Saturday, March 30, 2013

The Reemergence of the Tokyopop Website with Stu Levy Part 4

Please read Part 3 of the interview before reading Part 4


Final Questions for Stu

To all the fans out there that is supportive of Tokyopop, what ways can we or the general public help the company now? Here is what Levy had to say:

Friday, March 29, 2013

Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME Cosmo Blazer Special Edition is Available Now

Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME
COSMO BLAZER SPECIAL EDITION
TURNS THE UNIVERSE UPSIDE DOWN

El Segundo, CA (March 26, 2013)
– Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (Konami) is giving Duelists a second chance to grab great cards to enhance their Decks with the release of Cosmo Blazer Special Edition. This latest Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) booster set continues to introduce new themes and tons of support cards for popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG releases, such as Return of the Duelist and Abyss Rising, as well as Realm of the Sea Emperor and Onslaught of the Fire Kings.

The Reemergence of the Tokyopop Website with Stu Levy Part 3

Please read Part 2 of the interview before reading Part 3


The Objectives

When I saw that Tokyopop has relaunched their website with a brand new design, my conclusion was that the company wants to get back in to the publishing business. However, I do remember Levy’s passion for the film and TV industry. I wanted to understand the importance of this reemergence of the publishing business and why would Levy not stick solely to film and TV.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Felicia Day Comes to NYCC!


Artist Mark Texeira At Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Meet 'Wolverine,' 'Spider-Man' Artist Mark Texeira At
Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Multi-talented artist Mark Texeira, long associated with a wide range of characters like "Ghost Rider," "Black Panther" and "Wolverine," returns to Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con, May 30 - June 2.

Meet 'Charmed' Stars Doherty, Combs, Krause at Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

'Charmed,' I'm Sure... Meet Three Series Stars At
Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con

Fall under a spell when three of the stars of the "witchy" series "Charmed" meet the Wizard World Philadelphia Comic Con crowds, June 1-2.

This Fall, KISS Kids Proves You're Never Too Young to Rock!

This Fall, KISS KIDS Proves
You’re Never Too Young to Rock!
The tiny terrors hit stands
in an all-ages new series!

San Diego, CA (March 22, 2013)
– Ah, the simple pleasures of just being a kid. Lemonade stands, little league games, advanced fort building, rocking the faces off of millions of screaming fans all over the world while thwarting the plans of your evil school Principal.

The Reemergence of the Tokyopop Website with Stu Levy Part 2

Please read Part 1 of the interview before reading Part 2


The Re-Launch

On April 26, 2011, there was supposed to be “a spiffy new stripped-down version of TOKYOPOP.com.” Recipients of the Roboblast newsletter from that day would have seen it. However, that design was not used for the re-launch; it looks nothing like it. Because that design is two years old and web designs have changed since then, it was decided to create a design that is more modern and befitting to today’s taste.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

The Reemergence of the Tokyopop Website with Stu Levy


When I saw the tweet about the re-launch of the Tokyopop website, I was surprised to see it. I really should not be, because Stu Levy and his crew had a panel at Anime Expo 2012 about Tokyopop’s manga publishing status and a Twitter account dedicated to that part of the company. However, I could not help but wonder why bring back a website and what does this mean for Tokyopop’s manga publishing future in North America.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

DARK HORSE COMICS Announces WonderCon Anaheim 2013 Schedule!

DARK HORSE ANNOUNCES

WONDERCON ANAHEIM 2013 SCHEDULE!

MARCH 22, MILWAUKIE, OR
— Dark Horse Comics is headed to California's must-attend event on the comic book convention schedule – WonderCon Anaheim!

Join us for signings at booth #819! Free comics and/or prints with each signing while supplies last.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Has the Absence of NYAF Affected FUNimation? Part 2

Please read Part 1 of the interview before reading Part 2


FUNimation at the 2007 New York Anime Festival

New York Anime Festival vs New York Comic Con

So fans of New York Anime Festival (NYAF) knows what happened to the convention; it became a convention within NYCC then completely merged with it. I was curious to know how much has this action affected FUNimation and its anime presence. To my surprise, it did not have a major impact on FUNimation's participation at NYCC. The difference was just the conventions itself.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Revolution Brewing to Create Beer Exclusively for C2E2

REVOLUTION BREWING TO CREATE BEER EXCLUSIVELY FOR
THE CHICAGO COMIC & ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (C2E2)

“Galaxy Hero” Beer to be Launched at Tap Room Party on April 4!

Norwalk, CT, March 14, 2013
: The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) has today announced that Chicago's Revolution Brewing will create a beer exclusively for C2E2's audience of pop culture enthusiasts and comic book fans. "Galaxy Hero", which is described by Revolution Brewing as a beer which "shoots a raygun blast of Galaxy and Zythos hops into your mouth and leaves a crisp, dry finish" is a superhero's beer for a superhero-loving audience. The new, exclusive IPA beer will be available for tasting at a debut party sponsored by C2E2 and Revolution Brewing on April 4 from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM at the Revolution Brewery Tap Room, located at 3340 N. Kedzie Avenue. Everyone who RSVPs will get at least one drink ticket for a complimentary Galaxy Hero! The beer will also be available in several locations throughout Chicago in the weeks leading up to C2E2 and at the bar in the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel during C2E2.

Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman Come to The Library of American Comics!

SUPERMAN, BATMAN, and WONDER WOMAN
Come to the Library of American Comics

The Classic Newspaper Adventures of
DC’s Biggest Heroes Launch this July!

San Diego, CA (March 14, 2013)
– IDW’s Library of American Comics and DC Entertainment proudly announce the beginning of a new partnership to reprint some of the rarest DC Comics stories — the Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman newspaper strips.

Dark Horse To Collect Humphries & Rose's SACRIFICE!

DARK HORSE TO COLLECT
SAM HUMPHRIES AND DALTON ROSE’S SACRIFICE!

THE SELF-PUBLISHED JUGGERNAUT OF 2012 AND 2013
ARRIVES IN A DELUXE HARDCOVER!

MARCH 13, MILWAUKIE, OR
–Dark Horse is proud to announce plans to collect Sacrifice, the critically acclaimed self-published comic book epic by Sam Humphries and Dalton Rose, into a deluxe hardcover edition this fall.

Has the Absence of NYAF Affected FUNimation? Part 1


Last time I spoke to Adam Sheehan he was the Senior Events Manager and Brand Manager. Now he has moved out of brand management for about 5-6 years and from events 1 year ago. He had the opportunity to move on to something new and decided to go for it. He is the Senior Marketing Manager for FUNimation.com. His main responsibilities are to promote and market the company website to obtain more traffic and members, support their physical product release, to promote the FUNimation apps and video subscription service.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Terrifying New Monsters Rise in... GODZILLA: RULERS OF EARTH!

Terrifying New Monsters Rise in…
GODZILLA: RULERS OF EARTH!

San Diego, CA (March 13, 2013)
– Following Duane Swierczynski and Simon Gane’s run on Godzilla, the fan-favorite creative team of writer Chris Mowry and artist Matt Frank have returned with a new ongoing series kicking off this June, GODZILLA®: RULERS OF EARTH! In the wake of humanity’s war on Godzilla, a host of new monsters will rise up, determined to stake claim on mankind’s greatest asset… the Earth itself!

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Joe Hill Proves that Evil Leaves a THUMBPRINT

Joe Hill Proves that Evil Leaves a THUMBPRINT

Hill Teams with Longtime Collaborator
Jason Ciaramella for New Miniseries!

San Diego, CA (March 12, 2013)
– IDW is pleased to announce a new project from the Eisner-nominated writing team behind The Cape, Joe Hill and Jason Ciaramella. Based on Hill’s original novella and featuring covers and art by superstar newcomer Vic Malhotra, THUMBPRINT is a twisted three-issue tale of fear, terror, and indelible remorse.

IDW Limited offers Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection Vol. 2 - Deluxe Edition

IDW Limited Explodes From the Sewers
with another Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Book

Ultimate Collection Volume 2 to Include
Original Kevin Eastman Artwork and Signatures

March 12th, 2013 (San Diego)
– Following the incredible success of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Collection (Vol. 1), IDW Limited announced plans today to explode from the sewers for Volume 2 of the Ultimate Collection (http://www.idwlimited.com/series/tmnt.html)! TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman will continue his involvement with the series, providing signatures and original, hand-drawn artwork for the high-end Black Label and Blue Label editions.

VIZ Media to Debut BEN 10 OMNIVERSE Original Graphic Novels This Fall!

VIZ MEDIA TO LAUNCH NEW BEN 10
OMNIVERSE ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES THIS FALL

Inspired By The Popular Kids Animated Action Series On Cartoon Network,
New Original Graphic Novels Will Add An Exciting New Chapter
To The Dynamic Property’s Story

San Francisco, CA, March 11, 2013
– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced that it will support Cartoon Network’s BEN 10 OMNIVERSE animated program with a brand new series of original graphic novels inspired by the popular action/adventure program. The BEN 10 OMNIVERSE series will be rated ‘A’ for All Ages, will launch in the fall of 2013 under the company’s VIZ Kids imprint, and will be available in print and digital editions. Print volumes will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN each.

'The Walking Dead' #1 St. Louis Comic Con Exclusive Variant Comic

Get Your 'The Walking Dead' #1 Exclusive Variant Cover
By Arthur Suydam At Wizard World St. Louis Comic Con

Thursday, March 14, 2013

IDW Brings Single Issues to Apples iBookstore!

IDW Brings Single Issues to Apple’s iBookstore!
New Issues of Transformers, My Little Pony, Star Trek,
Doctor Who, G.I. JOE, Lock & Key, and
many more available Every Week!

San Diego, CA (March 6, 2013)
– It was announced that beginning today and going forward, new weekly single-issue comic titles from IDW Publishing will go live every Wednesday on the iBookstore (iTunes.com/IDWComics). In addition to the 250 graphic novels and collections already available, fans can now look forward to grabbing their favorite new comics on the iBookstore every week, the same way they might have purchased from traditional comic shops or the IDW and Comics Apps (www.AppStore.com).

VIZ Media Debuts sticky DOT comics Free iPad App & Digital Destination for Kids

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES FREE
sticky DOT comics
iPAD APP FOR KIDS

New Digital Destination For Young Readers
To Debut 30 Parent-Trusted Manga & Graphic Novels,
Including POKÉMON, VOLTRON FORCE® And LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE™

San Francisco, CA, March 5, 2013
– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, has announced the launch today of sticky DOT comics, its new kids comics app for the Apple iPad® and iPad® mini.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

My First Otakon: What’s Big?

The first time that I have heard of the word “otakon” was in college, which was more than three years ago. I only recall learning that it was the name of an anime theme convention and nothing more. As the years gone by, I heard that it was considered one of the biggest anime/manga conventions along the East coast. A few of my college friends decided to go to Otakon in 2009. After hearing about their experience, others and I followed suit.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Aniplex of America Acquires Oreimo 2

Aniplex of America has acquired the
second season of Oreimo

The Second Season of Oreimo
will be streaming just hours after its
initial airing in Japan!

SANTA MONICA, CA (March 4, 2013)
– Following its recent release of the Oreimo Blu-ray Disc Set last month, Aniplex of America Inc. announced the acquisition of the second season of Oreimo and that the series will be streaming online. Oreimo’s highly anticipated sequel will be available streaming just hours after its initial airing in Japan. After Kyosuke and the others overcome the crisis of Kirino suddenly leaving to study abroad, what kind of craziness will her "life counseling" cause next? In addition to their streaming plans, Aniplex of America is also planning on a home release version of Oreimo 2 on disc. Details about the physical release will be announced on a later date.

IDW and Fox Announce Details for THE X-FILES: SEASON 10!

IDW and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products Announce
Creative Team and Direction for THE X-FILES

Chris Carter returns to Executive-Produce “Season 10”

San Diego, CA (March 3, 2013)
– Fans of The X-FILES and the paranormal exploits of Special Agents Mulder and Scully are in for a treat! Today at Emerald City Comic-Con, IDW Publishing and Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products announced the creative team for their upcoming comics based on the legendary television series. The entire project will be executive produced by THE X-FILES creator Chris Carter, who is returning in an active role to help steer his characters back to the forefront of popular culture once again.

IDW's New Digital Seres TRANSFORMERS: MONSTROSITY Series

IDW Announces New Digital TRANSFORMERS Series!
TRANSFORMERS: MONSTROSITY!

San Diego, CA (March 1, 2013)
– Hot on the heels of TRANSFORMERS: AUTOCRACY, IDW Publishing is pleased to bring fans of the fierce Cybertronians a sequel with TRANSFORMERS: MONSTROSITY! The twelve-chapter, digital-first series, from the veteran creative team of writers Chris Metzen and Flint Dille and interior and cover artist Livio Ramondelli, is packed with the explosive robot action that made the first series a roaring critical, commercial, and fan success.

The Ultimate BEAST HUNTERS are Back!

The Ultimate Beast Hunters Are Back!
Grimlock and The Dinobots return this May!

San Diego, CA (February 28, 2013)
–TRANSFORMERS fans hungering for more thrilling adventures with GRIMLOCK and his fierce DINOBOTS cohorts are in luck this May, when IDW Publishing presents TRANSFORMERS PRIME: BEAST HUNTERS! In this tie-in series to the upcoming season of “Transformers Prime” television show featuring the new BEAST HUNTERS saga, fans will get to experience a brand-new set of cyberfang-gnashing adventures based on the iconic brand from Hasbro!

VIZ Media Celebrates MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO 25th Anniversary with 2 Fall Debuts!

VIZ MEDIA CELEBRATES THE 25th ANNIVERSARY OF
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO WITH
TWO NEW RELEASES FROM THE STUDIO GHIBLI IMPRINT

Upcoming Releases For Fall Include
MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO: A NOVEL And
An Updated Edition Of The Official Film Picture Book
Featuring Special New Cover Design For The Anniversary

San Francisco, CA, February 28, 2013
– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, celebrates the 25th Anniversary of Hayao Miyazaki’s landmark film with the October 1st release of MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO: A NOVEL and a new edition of the MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO Picture Book.

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Box Sets for BAKUMAN and ONE PIECE Arrive This Fall from Shonen Jump!

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING
SHONEN JUMP MANGA BOX SET DEBUTS FOR FALL 2013

Catch Pirate Adventures In A New ONE PIECE Box Set
And Manga Industry Drama In The Complete BAKUMAN。Box Set

San Francisco, CA, February 27, 2013
– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has just announced new manga (graphic novel) acquisitions scheduled for Fall release under its popular Shonen Jump imprint. The upcoming releases include the complete BAKUMAN。series box set, and a box set collection of the first part of the ONE PIECE saga.

Jose Raul Velarde Gallegos’ Big Win at the YCS in Santiago, Chile

JOSE RAUL VELARDE GALLEGOS
CAPTURES PRESTIGIOUS Yu-Gi-Oh! CHAMPIONSHIP

TITLE IN SANTIAGO, CHILE

El Segundo, CA (February 27, 2013)
– Hundreds of Duelists from Chile and surrounding Latin American countries descended upon Santiago this past weekend to participate in the first Latin American Yu-Gi-Oh! CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (YCS) of 2013, the premier-level Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) event from Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (Konami).

IDW Publishing Brings MONKEYBRAIN COMICS to Print!

IDW Publishing Brings MONKEYBRAIN COMICS to Print!

Collections from the acclaimed digital publisher hit this summer!

San Diego, CA (February 27, 2013)
– IDW Publishing and Monkeybrain Comics are please to announce that beginning this June, fans of Monkeybrain’s popular digital comics will be able to find some of their favorite titles collected in print!

Sequential Pulp To Publish Edgar Rice Burroughs' JUNGLE TALES OF TARZAN Graphic Novel

SEQUENTIAL PULP COMICS ANNOUNCE NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL

BASED ON EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS JUNGLE TALES OF TARZAN

Sequential Pulp Comics, a graphic novel imprint distributed by Dark Horse Comics, specializing in works of classic and pulp literature is proud to announce a new graphic novel based on Edgar Rice Burroughs’ classic novel, Jungle Tales of Tarzan.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Titles from Yen Press - Pandora Hearts

PANDORA HEARTS, Vol. 14
by Jun Mochizuki

Titles from Yen Press - Nabari No Ou

NABARI NO OU, Vol. 13
by Yuhki Kamatani

Titles from Yen Press - The Misfortune of Kyon and Koizumi

THE MISFORTUNE OF KYON & KOIZUMI
by Nagaru Tanigawa and Noizi Ito

Titles from Yen Press - The Betrayal Knows My Name, Vol. 5

THE BETRAYAL KNOWS MY NAME, Vol. 5
by Hotaru Odagiri

Titles from Yen Press - TRIAGE X

TRIAGE X, Vol. 2
by Shouji Sato

Titles from Yen Press - Until Death Do Us Part, Vol. 3

UNTIL DEATH DO US PART, Vol. 3
story by Hiroshi Takashige, art by DOUBLE-S

Titles from Yen Press - Umineko When They Cry

UMINEKO WHEN THEY CRY, Vol. 2
story by Ryukishi07, art by Kei Natsumi

Titles from Yen Press - BTOOOM!

BTOOOM!, Vol. 1
story by Dall-Young Lim, art by Sung-Woo Park

Titles from Yen Press - Beautiful Creatures

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

New in Digital from Top Shelf!

Load up on our latest magnificent releases for your smartphone, tablet, or computer screen!

-- Dear Beloved Stranger by Dino Pai - $4.99 (US) DIGITAL
-- Double Barrel #8 by Kevin Cannon & Zander Cannon - $1.99 (US) DIGITAL
-- American Elf 2006 by James Kochalka - $1.99 (US) DIGITAL
-- Nemo: Heart of Ice by Alan Moore & Kevin O'Neill - $4.99 (US) DIGITAL


~~~

Top Shelf Productions Press Release

Pre-Orders Still Open for Limited-Edition Heck & Crater XV!

Don't miss these thrilling adventures from two of indie comics' top talents. Pre-order now from your favorite retailer, or grab the deluxe signed & numbered bundles available from Top Shelf!

Announcing The From Hell Companion and We Can Fix It!


VIZ Kids To Debut Three Fun New POKEMON Manga!

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE ACQUISITION AND
UPCOMING RELEASE OF NEW POKÉMON MANGA TITLES

VIZ Kids Imprint To Debut
POKÉMON THE MOVIE: KYUREM VS. THE SWORD OF JUSTICE
Tie-In Manga, As Well As New
POKÉMON ADVENTURES: HEARTGOLD AND SOULSILVER
And A New Edition Of
POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK AND WHITE

San Francisco, CA, February 26, 2013
– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, thrills fans of the venerable POKÉMON franchise as it announces the acquisition and forthcoming debut of an array of new POKÉMON manga (graphic novel) titles.

IDW Limited releases Transformers: Art of the Fall of Cybertron - Red Label Deluxe Hardcover

IDW LIMITED CONTINUES
TRANSFORMERS PUBLISHING PROGRAM
WITH TRIP TO CYBERTRON

TRANSFORMERS: ART OF THE FALL OF CYBERTRON
DELUXE LIMITED EDITION NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER

San Diego, CA (February 26, 2013)
IDW Limited announced its plan today to offer a deluxe limited edition of TRANSFORMERS: Art of the Fall of Cybertron. Based on the TRANSFORMERS brand from Hasbro, the book is a collection of the art and set descriptions for the smash-hit videogame of the same name, produced by High Moon Studios and published by Activision. The limited-edition book will be offered in a special IDW Red Label edition complete with slipcase, new cover and a portfolio of 10 limited-edition lithographs.