Dark Horse Comics Returns "Planetes" Manga to America

DARK HORSE COMICS BRINGS AWARD-WINNING MANGA ‘PLANETES’ BACK TO SHELVES

MILWAUKIE, OR—For the first time since 2005, Makoto Yukimura’s Planetes is coming back to bookshelves this December, courtesy of Dark Horse Comics.

In the 2070s, increased interplanetary travel has led to crisis-level amounts of dangerous space debris, and someone has to clean it up. Planetes follows the space-garbage crew of aspiring explorer Hachimaki, mourning Yuri, and secretive Fee. A two-time recipient of the Seiun Award, Japan’s highest honor for science fiction, Planetes grants a whole new generation a chance to journey to the far reaches of the universe.

“Planetes is one of the series that made me a manga fan, at once startlingly realistic in its scientific detail, moving in its relatable human drama, and hilarious in the personalities of its diverse cast of astronauts,” said Planetes editor Brendan Wright. “I was saddened to think it might fade from American comics shops after Tokyopop’s demise, so it’s a joy and an honor to reintroduce it at Dark Horse in the edition I’d want as a fan, with superior source materials and all the color pages included.”

The entire story is collected in two omnibus editions from the original files, complete with bonus color pages, with over 500 pages for only $19.99. Preorder Planetes Volume 1 today from Amazon.com or your local comic shop.

Planetes Omnibus Volume 1
Makoto Yukimura (W/A/Cover)
$19.99, 978-1-61655-921-2
On sale December 9, 2015

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2015 J-Pop Summit Announces First Guests of Honor; Tickets Go on Sale

2015 J-POP SUMMIT TICKETS GO ON SALE TODAY FIRST OFFICIAL GUESTS OF HONOR ANNOUNCED

General Admission And V.I.P. Passes To The Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event At Fort Mason Go On Sale Today!! Pop Singer Eir Aoi And All-Girl Rock Band Gacharic Spin To Perform

San Francisco, CA – The J-POP SUMMIT, the Japanese pop culture celebration held annually in San Francisco, has announced that tickets to attend the 2015 edition of the festival go on sale on TODAY, Friday, April 10th, 2015. General admission as well as V.I.P. passes are now available.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT will begin with an Opening Night Premiere Screening event on Friday August 7th at The Castro Theatre, and also take place Saturday and Sunday August 8th and 9th at the historic Fort Mason Center in San Francisco’s Marina district. Additional details are available at: www.J-POP.com.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT also announces its first two Guests of Honor – pop singer Eir Aoi and the all-girl rock band Gacharic Spin. Both artists will perform live for fans and attendees on the Fort Mason Center main stage.

Passes for 2015 J-POP SUMMIT are available at: http://www.j-pop.com/#tile_registration_anchor

ONE DAY J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes One-Day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center either on Saturday, 8/8 or Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $20.00     Advance: $25.00    At The Door $30.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

WEEKEND J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes full Two-Day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $35.00     Advance: $40.00    At The Door $45.00
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

KIDS WEEKEND PASS: FORT MASON: Includes Full Two-day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Ages 6-12: $15.00   Ages 0-5: FREE   *No One-day Pass for kids.

V.I.P. J-POP SUMMIT PASS: FORT MASON: Includes Full Two-day access to J-POP SUMMIT at Fort Mason Center on both on Saturday, 8/8 and Sunday, 8/9.
Early Bird: $90.00     Advance: $100.00   
(Early bird pricing is available until 6/30)

J-POP SUMMIT V.I.P Passes include: A ticket to the Opening Special Premiere Event at The Castro Theatre on Friday, 8/7; a Weekend Pass to Fort Mason Center for Saturday, 8/8 & Sunday 8/9; Access to Priority Line to the film screenings at the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco at NEW PEOPLE Cinema from Sat. 8/8 to Sun. 8/16 (NOTE: Film tickets are NOT included, sold separately); Access to Priority Line to SAKE SUMMIT at UNION SQUARE on Sat. 8/8 and Sun. 8/9. (NOTE: Admission to SAKE SUMMIT is NOT included, sold separately); Access to VIP Check-In at The Castro Theatre and Fort Mason Center; Access to premium viewing areas at the Fort Mason Center Stage; Exclusive J-POP SUMMIT Gift Bag.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT is proud to announce pop singer Eir Aoi and the all-girl rock band Gacharic Spin as its first two featured performers and official Guests of Honor. Both artists’ appearances are made possible with the support of PROMIC (Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture) and RAIJ (Recording Industry Association of Japan).

Pop singer Eir Aoi is widely known for performing the theme songs to a variety of popular anime series including Fate/Zero, Sword Art Online and Kill la Kill. She has released 3 full albums since her debut in 2012. In Japan, Eir Aoi is signed to SME Records (Sony Music Entertainment). Additional artist information is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/eir-aoi.

The 2015 J-POP SUMMIT also welcomes Gacharic Spin, one of the strongest, most aggressive, most flamboyant, all-female bands from Japan. Gacharic Spin has performed in the U.S., Korea, China, Hong Kong, France and Luxemburg and will make their first-ever San Francisco appearance at the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT. Additional information on Gacharic Spin is available at: http://www.j-pop.com/gacharic-spin.

“We are extremely honored to kick off our music programming for the 2015 J-POP SUMMIT by announcing Eir Aoi and Gacharic Spin,” says Takeshi Yoshida, Executive Producer of the J-POP SUMMIT. “With the assistance and support of the Japanese Foundation for Promotion of Music Industry and Culture and the Recording Industry Association of Japan we look forward to presenting a dynamic roster of top pop and rock artists that showcase the tremendous music scene happening in Japan. Spreading the fun and excitement of Japanese pop culture, fashion, film and music has always been the mission of the J-POP SUMMIT and we will make this summer event one that people won’t soon forget!”


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

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Digital Manga Announces "Clockwork Apple" Publishing Project

Osamu Tezuka's manga, Clockwork Apple, to be Crowd Funded

After multiple Kickstarter campaigns in an effort to get the god of manga, Osamu Tezuka, printed in English, Digital Manga, Inc. is at it again with their new Kickstarter title, Clockwork Apple. This Tezuka title is an anthology of speculative fiction short stories originally printed from 1968 – 1973. At about 235 pages, the book is planned for a September 2015 release date. Recommended for fans of Eerie and Creepy comics, and the TV series, "The Twilight Zone."

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/digitalmanga/publish-osamu-tezukas-clockwork-apple


About Clockwork Apple
Written as the New Wave of science fiction emerged, Clockwork Apple delves into the psyche of humans and the consequences of their actions, much to their demise. From Japan to Germany to space, the characters of each story must face their foes, whether it be plant aliens, robbers, political intrigue, selfish humans, or themselves. If you're a fan of 1970s sci-fi stories, this manga would be a great piece to add to your collection.

As a side note, this anthology does not have anything to do with the book, Clockwork Orange. Tezuka liked the vivid image that title invoked, but had never read it before he wrote his manga, though sharp readers may see how Tezuka also writes about how his characters deal with violence.

This title is often regarded as being one of the top five Osamu Tezuka titles, and I agree. Tezuka always excelled in writing stories that could potentially happen in our reality. Pretty scary. - Hikaru Sasahara, President of Digital Manga, Inc.

New to the campaign are items specifically designed with Tezuka characters in mind such as a cabby / paper-boy hat with Rock Holmes embroidered on the back with his usual cocky grin and, for the first time ever, a 3.5”x5.5” Moleskine journal with the Clockwork Apple logo de-bossed onto the cover. Join not just the Tezuka community, but the Moleskine community as well with your ideas and sketches in this limited edition Moleskine.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/digitalmanga/publish-osamu-tezukas-clockwork-apple

About DMI and Tezuka Productions
Digital Manga Inc. has over 20 years of experience publishing manga, and president and founder, Hikaru Sasahara, personally knew Tezuka and his dreams of world unity. Hikaru had created Digital Manga, Inc. in order to bring about his concept of "East meets West," and has published many manga including other Tezuka titles like Barbara, Unico, Triton of the Sea, and Captain Ken.
Tezuka Productions has brought to the anime and manga industry controversial books that always pushed the boundaries of what it means to be human. Tezuka does not shy away from showing all the facets of humanity, whether it be sorrow, joy, humor, tragedy, these things encompass what it means to live no matter what type of skin, color, shape, or gender others have. Some famous books Tezuka and his production company have published are Astro Boy, Blackjack, Unico, and Buddha.

Digital Manga Inc.
Located in Gardena, CA, Digital Manga Inc. is one of the industry's most unconventional and innovative companies, specializing in building corporate and cultural bridges from Japan to the West - specifically through the licensing, importation, and preparation of anime (Japanese animation), manga (Japanese comic books) and related merchandise for North America's mainstream and niche markets. In this capacity, DMI serves as a catalyst for the spread of Japanese pop culture institutions into the global arena. The company's imprint lines include DMP (its mainstream imprint), DMP Platinum (its classic manga imprint), JUNÉ (its boys love imprint), 801 MEDIA (its adult boys love imprint), DokiDoki (its exclusive co-publishing imprint with Shinshokan Publishing), DH/DMP (a co-publishing venture with Dark Horse Comics, Project H (its Seinen Hentai manga imprint) and DMG (a new forefront for its digital distribution initiative).

For more information about Digital Manga Publishing, visit http://www.digitalmanga.com as well as:

http://www.dmpplatinum.com/
www.dmpbooks.com
www.junemanga.com
www.digitalmangaguild.com
https://www.emanga.com/tezuka
https://www.akadot.com/

Follow us on twitter @digitalmanga

Find us on Facebook: Digital Manga Inc.

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Dark Circle Comics Revives "The Fox" For Second Series

THE FOX #1 : NEW ONGOING SERIES FROM DARK CIRCLE!

THE FOX is BACK!

Emmy Award winning writer/artist Dean Haspiel (Billy Dogma, HBO's Bored to Death) is once again united with Eisner award-winning writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, Thrillbent) for FOX HUNT: Part One "The Situation": When a billionaire philanthropist prepares Paul Patton Jr's home town for demolition, our hero is sent on assignment to photograph the event. But what strange force lurks in the shadows, and why will it take Paul's alter-ego, THE FOX, to stop it? The answer is the beginning of a deadly FOX HUNT and you won't believe what happens next!

Don't miss the debut issue from the critically-acclaimed team that brought you THE FOX: FREAK MAGNET, featuring FOUR all-new variant covers! With art from Dean Haspiel, David Mack, Thomas Pitilli, Ulises Farinas and Chris Samnee.

Plot/Art: Dean Haspiel
Script: Mark Waid
Art: Dean Haspiel, Allen Passalaqua, and John Workman
Cover: Dean Haspiel
Variant Cover 1: Chris Samnee and Matt Wilson
Variant Cover 2:  David Mack
Variant Cover 3: Ulises Farinas and Ryan Hill
Variant Cover 4: Thomas Pitilli
On Sale Date: 4/15
32-page, full color comic
$3.99 U.S.

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VIZ Media Revives Long Out-of-Print "Zelda" Graphic Novel

VIZ MEDIA’S PERFECT SQUARE IMPRINT RELEASES THE LEGEND OF ZELDA™: A LINK TO THE PAST™ GRAPHIC NOVEL

The Long Out-Of-Print Comic By Renowned Manga Artist

Shotaro Ishinomori Is Based On The Classic Nintendo Video Game And Returns In A Special Full-Color Edition

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, brings back one of the most iconic video game characters of all time in celebrated graphic novel form with the release of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST on May 5th, 2015.

The original, widely acclaimed full-color graphic novel by manga legend Shotaro Ishinomori was inspired by the classic Nintendo® game and will be available once again in a special single-volume print edition published exclusively by VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST carries an SRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST is based on the beloved, internationally bestselling video game originally released for Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System™. The comic book version by Shotaro Ishinomori (Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider) was first serialized in Nintendo Power™ magazine and later collected into a graphic novel. Long out-of-print, this stunning, full-color edition is available once again for the first time in more than two decades!

“THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST was an extremely popular feature of Nintendo Power magazine when it was first serialized in the early ‘90s. Renowned manga and anime artist Shotaro Ishinomori adapted the bestselling game’s storyline and also incorporated new plot elements and characters,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, Perfect Square. “The pages are filled with Link’s hard-fought battles on his quest to save Princess Zelda, made even more intense with Ishinomori’s unmistakable art style and captivating storytelling.”

Shotaro Ishinomori was one of Japan’s most prolific and revered comic book creators. Among his most popular works are Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider and HOTEL. In 2008, Guinness World Records named Ishinomori the world record holder for the “most comics published by one author” for creating more than 770 stories collected in a total of 500 volumes of manga. The ISHINOMAKI MANGATTAN MUSEUM in Japan is dedicated to his works and legacy.

Also available from VIZ Media is THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set (rated ‘A’ for All Ages), which collects a separate manga (graphic novel) series created by Akira Himekawa. The set comprehensively collects ten manga adventures featuring Link and the popular video game world of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons and FOUR SWORDS.

VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering comics, manga (graphic novels), pop culture and children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.

Additional information on titles published by Perfect Square is available at www.PerfectSquare.com.

For more information on other manga 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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Happy Birthday, Liz!

Happy Birthday, sister girl.  I wish you many, many, many more.  But I won't reveal your (middle?) age...

"Sailor Moon" Moonlight Party No. 3 Celebrates Premiere of Season 2

VIZ MEDIA HOSTS SAILOR MOON MOONLIGHT PARTY III TO CELEBRATE ENGLISH DUB PREMIERE OF SEASON 2 OF THE LEGENDARY ANIME SERIES

Join VIZ Media For A Virtual Live Stream Event Marking The Neon Alley English Dub Premiere Of SAILOR MOON R With Added Live Commentary, Real Time Q&A And Trivia Contests

San Francisco, CA, – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, invites SAILOR MOON fans to join the company as it hosts a special free virtual party and unique live stream event to mark the English dub premiere of SAILOR MOON R (Season 2) on Neon Alley/Hulu. Featuring the acclaimed new English dub cast, the exciting second season of the legendary anime series begins streaming on Neon Alley and Hulu for a limited time starting on the evening of Friday, April 10th, 2015. Catch the latest interstellar adventures of Episodes 47-60.

To celebrate, a special SAILOR MOON Moonlight Party III will take place this Friday, April 10th, starting at 6:00pm PDT on VIZ Media’s YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zjEH2BzgfU. Fans are encouraged to participate in the event, which will present SAILOR MOON R Episodes 47 and 48 (where main character Usagi, voiced by Stephanie Sheh, is reawakened to her mission), along with Episode 54 (where Rei, voiced by Cristina Vee, makes her singing debut), and Episode 60 (the first episode featuring Chiba Usa, voiced in English by Sandy Fox).

As the episodes stream via Neon Alley/Hulu, viewers can take part in a real-time Q&A with VIZ Media staff that will run throughout the evening. Fans are invited to submit questions throughout the event via YouTube, in the comments sections of the actual live stream (as available), or on the official VIZ Media Facebook page, and via Twitter using the special hashtag, #MoonlightParty.

SAILOR MOON Moonlight Party III participants and viewers also can interact with members of the VIZ Media team, which will be present during the live stream to answer questions and offer lively commentary and little known information about the series and these new episodes. A SAILOR MOON trivia contest also will take place and fans and aspiring Sailor Guardians are invited to submit their answers via Facebook and Twitter to win special prizes. SAILOR MOON fans nationwide are also encouraged host their own Moonlight Parties and share pictures using the hashtag #MoonlightParty on favorite social media platforms.

“The SAILOR MOON Moonlight Parties have been an extremely fun and interactive way for fans to join us and celebrate the premiere of new English dub episodes and revel in our shared love for this iconic series,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager of Animation. “During our latest virtual soirée, we will release the premiere dates and times for the remaining SAILOR MOON R English episodes as well as some other exciting surprises and news! Don’t miss all the excitement!!”

In SAILOR MOON R, Usagi and her friends return to their normal lives after their epic battle, but the Sailor Guardians are called back into action when powerful new enemies appear. By the power of the Legendary Silver Crystal, Sailor Moon gains strength with a dazzling new attach and transformation. The coming battle won't be easy, but things get even more complicated when a mysterious pink-haired girl falls form the sky and goes after Mamoru!

The smash hit SAILOR MOON anime series is inspired by the bestselling manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoko Takeuchi (published in North America by Kodansha). In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation! 

The entire SAILOR MOON Season 1 is now available from VIZ Media on home video as Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs and Standard Edition DVD sets. Fans can also catch the brand new SAILOR MOON reboot – SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL – with new episodes (subtitled) available to stream on the first and third Saturdays each month on Hulu and Neon Alley.

For more information on SAILOR MOON, 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 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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