FANTASTIC FOUR: SEASON ONE - ON SALE NOW!

FANTASTIC FOUR: SEASON ONE - ON SALE NOW!

Today, witness the first adventure of the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four: Season One, on sale now at comic shops across the country and in the Marvel Comics app! From the red-hot creative team of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and David Marquez, fans can experience an all-new story modernizing the journey of Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm as they travel to the stars and return with fantastic, devastating results! Aimed at new and old readers alike; no fan can miss the must have graphic novel of 2012, complete with a free code for the digital copy in the Marvel Comics app, that will have everyone talking!

Whether you’re picking up a comic for the first time, or looking to add more to your comics reading experience, it’s time to discover the world’s greatest super hero team all over again in Fantastic Four: Season One, now available in comic shops everywhere and the Marvel Comics app!

FANTASTIC FOUR: SEASON ONE PREMIERE HC

Written by ROBERTO AGUIRRE-SACASA

Penciled by DAVID MARQUEZ

Cover by JULIAN TOTINO TEDESCO

136 PGS./Rated T+ …$24.99

ISBN: 978-0-7851-5641-3

ON SALE NOW!

L'ARC~EN~CIEL, to Release 12th Studio Album, "BUTTERFLY" on 2/8/12 Via iTunes

BUTTERFLY,² the long-awaited new album from one of the most celebrated Japanese rock bands, L¹Arc~en~Ciel, will be released in North America (U.S.), Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico on Wednesday; February 8, 2012 via iTunes.  Described by Kerrang! as ³The biggest band you¹ve never heard of², L¹Arc~en~Ciel has sold over 40 million records and will also return to the U.S. in 2012, for the 2nd time in 20
years, on March 25th with a historic performance at New York¹s legendary
Madison Square Garden.

³BUTTERFLY² will include the band¹s 20th L¹Anniversary single ³X X X²
(ŒKiss, Kiss, Kiss¹) and ³CHASE², all six singles since 2008¹s including
³DRINK IT DOWN² as well as three new songs.

The album also includes hit song ³GOOD LUCK MY WAY² as featured in the movie
version of the iconic and highly popular anime full-length feature film,
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE STAR OF MILOS. This band¹s hit single ³READY STEADY
GO² was utilized in the soundtrack of original hit FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST
television series featured on Cartoon Network¹s Adult Swim.

L¹Arc-en-Ciel¹s lead singer, and occasional guitarist, hyde, has called this
³a monumental album, it¹s great that we can release the album just at the
right time.²

L¹Arc~en~Ciel Members
* hyde-vocals
* ken-guitar
* tetsuya-bass
* yukihiro-drums

L¹Arc~en~Ciel  BUTTERFLY Track list
1. CHASE
2. X X X
3. Bye Bye
4. GOOD LUCK MY WAY -BUTTERFLY Ver.-
5. BLESS
6. shade of season
7. DRINK IT DOWN
8. wild flower
9. SHINE
10. NEXUS 4
11. Mirai sekai

L¹Arc~en~Ciel will embark on their ³L¹Arc~en~Ciel WORLD TOUR 2012² this
March visiting Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai, Taipei, New York, London,
Paris, Singapore, Jakarta and Seoul before concluding back in Japan. Tour
dates below.

L¹Arc~en~Ciel WORLD TOUR 2012 dates:
March 3rd               Asia World Expo Arena
Hong Kong, China
March 7th               Impact Arena
Bangkok, Thailand
March 10th               Mercedes-Benz Arena
Shanghai, China
March 17th               TWTC Nangang Exhibition Hall
Taipei, Taiwan
March 25th            Madison Square Garden
New York, New York
April 11th               indigO2
London, UK
April 14th               Le Zenith
Paris, France
April 28th       Singapore Indoor Stadium
Singapore, Singapore
May 2nd           Lapangan D Senayan
Jakarta, Indonesia
May 5th           Jamsil Gymnasium
Seoul, Korea
May 12th            Nissan Stadium
Yokohama, Japan
May 13th             Nissan Stadium
Yokohama, Japan
May 19th            Universal Studios Japan Open Air Special Stage
Osaka, Japan
May 20th            Universal Studios Japan Open Air Special Stage
Osaka, Japan

Final Fantasy XIII-2 OST Review

If there is one thing Final Fantasy is known for besides  it's unique story, memorable characters and cheesy moments is the music. With the new release Final Fantasy XIII-2 occupying the hearts of RPG fans around the world, we sat back and listen to the four disc OST for the game. Is the OST worthy of joining the ranks of Final Fantasy classics, or is this OST a flop.


One thing to say about Final Fantasy XIII-2 original soundtrack that it's very different from any Final Fantasy OST. Unlike other Final Fantasy original soundtracks, this one has three separate composers that contribute their own styles of music into the project. We have the return of Masashi Hamauzu who composed Final Fantasy XIII. New composers to the series is Naoshi Mizuta and Mitsuto Suzuki. With three different composers we get three different styles and apporaches to the soundtrack. Masashi Hamauzu mainly focuses on themes from the original series and characters from the original game, while Naoshi Mizuta focused mainly on the new characters. Finally Mitsuto Suzuki provided the techno, vocal songs and pop tracks. 


For the most part the soundtrack is good. The soundtracks is four discs in total and it strays away from the Final Fantasy sound that we're use too. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but not a good one for Final Fantasy purist. We get our classical tracks which I think stands out the most. Tracks like "Noel Theme" and "Recollection Of The Future" are nice piano tracks that will bring you into the world. The problem with some of the classical tracks is that it sounds uninspired, generic and didn't leave me with an epic feel. Some tracks sound so basic or boring that you really don't feel the music, it's not memorable and its easily forgotten. However where the soundtrack shines is the addition of vocal and techno tracks. The vocal tracks provided by Mitsuto Suzuki guidance really add a more lighter, sometimes darker tone to the soundtrack. The vocals songs are relaxing and shine best when the string solos come in. The techno tracks however not always a perfect fit in the Final Fantasy universe, makes sense in the futuristic world of Final Fantasy XIII-2. It captures the world, the people and the scenes fairly well.


Final Grade C+/7.5 - Final Fantasy XIII-2 OST has some outstanding tracks, but for the most part it's forgettable and sometimes boring. This is a decent departure from the style of music we're use too in Final Fantasy games, however sometimes going to left field can hurt. It's not bad, but it's not epic either. It's just okay. 

Ghostbusters Fanfiction: Chapter 2- The Trials

Ghostbusters FanFiction Chapter #2 – The Trials

After three days of highly anticipation, my day for the Ghostbusters Trials had begun. What did the heroes of New York have planned for me I wonder? I arrived at HQ about 12 PM to be debriefed on what my trials was going to be.

“Okay kid today is the day you prove to us if you have what it takes to be a Ghostbuster.” Ray said.

“The trial is very simple we have gather information on a haunting in Central Park. Residents in the area claimed to see a woman in a wedding dress, searching for her husband.  Reports have stated that she has a thing for younger men. This is where you come in junior.” Egon said.

“Wait so you want me to seduce a ghost?” I asked.

“No your job is take actual evidence of the ghost sighting and see if the ghost is hostile.  The ghost appears at Central Park at 3 AM.” Winston explained.

“Great just my luck the ghost will show at the time of the highest activity for demons, spirits and ghosts. So I assume you guys want me to capture the ghost, cool I would love some Proton Pack training.” I said.

“Not so fast junior, you will only be taking this with you.” Venkman said.

Venkman handed me what look like an ordinary HD camera.  He gives me that sarcastic smirk that I’m really starting to hate. I look at the camera, and examine it to see if there is anything special about it. However I couldn’t find anything really unique about this camera at all. What the hell did they want me to do, play Pokemon Snap with this ghost?

“What you have in your hand is our new PKE Camera. It’s has a built in radar similar to find ghost similar to PKE Meter, only you can take pictures of the ghost for full documentation. All we want you to do is get proof that the ghost is present. If possible engaged the subject and get more information.” Ray explained.

“What happens if the ghost is hostile? I have no protection?” I asked.

“You’ll be fine junior, now go get some rest and report back to us in the morning when you have the documentation.” Venkman said.

I went home and relax for the rest of the day.  The hours went by fast and I found myself at Central Park around 2:45 AM. How the hell was I supposed to find a ghost in Central Park? Do these guys even know how big Central Park is? If you know anything about New York City then you know, Central Park is not a  place you want to be at this late. Screw the ghost, the freaks running around is scary enough. I decided to walk around using my PKE Camera. The PKE Camera was actually a pretty good invention, all I have to do is scan the area and it points me into the direction of any paranormal activity. However as big as Central Park is, finding one particular ghost would be difficult. 

I decided that it will best to wait till 3 AM precisely to find this ghost.  I start walking around the park humming. It was strangely empty hardly any people were out here. Then again who in the hell would be in Central Park at this time except the exhibitionist and people coming home from a party. I walk around for 15 minutes and didn’t find anything. Then exactly at 3 AM my PKE Camera starts acting the up. The scanner radar pointed somewhere close. In fact the location was too close to me. I took out a flashlight from my backpack and follow the radar. I couldn’t really pinpoint the exact the location on the PKE Camera. It the radar kept beeping, closer and close until I heard a question in my ear.

"Have you seen my husband?"

The story continues in Chapter 3 - The Lonely Widow

DRAGON AGE: REDEMPTION,” Releases February 14 on DVD

Here is some cool news for Dragon Age Fans & Felica Day Fans!


In front of a packed panel at the 2011 San Diego Comic Con, The Guild creator Felicia Day unveiled the series’ trailer for the exciting new web original she wrote and produced, DRAGON AGE: REDEMPTION. Following the premiere of the series in October 2011 on Machinima.com, all six episodes are now available on one DVD – with exclusive bonus material.


Set in the same time period as the hit Role-Playing Game (RPG), Dragon Age II, DRAGON AGE: REDEMPTION stars Day as Tallis, an Elven assassin hired by the Qunari to capture a rogue mage intent on wreaking havoc throughout the world. In her quest to find this dangerous mage, Tallis is joined by other companions who are not always aligned in their beliefs and goals, but who band together to defeat their foe, in an attempt to restore peace and balance to this dark fantasy universe. DRAGON AGE: REDEMPTION is a match made in gamer heaven. From Electronic Arts’ BioWare label, Dragon Age II sold 1 million copies in the first two weeks of its release in March 2011. The Guild, still going strong in its 5th season, is one of the most watched web series of all time and a valuable franchise for Ms. Day.

More than 40 minutes of bonus material includes: Bioware TV’s “Working with Felicia”; Dragon Age Trailers and Premium Content; “Making Of” Stunts, Costumes and Characters; Audio Commentary with the Director and Producer; Bloopers.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica English Screening Premiere

Hey Otakus and Geeks here is the latest news from our good friends at Aniplex. Fans of Madoka Magica read on for this exciting premiere. Anime Rules!!!!

Aniplex of America’s upcoming Madoka Magica streaming event on February 10th. Aniplex of America will stream the 1st episode of Madoka Magica in English on the niconico live-streaming channel. This streaming event will be shown in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Japan for free. There will also be special greetings from the English Cast before and after the 1st episode. Event details is as follows:






PROGRAM TITLE：


Puella Magi Madoka Magica English Screening Premiere


DATE：


Friday, February 10, 20:30pm US Pacific Standard Time


Saturday, February 11, 13:30 Japan local time


Saturday, February 11, 4:30 UK local time


Saturday, February 11, 15:30 Australian Eastern Daylight Time


(* Total length 30 min: minute program with special greeting)


Link
http://live.niconico.com/watch/lv79795448


Story Synoposis
She has a loving family and best friends, laughs and cries from time to time... Madoka Kaname, an eighth grader at Mitakihara middle school, lives such a life. One day, she has a very magical encounter. She doesn't know if it's by chance or by fate yet, but this meeting will change her destiny. This is the beginning of a new story of magical girls..

Humble Bundle for Android

As the title says there is the Humble Bundle for Android. In case you don't know the Humble Bundle which is also known as the Humble Indie Bundle is an indie game bundles where you pay what you want for it and the money you use would give your a bundle of games that is DRM free and for the major platforms being PC Mac and Linux. The money that you pay being anything you like to give is for charity, the Child's Play Charity, Electronic Frontier Foundation or both.

You the user can pick how the money is given out so you can evenly split it between the two charities and nothing to anyone else or split it evenly to everyone those being the developers of the games your getting and humble bundle(if you give anything to them it would be used to pay for the servers that would host your DRM free download), also you will have more then one way to get your games from either using torrents they give you or direct downloads

This bundle is special because it comes with games what not only work on your PC, Mac or Linux but also for your Android phone, this is the first time humble bundle have done this. It should be noted that you don't need to have an Android phone to get the games because after you make a donation you will be able to get downloads of the same games for PC, Mac and Linux with Android.

I would suggest paying above the average because Humble Bundle tends to add extras games after like the first week or in some cases had a whole previous Humble bundles turning the 4 games you get right now into something close to 10 but I don't know if it will happen this time.

Final note too you will get all the games soundtracks also as apart of the Humble Bundle, this isn't just one or two tracks but the whole soundtrack for each game that is in the bundle right now, I am not sure if they are going to add more soundtracks for extra games they mad or may not add to the Humble Bundle. This is the least you can do for two great charities, your getting awesome games for super cheap and I mean cheap. I know I will be donating as soon as I can.

 LINK:
Humble Bundle

MARVEL STUDIOS SPONSORS GLOBAL TWITTER CHAT WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST FOR FANS AROUND THE WORLD

Okay Otakus and Geeks check out this cool news from our friends at Marvel.

MARVEL STUDIOS SPONSORS GLOBAL TWITTER CHAT WITH DIRECTOR AND CAST FOR FANS AROUND THE WORLD PARTICIPANTS GET TEASE OF “MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS” 30-SECOND SUPER BOWL SPOT AND CHANCE TO WIN PRIZES BURBANK, CALIF.

Marvel Studios announced that they will be sponsoring a Global Twitter Chat on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. (PST) with cast members and the director of their highly anticipated action-adventure “Marvel’s The Avengers,” opening in theaters on May 4, 2012. The 30-minute live tweeting event features writer/director Joss Whedon and cast members Tom Hiddleston and Clark Gregg. Fans around the world will be able to participate in the Q&A on Twitter by using the @Avengers handle and the #Avengers hashtag. Participating fans will have the opportunity to see a 10-second tease of the 30-second Super Bowl spot that will air during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5 on NBC. They will also have a chance to answer “Avengers” trivia for a chance to win “Avengers” prize packs. International fans will be able to submit questions for the talent in their native language through a global translation tool provided by Ortsbo.com. The chat will be moderated by Marvel’s @Agent_M. “Marvel’s The Avengers” is the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.

Avengers Vs X-Men #0 Preview.

Hey Comic fans we are just a few months away from Avengers Vs X-Men battle. Here is a preview from Marvel of the issue #0. Just before the Avengers and the X-Men go head to head, superstar creators Brian Michael Bendis, Jason Aaron & Frank Cho set up the crucial roles of the Scarlet Witch and Hope Summers before their allegiances come into question. With all eyes on Wanda and the Mutant Messiah, the Marvel Universe has become a powder keg on the verge of exploding. Coming in March! Here are some screenshots! 

SteamPunk Lolita Ultimate Looks #1

Below is an outline of the basic anatomy of any Lolita outfit. I'll be sure to repost it for the coming looks. However, I would encourage you to be sure to check out Lolita Fashion, for a more detailed explanation of its parts.

Now!!!!! Shopping. For Look #1 I've visited Fan Plus Friend and Clockwork Couture. I have found that most relate a steampunk look to muted colors, like brown and orange. But as the rules state in last week's post, it has NO color. So why not a cutesy bright Steampunk Lolita?!

SteamPunk dress by manufactured by Fan Plus Friend

Since the dress isn't very printed and overly exaggerated with details, as some Lolita outfits would be, I think some prints and straps would be what makes the dress sing. It also comes with a hairpiece, but I've decided that you should have options. And if you're feeling extra cutesy, why not make them both work together, right. ;-D

If you'd like to see the actual product, feel free to click on any of the pics to take you there.

Tomorrow, Steampunk Lolita Look #2 

until then!

~je t'adore! <3 IKB  

Resident Evil 6 Trailer Thoughts

Resident Evil 6 was announced last week and Justin gives his thoughts on the trailer and the direction of the series. Check out his thoughts!

Gone SteamPunk Shopping ... Join Me?!

And a VERY Happy Sunday!!! 

Let's get busy ... At the moment, I'm still shopping, but I have a more intimate surprise for later days (Monday! @ 1pm) 

Since I can't physically put together my steampunk Lolita look (I'm broke y'all! LOL)  I've decided to take the anatomy of a Lolita outfit and piece together two ultimate looks that I would lust for on any given Sunday. I'll be visiting Fan Plus Friend, Clockwork Couture, Wicked Clothes, and Shrine Store. 

Be sure to check them out ... maybe make your own steampunk Lolita look and we can share!

So! Monday, 1PM ... Ultimate looks ... BE THERE!

Until then 

~je t'adore!

<3 IKB

Ouran High School Host Club Fanfic Ch. 4

*phone rings* I pick up the phone, not feeling well because I caught a cold. Guess who was on the other end...

Anime Angel-(congested) Hello? Angel speaking.

Tamaki: Angel? Hey it's Tamaki. You didn't come to school today. Are you okay?

Anime Angel: -(coughs) Actually my plan was to skip school and I got my wish but got sick in the process. The doctor said I won't be in for a whole week. Sorry. You have to find a replacement "door handeler" until I recover.

Tamaki:- No way. No one is going to replace you. Since tomorrow is Sunday, we as a club are coming for a visit.

Anime Angel: (alarmed) No senpai. it's ok. I just need some rest and I should be back before you know it. Plus the house is a wreck, I'm in bed and....

Tamaki- Nonesense. we will have someone clean up while you rest. No ifs, ands, or butts. We are coming over. Oh we will also bring some stuff to make you feel better like games!!!! Ok then see you tomorrow!

Anime Angel:- No senpai I said I'm...(dinnnnnnnnnnnnnnng.)

I hung up the phone. Great now instead of using my energy to feel well, I have to use it all to defend myself from the club. It's going to be a an interesting day tomorrow.

Sakura Kiss Theme

"Despair Be Gone! Laughter Is the Best Medicine."

The next morning....

*Ding dong*

Anime Angel- (sigh) I bet those are my guests. Who is it?!

Tamaki, Hikaru, Kaoru, and Honey- (singing) Angel-chan! Please come out and play!!!!

Anime Angel:- (coughs) Come on in guys. The door is open. Please make yourself at home and take off your shoes by the doorway please.

They all come in.

Tamaki: Angel, where are you?

Angel: Come down the hall (cough. cough) and it is the first door on the right. The door is opened. Oh and could the last person in close and lock the door. Thanks.

They come into my room and I could tell that my room isn't what they expected. My house isn't like Haruhi's and my house is not as big as the others, but it is medium size. Not too small and not too big. Just right for me. My room is a master bedroom complete with a bathroom and a sitting area and a media center.

Tamaki, Hikaru, Karou: Wow!

Honey: Angel this is amazing. It's such a cute room.

Angel:(chuckles) Thanks Senpai.

Haruhi: Here Angel. We brought you some flowers. We hope you feel better soon.

Angel:( sits up at takes the flowers) They are beautiful. Thank you so much. (Wow they managed to make me smile. Maybe it was a good idea for them to come).

Tamaki and the twins: (whispering with each other) Tamaki- Yes our plan to win Angel a smile step one is complete. Kaoru- But boss what is step number 2? Hikaru- Yeah I hope there is a step 2 or maybe a step 3?....

Angel:(I spoke too soon. Don't they know I can hear them?) Make yourself at home. I'll go and make everyone tea.
Haruhi: Nope you stay there and I'll make the tea. We don't you to stress out.

Angel: Yes but I need the exercise. I'm fine.

I start to stand but I felt woozy plopped right back into bed.

Honey: Oh Angel-chan don't do that.

Tamaki: Like I said to you on the phone, you are not doing anything until you feel better. You said that you will be in bed for a week right?

Angel: (coughs) Yes.

Tamaki: Kyoya. Can you call your doctors to see Angel right away.

Kyoya: Already called. One of them should be here in after the dinner hour. In the mean time, I think we should just keep Angel company till they arrive.

Angel: You guys don't have to do this. You'll get sick too if you stay by me.

Tamaki: Nonsense. We will be with you until you get better.

Hikaru: So got anything to do around here?

Angel: Well I have my PS2 and XBox 360 by the T.V.

Hikaru and Kaoru- Wanna play?

Angel : Sure.

Kyoya: Angel, do you have any books that I could read?

Angel: Sure. (coughs and points to the door at the left corner of my room) I have a library behind that door. I go in there to have some peace and quiet.

Kyoya: Well then if you excuse me. I'll be in the library if you need me.

Haruhi: While you guys stay here I'll go and make lunch.

Tamaki and Honey: Can we watch?!? Pleeeeeeeeeese. (gives puppy dog eyes)

Haruhi; (tear drop by her head) Um..

Mori: Honey....

Haruhi: No it's okay Mori-senpai. As long as they don't touch anything I will be fine.

Tamaki and Honey: Hurray!!

Mori: I'll watch these two while you cook.

Haruhi: Thank you. (looks at Angel) We will be back with a lunch you will never forget. Plus I'll make you some dinner in the process.

Angel: (holding back tears and smiles) Thank you Haruhi. Thank you everyone. Your the best friends I ever had!!!!!

I have never laughed so much in one day in my entire life. The twins kept me entertained by their bickering on who will be who on Tekken, I could hear Honey and Tamaki- senpai ohs and aws as Haruhi fixed lunch, and Kyoya and Mori-senpai was silent as a church mouse. At lunch, it was so lively. It made me feel that I had a family again. The worst day turned out to be the best day.

After Dinner

The doctor came as soon as we had finished eating. He checked my temperature and my fever went down to 99. He said all I need to do is just sleep for another day and I should be back to school on Tuesday.
Looks like a happy ending after all.

Kyoya: Now you better do what the doctor says. And you will pay for this visit.

Angel: What!!!!

Kyoya: You didn't think it was free did you? We DO have a club that needs funding.

Haruhi; (To herself) Sure senpai. Kick her while she's down. -_-

Angel: (says to herself) Kyoya....

Or so I thought... -_-

Stay tuned for more chapters. Anime Rules!!!!! ^-^

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Special Meet & Greet Event

Hey California Otakus here is some cool news from our good friends at Aniplex.


SANTA MONICA, CA (January 26, 2012) – Celebrating the Release of Puella Magi Madoka 
Magica Vol. 1 in North America, Aniplex of America is having a special Meet and Greet Event 
with the English Voice Cast of the series. Fans will get to share the excitement of Madoka 
Magica with the English Cast just days after the release of the First Volume (February 14th). This 

Meet and Greet event will be held on Friday February 17th at 8:30 PM at Anime Jungle #1 in Los 
Angeles’ Little Tokyo.


The Madoka Magica Meet and Greet event is open to the public and is a great opportunity for 
fans to meet the English Cast in person and show their love for the series. Fans will have the 
opportunity to have their questions answered from the English Cast. In addition, there will also 
be an autograph session for fans that have purchased the first volume of the series and bring their 
proof of purchase to the event.


The First Volume of Puella Magi Madoka Magica will be available on February 14th
(Valentine’s Day). The second and third installments of the series are now available for pre-order
at Rightstuf.com. Each volume will be released in three formats: a Limited Edition Box Set, and 
Regular Edition Blu-Ray and DVD. Each Limited Edition Box Set will include the Blu-ray, 
DVD and Soundtrack CD composed by Yuki Kajiura. 
More information about this series can be found at: http://www.MadokaMagicaUSA.com

Marvel Entertainment Makes History At SXSW Interactive's ScreenBurn Arcade in March 2012

Check out this news from Marvel !
This Spring, Marvel Entertainment takes Austin, Texas by storm in its inaugural appearance at the South By Southwest Interactive Festival with the Marvel: Digital House of Ideas panel at SXSW ScreenBurn! In this historic event on Sunday, March 11 at 1pm on the IGN stage at the Palmer Events Center, Axel Alonso (Marvel Comics Editor in Chief), Jeph Loeb (Head of Marvel Television) and Peter Phillips (SVP & GM, Marvel Digital Media Group) unveil Marvel’s bold new multimedia plans that includes the premiere of Marvel's revolutionary new ways to read comics. Not only does this mark the first major appearance by a comic book publisher in SXSW history, but Marvel is coming armed with the big news—and exclusive animation footage—that can’t be missed by any fan in attendance! Best of all, this event is free and open to the public, so everyone can be on hand to see Marvel’s newest innovations.

“Marvel’s always been the industry leader in graphic fiction & digital media and with the announcements we’ve planned, we couldn’t have picked a more appropriate show than SXSW,” said Dan Buckley. Publisher & President of the Print, Animation & Digital Divisions, Marvel Worldwide, Inc. “We’re big believers that both print and digital can work hand-in-hand to bring more readers to comics than ever before—and if you’re at SXSW Interactive you’ll be the first to see just how we’re going to do that.”



Since the launch of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited in 2007, the first major digital comics program in comics history, Marvel has been on the forefront of digital comics publishing with innovations such as the landmark Marvel Comics app in 2010. Since then, Marvel has expanded its digital comics offerings to numerous platforms, while also becoming the first comics company to offer free digital copies with select print issues and comic shop coupons with the purchase of a digital comic.



"We are very excited to have Marvel on board for the ScreenBurn portion of the 2012 SXSW Interactive Festival,” said Hugh Forrest, Director of SXSW Interactive. “The presence of this industry leader is another indicator of the growth and maturation of the event. Marvel's addition to the SXSW lineup will add even more flavor to the mix of creative energy that fills Austin in March."



After the Marvel: Digital House of Ideas panel concludes, fans in attendance will receive a limited edition lithograph (while supplies last) and a chance to have it signed by Alonso & Loeb in a special Marvel signing session.



“Marvel’s fans are the best in the world—bar none—and I’m excited to meet more of them at SXSW” said Alonso. “We have exciting new plans that you’ll see implemented with the release of Avengers VS X-Men #1 that’ll take the biggest comics event in history and make it even bigger!”



Stay tuned to www.marvel.com and www.sxswscreenburn.com for more details on the Marvel: Digital House of Ideas panel and Marvel’s plans for SXSW.

Not Simple (Manga Review)

Title: Not Simple
Author: Natsume Ono
Illustrator: Natsume Ono
Pages: 320


Story -  Ian, a young man with a fractured family history, travels from Australia to England 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: not simple. A story within a story, a book within a book, a tale about the search for family, for an emotional home. 


One word to describe this book will be depressing. "Not Simple" is packed with adult themes that is approached with a little melodramatic flare, however the melodramatic actually works. The style of storytelling is executed very well, starting the story backwards revealing the ending, and telling the rest through flashbacks of the characters was a great way, especially since the ending was tragic. The characters are amazing. The main character Ian is fascinating and tragic, what really makes Ian stand out is his innocent. While reading and seeing all the obstacles Ian faced, the fact he keeps his innocent and simple personality, really makes you think of the title of the book "Not Simple." How can someone go through situations that is clearly not simple to deal with and keep an innocent outlook on life? Natsume Ono shows you through various characters how one deals with such situations. There is tons life situations that are raised in this book, such as Homosexuality, Rape, Financial Troubles, Incest and more. All these situations are explored through various characters which is brilliantly connected to Ian in some shape of form. Natsume Ono has crafted a compelling story with characters for everyone, the pacing is just right and when the story gets dark it doesn't let up. The story is bittersweet and tragic, but Ian character will leave you saying wow my life isn't that bad. 


Art - The cover of the book is what attracted me to the book. The artwork is simple and style is unique as well, it will take some getting used to for those not use to this art style, however I love how "Not Simple" has a simple appealing look about it. It's not the best artwork, but it fits the universe. 

Final Grade A+/9.5 - "Not Simple" is not simple by any means, the story deals with life situations that will hit close to home for some readers. The characters are compelling, complex and their relationships are connected to one man, the shocking twist and revelations will have you wishing for a better life for Ian, and the tragic end will make you consider how you approach your hardships. This is a must read for anyone who loves good characters and a melodramatic story. The art style is great but will take getting used too for those not use to the doodle feel. 

Mario Party 9 Teaser Trailer

 Mario Party is back and here are the details.


The party is back and bigger than ever in the Mario Party™ 9 game for Wii™, featuring all-new ways to play! For the first time in the franchise, boss battles crash the party and challenge players to compete to defeat a common enemy. In addition, players now travel across stages together in a vehicle towards a common goal - overcoming obstacles, battling bosses, and collecting Mini Stars stolen by Bowser™ and his minions. Featuring 80 new minigames, adventurous new stages, and all-new ways to play that blend cooperative and competitive action for up to four players*, Mario Party 9 is the perfect way to get the party started.

FEATURES: For the first time in the Mario Party franchise, each stage culminates in a Boss Battle. Collectively, players must combine their strength to defeat classic foes such as Bowser™ and King Boo while still playing competitively to boost their own individual scores.


 In another first for the series, players ride across stages together in special vehicles. Players take turns as Captain of the vehicle by hitting Dice Blocks to move the party forward, hoping to land on lucky spaces. The vehicles also help to streamline game play and keep everyone involved in the action. Unique Captain Events on each stage give players a new way to change the shape of the game.


 In Mario Party 9, each themed stage has a clear destination point but with multiple paths along the way, so no two games will play the same. From Toad Road to Boo’s Horror Castle, players will encounter a wide variety of familiar Mario™ franchise elements in new environments that can be enjoyed solo or with friends. Includes 80 outrageous new minigames that find players making pizzas, escaping haunted mansions, and racing snowmobiles. No time to play through an entire stage? New minigame modes let players enjoy the action in smaller chunks of time. They can hone their skills at any minigame in Free Play mode or try the Extras mode that includes Goomba Bowling and the puzzle-based Castle Clearout. Every time they play, players can earn Party Points that are used to unlock special items and features.

Comic News: Dark Horse Comics Steve Niles and Menton3 Debut Nosferatu Wars in Dark Horse Presents

STEVE NILES AND MENTON3 DEBUT

THE MUCH-ANTICIPATED NOSFERATU WARS

IN DARK HORSE PRESENTS!

JANUARY 23, MILWAUKIE, OR­—When Steve Niles (Criminal Macabre, 30 Days of Night) premiered artwork from his upcoming collaboration with artist Menton3 (Monocyte, Proof: Endangered, Crawl to Me) via his Twitter feed, speculation and anticipation spread like wildfire across the Internet. Today, Dark Horse is proud to announce that this new vampiric tale will premiere in Dark Horse Presents!

The Black Plague was a time of death and misery . . . except for the undead. For vampires, the Black Death was a welcome relief from being hunted and a time of incredible growth for the undead. On the night of their wedding, two vampire lovers are torn apart and separated for five hundred years, setting off a sequence of events that will bring the modern world to its knees!

“I haven’t been this excited about working on something in a long time. Menton3 is the perfect artist and we couldn’t be more thrilled to be doing this at Dark Horse,” Niles said. “This year I’m making a big push to become 100 percent creator owned. Nosferatu Wars will be a big part of that, I hope.”

Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith redefined the vampire genre with the groundbreaking comic series 30 Days of Night in 2002. Ten years later, Niles is poised to make history again, as he and Menton3 blow the sparkle off of the undead in Nosferatu Wars, premiering in Dark Horse Presents later this year!