEW DRAGON AGE™ COMIC MINISERIES

MAY 1, MILWAUKIE, OR—BioWare, a label of Electronic Arts Inc., and Dark Horse Comics today announced Dragon Age™: Those Who Speak, a three-issue comic miniseries based on the award-winning Dragon Age™ fiction.

Anime and Manga at Kids Comic Con 2012

Hey Readers!

Kids Comic Con ("KCC") is this weekend! This is our annual convention that specifically focuses on bringing young people, parents, artists, and educators together for a fun and enlightening view of our industry and its potentials. We invite families, schools, librarians, and more to show them how our exciting medium works and how it can support their academic and life goals. To that end, all materials presented at KCC are audiences/family friendly.

FUNimation Announcement - Panty & Stocking Voice Cast Announced

FUNimation Entertainment Announces
English Language Cast of Panty & Stocking

Flower Mound, TX (April 28, 2012)- FUNimation(R) Entertainment today announced at Anime Central, the main cast for the series’ “Panty & Stocking”. The full cast & series synopsis can be found below.

FUNimation Entertainment Announces New Acquisitions at Anime Central

FUNimation Entertainment Announces New Acquisitions at Anime Central

Flower Mound, TX – April 28, 2012-FUNimation Entertainment announced today at Anime Central it has acquired the home media rights to the feature film King of Thorn and series Eureka 7: AO (Astral Ocean).

In addition, FUNimation has acquired the simulcasts rights for Eureka 7: AO. Full episodes will begin on www.funimation.com during spring 2012.