Cosplay at Otakon 2012

Homura Akemi from Puella Magi Madoka Magica!

Dark Horse & Deep Silver Announce Exclusive METRO: LAST LIGHT Digital Comic!

DARK HORSE & DEEP SILVER ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE

METRO: LAST LIGHT DIGITAL COMIC

APRIL 18, MILWAUKIE, OR–The next generation of video game comics arrives from Dark Horse and Deep Silver this May! The Gospel According to Artyom, a Metro: Last Light digital graphic novel, is a unique collaboration between Metro 2033 author Dmitry Glukhovsky and Dark Horse Comics.

DARK HORSE COMICS Announces C2E2 2013 Schedule!

DARK HORSE COMICS ANNOUNCES

C2E2 2013 SCHEDULE!

APRIL 19, MILWAUKIE, OR— Dark Horse Comics is headed to Chicago’s fastest growing pop culture event - Chicago Comics & Entertainment Expo!

Join us for signings at booth #801! Free comics and/or prints with each signing while supplies last.

Please note that lines may be capped or tickets issued for any signing as needed. Inquire about your favorite signings as early as possible. Some restrictions apply. All events are subject to change.

Comics, books, and collectibles will be available for purchase from Dark Horse or your favorite retailer.

Wikia Partners With The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2)

WIKIA PARTNERS WITH
THE CHICAGO COMIC & ENTERTAINMENT EXPO (C2E2)

Wikia [LIVE] Interactive Series To Be Featured At Annual Pop Culture Event

San Francisco - April 19, 2013 - www.Wikia.com, the world's leading collaborative media company and home to many of the Web's largest social communities, announced today that it has partnered with C2E2, the annual comic and entertainment extravaganza which takes place every Spring in Chicago and is organized by ReedPOP, the leading producer of pop culture events around the world. The partnership is designed to integrate Wikia's powerful community of entertainment experts into the industry's leading events through Wikia [LIVE]. The live, interactive series will consist of a variety of programs that weave in the site's popular hubs: Video Games, Entertainment and Lifestyle.

Place to Place - This Week on Anime Network

Place to Place - Subtitled

VOD: Thu April 25, 2013
Online: Fri April 26, 2013

Okamikakushi: Masque of the Wolf - This Week on Anime Network

Okamikakushi: Masque of the Wolf - Subtitled

Online: Fri April 26, 2013
Online Exclusive
Watch the Trailer

Grab Bags at Otakon 2012

Your plan is to go to Otakon and have fun. Then you have so much fun that you want to bring something back with you as a keepsake. Some of us take pictures while others keep their badges and a program guide. However, what happens if that is not enough?

IDW Limited offers Judge Dredd: The Complete Carlos Ezquerra

IDW LIMITED RELEASES
JUDGE DREDD: THE COMPLETE CARLOS EZQUERRA, VOL. 1
DELUXE HARDCOVER EDITION TO BE SIGNED AND
FEATURE ORIGINAL ARTWORK FROM CARLOS EZQUERRA

San Diego (04/16/2013) IDW Limited announced plans to return to Mega City-One for Judge Dredd: The Complete Carlos Ezquerra, Volume 1 today (http://idwlimited.com/series/judge-dredd.html). This new deluxe hardcover collection will feature complete stories from the co-creators of Judge Dredd reprinted in the original black and white.

IDW Teams up with Will.I.Am for WIZARDS & ROBOTS!

IDW Teams up with will.i.am for WIZARDS & ROBOTS!

The explosive one-shot hits stand this July!

San Diego, CA (April 16, 2013) – IDW Publishing has teamed up with Grammy Award Winning musician will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas and noted futurist Brian David Johnson to bring the world an explosive one-shot in this summer’s WIZARDS & ROBOTS!

IDW Takes Home a 4th Spud Award from Hasbro!

IDW Takes Home a 4th Spud Award from Hasbro!

San Diego, CA (April 15, 2013) – In a ceremony held this week at Hasbro’s offices in Providence, RI, IDW was presented with a prestigious Spud Award for Best Brand Execution in Publishing! Senior Editor John Barber was on hand to receive the award, presented by Hasbro’s Director of Global Publishing Michael Kelly.

Meet Michael Golden at 2013 Wizard World Shows

Going 'Rogue': Iconic Michael Golden To Attend Six Wizard World Shows

Hugely popular Wizard World guest Michael Golden, co-creator of the X-Men's "Rogue" character, will be among the top superstar artists at the next six Wizard World shows.

Meet Wil Wheaton at 2013 Wizard World Shows

Meet Wil Wheaton Of 'Star Trek: TNG,'
'Stand By Me,' 'Big Bang Theory' At Wizard World
NYC Experience And Chicago Comic Con

Wil Wheaton, best known for his roles as "Gordie Lachance" in Stand By Me, "Wesley Crusher" in "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and in recurring guest appearances as himself on "The Big Bang Theory," will attend two Wizard World shows this summer: NYC Experience (June 28-30) and Chicago Comic Con (Aug. 8-11).

Get Ready to Experience the True Colors of the Law in JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS!

Get Ready to Experience the True Colors of the Law in
JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS!

San Diego, CA (April 12, 2013) – Following the success of their ongoing series of new Judge Dredd comics, IDW is bringing 2000 AD’s classic stories back as they’ve never been seen before… in color! Beginning with a special Free Comic Book Day issue on May 4, JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS will bring the stories that started it all to a new audience and a new age.

The Free Comic Book Day issue will offer the fan-favorite “Judge Death” stories written by John Wagner, illustrated by Brian Bolland, and given vivid new life by colorist Charlie Kirchoff. And then in July, the monthly JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS series, also featuring new colors by Kirchoff on every issue, will begin with the seminal “Block Mania”/”Apocalypse War” storyline scripted by John Wagner and Alan Grant, and illustrated by Mike McMahon, Ron Smith, Steve Dillon, Brian Bolland and Carlos Ezquerra. As an added bonus, artist Jim Fern will be providing all-new covers for every issue when the series makes its monthly debut this summer. The Free Comic Book Day special will feature a newly colored cover by the inimitable Brian Bolland.

In addition to these classic tales from Mega City One being shown in a new light to longtime fans of Dredd, JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS will also provide a perfect jumping on point for readers that have always wanted to get a peek under the helmet, but weren’t sure where to begin.

“Much like we did with our DOCTOR WHO CLASSICS series, I’m happy to expose fans new and old to these wonderful stories from years past, and even moreso to have Charlie Kirchoff again bringing new hues to such amazing artwork,” said Chris Ryall, IDW’s Chief Creative Officer.

“It's very exciting to see these classic Dredd stories given an extra dimension,” said 2000 AD Editor in Chief Matt Smith. “New readers will get to see some of the seminal tales that established Dredd as the UK's most important comics character, and old-school fans of the future lawman can re-experience their favorite series in a whole new light.”

The post-apocalyptic world created over thousands of pages of 2000 A.D. is one of the richest in comics history, and IDW couldn’t be more excited to continue bringing that to new generations of fans.

As always, fans are encouraged to make their own decisions, but this summer it should be advised that not buying JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS could result in life in the Iso-Cubes!
share on Twitter Send Get Ready to Experience the True Colors of the Law in JUDGE DREDD CLASSICS! to friends on Facebook Digg Reddit.

~~~

IDW Publishing Press Release

Official Tie-In Manga to Smash Hit TIGER & BUNNY Now Available!

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES TIGER & BUNNY MANGA SERIES
—OFFICIAL TIE-IN TO SMASH HIT ANIME

Action-Packed Series Features Corporate Superheroes And
An Unlikely Friendship Between A Washed-Up Veteran Crime Fighter And
A Rookie With An Attitude

San Francisco, CA, April 11, 2013 – What would a future look like where corporate-sponsored superheroes battle evil – and often each other – for reality TV ratings? Find out in the TIGER & BUNNY manga (graphic novel), now available from VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America. The new series, published under the VIZ Media imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Volume 1 also features 4 pages of additional full-color character art.

Yu-Gi-Oh! CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES HEADS TO SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA

KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT TO HOLD
PREEMINENT Yu-Gi-Oh! CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
IN SAN JOSÉ, COSTA RICA APRIL 20th – 21st

Younger Players Can Compete in Dragon Duel

El Segundo, CA (April 10, 2013) – Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) players from across Central America are busy strengthening their Decks in preparation for next month’s Yu-Gi-Oh! CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (YCS) San José, Costa Rica. Duelists participating at this premier-level Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG event from Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (Konami) can anticipate two days of action-packed Dueling with hundreds of players, traveling from near and far, expecting to compete at the YCS San José, Costa Rica April 20th – 21st.

Costa and Fuso Open THE COBRA FILES!

Costa and Fuso Open the COBRA FILES!
New G.I. JOE Ongoing Series Begins TODAY!

San Diego, CA (April 10, 2013) – IDW Publishing is thrilled to announce the final title in the 2013 relaunch of their G.I. JOE line, G.I. JOE: THE COBRA FILES, kicks off today!

First Two Madoka Magica Movies coming to Blu-ray

First Two Puella Magi Madoka Magica Movies
are set for Physical Release this Summer

The Contract has been signed with Kyubey and
the Madoka Magica Movies
will be Available on Blu-ray this July

SANTA MONICA, CA (April 10, 2013) – This July, Madoka Magica fans will get their wish granted. Aniplex of America has just announced that the first two Puella Magi Madoka Magica movies Part 1 –Beginnings- and Part 2 –Eternal- will be available on Blu-ray at the end of July. Following its run in theaters worldwide, the demand for the Madoka Magica movies continues to grow everyday with requests for more show times. The not-so-typical story of a middle school girl named Madoka Kaname and her decision to become a magical girl continues to take the world by storm. Part 1 and Part 2 of the Madoka Magica movies retells the original TV series and is set for the big screen. These movies are a must-own for Madoka Magica fans or anybody who is just experiencing Madoka Magica for the first time.

Josh Gates Comes to NYCC!

Hunting in the Otakon 2012 Dealers Room

The 123,000 sq. ft of Dealers Room space was an anime/manga dream mall. I love the fact that there was a large dedicated space for such merchandise and products. Where else can I find a variety or even items that I have never seen before? Since the room does not have a non-competitive environment, it was time to hunt for the lowest price and bargain for what I wanted to buy!

ANGEL ASCENCIO CELEBRATES WIN AT Yu-Gi-Oh! CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

ANGEL ASCENCIO CELEBRATES WIN AT
Yu-Gi-Oh! CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
IN SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

El Segundo, CA (April 8, 2013) – Hundreds of Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) players from the Western United States and Mexico converged in “America’s Finest City” this past weekend to participate in the Yu-Gi-Oh! CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES (YCS), a premier-level Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG event from Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (Konami).

Alan Davis At Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

Meet 'Captain America' Artist Alan Davis At
Wizard World Chicago Comic Con

From his start with "Captain Britain" to work on iconic franchises like "Captain America," "Thor" and "X-Men," Brit Alan Davis crosses the Atlantic for a rare appearance at Wizard World Chicago Comic Con, Aug. 8-11.

Meet WWE® Superstar CM Punk® at 2013 Wizard World Shows

WWE® Superstar CM Punk® Slams Into
Wizard World NYC, Chicago, Nashville

WWE® Superstar CM Punk®, a huge hit at numerous Wizard World shows over the past year, has set his sights on three more events for 2013: NYC Experience, Chicago Comic Con and the inaugural Nashville Comic Con.

JOHNNY BOOK, BOOK 5 by James Kochalka

JOHNNY BOOK (BOOK 5): JOHNNY BOO DOES SOMETHING!
by James Kochalka
-- A 40-page full-color hardcover graphic novel, 6" x 9"
-- ISBN 978-1-60309-084-1, $9.95 (US)
-- Audience: All ages (4-8 and up)
-- Available now!

BURNING BUILDING COMIX by Jeff Zwirek

BURNING BUILDING COMIX
by Jeff Zwirek
-- Full-color hardcover graphic novel, 6.25" x 12.25" (unfolds to 6.25" x 24.5")
-- 40 pages
-- ISBN 978-0-9858751-3-8
-- $19.95 (US)
-- Audience: Mature readers (16+)
-- Self-published by Jeff Zwirek & distributed by Top Shelf
-- In the current DIAMOND PREVIEWS (for books shipping in June)

A MATTER OF LIFE by Jeffrey Brown

A MATTER OF LIFE by Jeffrey Brown
-- Full-color hardcover graphic novel, 5.25" x 8"
-- 96 pages
-- ISBN 978-1-60309-266-1
-- $14.95 (US)
-- Audience: Mature readers (16+)
-- In the current DIAMOND PREVIEWS (for books shipping in June)

INUYASHA THE MOVIE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION Now Available in HD!

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE NORTH AMERICAN RELEASE OF INUYASHA THE MOVIE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION ON BLU-RAY

New Set Collects 4 Feature Films Based On The Classic Fantasy Adventure Manga & Anime Series Created By Rumiko Takahashi, Now In High Definition For The First Time

APRIL 4, 2013 - VIZ Media brings the classic anime feature film action of INUYASHA home to fans across North America with the brand new release of the INUYASHA THE MOVIE: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION. The new 2-disc set is available now on Blu-ray, and contains 4 complete feature films from the venerable fantasy action adventure franchise, each rated TV-14, including INUYASHA THE MOVIE 1: AFFECTIONS TOUCHING ACROSS TIME, INUYASHA THE MOVIE 2: THE CASTLE BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS, INUYASHA THE MOVIE 3: SWORDS OF AN HONORABLE RULER and INUYASHA THE MOVIE 4: FIRE ON THE MYSTIC ISLAND.

VIZ Media Premieres BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC Movie 2 on May 11 in Double Feature Event!

VIZ MEDIA BRINGS A DOUBLE DOSE OF MEDIEVAL ACTION WITH
BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC
DOUBLE FEATURE EVENT ON MAY 11th

First Two Installments Of The Action-Packed Trilogy,
Including The North American Premiere Of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY,
Will Screen At NEW PEOPLE Theater In San Francisco
And Simultaneously Air On Neon Alley Channel

San Francisco, CA, April 4, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, brings a very special anime theatrical presentation with a double-feature premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and the North American theatrical premiere of BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II - THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY. The double feature event will be held on Saturday, May 11th at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the dynamic Japanese pop culture entertainment venue in San Francisco’s Japantown at 1746 Post St. A special galley exhibit featuring original BERSERK production art from Studio 4℃ will also be showcased in the theatre lobby. The double feature will simultaneously air on VIZ Media’s own Neon Alley channel, accessible by fans in North America.

This Week on Anime Network: Hiiro no Kakera

Hiiro no Kakera: This Week on Anime Network

Hiiro no Kakera ~ The Tamayori Princess Saga - English Dub

VOD: Thu April 11, 2013
Online: Fri April 12, 2013
Watch the Trailer

This Week on Anime Network: Inu x Boku SS

Inu x Boku SS: This Week on Anime Network

Inu X Boku Secret Service - English Dub

VOD: Thu April 11, 2013
Online: Fri April 12, 2013
Watch the Trailer

FUNimation Entertainment Announces US WOLF CHILDREN Screenings

FUNimation Entertainment Announces
US WOLF CHILDREN Screenings

Flower Mound, TX (April 3, 2013)

FUNimation(R) Entertainment today announced the following US screenings for WOLF CHILDREN, the latest film directed by Mamoru Hosoda (Summer Wars).

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Continues Evolution With Debut of iPad Newsstand App!

VIZ MEDIA REACHES NEW MILESTONE
WITH WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP iPAD NEWSSTAND APP DEBUT

Leader In Digital Manga Distribution
Expands Access To North America’s Popular
Weekly Digital Manga Anthology Featuring
The Latest Chapters Released The Same Day As Japan

San Francisco, CA, April 2, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, unveils the latest milestone with WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, the weekly digital serial anthology that features the synchronized latest chapters of a variety of popular manga series debuting on the same day as the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump magazine counterpart.

IDW Announces Creative Team for THUNDER AGENTS!

IDW Announces Creative Team for THUNDER AGENTS!
Publisher touts and all-star team
for an all-star book!

San Diego, CA (April 1, 2013) – At WonderCon, IDW finally unveiled the creative team that will be re-launching the legendary THUNDER AGENTS this August.

VIZ Media Debuts POKEMON THE MOVIE: KYUREM VS. THE SWORD OF JUSTICE!

VIZ MEDIA EXCITES FANS WITH
THE DEBUT OF POKÉMON THE MOVIE:
KYUREM VS. THE SWORD OF JUSTICE ON DVD

Latest Feature Film
From The Leading Kids Entertainment Franchise
Also Complemented By VIZ Kids Release Of
Tie-In Manga Edition

San Francisco, CA, April 2, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, brings an exotic new animated POKÉMON adventure to fans of all ages with the DVD release of POKÉMON THE MOVIE: KYUREM VS. THE SWORD OF JUSTICE. Debuting today, the new film can be enjoyed by the entire family (rated ‘TV-Y7-F7’) and carries an MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $24.98 CAN. A tie-in manga edition is also available now in stores under the VIZ Kids imprint, rated ‘A’ for All Ages and carrying an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Overview of Otakon 2012

Outdoors

This is my first encounter with the Baltimore Convention Center while driving by in the blazing heat. Thank goodness for air condition! What you see here on your left is the Hilton Baltimore pedestrian skybridge connecting to the convention building and a portion of the front entrance exterior.