Season One of the Amazon Original Comedy Series Catastrophe Will Launch Exclusively for Amazon Prime Members in the US on June 19
All six episodes, about an American man and Irish woman who make a mess out of falling in love in London as they deal with an unexpected pregnancy, will premiere on June 19 in the US and come to Amazon Prime in the UK later this year
Catastrophe is created by and stars comedian and bestselling author Rob Delaney (Key & Peele) and award-winning actress Sharon Horgan (Pulling), with guest stars Carrie Fisher (Star Wars) and Tobias Menzies (Outlander), and is Executive Produced by Richard Allen-Turner (Workaholics), Kara Baker (Iliza Shlezinger: Freezing Hot), Delaney, Horgan, and Jon Thoday (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver)
Series also stars Ashley Jensen (Ugly Betty), Mark Bonnar (Shetland), Jonathan Forbes (Titanic: Blood and Steel), Daniel Lapaine (Zero Dark Thirty), Marta Barrio (The Trip), and Sarah Niles (Beautiful People)
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--(NASDAQ:AMZN)—Amazon today announced it will premiere all six episodes of season one of the Amazon Original Series Catastrophe on Friday, June 19, 2015 exclusively for Amazon Prime members in the US. Written by comedian and bestselling author, Rob Delaney (Key & Peele), and award-winning actress, Sharon Horgan (Pulling), Catastrophe is a half-hour comedy set in London about an Irish woman and American man struggling to start a relationship after their clumsy lust leads to pregnancy. Already a critical hit in the UK, Catastrophe is an Avalon Television production with co-producers Birdbath Productions and Merman and is Executive Produced by Richard Allen-Turner (Workaholics), Kara Baker (Iliza Shlezinger: Freezing Hot), Delaney, Horgan, and Jon Thoday (Last Week Tonight with John Oliver). The series will be available exclusively for Prime members in the U.S. and will come to Amazon Prime in the UK later this year.
“We are delighted Catastrophe will be available on Amazon Prime and joining their impressive line-up of critically acclaimed TV shows”
In Catastrophe, two different worlds collide as Rob (Delaney) decides to move to London to become the father he never had, while Sharon (Horgan) questions whether this will be her last chance at motherhood. Together, Rob and Sharon must steer through increasingly thorny situations and navigate the choppy waters of their ever-more-complicated lives, while also learning to deal with Sharon’s intense Irish family, her rather unpleasant friend, Fran (Ashley Jensen, Ugly Betty) and Rob’s eccentric Bostonian mother, Mia (Carrie Fisher, Star Wars).
Beginning June 19, Amazon Prime members can watch the entire first season of Catastrophe using the Amazon Instant Video app for TVs, connected devices and mobile devices, or online at Amazon.com/AIV. Customers who are not already Prime members can sign up for a free trial at Amazon.com/prime.
“We look forward to bringing this honest and smart series to our customers,” said Roy Price, Vice President, Amazon Studios. “Sharon’s irreverent humor plays into Rob’s fish-out-of-water experience and, together, their chemistry makes for a universally witty comedy.”
“We are delighted Catastrophe will be available on Amazon Prime and joining their impressive line-up of critically acclaimed TV shows,” added Jon Thoday, Joint Managing Director at Avalon Television.
Catastrophe also stars Mark Bonnar (Shetland) as Chris, Jonathan Forbes (Titanic: Blood and Steel) as Fergal, Daniel Lapaine (Zero Dark Thirty) as Dave, Marta Barrio (The Trip) as Mallandra, and Sarah Niles (Beautiful People) as Melissa, and also guest stars Tobias Menzies (Outlander) as Dr. Harries. The series is produced by Jack Bayles (Russell Brand’s Ponderland) and directed by Ben Taylor (Cuckoo).
About Prime Instant Video
Amazon Prime members have instant access to stream tens of thousands of movies and TV episodes, including award-winning Amazon Original Series, available at no additional cost to their membership. In addition, new release movies like Gone Girl, Boyhood and Birdman as well as classics like the Star Wars saga along with in-season shows like The Walking Dead, Scandal and Better Call Saul are also available for rent or purchase on Amazon Instant Video for all customers to stream and enjoy.
Customers can watch shows and movies with the Amazon Instant Video app. The Amazon Instant Video app is available on hundreds of devices including connected TVs, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as on mobile devices like Fire phone, Fire tablets, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Customers can also watch online at Amazon.com/PIV. Prime Instant Video is also the only U.S. online-only subscription streaming service that enables offline viewing—on a plane, on vacation, and anywhere else where you may not have Wi-Fi.
Amazon Prime members have exclusive access to popular TV series at no additional cost to their membership. Prime members can enjoy binge-worthy TV shows including Amazon Original Series’ airing now such as multi-Golden Globe winning series, Transparent, the hour-long drama, Bosch, based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, the Roman Coppola and Jason Schwartzman comedy, Mozart in the Jungle and the political comedy starring John Goodman, Alpha House, in addition to HBO favorites like The Sopranos, True Blood and Six Feet Under, and popular primetime series including 24, Covert Affairs, Downton Abbey, Extant, Falling Skies, Grimm, Hannibal, Justified, Orphan Black, Teen Wolf, The Americans, Under the Dome and Veronica Mars. Prime members also have access to an exclusive collection of kids shows now airing including Amazon Original Series’ Annedroids, Gortimer Gibbon’s Life on Normal Street and the Annecy, Annie and multi-Emmy Award-winning Tumble Leaf from Bix Pix Entertainment, as well as popular shows from Nickelodeon and Nick Jr. including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, Team Umizoomi, Blue’s Clues and The Bubble Guppies.
In addition to tens of thousands of titles to instantly stream, the Amazon Prime membership (www.amazon.com/primevideo) includes one million songs and hundreds of playlists with Prime Music, unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items, early access to select Lightning Deals, unlimited photo storage, and access to more than 800,000 books all for $99 a year.
About Amazon
Amazon.com opened on the World Wide Web in July 1995. The company is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire phone, Fire tablets, and Fire TV are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon.
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Friday, May 29, 2015
BOOM! Studios Re-ups with Diamond Comic Distributors
BOOM! Studios Renews Distribution Agreement with Diamond
(BALTIMORE, MD) — Diamond Comic Distributors has announced that BOOM! Studios has renewed its distribution agreement with the company, making Diamond the worldwide distributor of BOOM’s comics and graphic novels to the comic book specialty, hobby and gaming markets, as well as international book markets, excluding the UK and Ireland.
“Diamond is pleased to continue its association with BOOM! Studios,” said Diamond Vice President of Purchasing, John Wurzer. “We look forward to working with the entire BOOM! team on maximizing their sales and marketing efforts to reach comic book readers worldwide.”
BOOM! Studios continues to create a vast library of best-selling and award winning titles through its BOOM!, KaBOOM!, BOOM! Box, and Archaia imprints with such titles as Adventure Time, Mouse Guard, The Woods, Big Trouble in Little China, Lumberjanes and many more. BOOM! Studios was recognized with a Diamond GEM Award as Best Publisher-Under 4% Market Share for 2014, and has won the award 5 of the past 6 years. The new distribution agreement allows BOOM! Studios additional opportunities to have their growing library of titles reach international markets worldwide through Diamond’s book market wing, Diamond Book Distributors.
“We’re happy to have renewed our distribution agreement with Diamond,” said BOOM! Studios CEO and Founder, Ross Richie. “Diamond is, and has been, one of our most critical partners for the first decade of our business and this newest agreement is a great reinforcement of Diamond’s continued support of our growth in the direct market and beyond.”
New retailers interested in purchasing BOOM! titles are encouraged to contact Diamond’s New Accounts Department at newaccounts@diamondcomics.com or via phone at 443-318-8001. To find BOOM! Studios comics and graphic novels, visit your local comic book shop. To find a comic shop, go to www.comicshoplocator.com.
ABOUT BOOM! Studios – Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is comprised of four distinct imprints. The original Studios imprint is home to Mike Carey's Suicide Risk; James Tynion IV's The Woods; Mark Waid's Irredeemable; Sons of Anarchy; and Big Trouble in Little China. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 Guns was released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ Peanuts; Jim Davis’ Garfield; Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Steven Universe; Mike Kunkel’s Herobear and the Kid; and Natasha Allegri's Bee and PuppyCat. BOOM!'s experimental imprint BOOM! Box publishes The Midas Flesh and Lumberjanes. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of Mouse Guard, Cow Boy, Gunnerkrigg Court, Rust, and Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films. In August 2014, BOOM! Studios began a similar first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox TV to develop properties for the small screen
ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD)—Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture. Based in Baltimore, MD, DCD is the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels, and related pop-culture merchandise, serving thousands of retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.
ABOUT DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS (DBD)—DBD is a division of Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., and is dedicated to making a wide selection of graphic novels and other pop culture merchandise available globally to bookstores, libraries, schools, online retailers, mass merchants and others. DBD is the home to a number of world class publishers including IDW Publishing, publisher of 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, My Little Pony, G.I. Joe and Transformers; Image Comics, publisher The Walking Dead, Saga, Chew, and Morning Glories; Oni Press, Top Shelf Productions, and many others. For more information, visit Diamond Books on the web at www.diamondbookdistributors.com.
© 2015 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond, the Diamond logo, and PREVIEWS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Diamond Comic Distributors in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective copyright owners.
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(BALTIMORE, MD) — Diamond Comic Distributors has announced that BOOM! Studios has renewed its distribution agreement with the company, making Diamond the worldwide distributor of BOOM’s comics and graphic novels to the comic book specialty, hobby and gaming markets, as well as international book markets, excluding the UK and Ireland.
“Diamond is pleased to continue its association with BOOM! Studios,” said Diamond Vice President of Purchasing, John Wurzer. “We look forward to working with the entire BOOM! team on maximizing their sales and marketing efforts to reach comic book readers worldwide.”
BOOM! Studios continues to create a vast library of best-selling and award winning titles through its BOOM!, KaBOOM!, BOOM! Box, and Archaia imprints with such titles as Adventure Time, Mouse Guard, The Woods, Big Trouble in Little China, Lumberjanes and many more. BOOM! Studios was recognized with a Diamond GEM Award as Best Publisher-Under 4% Market Share for 2014, and has won the award 5 of the past 6 years. The new distribution agreement allows BOOM! Studios additional opportunities to have their growing library of titles reach international markets worldwide through Diamond’s book market wing, Diamond Book Distributors.
“We’re happy to have renewed our distribution agreement with Diamond,” said BOOM! Studios CEO and Founder, Ross Richie. “Diamond is, and has been, one of our most critical partners for the first decade of our business and this newest agreement is a great reinforcement of Diamond’s continued support of our growth in the direct market and beyond.”
New retailers interested in purchasing BOOM! titles are encouraged to contact Diamond’s New Accounts Department at newaccounts@diamondcomics.com or via phone at 443-318-8001. To find BOOM! Studios comics and graphic novels, visit your local comic book shop. To find a comic shop, go to www.comicshoplocator.com.
ABOUT BOOM! Studios – Founded by Ross Richie in 2005, Diamond Gem Award-winning “Best Publisher” BOOM! Studios (boom-studios.com) generates a constellation of best-selling Eisner and Harvey Award-winning original and licensed comic books and graphic novels with the industry’s top talent. BOOM! Studios is comprised of four distinct imprints. The original Studios imprint is home to Mike Carey's Suicide Risk; James Tynion IV's The Woods; Mark Waid's Irredeemable; Sons of Anarchy; and Big Trouble in Little China. Steven Grant’s graphic novel 2 Guns was released as a feature film from Universal Pictures, starring Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg. BOOM!’s all-ages imprint KaBOOM! publishes Charles Schulz’ Peanuts; Jim Davis’ Garfield; Cartoon Network’s Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, and Steven Universe; Mike Kunkel’s Herobear and the Kid; and Natasha Allegri's Bee and PuppyCat. BOOM!'s experimental imprint BOOM! Box publishes The Midas Flesh and Lumberjanes. In June 2013, BOOM! acquired Archaia Entertainment (archaia.com). Archaia is the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning graphic novel publisher of Mouse Guard, Cow Boy, Gunnerkrigg Court, Rust, and Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand. In October 2013, BOOM! Studios entered into a unique first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox, giving the studio access to its library of titles and giving the publisher access to Fox's vast catalog of films. In August 2014, BOOM! Studios began a similar first-look relationship with 20th Century Fox TV to develop properties for the small screen
ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD)—Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture. Based in Baltimore, MD, DCD is the world's largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels, and related pop-culture merchandise, serving thousands of retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.
ABOUT DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS (DBD)—DBD is a division of Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., and is dedicated to making a wide selection of graphic novels and other pop culture merchandise available globally to bookstores, libraries, schools, online retailers, mass merchants and others. DBD is the home to a number of world class publishers including IDW Publishing, publisher of 30 Days of Night, Locke & Key, My Little Pony, G.I. Joe and Transformers; Image Comics, publisher The Walking Dead, Saga, Chew, and Morning Glories; Oni Press, Top Shelf Productions, and many others. For more information, visit Diamond Books on the web at www.diamondbookdistributors.com.
© 2015 Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. All rights reserved. Diamond, the Diamond logo, and PREVIEWS are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Diamond Comic Distributors in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective copyright owners.
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Thursday, May 28, 2015
Tracy Morgan and WalMart Settle Lawsuit
Walmart and Tracy Morgan Announce Settlement of Lawsuit Regarding New Jersey Turnpike Accident
BENTONVILLE, Ark. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walmart and Benedict P. Morelli, attorney for Tracy Morgan, Ardley Fuqua, and Jeffrey Millea, today announced a settlement agreement, ending a lawsuit against Walmart arising out of a multi-vehicle accident involving the men on June 7, 2014, on the New Jersey Turnpike. The terms and conditions of the settlement with Morgan and the other plaintiffs remain confidential.
“Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”
"Our thoughts continue to go out to everyone that was involved in the accident," said Greg Foran, Walmart U.S. president and CEO. "While we know there is nothing that can change what happened, Walmart has been committed to doing what's right to help ensure the well-being of all of those who were impacted by the accident. We worked closely with Mr. Morelli, and we are pleased to have reached an amicable settlement that ends this litigation. We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved."
Benedict Morelli stated, "Walmart and I worked diligently to reach this settlement for the plaintiffs and their families. Walmart took full responsibility for the accident, which we greatly appreciate."
Tracy Morgan said, "Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably."
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BENTONVILLE, Ark. & NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Walmart and Benedict P. Morelli, attorney for Tracy Morgan, Ardley Fuqua, and Jeffrey Millea, today announced a settlement agreement, ending a lawsuit against Walmart arising out of a multi-vehicle accident involving the men on June 7, 2014, on the New Jersey Turnpike. The terms and conditions of the settlement with Morgan and the other plaintiffs remain confidential.
“Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably.”
"Our thoughts continue to go out to everyone that was involved in the accident," said Greg Foran, Walmart U.S. president and CEO. "While we know there is nothing that can change what happened, Walmart has been committed to doing what's right to help ensure the well-being of all of those who were impacted by the accident. We worked closely with Mr. Morelli, and we are pleased to have reached an amicable settlement that ends this litigation. We are deeply sorry that one of our trucks was involved."
Benedict Morelli stated, "Walmart and I worked diligently to reach this settlement for the plaintiffs and their families. Walmart took full responsibility for the accident, which we greatly appreciate."
Tracy Morgan said, "Walmart did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably."
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VIZ Media to Attned First "Bay Area Book Festival"
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATION IN 2015 BAY AREA BOOK FESTIVAL
The Largest Manga Publisher In The U.S. Will Showcase A Wide Variety Of Manga, Art Books And Other Acclaimed Titles At Literary Festival Taking Place In Berkeley, CA Next Month
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, proudly announces its support and participation in the first-ever Bay Area Book Festival, set to take place the weekend of June 6-7, 2015 in downtown Berkeley, CA.
VIZ Media will exhibit and offer for sale a wide selection of its published titles throughout the festival, including art books, graphic novels, manga and other noteworthy releases from the Perfect Square, Studio Ghibli and Haikasoru literary imprints, as well as contemporary titles from the VIZ Signature collection.
The Bay Area Book Festival is FREE to attend and will take place from 10:00AM to 6:00PM at Civic Center Park and 12 surrounding themed blocks in downtown Berkeley. Exhibitors will include publishers, indie bookstores, literary and literacy organizations, library services, writing programs, book artists, authors, and more. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities and exhibits aimed at adults, teens and children also will be offered. More than 150 local, national, and international authors will be reading, debating, and presenting in great spaces, both indoor and outside, throughout the Downtown Arts District as well as selected venues on the UC Berkeley campus. Full details on the Bay Area Book Festival are available at: http://www.baybookfest.org.
VIZ Media titles to be offered at the 2015 Bay Area Book Festival include:
THE ART OF PRINCESS MONONOKE · $35
This special hardcover edition features insightful interviews, concept sketches, character art and finished animation cels from the critically acclaimed fantasy action film by Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki. Released in 1997, Princess Mononoke was the first Hayao Miyazaki film to break into the American mainstream. The journey from initial idea to the big screen is captured here in stunning detail and also includes a look at Miyazaki’s original concept art and the use of computer graphics technology in the film’s production.
PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY, by Hayao Miyazaki · $35
An oversized, lavishly illustrated storybook featuring original watercolor art by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, This is the original Princess Mononoke story created by Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film that would later be released to universal acclaim seventeen years later. As an initial version of the tale, it offers a new and different perspective from the final version presented in the film. After a long, exhausting war, a samurai lost in a forest encounters a giant wildcat – a mononoke. The beast saves his life, but at the price of his daughter's hand in marriage...
BATTLE ROYALE: REMASTERED, by Koushun Takami · $17
In a dystopian future Japan, forty-two junior high school students are outfitted with weapons and bid to kill one another until there is only one left standing! Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller envisions a nightmare scenario: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violent exploitation when it was first published in Japan – where it became a runaway best seller – Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world.
THE BATTLE ROYALE SLAM BOOK: Essays on the Cult Classic Novel by Koushun Takami · $16
The cult phenomenon Battle Royale has been lauded as a masterpiece and decried as exploitative gore, but it’s always remained in the public consciousness. This collection of essays by some of the best science fiction, horror, and thriller writers working today, including Brian Keene, John Skipp, and Catherynne M. Valente and more. Each essay explores the depth, details, and controversies surrounding BATTLE ROYALE in an intelligent, highly accessible fashion.
HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40: A CELEBRATION IN 40 STORIES · $30
The hardcover full-color anthology features a notable line-up of some of Hello Kitty’s biggest fans paying tribute in the best way they know how: through their stories and art. Contributors include the award-winning creators of the Tiny Titans series, Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani; Brian Smith, co-creator of the New York Times bestselling series Stuff of Legend; Gene Luen Yang, award-winning author of American Born Chinese and Boxers and Saints, and Uglydoll co-creator David Horvath. Everyone has a tale to tell about the cute little girl who speaks from her heart. Matt and Jennifer L. Holm, award-winning creators of the Babymouse series also authored the introduction.
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA A LINK TO THE PAST · $20
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™. This 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!
not simple · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · $15
Manga creator Natsume Ono’s not simple follows Ian, a young man with a fractured family history, as he travels from Australia to England and on to America in the hope of realizing his dreams and reuniting with his beloved sister. His story unfolds backwards through the framing narrative of Jim, a reporter driven to capture Ian's experiences in a novel titled not simple.
SUNNY, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · $15
What is SUNNY? Sunny is a car. Sunny is a car you take on a drive with your mind. It takes you to the place of your dreams. SUNNY is the story of beating the odds, in the ways that count. It’s the brand-new masterwork from Eisner Award-winner Taiyo Matsumoto, one of Japan’s most innovative and acclaimed manga artists. The new release is translated by noted visual effects artist and Tekkonkinkreet film producer Michael Arias (The Abyss, Princess Mononoke, The Animatrix).
VAGABOND, VIZ Big Edition Vol. 1 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · $20
Shinmen Takezo is destined to become the legendary sword-saint, Miyamoto Musashi – perhaps the most renowned samurai of all time. For now, Takezo is a cold-hearted killer, who will take on anyone in mortal combat to make a name for himself. This is the journey of a wild young brute who strives to reach enlightenment by way of the sword--fighting on the edge of death.
For more information on these and other award winning 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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The Largest Manga Publisher In The U.S. Will Showcase A Wide Variety Of Manga, Art Books And Other Acclaimed Titles At Literary Festival Taking Place In Berkeley, CA Next Month
San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, proudly announces its support and participation in the first-ever Bay Area Book Festival, set to take place the weekend of June 6-7, 2015 in downtown Berkeley, CA.
VIZ Media will exhibit and offer for sale a wide selection of its published titles throughout the festival, including art books, graphic novels, manga and other noteworthy releases from the Perfect Square, Studio Ghibli and Haikasoru literary imprints, as well as contemporary titles from the VIZ Signature collection.
The Bay Area Book Festival is FREE to attend and will take place from 10:00AM to 6:00PM at Civic Center Park and 12 surrounding themed blocks in downtown Berkeley. Exhibitors will include publishers, indie bookstores, literary and literacy organizations, library services, writing programs, book artists, authors, and more. A variety of indoor and outdoor activities and exhibits aimed at adults, teens and children also will be offered. More than 150 local, national, and international authors will be reading, debating, and presenting in great spaces, both indoor and outside, throughout the Downtown Arts District as well as selected venues on the UC Berkeley campus. Full details on the Bay Area Book Festival are available at: http://www.baybookfest.org.
VIZ Media titles to be offered at the 2015 Bay Area Book Festival include:
THE ART OF PRINCESS MONONOKE · $35
This special hardcover edition features insightful interviews, concept sketches, character art and finished animation cels from the critically acclaimed fantasy action film by Oscar-winning director Hayao Miyazaki. Released in 1997, Princess Mononoke was the first Hayao Miyazaki film to break into the American mainstream. The journey from initial idea to the big screen is captured here in stunning detail and also includes a look at Miyazaki’s original concept art and the use of computer graphics technology in the film’s production.
PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY, by Hayao Miyazaki · $35
An oversized, lavishly illustrated storybook featuring original watercolor art by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, This is the original Princess Mononoke story created by Miyazaki in 1980 while he was first conceptualizing the landmark animated film that would later be released to universal acclaim seventeen years later. As an initial version of the tale, it offers a new and different perspective from the final version presented in the film. After a long, exhausting war, a samurai lost in a forest encounters a giant wildcat – a mononoke. The beast saves his life, but at the price of his daughter's hand in marriage...
BATTLE ROYALE: REMASTERED, by Koushun Takami · $17
In a dystopian future Japan, forty-two junior high school students are outfitted with weapons and bid to kill one another until there is only one left standing! Koushun Takami's notorious high-octane thriller envisions a nightmare scenario: a class of junior high school students is taken to a deserted island where, as part of a ruthless authoritarian program, they are provided arms and forced to kill until only one survivor is left standing. Criticized as violent exploitation when it was first published in Japan – where it became a runaway best seller – Battle Royale is a Lord of the Flies for the 21st century, a potent allegory of what it means to be young and (barely) alive in a dog-eat-dog world.
THE BATTLE ROYALE SLAM BOOK: Essays on the Cult Classic Novel by Koushun Takami · $16
The cult phenomenon Battle Royale has been lauded as a masterpiece and decried as exploitative gore, but it’s always remained in the public consciousness. This collection of essays by some of the best science fiction, horror, and thriller writers working today, including Brian Keene, John Skipp, and Catherynne M. Valente and more. Each essay explores the depth, details, and controversies surrounding BATTLE ROYALE in an intelligent, highly accessible fashion.
HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40: A CELEBRATION IN 40 STORIES · $30
The hardcover full-color anthology features a notable line-up of some of Hello Kitty’s biggest fans paying tribute in the best way they know how: through their stories and art. Contributors include the award-winning creators of the Tiny Titans series, Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani; Brian Smith, co-creator of the New York Times bestselling series Stuff of Legend; Gene Luen Yang, award-winning author of American Born Chinese and Boxers and Saints, and Uglydoll co-creator David Horvath. Everyone has a tale to tell about the cute little girl who speaks from her heart. Matt and Jennifer L. Holm, award-winning creators of the Babymouse series also authored the introduction.
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA A LINK TO THE PAST · $20
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™. This 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!
not simple · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · $15
Manga creator Natsume Ono’s not simple follows Ian, a young man with a fractured family history, as he travels from Australia to England and on to America in the hope of realizing his dreams and reuniting with his beloved sister. His story unfolds backwards through the framing narrative of Jim, a reporter driven to capture Ian's experiences in a novel titled not simple.
SUNNY, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · $15
What is SUNNY? Sunny is a car. Sunny is a car you take on a drive with your mind. It takes you to the place of your dreams. SUNNY is the story of beating the odds, in the ways that count. It’s the brand-new masterwork from Eisner Award-winner Taiyo Matsumoto, one of Japan’s most innovative and acclaimed manga artists. The new release is translated by noted visual effects artist and Tekkonkinkreet film producer Michael Arias (The Abyss, Princess Mononoke, The Animatrix).
VAGABOND, VIZ Big Edition Vol. 1 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers · $20
Shinmen Takezo is destined to become the legendary sword-saint, Miyamoto Musashi – perhaps the most renowned samurai of all time. For now, Takezo is a cold-hearted killer, who will take on anyone in mortal combat to make a name for himself. This is the journey of a wild young brute who strives to reach enlightenment by way of the sword--fighting on the edge of death.
For more information on these and other award winning 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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Webcomics Update: Grumble #2, Page 6
Grumble Chapter Two, Page 6 is here: http://www.comicbookbin.com/grumbletwopage006.html
NOTE: Last year, I printed some promotional copies of Grumble: Chapter One through a POD printer. I will sign and number a copy of this "rare" comic book for $5 post paid, which you can purchase here or http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/p/i-reads-shopping.html
I am also on Patreon.
NOTE: Last year, I printed some promotional copies of Grumble: Chapter One through a POD printer. I will sign and number a copy of this "rare" comic book for $5 post paid, which you can purchase here or http://ireadsyou.blogspot.com/p/i-reads-shopping.html
I am also on Patreon.
The Killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson - May 2015 Edition - Update #30
From Politico: Policing scandals threaten to overwhelm the Justice Department... Ha!
From TheVox: For me, it's not so much the picture, but the future behavior of the two cops in the photo.
From teleSUR: Beyonce and Jay Z post bail for "Black Lives Matter."
From GuardianUK: A Klan jury... I mean grand jury actually indcits all six killer cops involved in the death of Freddie Gray.
From DemocracyNow: Matt Taibbi on police engaging in an endless campaign of harassment.
From Esquire: What the Cleveland PD had planned to do to Tamir Rice... after they'd already killed him.
From YahooNews: He stood on the hood of car and fired 49 shots through the windshield at two unarmed occupants and the judge acquitted him.
From YahooNews: Why aren't the bikers who got into a gun battle with cops after rioting amongst themselves called "thugs?" Hmm...
From GuardianUK: Obama combats the militarization of American police departments.
From YahooNews: As far as I'm concerned, these guys have been coddled by law enforcement for too long, either that or law enforcement is afraid of them.
From RSN: Miami cops sent racists and pornographic emails? They're just showing their true colors.
From the New York Times via RSN: Police unions experience the loss of their privileged position.
From GuardianUK: Brian Rice, one of the Baltimore cops charged in the death of Freddie Gray, has twice had his police weapons confiscated because of behavior.
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From TheDailyBeast: George Zimmerman's blood feud.
From YahooNews: Almost there...
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From TheGuardian: New Attorney General Loretta Lynch opens federal probe of Baltimore PD.
From the ACLU: The group likes the city of Newark's cop watch accountability board.
From BuzzFeed: Racist emails by San Francisco cops causes a review of 3000 arrest.
From the SacramentoBee: California state senators seek to keep grand juries from investigating cases in which people are killed by police excessive force.
From GuardianUK: Reporters get beat-downs and locked-up covering Freddie Gray protests.
From TheDailyBeast: Cops can't stop stopping Chris Rock.
From TIME: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on Walter Scott.
From Truthout: Mumia on Walter Scott shooting.
From RollingStone: Matt Taibbi on how cell phones are changing the narrative.
From TPM: How to destroy a black life.
From teleSUR: That number, in six years, may exceed the number of lynchings over a 100-year period.
From Alternet: Racists pretending to be Baltimore protestors.
From TheBaltimoreSun: Six officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray - officers' arrest photos with specific charges.
From RSN: The terrorism we suffer from police - Morgan Freeman.
From TheVillageVoice: In light of Freddie Gray, New York's "antiquated" knife law.
From RSN: Baltimore explained.
From RSN: Cop beats his wife at Chicago PD black site, Homan Square.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
"Hip Hop Family Tree" Grows into a Monthly Comic Book
Ed Piskor's Hip Hop Family Tree to Drop Monthly
Deconstructed: The New York Times best-selling book series, Hip Hop Family Tree, is making its debut as a monthly comic book with new covers, splash pages, a "director's commentary" by Ed Piskor that traces the creator's motivations, processes, and research involved in making this masterpiece-plus other surprises!
Hip Hop Family Tree is the first monthly comic in Fantagraphics Books' 39-year history. The first issue traces the very beginning of hip-hop: it spotlights the breakdancers, graffiti artists, DJs, and MCs who formed hip-hop culture in the tenement rec rooms of the south Bronx in the 1970s. Readers will discover who invented the term "Hip-Hop," and cultural pioneers like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa will make appearances...every month!
Hip Hop Family Tree is the history of hip-hop as told through comics. Piskor can't stop, won't stop until the entire story is told. Painstakingly researched, Ed Piskor is delivering the most thorough account of the who, what, where, and when of the most infamous music genre the world has ever seen.
This collectible rerelease will be available exclusively through Diamond Comics Distributors and on the remastered Fantagraphics website.
"We've found that the existing treasury editions are most popular through the book trade and we thought it would interesting to make an effort to do some outreach with the direct comic shop reader," says creator Ed Piskor. "Our Free Comic Book Day editions were highly sought after at the comic shops who carried it and we took this as a good sign to try some unprecedented moves."
The series will also mark another first for Fantagraphics: exclusive variant cover editions by Piskor produced for retail partners ordering 1000 copies. This will include the Eh! Variant edition, featuring a Slick Rick cover that will be available exclusively from Gotham Central Comics and Collectibles in Mississauga, Ontario.
Likewise, the Third Eye variant, featuring Eazy E on the cover, will be available for purchase this summer at Third Eye Comics locations and online at www.thirdeyecomics.com/hiphopfamilytree. Piskor will be making an appearance at Third Eye Comics in Annapolis, Maryland to sign the variant at a date in August t.b.a.
Each variant cover by Piskor riffs on the beloved Marvel 25th Anniversary cover promotion from 1986 and spotlights a different figure from the history of Hip Hop. Fantagraphics and Piskor will also be producing a convention exclusive variant available only from Fantagraphics or Piskor himself.
"If you would have told me a year ago that we were going to publish a monthly comic book for the first time ever, with variant covers no less, I would have made a face," says Associate Publisher Eric Reynolds. "But Ed is a singular talent, and Hip Hop Family Tree has proven to be a singular property. When Ed first floated the idea of a comic book series, we jumped. I knew he could pull it off in the way that few ever could."
Hip Hop Family Tree #1 will be solicited in the Previews for items shipping in August 2015. August will also see the release of Hip Hop Family Tree Book 3: 1983-1984, the latest volume of the best-selling book series, which spotlights The Beastie Boys, Run DMC, The Fat Boys, and many more.
HIP HOP FAMILY TREE #1
by Ed Piskor
$4.99 / Comic / 32 pgs / 6.5 x 10
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