Tuesday, December 15, 2015

New York Comic Con 2015 Goodies Commentary Part 2

Please check out Part 1 before reading Part 2

I found this funny poster and Project Batman blue print at the DC Comics booth that had the Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman costume on display. It’s nice to see the top dogs having a sweet time together.

Friday, December 11, 2015

VIZ MEDIA, ELEVEN ARTS AND FATHOM EVENTS ANNOUNCE BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE EVENT IN CINEMAS FOR TWO DAYS ONLY!

Action-Filled Anime Adventure Depicts The Rebellious Son Of The Legendary Ninja Naruto; Special Events on December 13th and 14th To Feature A Special Introduction By NARUTO Creator Masashi Kishimoto

San Francisco, CA, December 4, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, along with Los Angeles-based film distribution company, ELEVEN ARTS, and event cinema distribution leader FATHOM EVENTS, give NARUTO fans a final opportunity to catch BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE in cinemas as the critically acclaimed anime action feature plays at approximately 200 theaters across the U.S. on Sunday, December 13th at 12:55 p.m. local time and Monday, December 14th at 7:00 p.m. local time.

VIZ MEDIA CONCLUDES 2015 WITH AN ACTION AND DRAMA-FILLED DIGITAL ANIME UPDATE FOR DECEMBER

Catch HUNTER X HUNTER And Season Finales For K And ONE-PUNCH MAN, As Well As Simulcasts, Newly-Dubbed SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL, The Premiere of SAILOR STARS, And More!<>

VIZ Media starts December with details on a brand new digital update for its anime content streaming platform.

This month audiences are invited to catch the exciting streaming premiere of the supernatural action adventure, HUNTER X HUNTER. Season 1, Episodes 1-13 are available to stream in their entirety now and feature new subtitles that are true to VIZ Media’s original translations of the manga series by Yoshihiro Togashi. In HUNTER X HUNTER, Gon is a young boy who dreams of following in his father’s footsteps to become a Hunter. But first he must pass the notoriously difficult and dangerous Hunter Qualification Exam. Throughout his journey, Gon overcomes many obstacles, while making new friends along the way!

New York Comic Con 2015 Goodies Commentary Part 1


DC Super Hero Girls. I was happy to see that there is a super hero doll line for us females, but I was disappointed that not all the character dolls were present. Where’s Katana? They were promoting an Asian character, but there’s no doll for her. Why would she be the only one left out from the characters being promoted at the booth?

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Saber Extra vs Zulu the Velociraptor at New York Comic Con 2015


It was Sunday, October 11,, 2015 and I arrived on the scene in the morning hunting for the famous raptor. I learned about its existence Thursday night, but I wasn’t prepared until Sunday. I was Saber Extra (aka Saber Nero), the Gift figure version, and I had my weapon of choice for the battle: Aestus Estus: The Original Flame.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Cosplaying as Saber Extra at New York Comic Con 2015


This year, my cosplay was Saber Extra, the Gift figure version, which includes her 6’ sword named Aestus Estus: The Original Flame. My first concern when handling the cosplay was the mode of transportation for the sword. I can go on the train, but the sword? Luckily, I was able to drive myself there all dressed up and ready for the con. Next concern was, will my sword be approved to enter the event.

Friday, December 4, 2015

The 2nd Yu-Gi-Oh! Demo Day is December 5, 2015!


Konami is announcing today the next Yu-Gi-Oh! Demo Day. This exciting program is being held nationwide at Official Tournament Stores (OTS), on December 5, 2015. Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) Duelists are encouraged to bring a friend to Demo Day to get a one-of-a-kind item not available anywhere else!

Friday, November 27, 2015

BLUEFIN HIGHLIGHTS A DAZZLING SELECTION OF UNIQUE NEW COLLECTIBLES, FIGURES AND OTHER PRODUCTS FOR THE 2015 HOLIDAY SEASON

Leading Collectibles Distributor Offers Wish List And Gift Guide Ideas For Fans With AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON, STUDIO GHIBLI, STAR WARS, And MEGA MAN Products Including Life-Size And Other Figures
Irvine, CA, November 10, 2015 – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, inspires collectors and pop culture fans to get ready for the 2015 holiday season as it details a diverse array of notable products and recent releases that can highlight shopping and gift/wish lists this year. Products were selected across all price ranges to appeal to a wide range of collectors and fans.

Aniplex of America Announces Release Details of Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] Volume 2

The Holy Grail War Continues in the Epic Second Season!
SANTA MONICA, CA (November 10, 2015) – Fans who have been waiting for the final chapter of the Fifth Holy Grail War can rejoice as Aniplex of America Inc. announced today the release details for both the Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] Limited Edition Blu-ray Box Set II and Complete 2nd Season DVD. Pre-orders will begin today for both of these SKUs which will be available on February 16th 2016 through the official U.S. Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] website (www.FateStayNightUSA.com) and also through official Aniplex of America retailers. This is the second and final domestic set to be released for Fate/stay night [Unlimited Blade Works] that launched its highly-anticipated streaming campaign last October.

New York Comic Con 2015 Random Commentary Part 2

Don't forget to check out Part 1!

Good Smile Company booth. A figure of Yu-Gi-Oh's Yami Yugi aka Atem. Even though it's just a prototype, the eyes are perfectly expressed. It shows how determined the character is in succeeding in a duel.

Thursday, November 26, 2015

'Meet ‘Captain America’ Stars Chris Evans, Jeremy Renner, Hayley Atwell, Frank Grillo, Directors Anthony And Joe Russo At Wizard World Comic Con New Orleans, January 9

Gold, Silver Platinum VIPs Now On Sale For Once-In-A-Lifetime Appearances
Be there when Chris Evans, who has emerged as one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors for both big budget and independent features, makes his Wizard World Comic Con debut at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on Saturday, January 9. The Hollywood heavyweight will greet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops and conduct a live Q&A session in this extremely rare appearance.

DEADLY CLASS LINES UP FOR A NEW STORY ARC

All issues will include extra art content not included in the trade volumes
Bestselling writer Rick Remender (BLACK SCIENCE, TOKYO GHOST) and critically acclaimed artist Wes Craig (BLACK HAND COMICS) will launch a new story arc in their ongoing cult-hit drama DEADLY CLASS this December.

Michael Cho Covers the Marvel Universe For Exciting Variants!

Artist To Provide Over 20 Variant Covers in February!
New York, NY—November 4th, 2015— This February, critically praised artist Michael Cho puts his own stamp on the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe. Today, Marvel is pleased to announce a series of stunning variant covers, all illustrated by Cho, coming to your favorite new Marvel launches!

New York Comic Con 2015 Random Commentary Part 1

When I was walking outside the Jacob Javits Center, I came across this Warning sign about tickets resales and counterfeits. I didn’t even know about counterfeit NYCC tickets until they started implementing the RFID tickets a couple years back. This was the first time that I’ve seen this sign and it’s a good warning to the general public that are not familiar with the convention environment.

Thursday, November 19, 2015

VIZ MEDIA HOSTS #SAILORMOON MOONLIGHT PARTY V TO CELEBRATE THE ENGLISH DUB PREMIERE OF SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL

Join VIZ Media For A Special Virtual Live Stream Party To Mark The English Dub Premiere Of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL With Live Commentary, A Real Time Q&A And Trivia Prizes!
VIZ Media sends a call out to all U.S.-based anime fans and SAILOR MOON aficionados to join the company as it stages a special virtual Moonlight Party to mark the English dub premiere of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL on its anime streaming platform on VIZ.com.

Monday, November 9, 2015

BLUEFIN HIGHLIGHTS A COLORFUL ARRAY OF UNIQUE GUNDAM IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS, STUDIO GHIBLI AND SAILOR MOON GIFT IDEAS FOR ANIME FANS AND J-COLLECTORS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Leading Collectibles And Hobby Distributor Delights Collectors With GUNPLA IRON-BLOODED ORPHANS Model Kits, Exclusive STUDIO GHIBLI Décor Products And Colorful SAILOR MOON Cosplay Accessories And Stationary Sets
Irvine, CA, November 3, 2015 – Bluefin, the leading North American distributor of toys, collectibles, and hobby merchandise from Japan, Hong Kong and more, spotlights collectibles for the Holidays from its Bandai Gunpla Iron-Blooded Orphans model line, as well as a colorful array of premium Sailor Moon props and cosplay accessories from PROPLICA along with other Sailor Moon stationary and products. The company also highlights several exclusive Studio Ghibli products that includes music boxes, picture frames, calendars and other décor items inspired by popular anime films such as Kiki’s Delivery Service and My Neighbor Totoro.

NOWHERE MEN RETURNS, WELCOMES NEW SERIES ARTIST

The bestselling, fan-favorite series welcomes new artist and a new story arc
Bestselling writer Eric Stephenson, Publisher at Image Comics and co-creator of THEY’RE NOT LIKE US, teams up with new artist Dave Taylor, the returning Eisner Award-winning colorist Jordie Bellaire (PRETTY DEADLY, THEY’RE NOT LIKE US), and Fonografiks for the eagerly anticipated new story arc of NOWHERE MEN.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PRINT LAUNCH OF JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 2 — BATTLE TENDENCY

Second Story Arc Of Celebrated Shonen Jump Advanced Manga Series In Hardcover 2-In-1 Deluxe Print Editions; Complete BATTLE TENDENCY Story Arc Also Available Digitally
San Francisco, CA, October 22, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor, publisher and licensor of anime and manga in North America, announces the release of the electrifying next chapter of the acclaimed multi-generational paranormal action manga (graphic novel) series – JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE – with the release of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 2 — BATTLE TENDENCY, Vol. 1 on November 3rd.

My #HCF2015 Costume Contest Entry! Vote for Me!

I joined the contest for fun, but there's a TON of contestants: 500+. (@_@) Even I can't look through them all! It'll probably keep growing.

If you want to support me, please VOTE FOR ME ONCE A DAY BETWEEN NOVEMBER 3RD TO THE 10TH. Yes, literally you can vote for me once a day!

Click on the link http://wshe.es/rctzGnC0 for my entry!

If you need to search for it, my entry title is "Scarlet Witch/Wanda Maximoff."

Also, if you are wondering why they ask for an email, it's because you need to confirm that you actually voted.

Thanks in advance for your support!

© 2015 Linda Thai

Baby on Board – Your First Look at SPIDER-WOMAN #1!

New York, NY—October 23rd, 2015 — Jessica Drew. Private investigator, sometimes Avenger and... mom to be?! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at SPIDER-WOMAN #1, the new ongoing series from writer Dennis Hopeless and artist Javier Rodriguez! It’s been eight months since the end of Secret Wars, and Spider-Woman has a whole new responsibility. She’s super heroing for two now! Ben Urich and Porcupine are still along for the ride but they aren’t making Jess’ life any easier. Half the time they won’t even let her leave the car! How’s a girl supposed to save innocent lives and keep herself out of harm’s way? Find out in the MOTHER of all Spider-Stories this November in the all-new SPIDER-WOMAN #1!

Friday, October 30, 2015

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES FAMED SHOJO MANGA CREATOR ARINA TANEMURA’S NEW SERIES IDOL DREAMS

An Ordinary Office Worker Gets A Shot At Stardom In An Unexpected Way In The New Manga Series By The Creator Of FULL MOON And THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE †
San Francisco, CA, October 21, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, brings Arina Tanemura’s newest manga (graphic novel) series to fans and readers with the launch of IDOL DREAMS on November 3rd.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

The Legend Returns – Your First Look at BLACK KNIGHT #1!

New York, NY—October 21st, 2015 —Their legend echoes through history. Ancient warriors and wielders of the legendary Ebony Blade. Champions of their own destiny. But what do you do when it’s your destiny…to be damned? Today, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at BLACK KNIGHT #1 – the new ongoing series from writer Frank Tieri and artist Luca Pizzari! All power comes with a price, as each and every Black Knight through the centuries has met and untimely end, a victim of the Ebony Blade’s curse. Will Dane Whitman’s fate be the same? The long-time Avenger’s addiction to the blade grows stronger and stronger each day. Will he succumb to its power and suffer the same end? A lost man himself, Dane now finds himself in Weirdworld, the place where all lost things go. What circumstances brought him here? And what could he possibly have done that would cause the Uncanny Avengers to mobilize against him? Find out, and see the Marvel Universe from a whole new angle this November in BLACK KNIGHT #1!

KONAMI OFFERS UP SOME TREATS AND A FEW TRICKS WITH THE Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME DIMENSION OF CHAOS BOOSTER SET

Set Introduces New Deck Themes; Sneak Peek Scheduled for 10/31 or 11/1
El Segundo, Calif. (October 20, 2015) –
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KONAMI) doles out the treats with the Dimension of Chaos booster set, releasing nationwide November 6. Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) fans can also get into the Halloween spirit by checking out the Dimension of Chaos Sneak Peek on October 31. The latest 100-card set features brand-new support for the powerful Black Luster Soldier and more, sure to elicit a scream from any opponent.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

#KinoHalloweenContest 2015


Check out their Facebook event page for more information on the #KinoHalloweenContest. Just an FYI, you need an Instagram account to enter. Unfortunately, since I don't have one, I can't participate.

© 2015 Linda Thai

Photography by Linda Thai

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES TWO FREE MANGA SAMPLERS FOR HALLOWEEN COMICFEST 2015

Fans Are Invited To Visit Their Local Participating Comic Shop For Special Samplers Featuring Excerpts From FRAGMENTS OF HORROR And YO-KAI WATCH Manga
VIZ Media invites readers to celebrate Halloween – manga style – as the company announces its participation in Halloween ComicFest 2015 with two special FREE samplers featuring an excerpt from Junji Ito’s critically acclaimed manga short story anthology, FRAGMENTS OF HORROR, and a preview of the just-released new All-Ages supernatural adventure series, YO-KAI WATCH.

Bring The Thunder – Your First Look at THE MIGHTY THOR #1!

The New York Times #1 Best Seller Returns!
New York, NY—October 20th, 2015 —This November, the lightning returns. Today, Marvel is pleased to present your new look at THE MIGHTY THOR #1 – the new ongoing series from blockbuster creators Jason Aaron and Russell Dauterman! Now is your chance to jump on-board the popular storyline of the new Thor as it charges headlong into the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe! Her identity has finally been revealed as Dr. Jane Foster. When she lifts the mystic hammer Mjolnir, she is transformed into the Goddess of Thunder, the Mighty Thor! Eight months have passed since the end of Secret Wars – her enemies are many, and they are everywhere. As Asgard descends further into chaos, war begins to spread throughout the Ten Realms. Yet her greatest battle will be against a more personal and deadly foe – the cancer that is killing her mortal form. Be there as her story begins anew this November in THE MIGHTY THOR #1!

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS THE NARUTO CATALOG WITH UZUMAKI NARUTO: ILLUSTRATIONS ART BOOK AND NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY NOVEL


NARUTO Manga Creator Masashi Kishimoto’s Artwork Depicted In Vivid New Oversized Book And In NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, The First Book In New Series Of Novels
San Francisco, CA, October 20, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, gives NARUTO fans the opportunity to expand their personal collections with the release in November of UZUMAKI NARUTO: ILLUSTRATIONS, a new, full-color art book featuring works from the NARUTO series by its acclaimed creator, Masashi Kishimoto. Original NARUTO ninja adventures in fiction form are also set for release in early November as VIZ Media announces NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY, the first of a new series of NARUTO prose novels focusing on key characters from the series and complemented by original cover art by Masashi Kishimoto.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Chip Zdarsky Covers STAR WARS: VADER DOWN #1 With Epic Jaxxon Variant!


New York, NY—October 20th, 2015 — This November, two of the biggest comics in the world collide as STAR WARS and DARTH VADER collide in the epic VADER DOWN crossover! But first, Marvel is pleased to present your first look at the VADER DOWN #1 JAXXON VARIANT from writer/artist Chip Zdarsky (Howard the Duck)! Available only in comic shops on November 18th, don’t miss your chance to own this one-of-a-kind variant cover. When Darth Vader accidentally finds himself facing off against the Rebel Fleet on his own, the Rebels will learn the true strength of the Dark Side of the Force! Once Vader crashes on a nearby planet, the Rebellion is willing to risk everything for this once-in-a-lifetime chance to take out one of their biggest enemies! Be there as this can’t miss crossover event begins in the oversized VADER DOWN #1 this November and continues in the pages of STAR WARS and DARTH VADER!

Celebrate Local Comic Shop Day With Two Exciting Marvel Titles!

Marvel Partners With ComicsPRO For Exclusive LCSD Variant Covers
New York, NY—October 19th, 2015— The biggest heroes, the biggest creators, and the biggest new titles are coming to LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY ™ this year!
Today, Marvel is pleased to officially unveil its two stellar, can’t miss offerings for LOCAL COMIC SHOP DAY™. Participating retailers will be able to order an exclusive variants of two of Marvel’s most highly anticipated upcoming releases for the event. Don’t miss these exclusive Local Comic Shop Day variants to ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #1 and ALL-NEW, ALL-DIFFERENT AVENGERS #1!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Back to Basics in Your New Look at ALL-NEW X-MEN #1!


New York, NY—October 15th, 2015 —Hated and feared more than ever, the world is a more dangerous place for mutants. But as the few remaining X-Men retreat into seclusion, a handful of teenagers will strike out on their own – refusing to let their fate be decided for them. Today, Marvel is pleased to present your new look at ALL-NEW X-MEN #1 – the new series from Dennis Hopeless (X-Men: Season One) and Mark Bagley (Ultimate Spider-Man)! Stepping out of the shadows of their predecessors and future selves – Cyclops, Angel, Iceman, the All-New Wolverine, Kid Apocalpyse and Oya are hitting the road, learning to be heroes, and changing their destinies. But with the world a more hostile place than ever for their kind – is there hope for their future? Find out this December in ALL-NEW X-MEN #1!

Get Ready to Scream – Your First Look at CARNAGE #1!


New York, NY—October 14th, 2015 — This November, the symbiote psychopath and most dangerous serial killer in the Marvel Universe is back in CARNAGE #1! Legendary writer Gerry Conway (Amazing Spider-Man: Spiral) and artist Mike Perkins (Deathlok) take you on a descent into madness as Cletus Kasady leaves a trail of bodies in his wake. But the FBI is hot on his trail. A specially equipped team comprised of military hero/astronaut John Jameson, a reformed Eddie Brock/Toxin and more – they’re ready to put an end to Carnage’s reign of terror once and for all. But when Carnage escapes into an abandoned coal mine, the FBI’s plan is starting to look like a trap…FOR THEM. Don’t miss the terrifying debut of the Marvel Universe’s most terrifying new tale in CARNAGE #1!

MARVEL COMICS’ PRESENTS SPIDER-WOMEN #1!


Spider-Gwen, Spider-Woman and Silk, team-up for an all-new crossover event
New York, NY — October 14th, 2015 — After the events of SPIDER-VERSE, Jessica Drew, Cindy Moon and Gwen Stacy have been developing a unique kind of friendship from across the multiverse. But when things go awry in Gwen’s universe, Silk and Spider-Woman of the Marvel Universe find themselves stranded in Gwen’s reality while their dangerous doppelgangers run rampant in THEIR New York!

Best There Is At What She Does – Your New Look at ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #1!


New York, NY—October 14th, 2015 — This November, Laura Kinney embraces her destiny. No longer X-23. No longer the weapon they built her to be. Here comes Wolverine! Today, Marvel is pleased to present your new look at ALL-NEW WOLVERINE #1 – the new ongoing series from writer Tom Taylor with art by David Lopez & David Navarrot! She was created to destroy. But with the help of her mentor and friend Logan – the original Wolverine – she has moved beyond her dark past. Logan may have fallen, but Laura will honor his memory by taking up the mantle and following in his footsteps as a hero. And she’ll stop at nothing to protect those around her from the forces of evil. She’s the best there is at what she does. She is the All-New Wolverine! And her story is just getting started. Witness the beginning in <>

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW MANGA SERIES ACQUISITIONS FOR 2016 RELEASE


Seven Exciting New Series Join VIZ Media’s Manga Roster For 2016 Including New Fantasy/Action, Sports And Shojo Manga Titles
San Francisco, CA, October 12, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivered a special sneak preview of forthcoming manga (graphic novel) titles as it announced the acquisition of several notable new series during its official panel held this pas weekend at the 2015 New York Comic Con.

Saturday, October 17, 2015

Impressions of Liberty City Anime Con 2015 Part 2

Please read Part 1 of the review before reading Part 2


I know people were a bit confused about the convention promoting it as a NYC convention when it was in White Plains. It didn’t make sense to me to promote it as such, but it is understandable, since their objective is to eventually have the event in the city. At least the convention organizers picked an area that was opened on the weekend near an open mall with food (unlike Hartford, Connecticut).

Friday, October 16, 2015

Impressions of Liberty City Anime Con 2015


I’m not even sure how I heard about Liberty City Anime Con, probably through word of mouth from friends. I only went one day because I didn’t want to take off from work. Plus, being that this is the first Liberty City Anime Con, I figure it’d be small in size; small dealers room, artist alley, etc. I have to say I was impressed by certain things while there were others that needed improvement.

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Pre-#NYCC 2015 with Yumi Hoashi, Senior VP, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.


New York Comic Con 2015 is here and guess who's back at the show? Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.! Yes, the company behind the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game! When I saw their name listed in the Exhibitor list on the NYCC website, I was ecstatic! The last time I saw Konami was back in 2009. So the fact that they are returning, I wanted to know what they got in store for the attendees! I had the pleasure of getting my questions answered by Yumi Hoashi, Senior Vice President, International Card Business of the company. She is responsible for the ENTIRE Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME business for the Americas and Europe, including Sales, Operations and Marketing. So without further ado, here is the interview.