Friday, July 31, 2015

Wizard World Comic Con Columbus Announces Mike Tyson

Boxing Champion Mike Tyson to Attend Wizard World Comic Con Columbus on September 19-20

Youngest To Win Heavyweight Titles, International Boxing Hall of Famer to Appear at Greater Columbus Convention Center

COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB:WIZD) has secured Mike Tyson, one of the greatest boxers of all time, the former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and a pop culture phenomenon, to attend Wizard World Comic Con Columbus on Saturday and Sunday, September 19-20, 2015.

“Iron Mike,” a member of both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and the World Boxing Hall of Fame, has appeared in more than 25 movies and television shows, most notably The Hangover, Rocky Balboa and “Entourage.”

Tyson won his first 19 professional bouts by knockout, 12 of which were in the first round, becoming the youngest heavyweight champion of the world at age 20. His 50-6 record (two no contests) included WBA, WBC and IBF titles.

Tyson will greet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops and participate on an interactive Q&A panel at the pop culture extravaganza, which is Wizard World’s fifth visit to the Greater Columbus Convention Center (the event was formerly known as Wizard World Ohio). The event will mark Tyson’s first Wizard World appearance.

Other notable celebrities scheduled to attend Wizard World Comic Con Columbus include:

    David Ramsey (“Arrow”)
    Dave Bautista (WWE® Superstar Batista™, Guardians of the Galaxy)
    Emily Kinney (“The Walking Dead”)
    Toby Kebbell (Fantastic Four, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes)
    Sonequa Martin-Green (“The Walking Dead”)
    Karl Yune (“Arrow”)
    Ralph Macchio (The Karate Kid)
    Will Friedle (“Boy Meets World,” voice actor: “Kim Possible”)

Wizard World Comic Con events bring together thousands of fans of all ages to celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, graphic novels, cosplay, comics, television, sci-fi, toys, video gaming, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more.

The 18th of 24 events currently scheduled on the 2015 Wizard World U.S. tour, Columbus show hours are Friday, September 18 from 3-8 p.m., Saturday, September 19 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, September 20 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Wizard World Comic Con Columbus is also the place for cosplay, with fans young and old showing off their best costumes throughout the event. Fans dressed as every imaginable character – and some never before dreamed – will roam the convention floor and participate in the famed Wizard World Costume Contest on Saturday night.

For more on the 2015 Wizard World Comic Con Columbus, visit www.wizardworld.com/home-columbus.html.


About Wizard World
Wizard World, Inc. (OTCBB:WIZD) produces Comic Cons and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop-fi, pop culture, movies, television, cosplay, comics, graphic novels, toys, video gaming, sci-fi, gaming, original art, collectibles, contests and more. A first-class lineup of topical programming takes place at each event, with celebrity Q&A's, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more. Wizard World has also launched CONtv, a digital media channel in partnership with leading independent content distributor Cinedigm™ (NASDAQ:CIDM), and ComicConBox™, a premium subscription-based monthly box service. Fans can interact with Wizard World on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and other social media services.

The 2015 Wizard World Comic Con schedule is available here.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The actual results or outcomes of Wizard World, Inc. may differ materially from those anticipated. Although Wizard World, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any such assumptions could prove to be inaccurate. Therefore, Wizard World, Inc. can provide no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements contained in this letter will prove to be accurate.

In light of the significant uncertainties and risks inherent in the forward-looking statements included in this letter, such information should not be regarded as a representation by Wizard World, Inc. that its objectives or plans will be achieved. Included in these uncertainties and risks are, among other things, fluctuations in operating results, general economic conditions, uncertainty regarding the results of certain legal proceedings and competition. Forward-looking statements consist of statements other than a recitation of historical fact and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "intend," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "estimate" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Because they are forward-looking, such statements should be evaluated in light of important risk factors and uncertainties. These risk factors and uncertainties are more fully described in Wizard World, Inc.'s most recent Annual and Quarterly Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including under the heading entitled "Risk Factors." Wizard World, Inc. does not undertake an obligation to update publicly any of its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Kodansha Advanced Media Announces Gallery Event in San Francisco


KODANSHA ADVANCED MEDIA ANNOUNCES KODANSHA COMICS MANGA GALLERY EVENT AT NEW DIGITAL GARAGE OFFICES IN SAN FRANCISCO

Subsidiary of Japan’s Largest Publisher Focuses On Digital Innovation At 2015 J-POP SUMMIT With Manga Technology Demos And Special Free Manga Gallery Exhibit At Digital Garage In S.F; Online Virtual Gallery Further Extends Manga Exhibit To Fans Everywhere

San Francisco, CA -- Kodansha Advanced Media, a subsidiary of Kodansha Ltd., specializing in digital content delivery, invites manga and Japanese pop culture fans to celebrate the launch of a unique digital content venture with a special open house event – The Kodansha Comics Manga Gallery – at the company’s new San Francisco offices located at Digital Garage.

The Kodansha Comics Manga Gallery runs Friday, August 7th thru Sunday, August 9th, 2015 at the Digital Garage/DG717 complex located at 717 Market St., San Francisco, CA and is presented in conjunction with the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT, at which Kodansha will be a participant and sponsor. The Manga Gallery will be open from 10:00am to 6:00pm each day thru Sunday, August 9th and is FREE and open to the public to attend.

The Kodansha Manga Gallery will feature a dynamic collection of works by renowned manga artists/creators such as Katsuhiro Otomo (AKIRA), Naoko Takeuchi (Sailor Moon), Hajime Isayama (Attack on Titan), Hiro Mashima (Fairy Tail), Hitoshi Iwaaki (Parasyte), Shirow Masamune (The Ghost in the Shell) and many more!

For those unable to attend the physical exhibit in S.F., Kodansha also will present an Online Gallery featuring the artwork at kodanshacomics.com.

“The Kodansha Comics Manga Gallery is both a look back at the manga that have defined the medium and Kodansha as a publisher, as well as a look forward to new ways manga can be experienced,” says Alvin Lu, Kodansha Advanced Media’s General Manager. “We are looking forward to participating in the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT and offering attendees this special exhibition and an exciting look at the future of digital manga.”

Kodansha Advanced Media will participate in the J-POP SUMMIT’s “Interactive Pavilion,” a first-of-its-kind showcase of cutting edge Japanese technology and consumer product design, and will feature the following in coordination with its technology partners:

• Visitors to the Manga Gallery can interactively engage with the artwork using beacon app technology developed by Digital Garage.

• Attendees and manga fans at the Interactive Pavilion can catch a massive Colossal Titan display (from the hit series Attack on Titan) in person at Fort Mason Center. As part of the Kodansha display, J-POP SUMMIT attendees can capture Attack on Titan in a whole new way with RICOH's spherical THETA camera, which takes dynamic 360-degree photos.

• Experience a virtual reality comics reader through the publisher’s collaboration with FOVE, a Japanese company developing the world's first eye-tracking VR headset.

The J-POP SUMMIT is a massive annual Japanese pop culture event held each summer in San Francisco and features a colorful assortment of Japanese pop-influenced culture, fashion, pop art, live music, technology and travel exhibits, along with celebrity Guests of Honor, anime programming, cos-play and pop idol contests, and a wide assortment of vendors and other on-site attractions. The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT takes place on Saturday and Sunday August 8th & 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Tickets and additional information are available at: www.J-POP.com.


About Kodansha USA Publishing
Established in New York in 2008, Kodansha USA Publishing (KUP) is a subsidiary of Kodansha Ltd., Japan’s largest publisher. KUP’s first works under the Kodansha Comics imprint were Katsuhiro Otomo’s Akira and Masamune Shirow’s The Ghost in the Shell. KUP has expanded their catalog to include such titles as Fairy Tail by Hiro Mashima, Attack on Titan by Hajime Isayama, Shugo Chara by PEACH-PIT, and Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi. Kodansha Comics is distributed by Penguin Random House Publisher Services.

Established in San Francisco in late 2014, Kodansha Advanced Media is also a subsidiary of Kodansha Ltd., specializing in digital content delivery. Additional information available at: http://www.kodanshacomics.com.

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Thursday, July 30, 2015

"Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation" World Premiere Red Carpet Sets Yahoo Record

“MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION” WORLD PREMIERE IS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL LIVE STREAM EVER ON YAHOO

HOLLYWOOD, CA – The world premiere red carpet live stream of “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION” on Yahoo! has broken records to become the site’s most successful premiere live stream ever. The exclusive online event allowed millions of “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE” fans around the world to join the premiere from their homes, offices and mobile devices.

The success of the live stream event was driven by promotions across Yahoo’s global network and social media channels including Tumblr, plus social media support from the stars of the film.

The “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION” world premiere took place at the Vienna State Opera on July 23rd, 2015 with the film’s stars Tom Cruise, Simon Pegg and Rebecca Ferguson, director Christopher McQuarrie, and producers David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger in attendance.

To view footage from Yahoo’s “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION” red carpet live stream event, visit http://bit.ly/MIRNPremiere

Paramount Pictures and Skydance present a Tom Cruise / Bad Robot Production, “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION.” With the IMF disbanded and Ethan (Tom Cruise) out in the cold, the team now faces off against a network of highly skilled special agents, the Syndicate. These highly trained operatives are hell bent on creating a new world order through an escalating series of terrorist attacks. Ethan gathers his team and joins forces with disavowed British agent Ilsa Faust (Rebecca Ferguson), who may or may not be a member of this rogue nation, as the group faces its most impossible mission yet. Starring Tom Cruise, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris and Alec Baldwin.

The film is directed by Christopher McQuarrie, with a screenplay by Christopher McQuarrie and story by Christopher McQuarrie and Drew Pearce. Based on the television series created by Bruce Geller. Produced by Tom Cruise, J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and Don Granger. Jake Myers is an executive producer.

Paramount Pictures will distribute “MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE – ROGUE NATION” beginning July 31, 2015.


About Paramount Pictures Corporation
Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment, is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a leading content company with prominent and respected film, television and digital entertainment brands. Paramount controls a collection of some of the most powerful brands in filmed entertainment, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television, Paramount Vantage, Paramount Classics, Insurge Pictures, MTV Films, and Nickelodeon Movies. PPC operations also include Paramount Home Media Distribution, Paramount Pictures International, Paramount Licensing Inc., and Paramount Studio Group.

About Yahoo
Yahoo is a guide focused on making users' digital habits inspiring and entertaining. By creating highly personalized experiences for our users, we keep people connected to what matters most to them, across devices and around the world. In turn, we create value for advertisers by connecting them with the audiences that build their businesses. Yahoo is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, and has offices located throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC) and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions.

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"Boruto: Naruto the Movie" to Screen in U.S. Theaters Starting October 2015


VIZ MEDIA AND ELEVEN ARTS DEBUT BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE IN OVER 80 MAJOR U.S. CITIES THIS OCTOBER

Action-Filled New Anime Adventure Features The Rebellious Son Of The Legendary Ninja Naruto Who Seeks To Become An Even Greater Ninja

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces that it has partnered with Los Angeles-based film distribution company ELEVEN ARTS to present BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE in a series of exclusive theatrical engagements around the United States starting on October 10th, 2015. Theatregoers will have a very special opportunity to catch the big-screen debut in over 80 cities, including New York, Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and more!

Featuring the son of the world’s most popular ninja, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE is executive produced by Masashi Kishimoto, the famed creator of the epic bestselling manga series (also published by VIZ Media) on which the film’s characters are based. BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE also features screenplay and character design by Kishimoto, and was directed by Hiroyuki Yamashita, with screenplay cooperation by Ukyou Kodachi; Chief Character Designers and Chief Animation Directors are Tetsuya Nishio and Hirofumi Suzuki.

BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE will be presented with original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles. For additional information and to purchase advance tickets, please visit: www.elevenarts.net.

In BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, famed ninja, Naruto Uzumaki protects the Hidden Leaf Village as the Seventh Hokage, while Boruto, his troublesome son, resents his father's responsibilities that take his time away from him. Seeing this, Sasuke takes Boruto under his wing, while Sasuke's only daughter, Sarada, dreams of being Hokage one day.

With Naruto as the Seventh Hokage, the Hidden Leaf Village plans to host the Chunin Exams to train new shinobi from the village and from their allied villages. Among the entrants are Sasuke's daughter, Sarada, Mitsuki, an exceptionally talented yet mysterious shinobi… and Boruto, Naruto's talented but impetuous son. Meanwhile, Sasuke who’s been on a mission in another dimension appears before Naruto to warn of a strange impending danger. Shrouded with an evil aura, Momoshiki and Kinshiki appear and attempt to assassinate Naruto. Petrified, Boruto is shielded by Naruto, only to disappear in front of Boruto's own eyes!

To view a trailer for BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exOSxoLjark

Cities confirmed to host BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE screenings include:

AZ
Tempe
Harkins Theatres - Valley Art

CA
Bakersfield
Valley Plaza 16

CA
Los Angeles
Downtown Independent

CA
Murrieta
Cal Oaks17

CA
Rohnert Park
Rohnert Park 16

CA
Sacramento
Tower Theater

CA
San Diego
Camel Mountain 12

CA
San Diego
Gaslamp 15

CA
San Francisco
New People

CO
Denver
Sie FilmCenter

CO
Littleton
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Littleton

DC
Washington
Angelika Pop-Up

DC
Washington
Mosaic Theater Company

HI
Honolulu
Ward Stadium 16

IA
Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids Galaxy 16 Cine

IL
Bloomington
Bloomington Galaxy 14 Cinema

IL
Chicago
Music Box

IL
O’Fallon
O’Fallon 15 Cine

MI
Bloomfield
The Maple Theater

MI
Kalamazoo
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Kalamazoo

MN
Rochester
Rochester Galaxy 14

MO
Cape Girardeau
Cape West 14 Cine

MO
Chesterfield
Chesterfield Galaxy 14 Cine

MO
Kansas City
Alamo Drafthouse Main Street

MO
Springfield
Campbell 16 Cine

MO
St Peters
Mid Rivers 14 Cine

MO
St. Louis
Ronnies 20 Cine

MO
St. Charles
St. Charles Stadium 18 Cine

NJ
Manville
Manville 12 Plex

NM
Albuquerque
The Guild Cinema

NY
Douglaston
Movie World Cinemas

NY
New York
Village East Cinema

NY
Yonkers
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Yonkers

OH
Cleveland
Cleveland Cinemas – Cedar Lee

OH
Columbus
Gateway Film Center

OK
Broken Arrow
Warren Theatre

OR
Portland
Hollywood Theater

PA
Pittsburgh
Hollywood Theater

TN
Memphis
Malco Theaters

TX
Austin
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Ritz

TX
Dallas
Angelika Film Center & Café - Dallas

TX
Dallas
Angelica Plano

TX
Houston
Alamo Drafthouse Mason Park

TX
Katy
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Mason Park

TX
Lubbock
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Lubbock

TX
San Antonio
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Westlakes

UT
Sandy
Megaplex Theatres - Jordan Commons

VA
Fairfax
Angelika Film Center & Café - Mosaic

VA
Ashburn
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema One Loudoun

VA
Winchester
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Winchester

WA
Seattle
Grand Illusion

For more information on NARUTO anime, manga and feature film titles, please visit: viz.com/naruto.


About ELEVEN ARTS:
ELEVEN ARTS is the Los Angeles based film distribution company that has brought many acclaimed Japanese films, live-action and animated features, to North American audiences. ELEVEN ARTS’s major live-action titles include Japan Academy Awards winner Memories of Tomorrow (starring Ken Watanabe) and Oscar nominated director (with The Twilight Samurai in 2004) Yoji Yamada’s samurai film Love and Honor. ELEVEN ARTS is also a respected distributor of popular animation titles such as the Evangelion franchise, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos, K Missing Kings, and Short Peace. For additional information, go to www.elevenarts.net.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of July 26th to July 31st, 2015 - Update #9

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From Vulture:  The all-male Ghostbusters reboot, to go along with the all-female Ghostbusters movie, might happen.

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From Vulture:  Queen Latifah and Mary J. Blige join NBCs upcoming version of "The Wiz."

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From YahooMovie:  New Line is plotting a reboot of iconic 70s film, "Shaft."

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From Variety:  Tommy Lee Jones joins Matt Damon in the next "Jason Bourne" film.

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From ThePlaylist:  Richard Linklater is the frontrunner to direct "The Rosie Project" starring Jennifer Lawrence.

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From BoxOfficeMojo:  Because of early estimates, Disney/Marvel is declaring "Ant-Man" as the winner of the 7/24 to 7/26/2015 weekend box office with an estimated take of $24.675 million.  If this holds, "Ant-Man," which was #1 at the box office last weekend, will repeat as champ.

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From HuffingtonPost:  Bobbi Kristina Brown, the daughter of the late singer, Whitney Houston, and singer Bobby Brown, has died at the age of 22, Sunday, July 26, 2015.


COMICS: Films and Books:

From YahooGames:  Mark Hamill gave voice to "The Joker" in the beloved "Batman: The Animated Series."  Now, Hamill returns to voicing the Joker in direct-to-DVD adaptation the famous Batman comic book, "Batman: The Killing Joke."

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From YahooNews:  Rachel McAdams confirms that she is in talks regarding Marvel's "Doctor Strange" film.


MISC:

From YahooMovies:  A wanted fugitive was starring in a horror movie, while on a probation violation.


First Trailer for Michael Bay's "13 Hours" is Released

WATCH THE FIRST TRAILER FOR 13 HOURS: THE SECRET SOLDIERS OF BENGHAZI

Directed by Michael Bay

Trailer: https://youtu.be/4CJBuUwd0Os

https://twitter.com/13Hours
http://www.facebook/13HoursMovie
http://www.instagram/13HoursMovie

www.thirteenhoursmovie.com


Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Jules Feiffer a "Special Guest" at the 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con

Baltimore Comic-Con Welcomes Special Guest Jules Feiffer

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND- The Baltimore Comic-Con returns to the Baltimore Convention Center the weekend of September 25-27, 2015. Go to http://baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ to buy your VIP, General Admission, and Harvey Award tickets now!

The Baltimore Comic-Con announces the addition of industry veteran Jules Feiffer as a special guest.

Feiffer began his storied career in comics back in the 1940s working under comics giant Will Eisner at Eisner's studio. Initially working on art clean-up chores, Feiffer soon found himself with writing responsibilities, finishing Eisner's plots on The Spirit. He eventually launched his own comic, Clifford, which ran within the pages of The Spirit between 1949 and 1951.

Generally thought of as the godfather of alt-weekly newspaper comix, Feiffer launched his own strip, Sick Sick Sick, in the pages of The Village Voice in 1956. It was later renamed Feiffer's Fables, and finally just the eponomous Feiffer, which ran in the paper for over 40 years. Feiffer was nationally syndicated, and has been collected in books from McGraw-Hill and Fantagraphics.

More recently, Feiffer created his graphic novel, Kill My Mother. Released by the Liveright division of W.W. Norton, Kill My Mother garnered accolades such as winning the 2015 NCS Reuben Award for Graphic Novel, being declared a Vanity Fair Best Book in 2014 and a Kirkus Review Best Fiction Book in 2014, as well as being nominated for an Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album-New.

Beyond his work in comics, Feiffer is a man of many talents. He is a novelist, a non-fiction writer (including The Great Comic Book Heroes), an autobiographer, a playwright, and a children's book author. He has adapted works to musicals and film alike. He has taught at ivy league universities and continues to hold an adjunct professorship at Stony Brook Southampton. And beyond his aforementioned accolades, he has been recipient of an Academy Award (for the animated short film, Munro), an Obie Award, an Outer Circle Critics Award, a Pulitzer Prize for political cartooning, a George Polk Award, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Writers Guild of America, a Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Cartoonists Society, and has been inducted into the Comic Book Hall of Fame and the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

"This is such a privilege," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "Jules Feiffer is one of the greats of our industry, not to mention his many accomplishments outside of comics. He has seen and done so much, and continues to produce great work to this day. We couldn't be more pleased to have Jules joining us in 2015!"

TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries


About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 15th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

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Monday, July 27, 2015

IDW's "Wynonna Earp" Headed to Syfy

Syfy Acquires WYNONNA EARP from SEVEN24 Films and IDW Entertainment

SEVEN24 Films and IDW Entertainment announced today that Syfy has acquired the U.S. rights to Wynonna Earp, a live action television series based on the IDW Publishing comic created by Beau Smith. Emily Andras ("Lost Girl," "Killjoys") developed the series for television and will serve as Executive Producer and Showrunner.

With an initial order of 13 one-hour episodes, Wynonna Earp is a fast-paced, contemporary thriller that follows Wyatt Earp’s great granddaughter as she battles demons and other supernatural beings. Wynonna is a witty and wild modern day gunslinger, using her unique abilities and a dysfunctional posse of allies to bring the paranormal to justice. The series is scheduled to premiere in April 2016.

“Wynonna Earp is a unique contemporary western that will bring high octane, full-throttle, supernatural action to Syfy,” said Chris Regina, SVP, Programming, Syfy. “It is wildly imaginative and we are excited to work with Seven24 Films, IDW Entertainment and Emily on this truly original concept that will showcase fun, stylized visuals and pure escapism.”

Melanie Scrofano (Damien, Gangland Undercover) will star as Wynonna Earp. Tim Rozon (Being Human, Instant Star) will play legendary con artist Doc Holliday, and Shamier Anderson (Defiance, Constantine) plays the mysterious Agent Dolls.

“Together with SEVEN24 Films, IDW Entertainment, and a virtual dream cast, I’m confident we have something special on our hands: a female-led supernatural series with grand themes of redemption, honor, and the struggle to define good vs. evil. Not to mention, a kickass biker babe fighting demon outlaws,” said Emily Andras.

Wynonna Earp will be produced in Calgary by SEVEN24 Films, and distributed by IDW Entertainment. Production is slated to begin in August. SEVEN24’s Jordy Randall and Tom Cox will serve as Executive Producers.

IDW CEO & Publisher Ted Adams​, David Ozer, Peleton Entertainment’s Todd Berger, and Circle of Confusion’s Rick Jacobs packaged and facilitated financing for the series.

“Developing the series has been a passion for our entire creative team and we’re excited to share this new series with Syfy’s equally passionate audience,” said Jordy Randall of SEVEN24 Films.

“Wynonna is an incredible character that will appeal to a global audience. IDW Entertainment is thrilled that Syfy will be the U.S. home for this fabulous series and we look forward to bringing Wynonna to the global market,” said David Ozer of IDW Entertainment.

Emily Andras is represented by Jeff Alpern of The Alpern Group. Melanie Scrofano is represented by David Ritchie of Ambition Talent and Matthew Lesher of Insight Entertainment. Shamier Anderson is represented by Douglas Patterson of Patterson Talent Management and Tim Rozon is represented by Paul Hemrend at Edna Talent Management.

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Nelvana Developing "Hotel Transylvania" as an Animated Series

Nelvana and Sony Pictures Animation check in together on Hotel Transylvania Animated TV Series

(Toronto, Canada) Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana, one of the world’s leading international producers and distributors of children’s animated content, today announced that it is developing an exciting new animated TV series based on the blockbuster feature film, Hotel Transylvania from Sony Pictures Animation.

Nelvana and Sony Pictures Animation will partner to bring the hit feature film to the small screen. Focusing on the teenage years of Dracula’s daughter Mavis and her friends in brand new adventures, the animated monster comedy television series will be developed and produced by Nelvana Studio in Toronto and is slated to launch on air in early 2017.

"We’re excited to be entering into a new relationship with Sony Pictures Animation to extend the world of Hotel Transylvania into a new TV series,” said Colin Bohm, Vice President, Head of Corus Kids. “The hilarious characters and clever premise of Hotel Transylvania set the stage for endless story possibilities."

Kristine Belson, President of Sony Pictures Animation commented: "Audiences have embraced the world and characters of Hotel Transylvania, so we are thrilled to be partnering with Nelvana to take them on new adventures, expanding on the teenage years of Mavis and her friends at the world-famous monster five star resort!"

Rick Mischel, executive producer at Sony Pictures Animation added, "Corus Entertainment’s Nelvana is a perfect creative partner and we look forward to sharing more Hotel Transylvania monster laughs with fans of all ages."

The theatrical release of Hotel Transylvania, which premiered in Fall 2012, set a record as the highest-grossing September opening ever at the U.S. box office. The film introduced Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of the world’s most famous monsters — Frankenstein and his wife, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, a family of werewolves, and more — to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis’ 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all of these legendary monsters is no problem, but his world could come crashing down when a human stumbles on the hotel for the first time and takes a shine to Mavis.

Drac’s pack is back this Fall for an all-new monster comedy adventure in Hotel Transylvania 2, the theatrical sequel to Sony Pictures Animation’s comedy hit, scheduled to be released in North America on September 25, 2015. Everything seems to be changing for the better at Hotel Transylvania. Dracula’s rigid monster-only hotel policy has finally relaxed, opening up its doors to human guests. But behind closed coffins, Drac is worried that his adorable half-human, half-vampire grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing signs of being a vampire. So while Mavis is busy visiting her human in-laws with Johnny – and in for a major cultural shock of her own – "Vampa" Drac enlists his friends Frank, Murray, Wayne and Griffin to put Dennis through a “monster-in-training” boot camp. But little do they know that Drac’s grumpy and very old, old, old school dad Vlad is about to pay a family visit to the hotel. And when Vlad finds out that his great-grandson is not a pure blood – and humans are now welcome at Hotel Transylvania – things are going to get batty!

Distribution for the Hotel Transylvania TV series will be handled by Sony Pictures Television in the U.S., while Nelvana Enterprises will distribute the series outside of the U.S. Sony Pictures Animation reserves global licenses for toys, games and publishing. For all other categories, Sony Pictures Animation reserves U.S. rights and Corus will hold international rights. Executive producing the series are Rick Mischel from Sony Pictures Animation and Colin Bohm and Irene Weibel from Nelvana.


About Nelvana
Nelvana is a world-leading international producer and distributor of children’s animated and live-action content. Nelvana produces a stable of award-winning and globally renowned brands that focus on comedies, preschool and boys action series and ancillary consumer products programs. Nelvana’s content airs on Corus Entertainment’s kids channels in Canada and in over 160 countries around the world. The Nelvana library has well over 4,000 episodes of programming and has received over 70 major international program awards including Emmys® and Geminis. Visit the Nelvana website at nelvana.com.

About Sony Pictures Animation
Sony Pictures Animation produces a variety of animated and family entertainment for audiences around the world. The studio is following its worldwide comedy hits—the 2012 monster hit comedy Hotel Transylvania, the hybrid live action/animated blockbusters The Smurfs and The Smurfs 2, and the mouth-watering Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs movies—with the family comedies Hotel Transylvania 2 scheduled in September 2015 and the fully animated reboot Get Smurfy in March 2017. The studio, in conjunction with Aardman Animations, has produced two critically acclaimed feature films: the CG-animated family comedy Arthur Christmas; and the Academy Award® nominated stop-frame animated high-seas adventure, The Pirates! Band of Misfits. In 2007, Surf's Up also received an Academy Award® nomination for Best Animated Feature Film. The division, whose first feature film Open Season led to a very successful movie franchise including the upcoming Open Season: Scared Silly in Spring 2016, turned 10 in 2012. Sony Pictures Animation is a division of the Sony Pictures Motion Pictures Group.

    • Website: http://www.sonypicturesanimation.com/
    • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONYPicturesAnimation/
    • Twitter: http://twitter.com/sonyanimation
    • Tumblr: http://sonyanimation.tumblr.com/
    • YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/SonyAnimation

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Sunday, July 26, 2015

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Salt Lake City Comic Con Can Stay a "Comic Con"

United States Patent and Trademark Office Grants Dan Farr Productions the Trademark to Salt Lake Comic Con

- Salt Lake Comic Con’s securing this trademark should pave the way for all other comic cons to use the term “comic con” in their name -

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Salt Lake Comic Con (http://saltlakecomiccon.com/) announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USTPO) has granted Dan Farr Productions the trademark for the name Salt Lake Comic Con®.

The trademark (Reg. No. 4,774,453 Serial # 86-353,123) was issued on July 14, 2015 and is for: “Education and entertainment services, namely, organizing, producing, and conducting conventions in the fields of gaming, comics, television, movies, technology, science fiction, fantasy, and popular culture for entertainment purposes.”

The trademark specifies that no claim is made to the exclusive right to use “comic con” apart from the mark as shown.

“The United States Patent and Trademark Office had already ruled that 'comic con' was 'nondescript' and now they have granted us a trademark for 'Salt Lake Comic Con.' We’re confident that this decision from the USTPO will virtually eliminate this ongoing legal battle and allow us to prepare for another record-breaking show this September,” said Bryan Brandenburg, Salt Lake Comic Con Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer. “By granting us a trademark for ‘Salt Lake Comic Con’, the trademark office is literally declaring our right to not only use comic con in our name, but that we are distinguished in the marketplace. It further declares that San Diego’s trademarked name is NOT ‘confusingly similar’ to our trademarked name, which is the nexus of the lawsuit.”

The trademark ruling comes almost a year after San Diego Comic-Con International first sent Salt Lake Comic Con a cease and desist letter demanding that Dan Farr Productions stop using the term “comic con” in their name. The cease and desist letter set off a lawsuit and countersuit that was, until this point, heading to trial.

“We were confident naming ourselves Salt Lake Comic Con was appropriate based on the precedent of so many other groups before us and our legal advice before we began its use. We held our ground on this not only for our own benefit but for all of the other groups who may not have been able to defend themselves,” said Dan Farr, Salt Lake Comic Con Founder and Show Producer. ‘’Now hopefully we (and many others around the country) can fully focus on producing exciting comic book related fan events called comic cons. Maybe, in some small way, we have played the role of heroes in this battle.”

Salt Lake Comic Con is represented by Maschoff Brennan, a leading intellectual property and complex litigation firm, in the San Diego Comic Convention, vs. Dan Farr Productions lawsuit. Maschoff Brennan attorneys have been recognized by their clients and peers as being the California “IP Attorney of the Year,” and are named among the “Best Lawyers in America” and Utah’s “Legal Elite.”

Salt Lake Comic Con 2015 is scheduled for September 24-26, 2015 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, and now is the third largest comic con in the country. Their inaugural event was the largest first year comic con in North American history. Show organizers recently announced that Chris Evans, star of the Captain America movie series and The Avengers will be at the show on Saturday, September 26, 2015. This will be Evans’s first Comic Con that will include photo opportunities and autographs. There is a complete guest list on the Salt Lake Comic Con website.

For more details about the legal case with San Diego Comic-Con International visit the San Diego Comic-Con vs Salt Lake Comic Con resource page. For more information about Salt Lake Comic Con or to buy tickets visit the Salt Lake Comic Con website at http://saltlakecomiccon.com/.


ABOUT SALT LAKE COMIC CON:
Salt Lake Comic Con® is organized by Dan Farr Productions in partnership with ABC4/CW30 of the Nexstar Broadcasting Group. Dan Farr Productions is an event and marketing group devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium celebrities and brands in the pop culture arena. Dan Farr Productions is dedicated to producing spectacular celebrations of popular culture that lead the market in providing exceptional and rewarding experiences for our consumers, fans, celebrity guests, vendors and partners. Find out more at: www.SaltLakeComicCon.com, www.abc4.com/.

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Friday, July 24, 2015

Negromancer News Bits and Bites for the Week of July 19th to 25th, 2015 - Update #6

Support Leroy on Patreon.

NEWS:

From Variety:  Amy Schumer expresses releases statement via Twitter about the deadly shooting at the Grand 16 in Lafayette, LA in a theater showing "Trainwreck."

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From YahooMusic:  Seminal rap group, N.W.A., is reuniting with Eminem as an honorary member in place of the last Eazy-E.

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From YahooMovies:  Sigourney Weaver on AvP.

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From THR:  The winner of the 7/17 to 7/19/15 weekend box office is "Ant-Man" with an estimated take of $58 million.

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From YahooGames:  Director Neill Blomkamp shows off concept art for his "Alien" film.

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From Variety:  Miramax is for sale - at $1 billion.


COMICS: Films and Books:

From Indiewire:  Ava DuVernay, she just couldn't do it.

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From USAToday:  How Sam Wilson/Falcon ended up in Ant-Man.


OBITS:

From NYT:  The novelist, E.L. Doctorow, died today (Tuesday, July 21, 2015) at the age of 84.  I read three of his books:  The Book of Daniel, Ragtime, and Billy Bathgate, and they were highly influential for me.  R.I.P. Mr. Doctorow.

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From THR:  The actor Alex Rocco has died at the age of 79 (Saturday, July 18, 2015 of cancer).  He was best known for playing the Jewish mobster, Moe Greene, in The Godfather.  In 1990, he won an Emmy as best supporting actor in a comedy for the short-lived "The Famous Teddy Z" (starring Jon Cryer).


2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Welcomes Guests of Honor


2015 JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO WELCOMES ACTOR TADANOBU ASANO, DIRECTOR KOJI MORIMOTO AND TECHNO DJ LEGEND KEN ISHII AS OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR

Star Of Ichi The Killer, Thor, And Battleship Will Attend To Receive Japan Film Festival Of San Francisco Honorary Award And Joins Renowned Anime Director And Legendary Techno DJ For Special Appearances

San Francisco, CA – The 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco (JFFSF), the first and only fully-dedicated Japanese film celebration for the S.F. Bay Area together with the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT proudly present actor Tadanobu Asano, anime director Koji Morimoto and techno DJ Legend Ken Ishii as official Guests of Honor for San Francisco’s annual Japanese pop culture festival. Tadanobu Asano will attend the opening night event at The Castro Theatre to receive Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Honorary Award.

Tadanobu Asano is widely known for starring roles in movies such as Ichi the Killer, Zatoichi, Thor, 46 Ronin, and Battleship. Koji Morimoto is renowned as one of Japan’s top anime directors and is also a founder of acclaimed Studio 4℃ and known for works such as Animatrix and Genius Party Beyond. Ken Ishii is a legendary techno DJ and producer who has performed live internationally and enjoys a worldwide fan base in the electronic music scene.

An Opening Night Event on Friday August 7th at The Castro Theatre kicks off the Japan Film Festival of S.F. with a special 35mm presentation of director Sogo Ishii’s Electric Dragon 80000V, a rollicking comic-book style action film that stars top Japanese actor Tadanobu Asano, who will be on hand to personally introduce the film and participate in an audience Q&A immediately following the screening. Throughout the weekend, the Japan Film Festival of S.F. will present additional films also starring Asano, including My Man and Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi.

The Opening Night Event will culminate with a live DJ set collaboration between Japan’s legendary techno DJ and producer, Ken Ishii, and director Koji Morimoto. Advance tickets to the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT/JFFSF Opening Night Event at the Castro Theatre are available now for $25.00 each from http://jpop2015.brownpapertickets.com. 

Tadanobu Asano also is set to appear at the SF premiere screening of My Man on Saturday, August 8th 6:00PM. Asano will introduce the film and will participate in an audience Q&A at NEW PEOPLE Cinema.

Koji Morimoto is set to appear at the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Main Stage on Saturday, August 8th, 12:00 PM ahead of the screening event, The World of Koji Morimoto, a collection of 3 illustrious animated short films by Koji Morimoto set to screen on Sunday, August 9th, 1:50pm at NEW PEOPLE Cinema. Morimoto will introduce the film and will participate in an audience Q&A.

Koji Morimoto will additionally appear for an autograph session at on Saturday, August 8th 1:30 PM in bookseller Kinokuniya’s booth at Fort Mason. Additional details to be announced shortly at J-POP.com.

Ken Ishii is set to headline a second evening concert performance of J-POP LIVE NIGHT on Sunday, August 9th at the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT Fort Mason.

“It is a great pleasure to present Tadanobu Asano with the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco Honorary Award,” says Manami Iiboshi, Executive Director of Japan Film Festival of San Francisco. “As one of the most inspiring and outstanding figures leading the Japanese film industry, and as an internationally acclaimed actor who actively works on projects beyond boundaries, he is extremely deserving of this Award. We are also thrilled to have director Koji Morimoto and DJ Ken Ishii performing together at our opening night event at the Castro. It is probably the first time since their legendary collaboration on “EXTRA” in the 1990’s.”

Opening in conjunction with the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT on Saturday, August 8th and running thru Sunday, August 16th, the 2015 Japan Film Festival of San Francisco will take place at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema, located inside the NEW PEOPLE entertainment complex in Japantown at 1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115 (www.newpeoplecinema.com). Tickets to individual screenings are $13.00 each, unless otherwise noted. Film summaries, trailers, screening times and advance tickets are available at: www.JFFSF.org.

JFFSF Opening Night at Castro Theatre

ELECTRIC DRAGON 80000V
Friday, August 7th, 8:00pm

Dragon Eye Morrison (played by Tadanobu Asano) is a reptile investigator who suffers from an intermittent explosive disorder caused by brain damage he sustained in a childhood accident. He manages to find a way to survive and control his urges to destroy with his love of reptiles and an electric guitar. Meanwhile, Thunderbolt Buddha (played by Masatoshi Nagase), an electric repairman turned vigilante who has acquired powerful electro-conductive powers after sustaining a childhood accident, goes after crime bosses and gangsters that take advantage of electric signals. Holding an obsessive hatred towards Morrison, Thunderbolt Buddha challenges him to a final showdown on the rooftops of Tokyo.

Tadanobu Asano & Koji Morimoto Films to Screen at the 2015 JFFSF:

MY MAN
Saturday, August 8th, 6:00pm – Special Guest Appearance by Tadanobu Asano

When loneliness leads to forbidden love, how far will you go? After losing everything in a tsunami disaster, 10-year-old Hana is taken in by a young distant relative Jungo. The pair begins living together as family while sharing the profound sense of loss. Amidst the deep snows of Hokkaido, both desire to fill their empty, love-starved hearts and they set foot into a forbidden world. When an elder benefactor in their small town Mr. Oshio learns of Jungo and Hana's illicit relationship, tragedy begins to take over. Don't miss the special personal appearance by actor Tadanobu Asano who will introduce this film!

The World of Koji Morimoto
Sunday, August 9th, 1:50pm – Special Guest appearance by Director Koji Morimoto

A collection of three short films by one of Japan’s top anime director Koji Morimoto, widely known as a founder of Studio 4℃ and his works such as Animatrix and Genius Party Beyond. The famed director will appear in person to introduce the films as well as participate in an audience Q&A.

Magnetic Rose (45min): Magnetic Rose is the first of three episodes of MEMORIES, based on the manga by Katsuhiro Otomo (the creator of Akira). The film follows the members of the deep space salvage vessel Corona. While performing a salvage mission, the crew encounters an odd distress signal emanating from the Sargasso region, ominously nicknamed “The graveyard of space.” Soundtrack composed by Yoko Kanno.

Noiseman Sound Insect (15min): In the space of music, people used to live in the music fruit in the trees. One day, Dr. Frankein secretly succeeds in creating the creature 'Noiseman' by feeding the music fruit as fuel. Since then, the space was dominated by noise, not music. When a pair of kids Tobio and Reina find out this secret, they challenge Noiseman to bring the music back home again. The film’s soundtrack was written by Japanese composer, arranger, and musician Yoko Kanno.

Genius Party Beyond: Dimension Bomb (20min): Dimension Bomb is one of the five short animated omnibus "Genius Party Beyond," produced by Studio 4℃, which director Koji Morimoto founded in 1986. One day, a boy named Shin who wears a pupa-like mask encounters a girl named Koo. The days spent with Koo, who is a free spirit unlike any other, start to fill up his life with cherished and unforgettable moments. Noted musical composer and arranger, Yoko Kanno, provides the voiceover of Koo.

BLIND SWORDSMAN: ZATOICHI
Sunday, August 9th, 4:00pm

Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi is a 2003 samurai action film, directed by and starring actor Takeshi Kitano ("Beat" Takeshi) as Zatoichi. It also co-stars Tadanobu Asano, who plays Ronin Hattori, Zatoichi's rival. The film is a revival of the classic Zatoichi series of film and television series. It won the prestigious Silver Lion for Best Director award at Venice Film Festival and went on to win numerous other awards internationally.

NEW PEOPLE Cinema is a 143-seat cinema located in the underground floor of NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco. Equipped with a cutting-edge HD digital projection and THX®-certified sound system, NEW PEOPLE Cinema is home for local film festivals and entertaining events. www.newpeoplecinema.com


About JAPAN FILM FESTIVAL OF SAN FRANCISCO
Launched in 2013, Japan Film Festival of San Francisco is the first and only fully dedicated Japanese film event for the SF Bay Are. This year’s edition will feature a colorful mix of narratives, anime and documentary film premieres and exclusive screenings with special guest appearance at the NEW PEOPLE Cinema in SF’s Japantown from August 8th (Sat) through August 16th (Sun), 2015. More details and ticket information is available at www.jffsf.org.

About J-POP SUMMIT
The J-POP SUMMIT is an annual Japanese Pop Culture celebration held in San Francisco, CA that features live bands and artists from Japan, pop culture panel discussions, film premieres, fashion shows and events, food and spirits, art, and celebrity appearances. In 2014, the two-day event attracted 125,000 attendees. Details on J-POP SUMMIT are available at www.J-POP.com.

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Thursday, July 23, 2015

VIZ Media Travels to This Weekend's Otakon 2015

Visit VIZ Media at Otakon 2015 Booth # IND006

VIZ MEDIA DETAILS AN EXCITING WEEKEND OF ACTVITIES AND CONVENTION EXCLUSIVES FOR OTAKON 2015

North America’s Biggest Anime/Manga Company Returns To One Of The East Coast’s Largest Anime Conventions With Fun Booth Activities And An Exciting Selection Of Exclusives

VIZ Media prepares its return to Otakon, one of the East Coast’s most renowned anime conventions, with a roster of informative panel discussions, interactive booth activities, promotional giveaways, anime screening premieres, and a special selection of retail products available exclusively at the event.

Otakon 2015 takes place July 24th through July 26th, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD. Full details are available at: www.otakon.com. VIZ Media will be located in Booth # IND006.

Fans are invited to catch the following product exclusives and special advance releases available (while supplies last) at the VIZ Media booth:

·         Early pre-street manga releases for:

o   MY HERO ACADEMIA Vol. 1 ($10)

o   TOKYO GHOUL Vol. 2 ($13; Vol. 1 also available)

o   ULTRAMAN Vol. 1 – ($13)

o   MAID-SAMA 2-in-1 Omnibus – ($15)

·         WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Annual Digital Subscription – 12-month digital subscription to the world’s most popular manga magazine includes exclusive NARUTO Game Mat, Collectible Yearbook (shipped to subscribers Fall 2015) and YU‐GI‐OH! Promo Card: Frightfur Tiger! ($25)

·         Exclusive SAILOR MOON R T-shirts – Ladies & Unisex sizes; available only from VIZ Media! ($15 each)

·         Shojo Beat 10th Anniversary Calendar Giveaway - Celebrate Shojo Beat’s 10th anniversary! Claim an Anniversary Calendar at the Shojo Beat Panel and VIZ Media booth while supplies last!

A limited edition VIZ Media tote bag featuring favorite characters in 3 different designs will be given as a free gift with purchase. Choose from SHONEN JUMP (double‐sided featuring Luffy and Naruto), SAILOR MOON R or THE LEGEND OF ZELDA!

Located on the Otakon main show floor, VIZ Media’s booth will be a central hub of activity that will be a must-visit for anime and manga fans. Check the daily posted schedule for each day’s events. Stop by the booth throughout the convention for a FREE TOKYO GHOUL poster giveaway, and take a SAILOR MOON survey to score a free poster featuring the legendary Sailor Guardians.

VIZ Media also invites attendees to take part in the SAILOR MOON Quest for the Time Key treasure hunt throughout the convention. Begin your mission at the VIZ Media booth by collecting a SAILOR MOON tiara, then find the Guardians and reawaken each one’s memories.

VIZ Media Otakon Panels & Special Events:

Friday July 24th

10:15AM - 11:15AM - The Classics of Shonen Jump Panel
Panel 5 (Hilton Holiday 4-6)

Shonen Jump brought us many classic manga series such as KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC, DRAGON BALL and RUROUNI KENSHIN. Think you know them all? Find out at this panel as VIZ Media goes through a list of legendary Shonen Jump classics and how you can get them!

2:00PM – 3:00PM - Official VIZ Media Panel
Panel 7 (Hilton Key 1-6)

Come party with VIZ Media! Hear thrilling tales of upcoming releases and other Earth-shattering announcements from North America's largest distributor of manga and anime! VIZ Media has brought you thousands of your favorite titles including huge hits like Naruto, Death Note, Sailor Moon, Ranma ½, Tokyo Ghoul and more! Warning: panel may include trivia, prizes, yelling and probably some clapping.

Saturday July 25th

11:30AM - 12:30PM - Official SAILOR MOON Panel
Panel 2 (BCC Ballroom II)

Join the VIZ Media staff as well as cast members, Sandy Fox (Chibi-Usa) and Lauren Landa (Michiru Kaioh/Sailor Neptune) from the legendary series for news, updates and fun as only the Guardians of Love and Justice can provide. Everyone attending will receive a special treat while supplies last!

1:30PM – 3:30PM - Screening - SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL Dub East Coast Premiere
Video 3 (BCC Ballroom III-IV)

Be among the first fans to catch the newest English dubbed episodes of SAILOR MOON!

4:30PM – 5:30PM - Official SHOJO BEAT Panel
Panel 6 (BCC Ballroom III-IV)

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Shojo Beat manga with us! VIZ Media’s editors Amy Yu and Nancy Thistlethwaite will look back on a decade of publishing Shojo Beat manga, answer your questions, and let you know what’s coming up in the future!

Sunday July 26th

11:30AM – 12:30PM - VIZ Media Animation Panel
Panel 1 (BCC 314-315)

Find out all that's new and awesome with the VIZ Animation team! We'll be talking about upcoming releases, share some announcements and tell you all about the anime streaming service, Neon Alley. Bring all your anime questions, too because we'll be here to answer them!

Finally, don’t forget to check the Otakon 2015 screening schedule for a variety of exciting VIZ Media anime titles including showings of BLOOD LAD and RANMA ½!

For more information on anime and manga titles licensed, published and distributed by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

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D23 2015 Previews Upcoming Films from Walt Disney Studios

The Walt Disney Studios Presents Upcoming Film Slate and More at D23 EXPO 2015

‘Can’t Miss’ Offerings Include Frozen Sing-Along, Toy Story 20th Anniversary, Star Wars, and Secret Special Guests
BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Walt Disney Studios offers an exclusive look at its upcoming projects from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm at D23 EXPO 2015, taking place August 14–16, 2015 at the Anaheim Convention Center.

The Studio will unveil its animation and live-action film slates via two huge Hall D23 presentations featuring surprise guests and many unforgettable moments. Other not-to-be-missed events include a Frozen FANdemonium musical celebration with Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez and the 20th anniversary celebration of Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story with John Lasseter and the original Pixar crew.

HALL D23 PRESENTATIONS:

Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios: The Upcoming Films, Hosted by John Lasseter
Friday, August 14, 3:00 p.m. - Hall D23

After meeting the Emotions inside the mind of an 11-year-old, taking a trip to San Fransokyo, where a boy genius and his robot save the world, and falling in love with a queen with icy powers who wants to “let it go,” come see where Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios plan to take you next. In what has become a D23 EXPO must-see, host John Lasseter, chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, presents this in-depth look at the animation studios’ slate. Filmmakers will unveil never-before-seen footage from Pixar’s upcoming The Good Dinosaur and Finding Dory and Disney Animation’s Zootopia and Moana. The event will include surprise announcements, musical performances, and appearances by the films’ star voice talent.

Worlds, Galaxies, and Universes: Live Action at The Walt Disney Studios
Saturday, August 15, 10:30 a.m. - Hall D23

Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm are home to some of the planet’s best storytellers, immersing audiences fully in the world of each film from beginning to end and beyond. In this exclusive Hall D23 presentation, join Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn for a tour of upcoming live-action projects from these legendary film studios. A bevy of special guests will be on hand to offer a look at an unparalleled slate that includes Alice Through the Looking Glass, The Jungle Book, Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War, Star Wars: The Force Awakens—and much, much more.

Frozen FANdemonium: A Musical Celebration!
Sunday, August 16, 3:00 p.m. - Hall D23

Join host Chris Montan, president, Walt Disney Music, and the Oscar®-winning songwriting team of Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez as they take you on a once-in-a-lifetime musical journey through the world of Frozen. This one-day-only performance features your favorite friends from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film—including Anna and Elsa—with sing-along experiences and fascinating stories behind some of your favorite Frozen songs.

CALENDAR OF KEY EVENTS:

In Conversation with the Filmmakers and the Emotions Behind Inside Out
Friday, August 14, 11:30 a.m. – Stage 28

Get the inside story on the making of Pixar’s latest summer release, Inside Out. Hear from Academy Award®-winning director Pete Docter (Up, Monsters, Inc.) and producer Jonas Rivera (Up) as they reminisce and share their personal stories of creating a world that everyone knows, but no one has ever seen.

Welcome to Zootopia!
Saturday, August 15, 1:30 p.m. - Stage 28

Welcome to Zootopia, a magnificent mammal metropolis, and home to Walt Disney Animation Studios’ next feature, the comedy-adventure Zootopia. Join directors Byron Howard (Tangled, Bolt) and Rich Moore (Wreck-It Ralph), producer Clark Spencer (Wreck-It Ralph, Bolt), and artists from the incredible production team as they introduce rookie rabbit-officer Judy Hopps, con-artist fox Nick Wilde and a host of dynamic animal characters, sharing footage and behind-the-scenes stories with D23 EXPO-goers.

Pixar Secrets Revealed! Hear the Stories They Didn’t Want You to Know!
Saturday, August 15, 3:00 p.m. – Stage 28

Ever wonder where your favorite Pixar stories began? Hear the stories you don’t know about the classic films that you love. Pixar senior development executive Mary Coleman hosts this experience, welcoming the storytellers behind some of Pixar’s most successful films, including Darla K. Anderson (A Bug’s Life, Monsters, Inc., Cars, Toy Story 3), Mark Andrews (The Incredibles, Ratatouille, Brave), Ronnie del Carmen (Up, Inside Out) and Dan Scanlon (Cars, Toy Story 3, Monsters University), as they talk about the twists and turns of crafting a narrative and share some of the crazy story ideas that didn’t make the final cut.

Toy Story: 20 Years Later, the Original Crew Looks Back
Saturday, August 15, 4:30 p.m. – Stage 23

From flipbooks to feature films, animation has taken audiences to fantastical new worlds, far beyond the limits of any real-world setting. Pixar Animation Studios has been at the forefront of this evolution, blurring the line between art and technology and bringing beloved characters to life with heart and humor. As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of 1995’s Toy Story, the first computer-animated feature film, join members of the original crew, including filmmakers John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Lee Unkrich, Galyn Susman, Ralph Eggleston, Sharon Calahan, Eben Ostby, Bob Pauley and Bill Reeves as they share their stories and the challenges they faced along the way.

Aladdin – The Making of a Classic
Saturday, August 15, 6:00 p.m. - Stage 28

Join Walt Disney Animation Studios filmmakers, including legendary directors John Musker and Ron Clements, animators Eric Goldberg (Genie) and Mark Henn (Jasmine), as well as Jasmine herself, Linda Larkin, and the two actors who gave life to the character Aladdin: Scott Weinger and Brad Kane, as they unveil the stories behind one of the great Disney classics, Aladdin, a film that led to a “whole new world” for animation.

The Shorts of Walt Disney Animation Studios: from Paperman to Prep & Landing, Feast to Frozen Fever
Sunday, August 16, 11:30 a.m. - Stage 28

When Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Studio in 1923, their first medium for storytelling was the animated short. More than 90 years later, Walt Disney Animation Studios continues this tradition, making groundbreaking and award-winning shorts including Feast, Paperman and this year’s hit Frozen Fever. Join the filmmakers behind these shorts and so many others, including Get A Horse!, John Henry, Lorenzo and The Ballad of Nessie for a conversation about this truly animated art form.

The Tunes Behind the Toons: Screening/Q&A
Sunday, August 16, 6:00 p.m. - Stage 28

D23 EXPO invites you to a special screening and Q&A panel for The Tunes Behind the Toons, a short form documentary that celebrates the power of music in animation. From the silent film days when organists played live accompaniments, to the music within today’s animated features, this documentary traces the origins of cartoon music and its pioneers. Featuring interviews with Alan Menken, Randy Newman, Patrick Doyle, Mark Watters, Bruce Broughton, Richard Sherman and many others. Producer/director Dave Bossert will lead a star-studded Q&A following the presentation.

ON THE EXPO SHOW FLOOR:

The Walt Disney Studios – Show Floor Exhibition

Step into the worlds of The Walt Disney Studios in this wide-ranging showcase of exciting projects from Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Disneynature, Marvel Studios and Lucasfilm. Among the many highlights:

  •     For the first time at D23 EXPO, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios have created a joint experience no Disney fan should miss. With live demonstrations, presentations, and autograph signings with top filmmakers from each studio, plus free giveaways and interactive displays featuring the films Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Zootopia, Finding Dory and Moana, this is a can’t-miss attraction for animation fans.
  •     Explore costumes, props and photo ops from the Studios’ live-action films, including Disney, Marvel and Lucasfilm.

Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite
Take pics and share them in the Disney Movies Anywhere Tweet Suite. It’s also the perfect opportunity to learn more about Disney Movies Anywhere, Disney’s digital movie app that lets you watch your Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars movie collection across your favorite devices, anywhere you go.

Say Aloha to John Lasseter’s Film-Themed Hawaiian Shirts
Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios John Lasseter takes Disney and Pixar animation to heart—literally. For nearly every film, from Finding Nemo and Wreck-It Ralph to Frozen and Inside Out, Lasseter has commissioned an exclusive movie-themed Hawaiian shirt. And those who know the Oscar®-winning storyteller know that he loves his Hawaiian shirts—and dons one for almost every occasion. Animation fans will see their favorite film characters “materialize” before their eyes in this colorful collection, which will be exhibited on the show floor.

An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg
D23 hosts the first public exhibition anywhere of “An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg.” Celebrate Goldberg, whose artistry at Walt Disney Animation Studios began with his groundbreaking work on Genie in Aladdin, and continues to this day on projects such as the upcoming Moana and the 2014 Oscar®-nominated Mickey Mouse short Get A Horse! The exhibition features a collection of more than 100 of Goldberg’s caricatured creations of Disney characters, drawn in a style reminiscent of art seen on the famed walls of Sardi’s Restaurant and The Brown Derby. This incredible collection of art is from the newly released book An Animator’s Gallery: Eric Goldberg Draws the Disney Characters, and will be available for purchase in the Walt Disney Publishing pop-up shop on the EXPO show floor.

Frozen Album Signing
With the purchase of Frozen: The Songs or Frozen Picture Disc at the Disney Music Emporium, guests will be issued a wristband to secure a space for an album signing with Kristen Anderson-Lopez, Robert Lopez and Tom MacDougall (Co-Producer, Frozen Soundtrack) on Saturday, August 15, at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are $74 for a one-day adult admission and $54 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $65 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $112 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.


About The Walt Disney Studios
For over 90 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today, the Studio brings quality movies, music and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. Feature films are released under the following banners: Disney, including Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios; Disneynature; Marvel Studios; Lucasfilm; and Touchstone Pictures, the banner under which live-action films from DreamWorks Studios are distributed. The Disney Music Group encompasses the Walt Disney Records and Hollywood Records labels, as well as Disney Music Publishing. The Disney Theatrical Group produces and licenses live events, including Disney on Broadway, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

About D23 EXPO 2015
D23 EXPO—The Ultimate Disney Fan Event—brings together all the worlds of Disney under one roof for three packed days of presentations, pavilions, experiences, concerts, sneak peeks, shopping, and more. The event provides fans with unprecedented access to Disney films, television, games, theme parks, and celebrities. Presentations, talent, and schedule subject to change. For the latest D23 EXPO 2015 news, visit D23EXPO.com. To join the D23 EXPO conversation, make sure to follow @DisneyD23 on Twitter and use #D23Expo.

About D23
The name “D23” pays homage to the exciting journey that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his first studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official club for fans in Disney’s 90-plus-year history. It gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication, Disney twenty-three; a rich website at D23.com with members-only content; member-exclusive discounts; and special events for D23 Members throughout the year.

Fans can join D23 at Gold and General Membership levels at D23.com and at DisneyStore.com/D23. To keep up with all the latest D23 news and events, follow DisneyD23 on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Image Comics Congratulates 2015 Eisner Award Winners "Saga" and "Goners"

Image Comics is pleased to congratulate the Eisner award winners

Image Comics creators of SAGA and GONERS honored with awards

Image Comics is pleased to congratulate all the winners of the 2015 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards.

Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ New York Times bestselling SAGA won Best Continuing series for the third consecutive year while Fiona Staples was awarded Best Penciler/Inker for her work on the series.

Brian K. Vaughan was also recognized with an Eisner Award for Best Digital Comic with PRIVATE EYE, a comic that is currently available exclusively on PanelSyndicate.com, with a print edition announced last week at Image Expo as coming to print from Image Comics.

Jorge Corona of the new paranormal adventure series GONERS took home the prestigious Russ Manning Award for Best Newcomer artist to the industry.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry awards are voted on by comics industry members and the awards ceremony is held in conjunction with San Diego Comic-Con International every year.

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VIZ Media Announces New Manga and Novel Acquisitions for 2016



VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING NEW MANGA AND NOVEL ACQUISITIONS

Six New Titles Announced For 2016 Release Include Action And Shojo Titles

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has detailed a wide array of brand new manga (graphic novel) and prose novel acquisitions that include several notable titles to be launched during the Winter and Spring 2016 seasons.

The acquisitions were announced this past weekend at the 2015 Anime Expo, the largest dedicated anime convention in the U.S. New shojo manga titles include SHURIKEN AND PLEATS, the new series by VAMPIRE KNIGHT creator Matsuri Hino; and BEHIND THE SCENES, a dramatic new comedy by Bisco Hatori, the famed creator of OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB.

The highly anticipated post-series spin off to the world’s most popular ninja comic, NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING joins the Shonen Jump catalog. Also joining the lineup will be SCHOOL JUDGMENT: GAKKYU HOTEI, a high school litigation series with story by Nobuaki Enoki and artwork by Takeshi Obata, the acclaimed artist of DEATH NOTE, ALL YOU NEED IS KILL, and BAKUMAN. With the debut of DRAGON FULL COLOR: FREEZA ARC, fans can experience Akira Toriyama’s bestseller in a whole new way.

Finally, from the Haikasoru imprint, literary fans can look forward to the debut in Spring 2016 of THE LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES: DAWN, the first volume of the classic space opera novel series that translates the European wars of the 19th Century to an interstellar setting and that won the Seiun Award for Best Science Fiction novel in 1987.

“Comedy, drama, and futuristic sci-fi action are on tap for next year with the launches of these forthcoming new series,” says Leyla Aker, Executive Vice President, Publishing. “We look forward to announcing more details on these titles soon and to fans and readers diving into each of the exciting new releases next year!”

New Winter 2016 Acquisitions

NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Debuting Winter 2016

Naruto was a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief. Then he channeled that energy into learning amazing ninja techniques and saving the world! Now Naruto has achieved his dream of becoming the greatest ninja in the village, and his face sits atop the Hokage monument. But new troubles are bubbling up in the shinobi world…

SHURIKEN AND PLEATS, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Debuting Winter 2016

Created by Matsuri Hino, the renowned creator of VAMPIRE NIGHT, MERUPURI and CAPTIVE HEARTS (all available from VIZ Media), when the master she has sworn to protect is killed, Mikage Kirio, a skilled ninja, travels to Japan to start a new, peaceful life for herself. But as soon as she arrives, she finds herself fighting to protect the life of Mahito Wakashimatsu, a man who is under attack by a band of ninja. From that time on, Mikage is drawn deeper into the machinations of his powerful family.

New Spring 2016 Acquisitions

BEHIND THE SCENES, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Debuting Spring 2016

BEHIND THE SCENES is a dramatic new comedy from Bisco Hatori, the creator of OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB and MILLENNIUM SNOW! Ranmaru Kurisu comes from a family of hardy, rough-and-tumble fisher folk, and he sticks out at home like a delicate, artistic sore thumb. It’s given him a raging inferiority complex and a permanently pessimistic outlook. Now that he’s in college, he’s hoping to find a sense of belonging. But after a whole life of being left out, does he even know how to fit in?!

DRAGON FULL COLOR: FREEZA ARC · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · Debuting Spring 2016

Akira Toriyama's original, bestselling series is now available in a full-color version! After his epic battle with Vegeta, Son Goku must obtain the wish-granting Dragon Balls in order to resurrect their fallen allies! Their search will take them all the way to the planet Namek where the evil Freeza and his minions are slaughtering the Namekians in order to fulfill Freeza’s wish for immortality. What will it take to defeat this great evil?

LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES: DAWN · Debuting Spring 2016

This latest Haikasoru literary release was authored by Yoshiki Tanaka and launches a highly anticipated series of novels. In the 36th Century humanity has conquered the galaxy and colonized countless star systems. The Galactic Empire, modeled along Prussian lines, and the democratic Free Planets Alliance are at war, and the fate of every human being in the universe hangs in the balance. This classic Japanese space opera, which was adapted into a legendary anime, is finally available in English for the first time.

SCHOOL JUDGEMENT: GAKKYU HOTEI, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Debuting Spring 2016

In order to curb the crime running rampant in the elementary school system, a new solution has been enacted in the form of the School Judgment System. Now the young students themselves will be responsible for solving the issues that befall them. But are they up for the task?

For more information on manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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Monday, July 20, 2015

VIZ Media Announces "Maid-Sama!" for August

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES THE SHOJO ROMANTIC COMEDY MANGA SERIES MAID-SAMA!

Hilarious Romantic Sparks Fly After The Female President Of A Predominantly Male High School Is Found Working In A Maid Café By A Handsome Classmate

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivers a romantic comedy manga (graphic novel) series with the launch of MAID-SAMA! on August 4th, 2015.

Creator Hiro Fujiwara’s energetic series is rated ‘T’ for Teens. The first 2 complete volumes of MAID-SAMA! will be bundled into a fresh 2-in-1 omnibus edition that will carry a print MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. The 2-in-1 edition also launches digitally on August 4th via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. Subsequent 2-in-1 volumes of the 9-volume series will be published in English on a quarterly basis under the Shojo Beat imprint.

As if being class president of a predominantly male high school isn’t hard enough, Misaki Ayuzawa has a major secret – she works at a maid café after school! How is she supposed to keep her image of being ultra-smart, strong and overachieving intact once school heartthrob Takumi Usui discovers her double life?! Can Misaki trust Usui to keep her secret from the rest of the kids at school? And why the heck is he always showing up at the maid café? Maybe she should start taking him seriously when he says he likes her – especially when he throws in an unexpected kiss!

“Manga readers got a taste of MAID-SAMA! when it was originally published in North America, but it has been out of print for many years and the exciting conclusion of the series has never been available in English,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “We are very excited to announce the return of this humorous manga series for its complete run. The new VIZ Media editions will feature fresh translations and captivating new cover art that will make each volume a fun read for both new and veteran shojo manga fans!”

Manga creator Hiro Fujiwara is from Hyogo Prefecture in Japan. MAID-SAMA!, was her first long-running manga series and initially ran in Japan in Hakusensha’s LaLa magazine.

For more information on MAID-SAMA! or other manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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VIZ Media Launches "The Demon Prince of Momochi House"


VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES SHOJO MANGA SERIES THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMOCHI HOUSE

New Paranormal Romance By KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS Creator Aya Shouoto Now Available

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has announced the launch of Aya Shouoto’s THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMOCHI HOUSE.

The shojo manga (graphic novel) series about a teenage girl who inherits a haunted house is rated ‘T’ for Teens and carries a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The series is also available digitally via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. Future volumes of the series, which is also ongoing in Japan, will be published quarterly under the Shojo Beat imprint.

On her sixteenth birthday, orphan Himari Momochi inherits her ancestral estate that she’s never seen. Momochi House exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms, and Himari is meant to act as guardian between the two worlds. But on the day she moves in, she finds three handsome squatters already living in the house, and one seems to have already taken over her role!

“THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMOCHI HOUSE features the exquisite artwork and beautiful character designs that have made Aya Shouoto a star in shojo manga,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Senior Editor. “The endearing relationships among the residents of Momochi House will make this a special series for shojo manga fans.”

For more information on Shojo Beat manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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Mark Waid is "Guest of Honor" at 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con

Photo by John Milewski


Baltimore Comic-Con Announces 2015 Guest of Honor Mark Waid

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - The 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con takes place the weekend of September 25-27, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center in the beautiful Inner Harbor. Buy your VIP, General Admission, and Harvey Award tickets now!

The Baltimore Comic-Con is privileged to announce this year's Guest of Honor: Mark Waid.

Waid's career in comics began in the 1980s when he wrote for Fantagraphics' comics fan magazine, Amazing Heroes. His first comics contribution, an 8-page back-up story that ran in Action Comics, was at DC Comics, where he would spend his formative years. He took on an editorial role at DC, helming titles including Action Comics, Doom Patrol, Infinity, Inc., Legion of Super-Heroes, Secret Origins, and Wonder Woman. He is also co-creator of the DC Elseworlds line of comics.

In the late 1980s, Waid left his editorial position to begin working freelance, writing for DC's Impact line on titles like The Comet and Legend of the Shield. As he entered the early 1990s, Waid took over the reins on The Flash, where he would spend the next 8 years developing the story lines and characters, including creating the popular speedster, Impulse, who would go on to star in his own Waid-scripted title. In the mid-1990s, he was the mind behind the DC crossover, Underworld Unleashed, writing the limited series.

Taking on his first role at Marvel Comics in the mid-1990s, Mark contributed to the X-Men crossover event, Age of Apocalypse, writing X-Men: Alpha and X-Men: Omega. Also for the X-Men line, Waid co-created Onslaught, the character behind the line-wide event. Later, he went on to pen numerous and acclaimed runs on Captain America and associated titles, including multiple volumes of the core title.

Back at DC, Waid and artist/creator Alex Ross penned the futuristic Kingdom Come, a limited series painted by Ross that would redirect aspects of the DC Universe to match the story written, and which spawned The Kingdom, a follow-on limited series penned by Waid. He also, along with writer Grant Morrison, came up with the concept of "Hypertime" which explained continuity discrepencies in the DC Universe. He wrote numerous Justice League titles, including JLA, JLA: Year One, Justice League Task Force, Justice League Quarterly, and JLA: Heaven's Ladder.

At the short-lived Gorilla Comics, of which he was a co-founder, Waid wrote Empire with artist Barry Kitson (but the title completed its run at DC after Gorilla folded after 2 issues of the title had been released). He also worked for CrossGen, penning the first year of Ruse.

Waid wrote an acclaimed, and briefly controversial due to conflicts with management at the time, run on Fantastic Four at Marvel, with late artist Mike Wieringo. The controversy ended after fan outcry caused a decision to fire the team to be reversed.

In the mid 2000s, Waid's noteworthy work at DC Comics, where he spent 2 years under exclusive contract, included the Superman: Birthright limited series, a run on Legion of Super-Heroes, the 52 crossover series, a relaunch of The Brave and the Bold, and another run on The Flash.

After his DC exclusive ended, Waid's Marvel work was similarly lauded, with contributions to Amazing Spider-Man, the Strange limited series, The Indestructible Hulk, The Hulk, and S.H.I.E.L.D. He is also one of the brains behind the multiple-Harvey and Eisner Award-winning Daredevil title, which has run in multiple volumes under his leadership.

After writing Irredeemable and Incorruptible at BOOM! Studios, Waid became the publisher's Editor-in-Chief in 2007, and briefly took on the role of Chief Creative Officer for the publisher in 2010 before returning to freelancing. He also launched the digital publishing website Thrillbent, with his title Insufferable as the inaugural series. He is currently in the process of recreating the Archie character at Archie Comic Publications.

"Mark Waid has been with us every year except our second," said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "He is an exceptional creative talent, he is an exceptional driver for the forward progress of our industry, and he is an exceptional friend. We love him and, with his 30 years of work in the comics industry and across the publishing landscape, we know his broad fan base loves him too, so we are euphoric to be able to present Mark as our 2015 Guest of Honor."

TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 15th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

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