Comics Review: SACRED SIX #11

SACRED SIX, VOLUME. 1 #11
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT

STORY: Christopher Priest
ART: Stephane Roux and Marcos Ramos
COLORS: Mohan
LETTERS: Willie Schubert
EDITOR: Matt Idelson
COVER: Lucio Parrillo
VARIANT COVER ARTISTS: Julius Ohta; Raymund Bermudez; Daniel Maine; Warren Louw; Stephane Roux; Madibek Musabekov; Lucio Parrillo
32pp, Color, $3.99 U.S. (July 2021)

Rated Teen+

Sacred Six is a comic book series from writer Christopher Priest and is also a spin-off from his run on Dynamite Entertainment's Vampirella comic book.  The series focuses on a group of supernaturally powerful women involved in a struggle between two neighboring towns.  Sacred Six is currently written by Priest; drawn by Stephane Roux and Marcos Romas; colored by Mohan; and lettered by Willie Schubert.

Sacred Six is set in Victor County, Georgia and focuses on two towns.  Impoverished Ashthorne is populated by an enclave of peaceful vampires who do not prey on humans.  The City of Sacred is the home of an evil organization known as “The Six,” which manufactured Sacred for the specific purpose of wiping out the vampires of Ashthorne.  Four women:  formerly known as Victory, Draculina; the eternal Pantha; the fire demon, Nyx; and the half-vampire bounty hunter, Chasity are lured to rural Georgia as part of a mysterious scheme to defend Ashthorne.  However, Ashthorne has a deadly secret, and Sacred has a deadly purpose.  Lurking in the shadows is Lilith, the immortal sorceress and mother to Vampirella, who occasionally joins the festivities to form another version of the “Six.”

Sacred Six #11 opens with a flashback to Nyx's past, specifically involving the conflict with her father.  It's the origin of Nyx!  In the present, Draculina, Chasity, Pantha and Lilith are passing through “The Glen,” the woodland DMZ between Ashthorne and Sacred when they have a zombie encounter.  Meanwhile, Nyx finds herself hopelessly outgunned by the forces of Leviticus … even with the help of Vampirella.  Will the others members of the “Six” arrive in time?

THE LOWDOWN:  Dynamite Entertainment's marketing department recently began providing me with PDF review copies of some of their titles.  One of them is Sacred Six #11, which is the first issue of the series that I have read.  I had heard of Sacred Six before now, but I had not paid attention to it.

I needed to do some Internet research in order to understand Sacred Six #11, but I enjoyed it anyway.  I actually wish that I had been reading it from the beginning.  I am a fan of Christopher Priest, who has been a comic book writer for decades.  He has gotten some fan appreciation for his work on his 1998 Black Panther comic book series (which began as a four-issue miniseries under Marvel Comics' “Marvel Knights” imprint), but not enough in my estimation.  However, it is in reading Sacred Six that one can get a sense of his ability to write engaging characters, which I found likable.

The art, drawn by two artists, is stylish, each in its own way, but the storytelling is effective, while the coloring is good.  Willie Schubert's lettering is also quite strong in the way it conveys the story.  Yeah, I would read more of this, even if I have to go back via the trades.

I READS YOU RECOMMENDS:  Fans of Vampirella and of writer Christopher Priest will want to try Sacred Six.

Reviewed by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"


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The text is copyright © 2021 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Comic Books, Magazines and Books from Diamond Distributros August 8, 2018

COMICS & GRAPHIC NOVELS
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VIZ Media Adds Titles to Digital Manga Catalog; Also Updates for Weekly Shonen Jump

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS DIGITAL MANGA CATALOG WITH NEW UPDATES FOR AUGUST

Catch Exciting Digital Debuts, The Series Finale For TOKYO GHOUL And Updates to the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App

VIZ Media details digital manga updates for August highlighted by the launch of several notable new series and the continuation of fan-favorites as well as exciting updates to the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App.

This month, readers are invited to dive into the opening volume of VAMPIRE KNIGHT: MEMORIES, the latest new release in creator Matsuri Hino’s acclaimed gothic drama. Fans can also enjoy THE ART OF MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE, a lavish release that contains concept sketches, notes, character designs and commentary from the director, screenwriter, and character designers of MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE. Additional notable new digital releases include the not-to-be-missed series finales of TOKYO GHOUL (Vol. 14) and MAID-SAMA! (Vol. 9).

August Digital Manga Promotion

·         MY HERO ACADEMIA Digital Manga Sale

Check out special pricing on an array of popular Shonen Jump manga series all month-long! This week, all volumes of the fan-favorite super-heroic series MY HERO ACADEMIA will be on sale for only $4.99 per volume. Available through August 14th across all digital platforms.

Check VIZ.com each week throughout the rest of August for additional manga titles to be featured in this month’s digital sales!

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Updates

Manga readers are invited to enjoy their manga on the go with the all new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App. Readers can dive into an array of FREE content straight from the pages of VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP as well as upcoming hit manga series and one-shots. The new app brings the best of SHONEN JUMP to users' mobile devices, which includes a more intuitive layout to help fans find their favorite series at their fingertips.

Hit manga series featured on the app:

    ASTRA LOST IN SPACE
    BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS
    BOYS OVER FLOWERS SEASON 2
    DRAGON BALL SUPER
    DEATH NOTE
    élDLIVE
    JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE
    ONE-PUNCH MAN
    TOKYO GHOUL [JACK]
    And More...

In addition to the titles mentioned above, the all-new MY HERO ACADEMIA: VIGILANTES is now available through the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP app, with new chapters debuting every week! Written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and featuring art by Betten Court, follow the “Vigilantes” of MY HERO ACADEMIA who fight against evil without society’s approval!

Digital manga updates for August also include new volumes for 17 continuing VIZ Media series. Notable new additions include ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM (Vol. 17), BLACK CLOVER (Vol. 8), FOOD WARS! (Vol. 19), HAIKYU!! (Vol. 14), JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 3 - STARDUST CRUSADERS (Vol. 4), KUROKO’S BASKETBALL (Vol. 7), ONE PIECE (Vol. 83) and more. New shojo manga updates include BEHIND THE SCENES!! (Vol. 4), KAZE HIKARU (Vol. 25), SO CUTE IT HURTS!! (Vol. 14) and YONA OF THE DAWN (Vol. 7).

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the comiXology, iBooks and Google Play stores.

Most manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Readers can also explore free Chapter 1 previews of most series.

For more information, please visit VIZ.com.

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385 New VIZ Media Manga Volumes Head to comiXology

VIZ MEDIA AND COMIXOLOGY ANNOUNCE SUBSTANTIAL UPDATE OF NEW DIGITAL MANGA TITLES FROM JAPANESE PUBLISHER HAKUSENSHA
ComiXology, The Revolutionary Cloud-Based Digital Comics Platform, Adds More Than 385 New VIZ Media Manga Volumes Including Scores Of Legacy Titles And Fan Favorite Shojo Series

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, and comiXology have announced the latest substantial addition of new VIZ Media manga titles to the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform. More than 385 volumes are available now on comiXology.com and on the comiXology app for Kindle Fire tablets, iPad, iPhone, Android and Windows 8-based devices.

The new English manga volumes span 36 acclaimed series and offer a wide variety of fan-loved action, comedy, and shojo romance titles. New volumes for scores of other continuing series also are added to comiXology each week as part of VIZ Media’s regular digital manga update schedule. Please visit www.comixology.com for more information.

The new VIZ Media titles featured in this update are all published in Japan by Hakusensha, Inc., one of Japan’s most prominent publishing companies and renowned for offering a wide array of award-winning shojo manga series in addition to other genres. This latest comiXology content update expands the VIZ Media manga catalog on the platform to more than 1,500 volumes across more than 220 different series. Readers can enjoy all of these acclaimed releases using comiXology’s Manga Fixed Format, which enables a dedicated right-to-left full-page reading experience and the highest page resolution currently available.

“ComiXology is a service that is widely enjoyed by many avid comic and manga readers, and the addition of this substantial library of Hakusensha titles will give these fans an even larger array of content to enjoy with all the flexibility and ease of use the digital format offers,” says Eric Eberhardt, VIZ Media’s Director of Digital Marketing. “We look forward to continuing our relationship with the comiXology platform, and invite readers to enjoy the massive selection of VIZ Media manga content that is now available!”

New and notable VIZ Media manga series now available on comiXology include:

LIBRARY WARS: LOVE & WAR Vols. 1-12 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Complete Series
In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves – the Library Forces!

SKIP BEAT! Vols. 1-33 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Continuing Series

Kyoko Mogami followed her true love Sho to Tokyo to support him while he made it big as an idol. But he's casting her out now that he's famous! Kyoko won't suffer in silence--she's going to get her sweet revenge by beating Sho in show biz!

PLEASE SAVE MY EARTH Vols. 1-21 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Complete Series

Are the woes of the present meant to be endured for the promise of a better future or to atone for past wrongs? In a captivating epic of love, fate and faith, seven young people must struggle with this spiritual puzzle as their alien past lives threaten the future.

OTOMEN Vols. 1-18 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Complete Series

Asuka Masamune is a guy who loves girly things – sewing, knitting, making cute stuffed animals and reading shojo comics. But in a world where boys are expected to act manly, Asuka must hide his beloved hobbies and play the part of a masculine jock instead. Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to Ryo Miyakozuka, the girl that he's falling for?

OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vols. 1-18 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Complete Series

In this screwball romantic comedy, Haruhi, a poor girl at a rich kids' school, is forced to repay an $80,000 debt by working for the school's swankiest, all-male club – as a boy! There, she discovers just how wealthy the six members are and how different the rich are from everybody else...

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vols. 1-19 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Complete Series

Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

With over 50,000 comics, manga, and graphic novels from more than 75 publishers, comiXology offers one of the biggest selection of digital comics in the world. ComiXology’s immense catalog and cinematic Guided View reading experience makes it the best digital platform for comic, manga and graphic novel fans worldwide. Fans can discover favorite comics, manga and graphic novels at comixology.com and also try the comiXology app available on all major mobile platforms.

For more information on manga titles available from 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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"Vampire Knight: The Complete Collection" Anime DVD Box Set Now Available

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES VAMPIRE KNIGHT: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION ANIME BOX SET

Return To Cross Academy For The Paranormal Romance And Dark Bloodlust In Both Seasons Of Acclaimed Gothic Anime Series Offered In A New Comprehensive DVD Box Set

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has released the brooding gothic melodrama – VAMPIRE KNIGHT – in a comprehensive DVD box set that contains both seasons of the hit anime series in a single new edition.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION is available now and is rated TV-14. The 4-disc set is available exclusively on DVD with an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. /$43.24 CAN.

The new box set contains VAMPIRE KNIGHT as well as VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, for a total of 26 episodes. Gorgeous O-card box art features foil embossed stamping, and a special illustrated chart is also included that shows the relationships between all of the series’ key characters. English dubbed 2.0 audio is available as well as the original Japanese dialogue track with English subtitles.

Yuki Cross can’t remember anything earlier than the day ten years ago when she was saved from a vampire attack by Pureblood vampire Kaname Kuran. Now Yuki, along with her partner, Zero, is a Guardian at Cross Academy, where two groups of students, the Day Class and the Night Class, coexist in relative harmony, despite the fact that the Night Class students are all vampires! But their peaceful existence is threatened when Yuki’s memories of a bloodstained past begin to emerge, and a dark shadow of evil looms ever closer!

“Audiences can return to the ominous Cross Academy and savor the gothic romance and bloodlust, dark characters, and beautiful artwork that have made the VAMPIRE KNIGHT series such a hit among anime fans,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager Animation Marketing. “For the first time, both seasons of VAMPIRE KNIGHT are available in a single complete DVD box set. For anyone that has yet to see this acclaimed series, the new release is also an ideal way to catch it in its entirety.”

VAMPIRE KNIGHT and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY are based on the best-selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens; published in North America in-print and digitally by VIZ Media), who burst onto the scene in Japan with her debut title, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over) in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both also published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has become a major force in the world of shojo manga.

Also don’t miss the VAMPIRE KNIGHT FANBOOK and THE ART OF VAMPIRE KNIGHT, both available from VIZ Media.

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, or other award-winning anime titles from 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 INUYASHA, 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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Vampire Knight Among VIZ Media Anime DVD in May and June

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS SUMMER ANIME ACTION WITH NEW MAY AND JUNE DVD RELEASES

San Francisco, CA, April 28, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced an array of upcoming new anime DVD releases scheduled for May and June 2011.

New DVD releases in May include the latest from VIZ Media’s top selling anime properties, POKÉMON and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY. Two brand new series, HERO: 108 and KEKKAISHI, will make their long-awaited debut on DVD in June in addition to the latest box set installment of BLEACH.

May Anime Releases:

POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES Volumes 3 & 4 • Rated “A” for All Ages • MSRP: $14.97 U.S. each / $21.99 CAN each • Available May 10th

POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES GIFT SET 2 • Rated “A” for All Ages • MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN • Available May 10th

Ash and his friends are headed to Sinnoh’s snow country, where the weather is the least of their challenges. Dawn and her Pokémon face hard decisions about their future as a team. Ash faces a hard battle against Gym Leader Candice and her mighty Abomasnow – but even if he wins, he’ll still have to beat his rival Paul, who’s determined to avenge a bitter loss from the past. To top it all off, our heroes face a ground-shaking calamity when the Legendary Pokémon Regigigas awakes in Snowpoint Temple! Get ready for more rivals, more revelations, and more adventures!

POKÉMON DP GALATIC BATTLES GIFT SET contains Volumes 3 & 4 in a collector’s box.

For more information POKÉMON and other VIZ Kids titles please visit www.VIZ.com/pokemon/.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY Volume 2 • Rated “T+” for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN • Available May 17th

Continually haunted by visions of blood, Yuki is determined to discover the secrets of her past, but Kaname repeatedly evades her questions. Zero confronts Kaname at the Moon Dormitory, and the two end up fighting. Then Kaname advances his relationship with Yuki to an entirely new level, which has the members of the Night Class in a bit of a tizzy. But Yuki's dreams only intensify – will her past be forced into the light at last? Includes Episodes 5-8.

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, please visit: http://www.shojobeat.com/

June Anime Releases:

HERO: 108 SEASON 1, Volume 1 • Not Rated • MSRP: $14.97 U.S. / $21.99 CAN • Available June 14th

Long ago, the animals and humans of Hidden Kingdom lived together in harmony. But when the wicked trickster HighRoller turned the animals against the humans, chaos erupted! Now, the rebel force known as Big Green - led by ApeTrully and Lin Chung of First Squad - must battle to bring peace to the land. Episodes 1-6.

For more information on HERO: 108, please visit www.viz.com or http://www.vizkids.com/.

KEKKAISHI DVD BOX SET Volume 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available June 21st

Yoshimori Sumimura is a 14-year-old student at Karasumori School. Following in the tradition that's come down through the generations, he is the twenty-second Kekkaishi of the Sumimura clan. But he’s constantly fighting with his rival, Tokine Yukimura – his childhood friend and also a Kekkaishi – about who is the rightful heir to the magical barrier arts. Protecting people from danger while growing stronger, Yoshimori will battle the forces of evil again tonight! The 3-disc set includes Episodes 1-13.

For more information on KEKKAISHI or other Shonen Sunday series, please visit http://www.shonensunday.com/.


BLEACH UNCUT DVD BOX SET Volume 9 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available June 21st

In the perpetual night and white sand world of Hueco Mundo, Ichigo and the others fight their way to Las Noches, the stronghold of former Soul Reaper captain Sosuke Aizen, where Orihime is being held. In the depths of Las Noches, Rukia encounters Espada Number Nine, Aaroniero Arruruerie, who removes his mask to reveal a very familiar face – could he really be former Squad Three Lieutenant Kaien Shiba? The 3-disc set contains Episodes 146-156.

More information on BLEACH is available at Bleach.viz.com.


Kekkaishi Set 1

VIZ Media Announces Anime DVD Releases for March 2011

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW VAMPIRE KNIGHT, BLEACH AND POKÉMON DVD RELEASES

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their new DVD releases for this month. These include the first episodic volume of VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY (the second season of the hit gothic melodrama VAMPIRE KNIGHT), the latest Box Set for BLEACH, and 3 new releases from the latest installment of POKÉMON, POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES.

NEW VAMPIRE KNIGHT RELEASE:

VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, Volume 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN • Available Now!

In the opening of the second season, Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio's murder and becomes the target of the Senate. When Kaname refuses to attest to Zero's innocence, Yuki's loyalties are torn between the two. Then Yuki meets a mysterious little boy whose seemingly innocent kiss on the cheek draws her deeper into the world of vampires. Zero, seeing Yuki struggle to recall her past, tries to help. Do the archives of the Hunter's Society headquarters hold the key that will unlock Yuki's memories? Contains Episodes 1-4.

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, please visit: http://www.shojobeat.com/

NEW BLEACH RELEASE:

BLEACH BOX SET, Volume 8 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available March 22nd

Just a few months from the showdown with the Arrancars, Ichigo and his friends are deep in training. But the battle may arrive earlier than expected when Aizen sends the Arrancars into the World of the Living. Captain Hitsugaya's advance Soul Reaper troops assist in defending Karakura Town and the fight appears to be going to the heroes, when Aizen orders the kidnapping of one of Ichigo's most loyal friends – Orihime! Box Set features Episodes 134 – 145 (Original and Uncut).

For more information on BLEACH, please visit Bleach.viz.com.

NEW POKÉMON RELEASES:

POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES, Volumes 1 and 2 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $14.97 U.S. each / $21.99 CAN each • Available Now!

POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES GIFT SET • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN • Available Now!

Non-stop excitement awaits audiences in the Sinnoh region, as Ash's quest for a Gym Badge lands him in a shocking encounter with Rotom and a family feud between father and son Gym Leaders! Then, watch our heroes witness the power of Aura when they join forces with Riley and Lucario to protect an island full of Pokémon from Team Galactic. But Aura won't help Pikachu and Piplup when they wind up lost on a deserted island! From an infatuated Phione to a Snorunt search-and-rescue, the adventure never ends for Ash, Dawn and Brock!

The POKÉMON DP GALATIC BATTLES GIFT SET contains Volumes 1 and 2 in a collector’s box.

For more information POKÉMON and other VIZ Kids titles please visit www.VIZ.com/pokemon/.

Second Season of "Vampire Knight Guilty" Streaming at VIZAnime.com

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE SECOND SEASON OF THE HIT VAMPIRE KNIGHT ON VIZANIME.COM, VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY

VIZ Media announces the debut today of VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, the second season of hit VAMPIRE KNIGHT animated series (both rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) available now from VIZAnime.com, the company’s premier website for anime, as well as the streaming content provider HULU (http://www.hulu.com/).

Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorms, they cross paths with the mysterious Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

In VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, Yuki is torn between the two people she cares for most when Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio’s murder and Kaname refuses to attest to his innocence. Drawn deeper into the world of vampires, Yuki struggles to recall the events of ten years earlier but fails time and again. Kaname evades Yuki’s questions about the past, but when her visions of blood grow more frequent and intense, the past may come to light whether she wants it to or not!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY are based on the best-selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and published by VIZ Media), who burst onto the scene in Japan with her debut title, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over) in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both also published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has firmly established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine in Japan.

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free previews online please visit http://www.shojobeat.com/. For more information on this and other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit http://www.vizanime.com/.

VIZ Media Announces Anime DVDs FOR September and October 2010

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LATEST BLEACH, NARUTO AND VAMPIRE KNIGHT DVD RELEASES FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2010

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced several new DVD releases scheduled for September and October that expand the company’s popular BLEACH, NARUTO and VAMPIRE KNIGHT animated series.

New BLEACH Releases Include:

BLEACH Volume 32 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN • Available September 21st

Captain Hitsugaya’s advance Soul Reaper troops get involved in some unexpected sidelines during their stay in the World of the Living. When Karin Kurosaki agrees to go up against a tough group of middle school students in a game of soccer, Hitsugaya himself steps in to lend a hand. Then all the top members of Karakura First High School’s kendo team are injured, and Ikkaku is brought in to put the remaining team members through a training regimen from hell! Contains episodes 132 thru 135.

BLEACH UNCUT BOX SET SEASON 6 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available September 28th

Back in the World of the Living, Ichigo Kurosaki has been officially recognized as a Substitute Soul Reaper by the Soul Society. But trouble soon comes to Karakura Town in the form of Visoreds, a group of ex-Soul Reapers that have crossed over into the realm of the Hollows. As they try to recruit Ichigo to their side, it is revealed that former Captain Sosuke Aizen is attempting to create an army of Hollows with Soul Reaper powers called Arrancars. It will take Ichigo and his friends, along with a detachment of Soul Reapers, to keep them from destroying the town. Contains episodes 110 thru 121 (Original and Uncut)

For more information on BLEACH, please visit http://www.bleach.viz.com/.

New VAMPIRE KNIGHT Releases Include:

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 2 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN • Available September 28th

A new teacher arrives at Cross Academy with a hidden identity and possibly deadly connection to Zero, whose suffering is driving him to desperation. Yuki's feelings are torn between Zero and Kaname, and her determination to help Zero may lead her to betray the one she loves most. Contains episodes: 5-8

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, please visit: http://www.shojobeat.com/

New NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Releases Include:

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 4 SPECIAL EDITION • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $69.97 U.S. / $99.99 CAN • Available October 19th

Team Kakashi's spying mission brings them face to face with the Leaf's most deadly enemy, Orochimaru. Naruto's rage brings forth the Nine-Tailed Fox, but at great risk to both himself and those he cares for the most. With Naruto's rampage quelled, the team continues on to Orochimaru's lair to find Sasuke, but the mysterious Sai has disappeared. Could one of their own be planning the ultimate betrayal?

The Special Edition Box Set contains 14 episodes (episodes 40-53) on 3 discs, and a special limited edition collectible Sasuke figure.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 4 STANDARD EDITION • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available October 19th

DVD-only collection featuring 14 episodes on 3 discs. Limited edition collectible figure not included.

NARUTO UNCUT SEASON 4, PART 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available October 26th

In the Hidden Leaf Village there are few things that Naruto and Choji love more than a steaming bowl of Ichiraku ramen. But when the daughter of the noodle shop owner is kidnapped, they’re on the case. Then, missions for the Leaf ninja lead them to the Land of Bears after a fallen meteorite and on to the Land of Greens where the team must protect a princess. When an evil ninja who’s after the princess gets in their way, Naruto puts his life on the line to save her! Contains episodes 164-191.

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, please visit http://www.naruto.com/


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and website at http://www.viz.com/.

Vampire Knight Volume 1 DVD Offers Few Frills But Anime is Cool

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 70 (of 2010) by Leroy Douresseaux


VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 1 (2010)
• Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 US / $28.99 CAN • Available Now
DVD Release Date: July 20, 2010
Studio: VIZ Media
Format: Animated, Color, DVD, NTSC (Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1)
Number of discs: 1
Language: English and Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only)
Running time: 96 minutes; Rating: Not Rated
ASIN: B003JSSPU2

Contents: Vampire Knight anime – Episodes 1-4

The recent DVD release, Vampire Knight, Vol. 1, presents four episodes of the Japanese animated series, Vampire Knight. This is a cool take on the vampire similar to such Young Adult literature vampire delights as the Twilight and Vampire Kisses series.

Vampire Knight is a manga (Japanese comics) written by manga artist Matsuri Hino. It was first published in January 2005 in the Japanese comics magazine, LaLa, and the series continues as of this writing. Vampire Knight, which is a shojo manga (comics for teen girls), received an English publication in 2006 via Shojo Beat magazine, and VIZ Media currently releases collected volumes of the series every few months.

Vampire Knight is set at Cross Academy, a private boarding school. Cross Academy has two classes: the Day Class (the human students) and the Night Class (the vampire students). At twilight, the Day Class students return to their dorms and cross paths with the Night Class on its way to school. The Day Class doesn’t know the school’s dark secret that the Night Class students are vampires, but the Day Class girl students are madly in love with the boys of the Night Class

The story focuses on Yuki Cross, the adopted daughter of Headmaster Cross. She partners with Zero Kiryu, a human student who struggles with the vampire’s thirst, and the two are the Guardians of the school, patrolling the hallways and school grounds to protect the Day Class students from the vampires. Yuki and Zero form a kind of love triangle with Kaname Kuran, a pure blood vampire who is basically the unquestioned leader of the Night Class. The series follows various intrigues related to the conflict between human and vampire, and the story also delves into the pasts of the three leads.

Japan’s Studio Deen adapted Vampire Knight into anime (Japanese animation), and the series debuted on Japanese television in the April 2008. The recent DVD release, Vampire Knight, Vol. 1 collects the first four episodes of Season One of the anime: #1 “Night of Vampires,” #2 “Memories of Blood,” #3 “The Fang of Penitence,” and #4 “Trigger of Condemnation.”

These episodes introduce the plot, setting, characters, and mythology of Vampire Knight in such an easy and friendly way. It will not be long into the first episode that the viewer will believe that she is well on her way to knowing and then loving these characters. The series favors the Night Class over the Day Class, which seems to exist to praise and worship the Night Class. The vampires are beautiful, sexy, and sassy; their air of confidence is infectious. The Day Class cast is mostly dull.

The star, of course, is Yuki Cross. In a series like Vampire Knight, what is needed is a character that is probably more nosy than curious and also brave enough to go where others won’t go. That will make viewers want to follow her quest and investigations, and Yuki will have the viewers hanging onto her. The two male interests, Zero Kiryu and the vampire Kaname Kuran, are also quite good. Their aloof, cocky natures are attractive, and if it is possible for an animated character to have a screen presence, they have that.

The quality of the animation is good. It emphasizes style and stylishness over movement and features vivid colors, lush background details, and elegant sets. This look is perfect for the gothic moodiness and romantic melodrama that defines the look of Vampire Knight.

Vampire Knight, Vol. 1 will reveal some secrets, expose Zero’s affliction, and give viewers a shocking look at a kind of vampire that isn’t a sexy, laid back student. While aimed at young women, Vampire Knight is a surprisingly engaging melodrama and will please anyone interested in soap operas – with vampires.

A-

EXTRAS: This is a no frills DVD without any extras, although viewers are offered the option of watching episodes in Japanese with English subtitles or dubbed versions with voice actors providing English dialogue.

"Vampire Knight" Anime Online at VIZAnime.com

VAMPIRE KNIGHT ANIMATED SERIES PREMIERES ONLINE AT VIZAnime.com

Fates Are Sealed In A Tale Of Gothic Romance And Bloodlust In New Animated Series Based On Smash Hit Manga by Matsuri Hino

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, beckons fans to sink their teeth into the gothic romance of the animated series VAMPIRE KNIGHT, launching online today on VIZAnime.com.

VIZ Anime is the official online home to some of VIZ Media’s best-loved animated series and a burgeoning social network for fans to connect and form an interactive community. Over 400 episodes are currently available and new content is added on a weekly basis. VIZ Anime is accessible at: www.VIZAnime.com.

Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorms, they cross paths with the mysterious Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires! Yuki Cross has no memory of her past prior to the moment she was saved from a vampire attack ten years ago. She was adopted by the headmaster of Cross Academy, and now works alongside Zero to guard the Academy's secret. Yuki believes that vampires and humans can coexist peacefully, but her partner has different ideas...

“With its cast of edgy and engaging characters combined with a dark sexy storyline, VAMPIRE KNIGHT is destined to be one of the most exciting anime releases of 2010,” says Brian Ige, Director of Sales, Home Entertainment. “Fans can also look forward to the release of VAMPIRE KNIGHT on DVD, under the Shojo Beat imprint, on July 20th. Stay tuned for more details coming soon on some hot VIZ Media anime summer releases!”

VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) is based on the best-selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino, who burst onto the scene in Japan with her debut title, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over) in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has firmly established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine in Japan.

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free previews online please visit www.shojobeat.com. For more information on other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit http://www.vizanime.com/.

Vampire Knight Gets American Voice Actors for North American Debut

VIZ MEDIA ASSEMBLES A CAST OF VETERAN VOICE ACTORS TO BRING VAMPIRE KNIGHT ANIMATED SERIES TO LIFE FOR NORTH AMERICAN DEBUT

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the cast for the upcoming North American debut of VAMPIRE KNIGHT, the gothic-romance animated series based on the bestselling manga (graphic novel) by Matsuri Hino.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT takes audiences to Cross Academy, which is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

VIZ Media sought out a cast of talented voice actors and the recording expertise of Bang Zoom! Entertainment to bring this series to life. Yuki Cross, the adoptive daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, is played by Mela Lee. Veteran anime voice actor Vic Mignogna plays Zero Kiryu, a student who is a year older than Yuki Cross and comes from a family of vampire hunters. Finally, Kaname Kuran is portrayed by Ethan Murray. In the series, Kuran is a pure blooded vampire and the current Head of the Kuran Clan. He once saved Yuki from an attack by another vampire when she was seven years old and also serves as the president of the Night Class and the dorm leader. Kuran is both feared and respected by the other Night Class students.

“VAMPIRE KNIGHT is an important series that demanded skilled actors who could portray these complex characters without sacrificing any of the intensity and emotional drama each one exudes,” says William Germain, Director, Programming & Music Sales, VIZ Media. “We also know there are a lot of fans of the manga that have been waiting for this series so we wanted to bring in some very talented people who we know will take VAMPIRE KNIGHT to a whole new level. Look for more news coming soon about the North American debut!”

VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) is based on the best selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino, who burst onto the manga scene with her debut title, When This Dream Is Over, in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine. On January 17, 2010, the latest volume of VAMPIRE KNIGHT, Volume 9 ranked Number 1 on the New York Times Manga Bestseller list. Currently VAMPIRE KNIGHT has two volumes in the top ten.

Ethan Murray Bio

Ethan Murray has been a voiceover performer since 1994. Mr. Murray was spotted in a stage production and was asked to voice monsters in Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and has been thriving in the world of voiceover ever since. Over the past sixteen years Mr. Murray has been involved in hundreds of projects. Most notably: Arc the Lad, Gankutsuou, Blade the Immortal, Tenjo Tenge, and Rurouni Kenshin.

Mela Lee Bio

Mela Lee has brought life to over 20 characters in the past seven years (Fate Stay Night, Rozen Maiden, When They Cry, and Blade of the Immortal). Lee’s fans have come to expect heartfelt performances hallmarked by depth and dimension. With the much-anticipated release of VAMPIRE KNIGHT, Lee adds Yuki Cross to her cache of classic characters.

Vic Mignogna Bio

Vic has been acting for stage and screen since he was 8 years old. But he started his career in anime about ten years ago as Vega in Streetfighter II. Since then Vic has been in more than a hundred and fifty shows and video games, known for such roles as Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist, Tamaki Suou in Ouran High School Host Club, Fai in Tsubasa Chronicle, Dark in DN Angel, Kurz in Full Metal Panic, Broly in Dragonball Z, Kougaijji in Saiyuki, Ikkaku in BLEACH, Yukito in Air, Takanaga in Wallflower, Tatsu in Peacemaker, Luciano in Code Geass, Virgil Walsh in Trinity Blood, Hikaru in Macross, and many more. He is currently back in the role of Edward in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, playing Death Scythe in Soul Eater, as well as characters in NARUTO and several others. Vic has also voiced roles in a large number of video games including Soul Calibur, Disgaea, Persona III, Project Sylpheed, DBZ, Bleach, FMA, and more. But even longer than his voice acting, Vic has been a professional music composer / singer / producer who has written and produced hundreds of songs for TV, radio and CD. He sings the themes for shows like One Piece & DBGT, and has produced several CDs of his own original music. And finally, in addition to anime and music, Vic has a degree in film and works regularly writing, producing and directing video and film productions. Vic has voiced characters in more than 100 anime series and video games.

Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc.

Situated in the heart of Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading and award winning full service audio post production studio working in the fields of feature films, television, video games, and anime. Founded in 1993, Bang Zoom! Entertainment is committed to delivering the most comprehensive level of audio and creative production expertise imaginable, along with developing a range of independent projects that contribute to the promotion of innovative cultural awareness internationally. More information about Bang Zoom! Entertainment and its services can be found at www.bangzoomentertainment.com.