TRASH IN MY EYE Reviews: February 2016

Monday, February 29, 2016

VIZ Media Announces New Manga from the Creator of "Vampire Knight"

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES MATSURI HINO’S NEW MANGA SERIES SHURIKEN AND PLEATS

Dive Into A Tale Of Intrigue And Modern-Day Ninjas In The Latest Shojo Manga Series By The Creator Of VAMPIRE KNIGHT

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor, publisher and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces the launch of famed creator Matsuri Hino’s new manga (graphic novel) series, SHURIKEN AND PLEATS, on March 1st, 2016.

SHURIKEN AND PLEATS, the story of a schoolgirl who’s also a ninja in modern-day Japan, is the latest title from Hino, who created the pivotal shojo series, VAMPIRE KNIGHT (also published by VIZ Media; rated ‘T+’ for Teens).

SHURIKEN AND PLEATS is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will be published in print under the Shojo Beat imprint with an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The series also launches digitally on March 1st via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App (iOS and Android), as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. New volumes of the series, which is ongoing in Japan, will be released twice a year.

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.

“Matsuri Hino returns with SHURIKEN AND PLEATS, a story about a skilled female ninja who is striving to find a new life for herself,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Senior Editor. “We invite readers to savor all the action and intrigue in this beautifully illustrated new manga series.”

Matsuri Hino burst onto the manga scene with her debut title, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over), which was published in Japan in LaLa DX magazine. Already possessing strong artistic talent, Hino became a manga artist a mere nine months after she decided to pursue it as a professional career. With the success of her popular series, CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERUPURI (both also published by VIZ Media), Hino has established herself as a major player in the world of shojo manga.

For additional information on SHURIKEN AND PLEATS or other manga titles distributed 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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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from February 21st to 29th, 2016 - Update #47

Support Leroy on Patreon.

OBIT - From Variety: The actor George Kennedy has died at the age of 91 on Sunday, February 28, 2016. Kennedy had a long career and earned a best supporting actor Oscar for his role in the Paul Newman film, "Cool Hand Luke."

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OSCARS - From YahooMovies: The highs and lows of the 88th Oscars.

From Variety: Italy celebrates Ennio Morricone's Oscar win for scoring "The Hateful Eight."

From YahooMovies: No, Sam Smith, you are NOT the first openly gay person to win an Oscar. Remember Dustin Black - best screenplay winner for Milk, not to mention several others?

From YahooMovies: "Spotlight" wins "Best Picture" at 88th Oscars.

From YahooMovies: Leonardo DiCaprio's Best Actor win was the most tweeted about Oscar moment ever.

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MOVIES - From the NYT: A very funny story about diversity by Colton Dunn - "Don't Call Me the Black Seth Rogen."

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BOX OFFICE - BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 2/26 to 2/28/2016 weekend box office is "Deadpool" with an estimated take of $31.5 million. This is it's third consecutive weekend at #1.

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STAR TREK - From CinemaBlend: Tony Todd says that he is on an actors short list for upcoming CBS digital Star Trek series.

STAR TREK - From CinemaBlend: Nicholas Meyer, the director of the beloved film, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn" has joined the new CBS series in some creative capacity.

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CRIME - From BuzzFlash: Public defender system in Louisiana is in full meltdown.

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AWARDS - From PopSugar: At the 2016 Spirit Awards, Mya Taylor becomes the first transgender actress to win a major film award.

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AWARDS - From Deadline: 2016 "Spirit Awards" winners; "Spotlight" dominates.

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OSCARS - From YahooNews: Ava DuVernay on Oscars controversy and Flint water crisis with Katie Couric.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From WashPost: Why did Cleveland sue Tamir Rice's family.

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MOVIES - From Variety: Patricia Arquette hosts a dinner on gender equality. Jennifer Lawrence is one of the attendees.

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TV - From TVLine: CBS has order a pilot for a television series based on the 2001 film, "Training Day," for which Denzel Washington won an Oscar. Bill Paxton will play the morally ambiguous cop in a re-imagining of the film.

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OBITS - From TheWrap: The actor Tony Burton has died at the age of 78, He is best known for portraying Apollo Creed's trainer Tony "Duke" Evers in six "Rocky" movies.

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OSCARS - From the VillageVoice: Spike Lee talks about the Oscars and more.

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OSCARS - From VillageVoice: Michael Musto: The sweet smell of scandal at the Oscars.

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BLACK LIVES MATTER - From RSN: I am not a super-predator.

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CULTURE - From BuzzFlash: St. Louis archbishop rails against Girl Scouts.

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OSCARS - From YahooMovies: "See You Again" from "Furious 7" not nominated - still doesn't make sense.

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COMICS - From BleedingCool: Alan Moore's new prose novel is available for pre-order.

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MOVIES - From SlashFilm: For its loose booty adaptation of "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Disney has hired James Mangold to direct... after dumping David Fincher's take on the film.

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OSCARS - From Variety: Al Sharpton to lead Oscar-weekend #OscarSoWhite protests.

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MUSIC - From YahooCelebrity: Demi Lovato, that girl can sang. She sings Ray Charles tunes at a White House event, which will air on PBS, Friday, Feb. 26th, 2016.

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POLITICS - From The NYT: The Republican-controlled Senate refuses to consider any Obama Supreme Court nominee, and it's all ugly old white men, especially that gargoyle, Mitch McConnell.

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MOVIES - From WeGotThisCovered: "Zombieland 2" is apparently still happening.

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MOVIE - From Variety: Jessica Chastain and Queen Latifah are among actresses advising new female-empowered production company.

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MOVIE - From CinemaBlend: "Pacific Rim 2" is back on, but with a new director.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap: Nate Parker's acclaimed "Birth of a Nation" gets a release date, October 7, 2016 - just in time to not get any Oscar nominations.

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COMICS - From TheHDRoom: When "Batman Vs. Superman: Dawn of Justice hits Blu-ray, it will have an R-rating.

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MOVIE - From TheWrap: The 1968 Steve McQueen movie, "The Thomas Crown Affair," will get a second remake starring Michael B. Jordan. The first remake was in 1999 with Pierce Brosnan and Rene Russo.

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MOVIES - From Deadline: Ava DuVernay is set to direct Disney's "A Wrinkle in Time."

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CULTURE - From TheAtlantic: The enduring solidarity of whitness by Ta-Nehisi Coates.

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MOVIES - From DreadCentral: Chucky the killer doll that first appeared in Child's Play could return for a seventh film.

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COMICS - From HitFix: It seems there will be a "Justice League," movie, and it will start film April 11, 2016.

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OBITS - From Variety: The Oscar-nominated cinematographer Douglas Slocombe has died at the age of 103 (Monday, February 22, 2016). He shot "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and several of the Ealing Studios comedies, including the "The Lavender Hill Mob."

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MOVIES - From Deadline: Demian Bichir added to Ridley Scott's "Alien: Covenant."

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COMICS - From SlashFilm: In "Captain America: Civil War," Martin Freeman plays Everett Ross.

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OSCARS - From Variety: 5 upsets that could rock the 88th Academy Awards.

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COMICS - From FlickeringMyth: Set photos from Doctor Strange in London.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The number one movie at the 2/19 to 2/21/2016 weekend box office is "Deadpool," which an estimated take of $55 million. It is a repeat winner, having won last week in its debut weekend.

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COMICS - From CinemaBlend: The third Wolverine film, which will be Hugh Jackman's last as the title character, will be R-rated and will be based on the story "Old Man Logan."

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TELEVISION - From CinemaBlend: "The Walking Dead" is making a time-jump.

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MOVIES - From TheWrap: "The Revenant" sounds best to Cinema Audio Society.

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MOVIES - From Variety: Mad Max: Fury Road leads the Makeup Artists and Hairstylists Guild awards.

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COMICS - From CinemaBlend: Doctor Strange will be a blast...

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SPORTS - From Steelersdotcom: Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Heath Miller has retired. Sigh.

2016 / 88th Academy Awards Announced; DiCaprio Wins Best Actor; "Mad Max" Wins Six Oscars

Sunday, February 28, 2016

2016 Cesar Awards Announced;

Director David Frankel's "Collateral Beauty" Begins Filming

Filming Begins on the Ensemble Drama “Collateral Beauty” with an All-Star Cast

Will Smith, Edward Norton, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Michael Peña, Naomie Harris, Jacob Latimore, and Helen Mirren Star; David Frankel is Directing

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Principal photography has begun on New Line Cinema’s and Village Roadshow Pictures’ thought-provoking drama “Collateral Beauty,” being helmed by Oscar-winning director David Frankel (“Dear Diary,” “The Devil Wears Prada”). The film has been slated for release on December 16, 2016.

“Collateral Beauty” features an all-star cast, including Will Smith (upcoming “Suicide Squad,” “Concussion”), Edward Norton (“Birdman or [The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance]”), Keira Knightley (“The Imitation Game”), Michael Peña (“The Martian”), Naomie Harris (“Spectre”), and Jacob Latimore (“The Maze Runner”), with Oscar winners Kate Winslet (“The Reader,” “Steve Jobs”) and Helen Mirren (“The Queen,” “Trumbo”).

When a successful New York advertising executive (Smith) experiences a deep personal tragedy and retreats from life entirely, his colleagues devise a drastic plan to force him to confront his grief in a surprising and profoundly human way.

Frankel is directing “Collateral Beauty” from an original screenplay by Allan Loeb (“Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps,” “21”). Loeb is also a producer on the film, together with Bard Dorros (“Triple 9”) and Michael Sugar (Oscar-nominated Best Picture “Spotlight”) under the Anonymous Content banner; Anthony Bregman (“Foxcatcher”) for Likely Story; and Kevin Frakes (“John Wick”) for PalmStar Media.

Frankel’s behind-the-scenes creative team includes director of photography Maryse Alberti (“Creed”), production designer Beth Mickle (“Whiskey Tango Foxtrot”), editor Andrew Marcus (“American Ultra”) and costume designer Leah Katznelson (“How to Be Single”).

A presentation of New Line Cinema and Village Roadshow Pictures, “Collateral Beauty” will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures.

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Saturday, February 27, 2016

2016 Cesar Award Nominations

First given out in 1975, the César Award is the national film award of France. Some even think of the César Award as the French equivalent of the American Academy Awards (Oscars). The nominations are selected by the members of the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma, and the award ceremony is held in Paris each February. The name of the award comes from the late sculptor César Baldaccini, and the trophies are actual sculptures of the artist.

The 41st Cesar Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, February 26, 2016 at the Theatre du Chatelet in central Paris presided over by Florence Foresti over by French comedian and actress Florence Foresti. Hollywood star Michael Douglas is due to receive an honorary Cesar for his career at the ceremony.

The 2016 / 41st Cesar Award nominees (for the year in 2015):

BEST FILM
Dheepan, dir: Jacques Audiard
Fatima, dir: Philippe Faucon
La Loi Du Marché, dir: Stéphane Brizé
Marguerite, dir: Xavier Giannoli
Mon Roi, dir: Maiwenn
Mustang, dir: Deniz Gamze Erguven
La Tete Haute, dir: Emmanuelle Bercot
Trois Souvenirs De Ma Jeunesse (aka My Golden Days), dir: Arnaud Desplechin

BEST FIRST FILM
L’Affaire SK1, dir: Frédéric Tellier
Les Cowboys; dir: Thomas Bidegain
Mustang, dir: Deniz Gamze Erguven
Ni Le Ciel Ni La Terre, Clément Cogitore
Nous Trois Ou Rien, dir: Kheiron

BEST DIRECTOR
Jacques Audiard, Dheepan
Stéphane Brizé, La Loi Du Marché
Xavier Giannoli, Marguerite
Deniz Gamze Ergüven, Mustang
Emmanuelle Bercot, La Tête Haute
Arnaud Desplechin, My Golden Days
Maïwenn, Moi Roi

BEST ACTOR
Jean-Pierre Bacri, La Vie Très Privée De Monsieur Sim
Vincent Cassell, Mon Roi
François Damiens, Les Cowboys
Gérard Depardieu, Valley Of Love
Antonythasan Jesuthasan, Dheepan
Vincent Lindon, La Loi Du Marché
Fabrice Luchini, L’Hermine

BEST ACTRESS
Loubna Abidar, Much Loved
Emmanuelle Bercot, Mon Roi
Cécile de France, La Belle Saison
Catherine Deneuve, La Tête Haute
Catherine Frot, Marguerite
Isabelle Huppert, Valley Of Love
Soria Zeroual, Fatima

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Michel Fau, Marguerite
Louis Garrel, Mon Roi
Benoit Magimel, La Tête Haute
André Marcon, Marguerite
Vincent Rottiers, Dheepan

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Sara Forestier, La Tête Haute
Agnès Jaoui, Comme Un Avion
Sidse Babett Knudsen, L’Hermine
Noémie Lvovsky, La Belle Saison
Karin Viard, 21 Nuits Avec Pattie

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Adama; dir: Simon Rouby
Le Petit Prince, dir: Mark Osborne
Avril Et Le Monde Truqué, dirs: Christian Desmares, Franck Ekinci

BEST FOREIGN FILM
Birdman, dir: Alejandro G Inarritu
Son Of Saul, dir: Laszlo Nemes
Je Suis Mort Mais J’ai Des Amis, dirs: Guillaume Malandrin, Stéphane Malandrin
Mia Madre, dir: Nanni Moretti
Taxi Tehran, dir: Jafar Panahi
The Brand New Testament, dir: Jaco van Dormael
Youth, dir: Paolo Sorrentino

BEST NEWCOMER (FEMALE)
Lou Leroy-Collinet, My Golden Days
Diane Rouxel, La Tête Haute
Zita Hanrot, Fatima
Sara Giraudeau, Les Bêtises
Camille Cottin, Connasse, Princesse Des Coeurs

BEST NEWCOMER (MALE)
Swann Arlaud, Les Anarchistes
Quentin Dolmaire, My Golden Days
Félix Moati, A trois On Y Va
Finnegan Oldfield, Les Cowboys
Rod Paradot, La Tête Haute

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Eponine Momenceau, Dheepan
Glynn Speeckaert, Marguerite
David Chizallet, Mustang
Irina Lubtchansky, My Golden Days
Christophe Offenstein, Valley Of Love

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
David Oelhoffen, Frédéric Tellier, L’Affaire SKI
Samuel Benchetrit, Asphalte
Vincent Garenq, Stéphan Cabel, L’Enquete
Philippe Faucon, Fatima
Héléne Zimmer, Benoît Jacquot, Journal D’Une Femme De Chambre

BEST EDITING
Juliette Welfing, Dheepan
Cyril Nakache, Marguerite
Simon Jacquet, Mon Roi
Mathilde Van De Moortel, Mustang
Laurence Briau, My Golden Days

BEST SOUND
Daniel Sobrino, Valérie Deloof, Cyril Holtz, Dheepan
François Musy, Gabriel Hafner, Marguerite
Nicolas Provost, Agnès Ravez, Emanuel Croset, Mon Roi
Ibrahim Gök, Damien Guillaume, Olivier Goinard, Mustang
Nicolas Cantin, Sylvain Malbrant, Stéphane Thiébaut, My Golden Days

BEST SHOR FILM
La Contre Allée, dir: Cécile Ducrocq
Le Dernier Des Céfrans, dir: Pierre-Emmanuel Urcun
Essaie De Mourir Jeune, dir: Morgon Simon
Guy Moquet, dir: Demis Herenger
Mon Héros, dir: Sylvain Desclous

BEST ORIGINAL MUSIC
Raphaël, Les Cowboys
Ennio Morricone, En Mail, Fais Ce Qu’Il Te Plaît
Stephen Warbeck, Mon Roi
Warren Ellis, Mustang
Grégoire Hetzel, My Golden Days

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Noé Debré, Thomas Bidegain, Jacques Audiard, Dheepan
Xavier Giannoli, Marguerite
Deniz Gamze Ergüven, Alice Winocour, Mustang
Emmanuelle Bercot, Marcia Roman, La Tête Haute
Arnaud Desplechin, Julie Peyr, My Golden Days

BEST COSTUMES
Anaïs Romand, Journal D’Une Femme De Chambre
Pierre-Jean Larroque, Marguerite
Selin Sözen, Mustang
Catherine Leterrier, L’Odeur De La Mandarine
Nathalie Raoul, My Golden Days

BEST SET DECORATION
Michel Barthélémy, Dheepan
Katia Wyszkop, Journal D’Une Femme De Chambre
Martin Kurel, Marguerite
Jean Rabasse, L’Odeur De La Mandarine
Toma Baqueni, My Golden Days

BEST ANIMATED SHORT
La Nuit Américaine D’Angélique, dirs: Pierre-Emmanuel Lyet, Joris Clerté
Le Repas Dominical, dir: Céline Devaux
Sous Tes Doigts, dir: Marie-Christine Courtès
Tigre A La Queue Leu Leu, dir: Benoît Chieux

BEST DOCUMENTARY
Le Bouton De Nacre, dir: Patrico Guzman
Cavanna, dirs: Denis and Nina Robert
Tomorrow, dirs: Cyril Dion, Mélanie Laurent
The Missing Picture, dir: Rithy Panh
Une Jeunesse Allemande, dir: Jean-Gabriel Periot

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2016 Spirit Awards Announced; "Spotlight" Dominates

Film Independent’s Spirit Awards (formerly known as the Independent Spirit Awards) were founded in 1984 and are awards dedicated to independent filmmakers. Film Independent is the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and also the Los Angeles Film Festival.

The 2016 / 31st Film Independent Spirit Awards were announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 27, 2016. The awards ceremony was held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, just north of the Santa Monica Pier. The show was broadcast live exclusively on IFC at 2:00 pm PT/ 5:00 pm ET.

2016 / 31st Film Independent's SPIRIT AWARD winners:

BEST FEATURE – Award given to the producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.
Spotlight
Producers: Blye Pagon Faust, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin, Michael Sugar

BEST DIRECTOR
Tom McCarthy - Spotlight

BEST FEMALE LEAD
Brie Larson -Room

BEST MALE LEAD
Abraham Attah - Beasts of No Nation

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE
Mya Taylor - Tangerine

BEST SUPPORTING MALE
Idris Elba - Beasts of No Nation

BEST FIRST FEATURE - Award given to the director and producer.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl
Director: Marielle Heller
Producers: Miranda Bailey, Anne Carey, Bert Hamelinck, Madeline Samit

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD – Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director and producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.
Krisha
Writer/Director/Producer: Trey Edward Shults
Producers: Justin R. Chan, Chase Joliet, Wilson Smith

BEST SCREENPLAY
Tom McCarthy & Josh Singer - Spotlight

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY
Emma Donoghue - Room

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Ed Lachman - Carol

BEST EDITING
Tom McArdle - Spotlight

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD – Given to one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.

Spotlight
Director: Tom McCarthy
Casting Directors:Kerry Barden and Paul Schnee
Ensemble Cast: Michael Cyril Creighton, Billy Crudup, Paul Guilfoyle, Neal Huff, Brian d’Arcy James, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Mark Ruffalo, Liev Schreiber, Jamey Sheridan, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci

BEST DOCUMENTARY - Award given to the director and producer.
The Look of Silence
Director:Joshua Oppenheimer
Producer: Signe Byrge Sørensen

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM - Award given to the director.
Son of Saul (Hungary)
Director: László Nemes

19th ANNUAL PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – The 19th annual Producers Award, sponsored by Piaget, honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources, demonstrate the creativity, tenacity and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.

Mel Eslyn - WINNER

22nd ANNUAL KIEHL’S SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD – The 22nd annual Someone to Watch Award, sponsored by Kiehl’s Since 1851, recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Kiehl’s Since 1851.

King Jack
Director: Felix Thompson

21st TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – The 21st annual Truer Than Fiction Award is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.

Incorruptible
Director: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

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VIZ Media Announces "Pokemon The Movie: Hoopa and the Clash and Ages" Two-Fer

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES UPCOMING HOME MEDIA AND MANGA RELEASES FOR POKÉMON THE MOVIE: HOOPA AND THE CLASH OF AGES

The Latest POKÉMON Feature Film Set For Release On DVD And Also As An Official Manga Adaptation Next Month

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces the home media release and debut of the official manga adaptation of POKÉMON THE MOVIE: HOOPA AND THE CLASH OF AGES in early March.

Both of the editions offer fans all of the fun and adventure of the newest POKÉMON anime feature film. POKÉMON THE MOVIE: HOOPA AND THE CLASH OF AGES was directed by Kunihiko Yuyama and was originally released in Japanese theatres last summer.

POKÉMON THE MOVIE: HOOPA AND THE CLASH OF AGES Manga · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages · MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Available March 1st 2016

Capture all of the action of the newest POKÉMON feature film in this single-volume official manga adaptation. Features story and artwork by Gin Kamimura.

POKÉMON THE MOVIE: HOOPA AND THE CLASH OF AGES DVD · Rated ‘TV-Y7’ for Viewers Ages 7 and Older · MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $24.98 CAN · Available March 8th 2016

In a desert city by the sea, Ash, Pikachu, and their friends meet the Mythical Pokémon Hoopa, who can summon all sorts of things—including people and Pokémon—through its magic rings. The little Mischief Pokémon likes to use this talent to play harmless tricks on people...but when its true power is released, it loses control and becomes the towering and terrifying Hoopa Unbound! Long ago, a brave hero stopped its rampage by confining its power in a special bottle. Now that the bottle has been rediscovered, Hoopa must confront its greatest fear! Can Ash help his new friend overcome the darkness within—or will this dangerous struggle erupt into a clash of legends? Catch all the action presented with dubbed English or subtitled dialogue options as well as 2.0 and 5.1 audio selections.

“Ash, Pikachu and the rest of the POKÉMON gang return for their latest feature film adventure in Pokémon the Movie: HOOPA AND THE CLASH OF AGES and the action doesn’t stop as they help their new friend prevent a dangerous menace from causing massive destruction,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “Don’t miss all the fun of the home media release and the official manga adaptation coming next month!”

POKÉMON is one of the most successful international entertainment franchises of all time. More than 275 million POKÉMON video game titles and over 21.5 billion Pokémon Trading Cards have been sold in more than 74 countries in addition to substantial publishing and merchandise sales. VIZ Media is the official North American distributor for a wide variety of POKÉMON home media releases including animated series and films and also publishes a variety of POKÉMON manga graphic novel series including POKÉMON ADVENTURES X•Y, POKÉMON ADVENTURES, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: DIAMOND AND PEARL, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: HeartGold & SoulSilver, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK & WHITE.

For more information on other Pokémon manga and 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 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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Friday, February 26, 2016

2016 Black Reel Awards Announced; Creed Leads with 5 Wins

The Black Reel Awards annually honor African-Americans in feature, independent, and television film. The awards also take notice of the work in film by people of color throughout the African Diaspora. The awards were launched in 2000, and this is the 16th year the awards will be handed out. The Black Reel Awards are now given out by the Foundation for the Advancement of African-Americans in Film (FAAAF).

The Black Reel Awards are comprised of more than 80 voters across the country. The voters annually select and spotlight films and performances featuring African-Americans, as well as people of color throughout the African Diaspora. The 16th Annual Black Reel Awards were held on Thursday, February 18, 2016.

16th Annual Black Reel Award Winners:

FILM

Outstanding Film
Creed
Sylvester Stallone, Irwin Winkler, David Winkler, Robert Chartoff, William Chartoff, Kevin King-Templeton, Producers

Outstanding Actor
Michael B. Jordan | Creed

Outstanding Actress
Teyonah Parris | Chi-Raq

Outstanding Supporting Actor
Idris Elba | Beasts of No Nation

Outstanding Supporting Actress
Tessa Thompson | Creed

Outstanding Director
Ryan Coogler | Creed

Outstanding Screenplay
Ryan Coogler and Aaron Covington | Creed

Outstanding Documentary
What Happened, Miss Simone | Liz Garbus

Outstanding Ensemble
Straight Outta Compton | Victoria Thomas and Cindy Tolan

Outstanding Foreign-Language Film
Girlhood | Céline Sciamma (France)

Outstanding Score
Joseph Trapanese | Straight Outta Compton

Outstanding Original Song
“See You Again” | Wiz Khalifa & Charlie Puth (Furious 7)

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Male
Abraham Attah | Beasts of No Nation

Outstanding Breakthrough Performance, Female
Kiersey Clemons | Dope

Outstanding Voice Performance
Rihanna | Home

INDEPENDENT

Outstanding Independent Film
Tangerine | Sean Baker

Outstanding Independent Documentary
Mary Lou Williams: The Lady Who Swings the Blues | Carol Bash

Outstanding Independent Short
Addiction | Danny Dzhurayev

TELEVISION

Outstanding TV Documentary or Special
The Wiz Live! | Kenny Leon

Outstanding TV Movie or Limited Series
Bessie | Ron Schmidt, Producer

Outstanding Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series
David Oyelowo | Nightingale

Outstanding Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series
Dana Owens (Queen Latifah) | Bessie

Outstanding Supporting Actor, TV Movie or Limited Series
Bokeem Woodbine | Fargo

Outstanding Supporting Actress, TV Movie or Limited Series
Regina King | American Crime

Outstanding Director, TV Movie or Limited Series
Dee Rees | Bessie

Outstanding Screenplay, TV Movie or Limited Series
John Ridley | American Crime

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2016 / 88th Academy Awards Nominations; Complete All-White List

The Academy Awards is an American film accolade. It is best known as the “Oscars,” and is an annual awards ceremony honoring cinematic achievements primarily in the American film industry. The various category winners are awarded a copy of a statuette that is officially called the “Academy Award of Merit,” but has become commonly known by its nickname, the “Oscar.” The awards were first presented in 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The Academy Awards are overseen by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS).

The 88th Oscars nominations were announced on Thursday, January 14, 2016 from the Academy’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. Oscars for outstanding film achievements of 2015 will be presented on Sunday, February 28, 2016, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center. The ceremony will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT and will be hosted by Chris Rock.

2016 / 88th Academy Award nominations:

Best Picture
The Big Short - Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, Producers

Bridge of Spies - Steven Spielberg, Marc Platt and Kristie Macosko Krieger, Producers

Brooklyn - Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey, Producers

Mad Max: Fury Road - Doug Mitchell and George Miller, Producers

The Martian - Simon Kinberg, Ridley Scott, Michael Schaefer and Mark Huffam, Producers

The Revenant - Arnon Milchan, Steve Golin, Alejandro G. Iñárritu, Mary Parent and Keith Redmon, Producers

Room - Ed Guiney, Producer

Spotlight - Michael Sugar, Steve Golin, Nicole Rocklin and Blye Pagon Faust, Producers

Best Actor
Bryan Cranston, Trumbo
Matt Damon, The Martian
Leonardo DiCaprio, The Revenant
Michael Fassbender, Steve Jobs
Eddie Redmayne, The Danish Girl

Best Actress
Cate Blanchett, Carol
Brie Larson, Room
Jennifer Lawrence, Joy
Charlotte Rampling, 45 Years
Saoirse Ronan, Brooklyn

Best Supporting Actor
Christian Bale, The Big Short
Tom Hardy, The Revenant
Mark Ruffalo, Spotlight
Mark Rylance, Bridge Of Spies
Sylvester Stallone, Creed

Best Supporting Actress
Jennifer Jason Leigh, The Hateful Eight
Rooney Mara, Carol
Rachel McAdams, Spotlight
Alicia Vikander, The Danish Girl
Kate Winslet, Steve Jobs

Directing
The Big Short, Adam McKay
Mad Max: Fury Road, George Miller
The Revenant, Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Room, Lenny Abrahamson
Tom McCarthy, Spotlight

Film Editing
The Big Short - Hank Corwin
Mad Max: Fury Road - Margaret Sixel
The Revenant - Stephen Mirrione
Spotlight - Tom McArdle
Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey

Foreign Language Film
Embrace of the Serpent (Colombia)
Mustang (France)
Son of Saul (Hungary)
Theeb (Jordan)
A War (Denmark)

Original Score
Bridge of Spies - Thomas Newman
Carol - Carter Burwell
The Hateful Eight - Ennio Morricone
Sicario - Jóhann Jóhannsson
Star Wars: The Force Awakens - John Williams

Production Design
Bridge of Spies
Production Design: Adam Stockhausen; Set Decoration: Rena DeAngelo and Bernhard Henrich

The Danish Girl
Production Design: Eve Stewart; Set Decoration: Michael Standish

Mad Max: Fury Road
Production Design: Colin Gibson; Set Decoration: Lisa Thompson

The Martian
Production Design: Arthur Max; Set Decoration: Celia Bobak

The Revenant
Production Design: Jack Fisk; Set Decoration: Hamish Purdy

Visual Effects
Ex Machina
Andrew Whitehurst, Paul Norris, Mark Ardington and Sara Bennett

Mad Max: Fury Road
Andrew Jackson, Tom Wood, Dan Oliver and Andy Williams

The Martian
Richard Stammers, Anders Langlands, Chris Lawrence and Steven Warner

The Revenant
Rich McBride, Matthew Shumway, Jason Smith and Cameron Waldbauer

Star Wars: The Force Awakens” Roger Guyett, Patrick Tubach, Neal Scanlan and Chris Corbould

Adapted Screenplay
The Big Short - Screenplay by Charles Randolph and Adam McKay
Brooklyn - Screenplay by Nick Hornby
Carol - Screenplay by Phyllis Nagy
The Martian - Screenplay by Drew Goddard
Room - Screenplay by Emma Donoghue

Original Screenplay
Bridge of Spies - Written by Matt Charman and Ethan Coen & Joel Coen
Ex Machina - Written by Alex Garland
Inside Out - Screenplay by Pete Docter, Meg LeFauve, Josh Cooley; Original story by Pete Docter, Ronnie del Carmen
Spotlight - Written by Josh Singer & Tom McCarthy
Straight Outta Compton - Screenplay by Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff; Story by S. Leigh Savidge & Alan Wenkus and Andrea Berloff

Animated Feature Film
Anomalisa - Charlie Kaufman, Duke Johnson and Rosa Tran

Boy and the World - Alê Abreu

Inside Out - Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera

Shaun the Sheep Movie - Mark Burton and Richard Starzak

When Marnie Was There - Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Yoshiaki Nishimura

Cinematography
Carol - Ed Lachman
The Hateful Eight - Robert Richardson
Mad Max: Fury Road - John Seale
The Revenant - Emmanuel Lubezki
Sicario - Roger Deakins

Costume Design
Carol - Sandy Powell
Cinderella - Sandy Powell
The Danish Girl - Paco Delgado
Mad Max: Fury Road - Jenny Beavan
The Revenant - Jacqueline West

Documentary Feature
Amy- Asif Kapadia and James Gay-Rees
Cartel Land - Matthew Heineman and Tom Yellin
The Look of Silence - Joshua Oppenheimer and Signe Byrge Sørensen
What Happened, Miss Simone? - Liz Garbus, Amy Hobby and Justin Wilkes
Winter on Fire: Ukraine’s Fight for Freedom - Evgeny Afineevsky and Den Tolmor

Documentary Short Subject
Body Team 12 - David Darg and Bryn Mooser
Chau, Bbeyond the Lines - Courtney Marsh and Jerry Franck
Claude Lanzmann: Spectres of the Shoah - Adam Benzine
A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness - Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy
Last Day of Freedom - Dee Hibbert-Jones and Nomi Talisman

Makeup and Hairstyling
Mad Max: Fury Road - Lesley Vanderwalt, Elka Wardega and Damian Martin

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared - Love Larson and Eva von Bahr

The Revenant - Siân Grigg, Duncan Jarman and Robert Pandini

Original Song
“Earned It” from Fifty Shades of Grey
Music and Lyric by Abel Tesfaye, Ahmad Balshe, Jason Daheala Quenneville and Stephan Moccio

“Manta Ray” from Racing Extinction
Music by J. Ralph and Lyric by Antony Hegarty

“Simple Song #3” from Youth
Music and Lyric by David Lang

“Til It Happens To You” from The Hunting Ground
Music and Lyric by Diane Warren and Lady Gaga

“Writing’s On The Wall” from Spectre
Music and Lyric by Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith

Animated Short Film
Bear Story - Gabriel Osorio and Pato Escala
Prologue - Richard Williams and Imogen Sutton
Sanjay’s Super Team - Sanjay Patel and Nicole Grindle
We Can’t Live without Cosmos - Konstantin Bronzit
World of Tomorrow - Don Hertzfeldt

Live Action Short Film
Ave Maria - Basil Khalil and Eric Dupont
Day One - Henry Hughes
Everything Will Be Okay (Alles Wird Gut) - Patrick Vollrath
Shok - Jamie Donoughue
Stutterer - Benjamin Cleary and Serena Armitage

Sound Editing
Mad Max: Fury Road - Mark Mangini and David White
The Martian - Oliver Tarney
The Revenant - Martin Hernandez and Lon Bender
Sicario - Alan Robert Murray
Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Matthew Wood and David Acord

Sound Mixing
Bridge of Spies - Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Drew Kunin
Mad Max: Fury Road - Chris Jenkins, Gregg Rudloff and Ben Osmo
The Martian - Paul Massey, Mark Taylor and Mac Ruth
The Revenant - Jon Taylor, Frank A. Montaño, Randy Thom and Chris Duesterdiek
Star Wars: The Force Awakens - Andy Nelson, Christopher Scarabosio and Stuart Wilson

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Image Comics Announces New Chapter of "Sons of the Devil"

SONS OF THE DEVIL TACKLES A NEW CHAPTER

New York Times bestselling writer Brian Buccellato (Detective Comics, The Flash) and artist Toni Infante will launch a new story arc in their ongoing psychological horror SONS OF THE DEVIL this March.

Previously in SONS OF THE DEVIL, average guy Travis discovered he had family ties to a deadly cult.

In SONS OF THE DEVIL #6, the second arc begins with Travis looking to reconnect with his biological family while his father, David, continues to assemble the pieces for his devil’s sacrifice.

SONS OF THE DEVIL #6 (Diamond code: JAN160553) hits shelves Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016. Final order cutoff deadline for retailers is Monday, February 29th, 2016.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

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Luke Perry is Archie's Dad in Live Action "Archie" TV Series, "Riverdale"

After casting Cole Sprouse (The Sweet Life of Zack and Cody) as Jughead Jones and Lili Reinhart (Surviving Jack) as Betty Cooper in The CW’s pilot episode of the live-action “Riverdale” TV series, comes the news that the next member of the iconic Archie series is here! Luke Perry (Beverly Hills, 90210) has been cast as the father of Archie Andrews.

In the exclusive announcement, Deadline described Luke Perry's Fred Andrews as "easygoing" and the owner of a construction firm who is hoping his son, who worked for him all summer, will someday take over the family business.

Perry, whose series credits also include Oz, John From Cincinnati and Body Of Proof, is repped by TalentWorks and Himber Entertainment.

Expect additional “Riverdale” casting news in the coming weeks.

The one-hour drama will be written by Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and produced by Warner Brothers Studios and Berlanti Productions and has been described as a subversive take on the classic Archie mythos. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schecter, Jon Goldwater, and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa serve as executive producers.

The live-action series offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade. The show will focus on the eternal love triangle of Archie Andrews, girl-next-door Betty Cooper, and rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and will include the entire cast of characters from the comic books—including Archie’s rival, Reggie Mantle, and his slacker best friend, Jughead Jones.

Popular gay character Kevin Keller will also play a pivotal role. In addition to the core cast, “Riverdale” will introduce other characters from Archie Comics’ expansive library, including Josie and the Pussycats.

For more information about “Riverdale”, visit the official Archie Comics website.

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Thursday, February 25, 2016

"Baywatch" Movie Begins Shooting

PARAMOUNT PICTURES ANNOUNCES START OF PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHY ON “BAYWATCH”

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Paramount Pictures today announced that principal photography has commenced on “BAYWATCH,” starring Dwayne Johnson (“Central Intelligence,” “Fast & Furious” franchise) and Zac Efron (“Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates”). Production will take place in Miami and Savannah.

The film will be released on May 19, 2017.

Seth Gordon (“Horrible Bosses,” “Identity Thief”) is directing the film from a screenplay most recently written by Damian Shannon & Mark Swift and Barry Schwartz. Beau Flynn (“HERCULES”), Ivan Reitman (“GHOSTBUSTERS,”), and Michael Berk, Doug Schwartz & Greg Bonann, creators of the iconic “Baywatch” television series, are producing. The executive producers are Michele Berk, Louise Rosner ("THE BIG SHORT"), Tom Pollock, and Ali Bell. Eli Roth is a co-producer.

“BAYWATCH” follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon (Johnson) as he butts heads with a brash new recruit (Efron). Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.

Joining Johnson and Efron are Alexandra Daddario (“True Detective”), Priyanka Chopra (“Quantico”), Jon Bass, Kelly Rohrbach (“UNTITLED WOODY ALLEN PROJECT”), Ilfenesh Hadera (“CHI-RAQ”), and Hannibal Buress (“DADDY’S HOME”).

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.

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Jughead Jones and Betty Cooper Cast for Live Action "Archie" Series, "Riverdale"

Following up on the news that The CW officially picked up the pilot episode for the live-action “Riverdale” TV series comes word that two of the most beloved characters in comics have been cast: Jughead Jones and Betty Cooper.

Former Disney Channel star Cole Sprouse (The Sweet Life of Zack and Cody) will play Jughead Jones in the pilot, with Lili Reinhart (Surviving Jack) playing Betty Cooper.

In the exclusive announcement, Deadline described Reinhart’s Betty as “sweet, studious, eager-to-please and wholesome, with a huge crush on her longtime best friend, Archie.”

Sprouse’s Jughead is described as “a heartthrob with a philosophical bent and former best friend of Archie Andrews.”

Expect more “Riverdale” casting news in the coming weeks.

The one-hour drama will be written by Archie Comics Chief Creative Officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and produced by Warner Brothers Studios and Berlanti Productions and has been described as a subversive take on the classic Archie mythos. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schecter, Jon Goldwater, and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa serve as executive producers.

The live-action series offers a bold, subversive take on Archie, Betty, Veronica, and their friends, exploring small-town life and the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale’s wholesome facade. The show will focus on the eternal love triangle of Archie Andrews, girl-next-door Betty Cooper, and rich socialite Veronica Lodge, and will include the entire cast of characters from the comic books—including Archie’s rival, Reggie Mantle, and his slacker best friend, Jughead Jones.

Popular gay character Kevin Keller will also play a pivotal role. In addition to the core cast, “Riverdale” will introduce other characters from Archie Comics’ expansive library, including Josie and the Pussycats.

For more information about "Riverdale", visit the official Archie Comics website.

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The Complete Death Note Anime on Blu-ray March 1st, 2016

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES FIRST EVER BLU-RAY HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF DEATH NOTE ANIME SERIES

Supernatural Crime Thriller Debuts On Blu-ray Uncut In A Special Limited “Omega” Edition That Includes Both DEATH NOTE Anime Feature Films, And Also As A Standard Edition Release

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces a new release of one of the anime genre’s greatest series with the debut of DEATH NOTE COMPLETE SERIES on Blu-ray on March 1st, 2016.

The edgy supernatural crime thriller is based in the groundbreaking DEATH NOTE manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata (and published by VIZ Media; rated ‘T’ for Teens). VIZ Media’s DEATH NOTE Blu-ray home media releases will be available as a Standard Edition and also as an “Omega” Limited Edition, a definitive collection containing the complete 37-episode series along with 2 DEATH NOTE anime feature films. The Standard Edition and Omega Limited Edition each contain three hours of additional bonus content including interviews with the DEATH NOTE manga creators and behind-the-scenes footage of the English and Japanese voice cast.

In DEATH NOTE, Light Yagami is a genius high school student who is about to learn about life through a book of death. When a bored shinigami, a god of death, named Ryuk drops a black notebook called a Death Note, Light receives power over life and death with the stroke of a pen. Determined to use this dark gift for the best, Light sets out to rid the world of evil - namely the people he believes to be evil. Should anyone own such power? The consequences of Light's actions will set the world ablaze.

DEATH NOTE: THE OMEGA EDITION Blu-ray LimIted Edition · Rated TV-14 · MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN

DEATH NOTE, Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's suspenseful tale of power, corruption and morality, returns for the first time on Blu-ray! This limited edition 6-disc collector's set includes the complete 37-episode series with five language options along with two feature films (available in three languages) and hours of additional extras! This definitive set also comes with a 64-page booklet, which features the original manga pilot story that inspired the series packaged inside an exclusive chipboard box. Three hours of additional extra content includes interviews with the Japanese creators, behind-the-scenes footage of the English and Japanese voice cast, production art, audio commentary and much more!

DEATH NOTE Blu-ray Standard Edition · Rated TV-14 · MSRP: $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN

Standard Edition release features the complete series on 5 discs, with episodes presented in crisp 1080p resolution with 16:9 video aspect ratio. Episodes are available in 5 languages (Japanese, English, Spanish, Portuguese and French 2.0 audio and subtitle selections). Also catch three hours of bonus content, including interviews with the Japanese creators, behind-the-scenes footage with the English and Japanese voice casts, production art, audio commentary and much more!

For additional information on DEATH NOTE or other anime and manga titles distributed 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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Wednesday, February 24, 2016

"School of Rock" the TV Series Debuts on Nickelodeon March 12th

Classmates Band Together in Nickelodeon’s New Live-Action Series School of Rock Premiering Saturday, March 12, at 9:30 P.M. (ET/PT)

Produced with Paramount Television and Based on the Feature Film, the Comedy Series Airs Regularly on Saturdays at 8:30 P.M. (ET/PT)

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A group of overachieving prep school students band together and learn to rock out when they meet their new, unconventional substitute teacher in Nickelodeon’s highly anticipated live-action comedy series School of Rock, premiering Saturday, March 12, 2016, at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT). The series, produced with Paramount Television, will air regularly on Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

School of Rock follows a group of rule-abiding students -- Zack (Lance Lim), Lawrence (Aidan Miner), Freddy (Ricardo Hurtado), Summer (Jade Pettyjohn) and Tomika (Breanna Yde) -- who learn to take risks and reach new heights thanks to substitute teacher Dewey Finn (Tony Cavalero), a down-on-his-luck musician who uses the language of rock ‘n’ roll to inspire his class to form a secret band. Throughout the school year, these middle-school classmates find themselves navigating relationships, discovering their unknown talents and learning lessons on loyalty and friendships.

The series features guest appearances from Pete Wentz (Fall Out Boy), Kendall Schmidt (Big Time Rush) and Kira Kosarin (The Thundermans). Episodes will include musical performances by the cast covering hits “What I Like About You” (The Romantics),“Lips Are Movin” (Meghan Trainor), “The Kids Are All Right” (The Who), “We’re Not Gonna Take It” (Twisted Sister), “Shut Up and Dance” (WALK THE MOON), “Heart Attack” (Demi Lovato) and more.

Fans can access additional content such as musical games, activities and more at Nick.com.

School of Rock is developed by Jim and Steve Armogida (Crash & Bernstein, Grounded for Life), who also serve as Executive Producers with Jay Kogen (The Simpsons, Henry Danger). The 2003 movie of the same name was written by Mike White. Its director Richard Linklater and producer Scott Rudin serve as series Executive Producers, along with Eli Bush (The Newsroom, Ex Machina).

About Paramount Television
Paramount Television develops and finances a wide range of creative television programming across all media platforms. Paramount Television is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment. PPC is a unit of Viacom (NASDAQ: VIAB, VIA), a global content company with premier television, film and digital entertainment brands.

About Nickelodeon:
Nickelodeon, now in its 36th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).

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Big Apple Con Returns March 5, 2016

NYC's Big Apple Con Returns Saturday March 5, 2016

Comic Books, Celebs, Cosplay & More!

Saturday, March 5th 10am~6pm Penn Plaza Pavilion, NYC

MIKE CARBONARO’s BIG APPLE CON, New York City's longest-running Pop Culture convention, returns to PENN PLAZA PAVILION (401 7th Ave @ 33rd Street -opposite Madison Square Garden) on SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016 from 10am to 6pm. This amazing explosion of Comic Books, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Horror, & Cosplay will bring together top comic book creators, media celebrities, dealers, panel discussions, a costume contest & more in one incredible day! There will be hundreds of tables of comics, toys, posters, videos, original art, t-shirts & other collectibles, with everything from the world's rarest comics as well as the newest and coolest books for sale! Advance tickets are now available at www.nycbm.com

BIG APPLE CON proudly hosts a full “Artists Alley” of comic book and trading card creators, illustrators & writers, including: Neal Adams (Batman, Green Lantern/Green Arrow), Jim Steranko (Captain America, Nick Fury: Agent of SHIELD), Ramona Fradon (Super Friends, Aquaman), Mark Texeira (Ghost Rider, Wolverine), Rich Buckler (Deathlok, Fantastic Four), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon, Spider-Man), David Lloyd (V For Vendetta, Aces Weekly), Reilly Brown (Deadpool, Daredevil), Joseph Michael Linsner (Cry For Dawn, Vampirella), Sean Chen (Iron Man, Valiant Comics), John Cebollero (Batman, Captain America), and Brian Kong (Cryptozoic Entertainment, Leaf Trading Cards).

The headlining media celebrity guests include: Lori Petty (Orange is the New Black, Tank Girl), Jason David Frank (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Sweet Valley High), Kathy Garver (Family Affair, Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends), Laurence Mason (The Crow, Gotham), Karyn Parsons (Static Shock, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), Johnny Brennan (Jerky Boys, Family Guy), Debbie Rochon (Tromeo & Juliet, Santa Claws), and (from 3pm on) Pro Wrestlers The Nasty Boys, Scott Steiner, & Ryan Shamrock of the WWE and WCW.

Special panel programming will feature the 50th anniversary of the Batman TV show, the first appearance of Marvel's Black Panther, the history of Charlton Comics, Star Wars, the Winter Indie Film Awards animated shorts, and NY Jedi.

Captain Zorikh's Costume Contest will once again bring the most amazing costumers and Cosplayers together for a fast-paced, exciting show of creative excellence! Come as any character in comics, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, cartoons, anime/manga, video games, or make up your own! Valuable prizes to be awarded by audience applause.

DATE: Saturday, March 7th ~ 10am - 6pm

PLACE: Penn Plaza Pavilion ~ 401 7th Ave. @ 33rd St.

TICKETS: $20 (adult) $10 (child 5-12) At the Door: $25/$10

TICKET PURCHASE: www.nycbm.com

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/bigappleconvention

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/ConBigApple

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Kate Beckinsale to Appear at Salt Lake Comic Con FanX 2016

Salt Lake Comic Con Announces Superstar Kate Beckinsale as Salt Lake Comic Con FanX™ 2016 Celebrity Guest

Star of “Underworld,” “Van Helsing,” “The Aviator” and “Total Recall” will be at FanX; tickets on sale now; FanX takes place March 24-26, 2016 at the Salt Palace Convention Center

SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Salt Lake Comic Con (http://saltlakecomiccon.com/) announced today that English actress Kate Beckinsale is the latest in a long line of exciting celebrity guests attending FanX™ 2016. Salt Lake Comic Con FanX16 will be the first comic con fan event where Kate Beckinsale will be available for Photo Ops and Autographs with fans.

“Kate is a natural fit for FanX™ as the star of ‘Underworld’ and many other Hollywood blockbusters”

The event is scheduled for March 24-26, 2016 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. FanX™ is produced by the same team behind Salt Lake Comic Con, which established itself as one of the top pop culture events in North America and the most attended convention in the history of Utah. The attendance numbers and quality of the fanXperience have grown with each subsequent show.

Beckinsale is best known to comic con fans for her starring role as the vampire Selene in the action-horror “Underworld” film series, which grossed nearly $500 million at the box office. Other notable roles include Ava Gardner in the Oscar-winning biopic “The Aviator,” Nurse Lt. Evelyn Johnson in the war film “Pearl Harbor,” Lori Quaid in the sci-fi reboot “Total Recall,” and many others. Beckinsale will reprise her role as Selene in “Underworld: Next Generation,” due in theaters October 14, 2016. She also attended University of Oxford, is fluent in four languages and was named Esquire’s Sexiest Woman Alive in 2009.

“Kate is a natural fit for FanX™ as the star of ‘Underworld’ and many other Hollywood blockbusters,” said Dan Farr, Salt Lake Comic Con Founder and Producer. “With a new ‘Underworld’ movie coming out this fall, this is a great opportunity for fans to meet the star of the next highly anticipated installment.”

The “Underworld” franchise has had a variety of spin-offs, including novelizations, video games, adapted films and a comics series. Additionally, Beckinsale’s Selene character was loosely based on Marvel Comics’ vampire, mutant and sorceress Selene, who appeared as an enemy of the “X-Men.”

“Kate Beckinsale crosses so many fandoms from sci-fi to supernatural with films like ‘Underworld,’ ‘Total Recall’ and ‘Van Helsing.’ She has established herself as an A-List celebrity co-starring with Leonardo DiCaprio in ‘The Aviator,’ Ben Affleck in ‘Pearl Harbor’ and John Cusack in ‘Serendipity,’” said Bryan Brandenburg, Salt Lake Comic Con Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer. “She is a super exciting addition to an already stellar guest lineup. We are on track to deliver our fans their best experience yet.”

Previous FanX™ 2016 guest announcements include Gillian Anderson, George Takei, Norman Reedus, Matt Smith, Buzz Aldrin, Peter Facinelli and Levar Burton.

The third annual FanX™ is an exclusive event for Salt Lake Comic Con fans designed to give attendees an up close and personal FanXperience with their favorite pop culture icons. In addition to celebrity guests, FanX™ will feature comicbook artists and creators, authors, panelists, and more. There are more celebrity guests and panel programming per square feet than the bigger event in the fall, with over 400 guests and panelists.

FanX™ 2016 is the first event of the year, with Salt Lake Comic Con 2016 scheduled for September. Both events feature incredible FanXperiences. Celebrity Stars pose for Photo Ops and sign Autographs for fans, as well as share stories and answer questions at a Spotlight Panel. Famous Authors and Artists will also be on hand to meet fans and sell prints and books they will personally sign. Hundreds of hours of Panels will take place over the weekend, covering a wide range of pop culture topics. The Vendor Hall features hundreds of booths selling collectibles, clothes, exclusives, and other geeky merchandise. The youngest fans will find a place to meet kid-favorite characters, participate in family-friendly activities, and make arts and crafts in the KidCon section of the event. There will also be other Special Events scheduled over the weekend, including parties, nightlife, exclusive paid panels, meet-and-greets and more.

For more information about FanX™ 2016 or to buy tickets, visit the Salt Lake Comic Con website at http://saltlakecomiccon.com/. Attendees will save $10 by purchasing online before the event. Learn more about what there is to see and do at FanX™ by visiting http://saltlakecomiccon.com/fanx-xperiences/.

ABOUT SALT LAKE COMIC CON:
Salt Lake Comic Con and Salt Lake Comic Con FanX™ is organized by Dan Farr Productions and is not associated with any other comic con. FanXperience is the Ultimate Fan Celebration. 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

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Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Image Comics and Garth Ennis Have "Pride & Joy"

IMAGE COMICS WELCOMES PRIDE & JOY ENNIS TITLE

“Ennis develops every narrative strand in this scary, violent noir surprisingly fully, and Higgins makes it look richly moody... A guilty pleasure par excellence.” —Booklist

Bestselling and Eisner-Award-winning writer Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys, War Story) and artist John Higgins present the action-packed crime story, PRIDE & JOY, coming from Image Comics this May.

“Pride & Joy is an old favorite of mine, and I'm delighted to see it released in this lovely new Image edition,” said Ennis.

Still mourning the loss of his wife, Jimmy Kavanagh lives quietly in the backwoods of New England, raising his devoted daughter and resentful son. That is, until fate comes calling in the worst way and Jimmy's criminal past threatens to destroy his family.

Higgins added: “Pride & Joy was the first comic story I had worked on that felt complete, like a suspense novel, visceral, and violent. Very pleased it will find a new audience with this Image graphic novel.”

PRIDE & JOY (ISBN: 978-1-63215-801-7) hits comic book stores on Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 and bookstores on Tuesday, May 10th, 2016 and will be available for $14.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond code MAR160648. It can be preordered now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Indiebound.

ABOUT IMAGE COMICS
Image Comics is a comic book and graphic novel publisher founded in 1992 by a collective of best-selling artists. Image has since gone on to become one of the largest comics publishers in the United States. Image currently has five partners: Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri and Jim Valentino. It consists of five major houses: Todd McFarlane Productions, Top Cow Productions, Shadowline, Skybound and Image Central. Image publishes comics and graphic novels in nearly every genre, sub-genre, and style imaginable. It offers science fiction, fantasy, romance, horror, crime fiction, historical fiction, humor and more by the finest artists and writers working in the medium today. For more information, visit www.imagecomics.com.

"12 Years a Slave" Makes Its Basic Cable Premiere on BET Networks

BET Honors Black History Month with 2 New Specials

JAMIE FOXX, ROBERT DOWNEY JR., KERRY WASHINGTON, OCTAVIA SPENCER AND MORE ATTEND “ABFF AWARDS: A CELEBRATION OF HOLLYWOOD” AIRING ON BET AND CENTRIC, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD AT 8P/7C

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tune in Tuesday, February 23, 2016 as BET partners with American Black Film Festival (ABFF) to air “ABFF Awards: A Celebration of Hollywood” at 8P/7C. This first-ever televised award shows tributes film legends and TV’s hottest stars. Hosted by Mike Epps, the two-hour event honors Don Cheadle, Regina King, Ryan Coogler, Diahann Carroll and Will Packer for their achievements in entertainment. Don’t miss special appearances by Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey Jr., Kerry Washington, Octavia Spencer, Loretta Devine, KeKe Palmer, Anthony Anderson and more!

2014 Best Picture Oscar Winner, “12 Years A Slave,” makes its basic cable premiere on BET Networks to wrap up Black History Month. The movie premieres Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT. The film is based on an incredible true story of one man's fight for survival and freedom. In the pre-Civil War United States, Solomon Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a free black man from upstate New York, is abducted and sold into slavery. Facing cruelty as well as unexpected kindnesses, Solomon struggles not only to stay alive, but to retain his dignity. In the twelfth year of his unforgettable odyssey, Solomon's chance meeting with a Canadian abolitionist forever alters his life.

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Oklahoma Film Critics Gives "Spotlight" its Best Picture Award

The Oklahoma Film Critics Circle (OFCC) is the statewide group of professional film critics. OFCC members are Oklahoma-based movie critics who write for print, broadcast and online outlets that publish or post reviews of current film releases.

The OFCC announced its 10th annual awards winners in early January of 2016.

2015 Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Award winners:

Best Picture - "Spotlight"

Best Actor – Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Revenant"

Best Actress – Brie Larson, "Room"

Best Animated Film - "Inside Out"

Best Body of Work – Alicia Vikander, "Ex Machina," "The Danish Girl," "Testament of Youth," "Burnt"

Best Director – George Miller, "Mad Max: Fury Road"

Best Documentary - "Amy"

Best First Feature – Alex Garland, "Ex Machina"

Best Foreign Language Film - "Son of Saul" (Hungary)

Best Original Screenplay - "Spotlight"

Best Adapted Screenplay – Charles Randolph and Adam McKay, "The Big Short"

Best Supporting Actor (TIE)
Michael Keaton "Spotlight"
Sylvester Stallone "Creed"

Best Supporting Actress – Alicia Vikander, "Ex Machina"

Most Disappointing Film – "Tomorrowland"

Top 10 Films
"Spotlight"
"Mad Max: Fury Road"
"Brooklyn"
"Ex-Machina"
"The Big Short"
"Carol"
"The Revenant"
"Inside Out"
"Sicario"
"The Hateful Eight

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VIZ Media Announces the Release of "Legend of the Galactic Heroes, Vol. 1"

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT BEGINS PUBLICATION OF THE CELEBRATED LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES SCIENCE FICTION SERIES

Opening Volume Of The Bestselling Japanese Space Opera To Be Published In English For The First Time

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media’s Haikasoru literary imprint announces its first release of 2016 with the North American publication of author Yoshiki Tanaka’s epic space opera/military sci-fi novel, LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, on March 8th, 2016.

LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, VOLUME 1: DAWN is the first in the author’s celebrated series set to be released by Haikasoru, with Volumes 2 and 3 debuting this summer and fall, respectively. LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, VOLUME 1: DAWN will debut in print with an MSRP of $15.99 U.S. / $18.99 CAN. An eBook edition will debut on March 8th for the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, Barnes & Noble’s Nook Book Store, the Kobo eBooks Store, and the Google Play store. An audiobook version, read by Tim Gerard Reynolds, will debut the same day through Simon & Schuster Audio with an MSRP of $23.99 U.S.

In the thirty-sixth 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, adapted into a legendary anime, is finally available in English for the first time.

In the opening novel of the series, “The Golden Brat,” Reinhard von Lohengramm, is a military prodigy and admiral of the Galactic Empire and has ambitions beyond protecting the borders or even defeating the Empire’s enemies. He seeks to overthrow the old order and become a truly absolute – yet benevolent – dictator. His rival, the humble Yang Wen-li of the Free Planets Alliance, wishes to preserve democracy even if he must sacrifice his political ideals to defeat the Empire. Their political and military battles play out over a galactic chessboard in an epic saga fifteen centuries in the making!

“The LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES series of novels were extremely popular in Japan also spawned popular anime and manga adaptations that have gained fans all over,” says Nick Mamatas, Editor. “We have received many requests from readers over the years asking us to publish LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES and this English publication is sure to capture a whole new legion of fans for the work of this celebrated author.”

Author Yoshiki Tanaka was born in 1952 and won the Gen’eijo (a Japanese mystery magazine) New Writer Award in 1978 for his debut story, “Midori no Sogen ni…” (On the Green Field…), which launched his career as a science fiction and fantasy writer. LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES: DAWN translates the European wars of the 19th Century to an interstellar setting and won the prestigious Seiun Award for Best Science Fiction Novel in 1987. Tanaka’s other works include the fantasy series, The Heroic Legend of Arslan, and numerous other science fiction, fantasy, historical, and mystery novels and stories.

For more information on LEGEND OF THE GALACTIC HEROES, other releases from the Haikasoru imprint, please visit www.haikasoru.com.

For more information on other 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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Monday, February 22, 2016

Archie Horror Comics Titles Return in May and June 2016

Archie Comics returns with AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9 and SABRINA #5 -- and a look toward the imprint's future

Archie Horror springs back to life this May, as the critically acclaimed and genre-defying CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA and AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE series return to comic shops with brand new issues and more to come.

After much anticipation, writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and artists Francesco Francavilla and Robert Hack bring ARCHIE HORROR back from the brink.

The spotlight turns to Reggie, the instigator behind the zombie apocalypse that now threatens the entire planet, in AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9. Aguirre-Sacasa and artist Francesco Francavilla take us back to the fateful night that started everything and ask the question: is redemption possible for Reggie Mantle? Find out on June 1st, 2016 when AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE #9 returns to comic shops.

CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA #5, with raw and macabre artwork by artist Robert Hack, continues to pit the teenage witch against the deadly manipulations of Madame Satan. Still reeling from the fallout of her botched baptism and the fate of her boyfriend, Harvey Kinkle, Sabrina faces her toughest challenge yet in the form of the Witches Council. Issue #5 hits comic shops on May 18th, 2016.

"There’s no excuse for late books, just apologies," said Aguirre-Sacasa, promising additional issues of AFTERLIFE and CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA are in progress.

"We know how much these books mean to you—so thank you, thank you, thank you for sticking with us through thick and thin."

Read the AFTERLIFE WITH ARCHIE and CHILLING ADVENTURES OF SABRINA series by visiting a comic shop near you, the Archie Comics Online Store, or digitally on the all new ARCHIE APP.

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