VIZ Media Announces Its Schedule at "Anime Central 2015"

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATION AT ANIME CENTRAL 2015 CONVENTION
VIZ Media Returns To Mid-West’s Largest Anime/Manga Convention With Exclusive Products, Advance Copies Of Upcoming Titles, Special Guest Appearances, Informative Panels And Much More

San Francisco – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has announced its participation at the Anime Central 2015 convention with an exciting weekend full of unique booth giveaways and exclusive items for sale, informative panel discussions and special guest appearances, anime screenings, and other fun activities.

Anime Central 2015 (ACen) takes place May 15th to 17th, 2015 in Rosemont, IL, at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare and the adjacent Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, located less than 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. ACen presents special Guests of Honor from the Japanese and U.S. sectors of the anime and manga industry, as well as gaming, cinema, and other Asian pop culture personalities. VIZ Media will be located in Booth #I-11. Complete details on Anime Central 2015 are available at: http://www.acen.org.

The VIZ Media booth will offer fans a wide variety of retail products available for purchase throughout the convention. Special exclusive products include a NARUTO manga replica ($15.00) featuring the Uchiha Brothers in a pivotal and touching moment. Be among the first to get a SAILOR MOON R Event T-Shirt ($15.00) featuring an exclusive design in both unisex and ladies’ styles/sizes! Also pick up a special advance copy of Volume 1 of the forthcoming new shojo manga series, SO CUTE IT HURTS!! ($10.00; rated ‘T’ for Older Teens) ahead of its June 2nd street date. All purchases also offer the buyer a selection of 1 of 4 exclusive VIZ Media tote bags that make for a handy way to carry convention treasures.

Other VIZ Media products available at Anime Central 2015 include:

·         SAILOR MOON Season 1, Set 1 Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack with special gift with purchase (while supplies last) ($65)  

·         SAILOR MOON Season 1, Set 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack ($50)

·         RANMA ½ Sets 1-5 Blu-ray Limited Edition Sets ($45 ea)

·         POKÉMON: INDIGO LEAGUE Complete DVD Set ($45) & POKÉMON: ADVENTURES IN THE ORANGE ISLANDS Complete DVD Set ($25)

·         THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST ($20) and THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set ($80)

·         Anime Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack sets for BLOOD LAD ($55), COPPELION ($55), GARGANTIA ($55), K ($55); DEATH NOTE – DVD only  ($40)

·         Manga Box Sets for BLEACH ($175), DEATH NOTE ($115), NARUTO ($215), ONE PIECE ($186), OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB ($140), and VAMPIRE KNIGHT ($100)

·         LOVE STAGE Vol. 1 Advance Copy ($13: street date 5/12)

·         WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP annual membership, with exclusive Game Mat and Yu-Gi-Oh! Ultimaya Tzolkin promo card ($25); all ACen subscribers have an opportunity to enter a special sweepstakes, please stop by the VIZ Media booth for details

Fans can also stop by the VIZ Media booth to pre-order the upcoming SAILOR MOON R Season 2, Set 1 Limited Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and will receive an exclusive gift with purchase commemorative coin while supplies last. Anime Central attendees that sign up at the VIZ Media booth for the company’s official newsletter will receive a free TOKYO GHOUL manga poster. Also catch a variety of free items including manga samplers, postcards and posters for popular VIZ Media anime and manga properties and more!

VIZ Media’s Anime Central 2015 Panels Include:

Friday May 15th

4:30PM - VIZ Media Industry Panel (Panel Room 1)

Join VIZ Media as we pull back the curtain on your favorite manga and anime. Be the first to hear about upcoming releases and throw questions at our staff!

6:00PM - VIZ Media Official SAILOR MOON Panel (Panel Room 1)

One year ago, VIZ Media announced at Anime Central the return of the legendary SAILOR MOON anime. Now, one year later, join members of the VIZ Media SAILOR MOON staff as they talk about the impact of this beloved anime series and celebrate the long-awaited return of Usagi and her friends! Don’t miss special appearances at the panel by the SAILOR MOON English cast including Stephanie Sheh (Usagi Tsukino / Sailor Moon), Sandy Fox (Chibiusa), Amanda C. Miller (Makoto Kino / Sailor Jupiter), Cherami Leigh (Minako Aino / Sailor Venus), and Cristina Vee (Rei Hino / Sailor Mars)

Saturday May 16th

9:00PM - VIZ Media Presents: The Classics Of Shonen Jump (GR Industry Panel Rooms)

Long before hits such as NARUTO and BLEACH came to be, SHONEN JUMP magazine brought us many classic manga series such as KNIGHTS OF THE ZODIAC, DRAGON BALL and RUROUNI KENSHIN. Think you know them all? Find out at this panel as VIZ Media goes through a list of legendary SHONEN JUMP classics and how you can get them!

Also don’t miss special convention screenings of a variety of acclaimed VIZ Media anime titles including SAILOR MOON, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL, ZETMAN and GARGANTIA and more! Specific screening times and dates will be listed in the official Anime Central 2015 program guide.

For more information on award winning anime and 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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Negromancer News Bits and Bites for May 1st to 9th, 2015 - Update #16

NEWS:

From TheWrap:  First look at three characters from Quentin Tarantino's "Hateful Eight."

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From RollingStone:  Lucasfilm talking about a new Indiana Jones movie.

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From TheWrap:  The winner of the 5/1 to 5/3/2015 box office is Avengers: Age of Ultron with an estimated haul of $187.7 million.  The speculation is that the sequel did not surpass the 2012 film because of the Mayweather-Pacquiao boxing match.

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From YahooTV:  Deadline says big sports weekend could slow down Age of Ultron numbers.

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From Newsweek:  Morgan Freeman on "the terrorism we suffer from the police."


STAR WARS:

From YahooMovies:  A few more details about the un-produced versions of George Lucas' ideas for Star Wars 7, 8, and 9.

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From TheWrap:  Article claims that second Star Wars anthology film will focus on Boba Fett.  The first is "Rogue One," which is due in Dec. 2016.

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From YahooMovies:  The Hollywood Reporter gives details about Josh Trank's departure from Star Wars Anthology film.

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From TheHollywoodReporter:  Josh Tranks will not direct the second Star Wars standalone film.


COMICS - Books and Movies:

From FlickeringMyth:  First promo art from "Captain America: Civil War."

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From YahooMovies:  Photo of the cast of "Suicide Squad" in costume.

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From CinemaBlend:  "Saturday Night Live" offers a fake "Black Widow" romantic-comedy trailer.

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From ScreenRant:  Rumors say that it is down to Asa Butterfield and Tom Holland to be the new Peter Parker/Spider-Man.

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From Variety:  Avengers: Age of Ultron has massive opening Friday.

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From Instagram:  A look at the young actresses who will play Jubilee and Jean Gray in X-Men Apocalypse, via Bryan Singer's Instagram account.

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From YahooGames:  New Fantastic Four character posters.

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From TheVillageVoice:  Amy Nicholson reviews Avengers: Age of Ultron.


TRAILERS:

From YouTube:  From 20th Century Fox, a Mother's Day-theme trailer for the upcoming Peanuts movie.


OBITS:

From TheWrap: The singer and songwriter, Ben E. King, is dead at the age 76.  King is known as the singer and co-writer of one of the most popular songs of all time, "Stand By Me," which was originally recorded in 1960 and first released in 1961.

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From TheWrap:  The actress, Suzanne Crough, has died.  She played "Tracy Partridge" on the 1970s sitcom, "The Partridge Family.  Crough was 52.

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From Vulture:  The author and screenwriter, Michael Blake, has died.  Black wrote the novel, Dances with Wolves, and the screenplay adaptation of Kevin Costner's film adaptation.  Blake won an Oscarn for his screenplay.  Blake was 69.

D23 Expo 2015 to Offer Sneak of Upcoming Films from Walt Disney Companies

Go behind the Scenes with Walt Disney Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts at D23 Expo 2015

Fan-Favorite Events, Including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, Take Center Stage in New 7,500-Seat “Hall D23” Venue at the Anaheim Convention Center

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announces the lineup of the most highly anticipated presentations at D23 EXPO 2015, August 14–16,2015. The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will kick off the Expo on Friday, August 14. Later that same day, The Walt Disney Studios will give fans a sneak peek at all the latest movies from Disney Animation and Pixar. On Saturday morning, The Walt Disney Studios will preview the coming slate of live-action films from Disney, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. Then on Saturday afternoon, fans will get a preview of what’s in store at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts during a presentation hosted by Parks Chairman Bob Chapek.

To showcase these Expo favorites, Disney is creating “Hall D23,” a new 7,500-seat venue located in Hall D of the Anaheim Convention Center, so that more guests than ever can see the presentations live and in person.

The Schedule of Hall D23 Events and Presentations includes the following (times and additional announcements forthcoming; all events subject to change):

The Disney Legends Awards Ceremony will take place Friday, August 14. The ceremony, hosted by Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger, will once again honor those who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy. The creativity and innovation of these visionaries and artists have earned them a place among such names as Dame Julie Andrews, Howard Ashman, Annette Funicello, Sir Elton John, Angela Lansbury, Steve Martin, Alan Menken, Hayley Mills, Fess Parker, Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Walters, and Robin Williams. At the D23 EXPO in 2013, Tony Baxter, Collin Campbell, Dick Clark, Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Jobs, Glen Keane, and Ed Wynn were inducted.

In two separate Hall D23 sessions, The Walt Disney Studios will unveil an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at its upcoming film slate. At Friday’s session, fans will go in-depth with the talented filmmakers at Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar Animation Studios to get a sneak peek at films such as Zootopia and Finding Dory. On Saturday, live-action titles such as Alice Through the Looking Glass and The Jungle Book and films from Marvel and Lucasfilm, along with some very special guests, take center stage.

On the afternoon of Saturday, August 15, join Bob Chapek, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, for a behind-the-scenes peek at the magical experiences and entertainment coming to Disney’s parks and resorts around the world.

Tickets for D23 EXPO 2015 are available at a discounted price for a limited time. Until June 30, 2015, tickets are $67 for a one-day adult admission and $48 for children 3–12. Tickets for members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club are $58 for a one-day adult admission and $42 for children. Multi-day money-saving tickets are also available. D23 Members can save as much as $188 off the price of admission, based on the purchase of four three-day tickets at the D23 Member rate. For more information on tickets and the ticket pricing structure for D23 Members and general admission, visit D23EXPO.com.


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

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

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

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Greg Pak and Tom Raney Introduce "Phantom Limb Ghostpuncher"

Greg Pak and Tom Raney have released this great promo image for their new character Phantom Limb Ghostpuncher (yeah, you read that right!), debuting in the Broken Frontier Anthology, now funding on Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tylerchintanner/broken-frontier-the-boldest-comics-anthology-in-th)

This story is just one of 27 all-new original creator-owned stories featured in the Broken Frontier Anthology, a unique comics project put together with one purpose only: to support creator-owned comics. That’s why the creators involved are paid up front, while they at the same time keep all the rights to their creations.

The Broken Frontier Anthology features amazing work by over 40 top comics talents, from the established to the up-and-coming, including beyond Greg Pak and Tom Raney the likes of Cullen Bunn, Nathan Fox, Fred Van Lente, Marguerite Bennett, Box Brown, Toby Cypress and many more. They’re all telling stories centered around the theme of breaking boundaries, pushing beyond our human limits and exploring the great unknown.

Check the project’s Kickstarter page for a complete overview of all creators aboard. The Updates section has various videos from our creators where they talk about their stories.

We have also introduced a new goal for this weekend: Nathan Fox, Mike Lawrence, Daniel Warren Johnson & Tom Raney will create a special ART Jam (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tylerchintanner/broken-frontier-the-boldest-comics-anthology-in-th/posts/1223874) on a topic selected by our backers if the campaign reaches $30,000 by Sunday eve, May 10 at midnight.

Retailer rewards for the US, Canada and Europe are also available.

For more information, please contact Broken Frontier Editor in Chief Frederik Hautain at frederik@brokenfrontier.com.

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Marvel Studios Begins Production on 2016's "Captain America: Civil War"

Marvel Studios Begins Production on Marvel's 'Captain America: Civil War'

Learn more about the upcoming film in theaters May 6, 2016

Marvel Studios has commenced principal photography at Pinewood Studios in Atlanta, Georgia on “Captain America: Civil War,” the third installment of its Super Hero franchise. The production will shoot on location in Atlanta, Georgia, which serves as the base for the film’s production, as well as locations in Germany, Puerto Rico and Iceland.

Set for release in the United States on May 6, 2016, “Captain America: Civil War” is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo (Marvel’s “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Community”) from a screenplay by Christopher Markus & Stephen McFeely (“Captain America: The Winter Solider,” Marvel’s “Captain America: The First Avenger”). The film returns Chris Evans (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” Marvel’s “Avengers: Age of Ultron”) as the iconic Super Hero character Steve Rogers/Captain America along with Robert Downey Jr. (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “Iron Man 3”) as Tony Stark/Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) as Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow, Sebastian Stan (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Captain America: The First Avenger”) as Bucky Barnes/Winter Soldier, Anthony Mackie (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier”) as Sam Wilson/Falcon, Paul Bettany (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”) as The Vision, Jeremy Renner (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Marvel’s “The Avengers”) as Clint Barton/Hawkeye, Don Cheadle (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Iron Man 3”) as Jim Rhodes/War Machine and Elizabeth Olsen (“Avengers: Age of Ultron,” “Godzilla”) as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch.

After his debut in Marvel’s “Ant-Man” on July 17, 2015, Paul Rudd (“Ant-Man,” ”Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues”) will make his first appearance alongside the Avengers as Scott Lang/Ant-Man in “Captain America: Civil War.”

The film also includes outstanding additional cast, including Chadwick Boseman (“42,” “Get on Up”) as T’Challa/Black Panther, Emily VanCamp (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Revenge”) as Sharon Carter/Agent 13, Daniel Brühl (“Inglourious Basterds,” “Bourne Ultimatum”), Frank Grillo (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Warrior”) as Brock Rumlow/Crossbones, William Hurt (“A History of Violence,” Marvel’s “The Incredible Hulk”) as General Thaddeus “Thunderbolt” Ross and Martin Freeman (“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies”). 

“Captain America: Civil War” picks up where “Avengers: Age of Ultron” left off, as Steve Rogers leads the new team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. After another international incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability and a governing body to determine when to enlist the services of the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers while they try to protect the world from a new and nefarious villain.

Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” is produced by Marvel Studios’ president, Kevin Feige, with Louis D’Esposito, Alan Fine, Victoria Alonso, Patricia Whitcher, Nate Moore and Stan Lee serving as executive producers.

Directors Joe and Anthony Russo’s creative team also includes director of photography Trent Opaloch (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Elysium”), production designer Owen Paterson (“Godzilla,” “Matrix”), and three time Oscar®-nominated costume designer Judianna Makovsky (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”).

Based on the Marvel comic character first published in 1941, “Captain America: Civil War ” continues the lineage of epic big-screen adventures chronicled in  “Iron Man,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Iron Man 2,” “Thor,” “Captain America: The First Avenger,” “Marvel's The Avengers,” “Iron Man 3,” “Thor: The Dark World,” “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Avengers: Age of Ultron” and the upcoming release schedule, which includes Marvel’s “Ant-Man” on July 17, 2015, Marvel’s “Doctor Strange,” on November 4, 2016, Marvel’s “Guardians of the Galaxy 2,” on May 5, 2017, and Marvel’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” on November 3, 2017.

Marvel Studios most recently continued its unprecedented success with the release of “Avengers: Age of Ultron” on May 1, 2015. The film recorded the second biggest opening weekend of all time with a $191.3 million box office. It has also been the #1 release in every country where it has been released.

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Marvel Adds Martin Freeman to "Captain America: Civil War"

Martin Freeman Joins Marvel's 'Captain America: Civil War'

Freeman joins the battle between Captain America and Iron Man in 2016

Marvel's "Captain America: Civil War" has added another name to its growing cast with Martin Freeman, who will make his debut in the film.

"From his roles as Bilbo Baggins and Doctor Watson to Tim in 'The Office,' Martin's range from the dramatic to the comedic has consistently impressed us," said "Captain America: Civil War" Producer Kevin Feige. "We couldn't be more honored or excited to have such a talented actor join the Marvel Cinematic Universe."

Celebrated for his roles in "Sherlock," "Fargo," the “Hobbit” trilogy, and much more, Freeman has earned one Primetime Emmy® Award and one BAFTA Award, both for his portrayal of Doctor John Watson in "Sherlock." Martin has also been nominated for a Golden Globe® for his role of Lester Nygaard in “Fargo”, and nominated for a further two Emmy Awards and two BAFTA Awards. Most recently Martin has been seen hosting SNL and has filmed Tina Fey's untitled wartime black comedy.

"Captain America: Civil War" hits theaters May 6, 2016. Stay tuned to Marvel.com for the latest on all of Marvel Studios' upcoming films as it breaks.

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Dan Clowes' Graphic Novel, "Patience," is Due March 2016

Daniel Clowes Returns to Fantagraphics Books with Patience

SEATTLE, WA-Fantagraphics Books is proud to announce Patience, the first all-new, original graphic novel from Daniel Clowes (Ghost World) in more than half a decade. It's the biggest and most ambitious book of a storied career in which he's received an Academy Award nomination, a PEN Award, and multiple Eisner and Harvey Awards.

Patience is an indescribable psychedelic science-fiction love story, veering with uncanny precision from violent destruction to deeply personal tenderness in a way that is both quintessentially "Clowesian," and utterly unique in the author's body of work. This 180-page, full-color story affords Clowes the opportunity to draw some of the most exuberant and breathtaking pages of his life, and to tell his most suspenseful, surprising and affecting story yet.

Fantagraphics and Clowes helped usher in today's golden age of literary graphic novels, as evidenced by the just-released Complete Eightball 1-18. It collects the historic comic book series (1989-2004) in which Clowes classics such as Like a Velvet Glove Cast in Iron and Ghost World were serialized; the latter is the best-selling book in Fantagraphics' history, with twenty editions since its 1997 debut.
"Patience is the best book yet by probably my favorite cartoonist ever," said Fantagraphics associate publisher Eric Reynolds, "and I can't wait for people to have the chance to not take my word for it."

A full release of Patience in March 2016 will be prefaced with select events beginning in the months preceding release. Details t.b.a.

PATIENCE
By Daniel Clowes
180 Pages * Full Color * 7 7/8" x 10 1/4"
ISBN: 978-1-60699-905-9

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