SHOW YOUR "SHONEN JUMP" LOVE CONTEST FROM VIZ MEDIA

Hey Otakus check out this new contest from our friends from VIZ MEDIA details below. 

VIZ MEDIA invites fans to show their love for SHONEN JUMP with a brand new contest that will award a variety of valuable prizes to several lucky winners. Contestants are encouraged to upload a photo showing their love for SHONEN JUMP to the contest page at sjalpha.com/ipad2.

Encourage friends, family and other fans to vote for your entry during the two, week-long voting periods! Prizes will be given to the fan with the most votes for that given week. A Grand Prize will also be awarded to fan with the most overall votes.

The first contest submission period is from March 16^th to March 23^rd, with voting from March 24^th to March 31^st. The second contest submission period will be from April 1^st to April 8^th with contest voting from April 9^th to April 16^th. Winners will be notified via email.

The Grand Prize for the Show Your SHONEN JUMP Love Contest will include a brand new Apple iPad 2, plus an annual membership to theWEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA (SJ ALPHA) digital manga magazine, along with a $100.00 credit for VIZManga.com. The runner up prize will be a SHONEN JUMP gift bag, valued at $250.00 and awarded to the fan with the most votes during each of the two submission periods.

“Has your manga collection overtaken your house? Do you have a running countdown until your next local anime convention? Want to show off your latest SJ Cosplay? Then the Show Your SHONEN JUMP Love contest is definitely for you,” says Tu Ly, Senior Digital Marketing Manager. “It’s all about our fans and their connection to the stories and characters they love.  Manga and anime fans are by far the most creative people I’ve had the chance to meet and we’re really excited to see what comes out of this contest!

Each new digital issue of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga (comics) fans in North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine. Series include popular titles such as BAKUMAN｡, BLEACH, NARUTO, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, ONE PIECE, and TORIKO.

SJ ALPHA is available on VIZManga.com through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99; single issues can be read for four weeks for only $0.99. Annual members will also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, collectable YU-GI-OH! game cards four times a year, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and videos. From now until April 30^th, all members will also receive exclusive access to a special ONE PIECE x TORIKO crossover manga as a digital gift.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com or VIZManga.com. 

A Public Service Announcement From The Stars of TAKIO!

TAKIO #1 (MAR120632) 
Written by BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS Art & 
Cover by MICHAEL AVON OEMING

Are We Alone? Continues with the World Premiere of 'Alien Encounters' Followed by 'NASA's Unexplained Files' on SCIENCE

ARE WE ALONE? CONTINUES WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF ALIEN ENCOUNTERS FOLLOWED BY

NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES ON SCIENCE

--The World Premiere of ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: THE ARRIVAL Premieres on Tuesday, March 20

at 10:00 PM ET/PT

NASA’S UNXPLAINED FILES Premieres on Tuesday, March 20 at 10:00 PM ET/PT--

ALIEN ENCOUTNERS explores the possible ways alien life might communicate with Earth. In part two of this riveting special, some of the world’s leading scientists explain the scientific, cultural and psychological effects a first contact with aliens would have on humans. Then, NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES gives viewers first-hand accounts of mysterious sightings witnessed by NASA astronauts. ALIEN ENCOUNTERS and NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES are a part of SCIENCE’s Are We Alone? initiative happening the entire month of March.

Episode Descriptions:

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: The Arrival premieres on Tuesday, March 20 at 10 PM (ET/PT)

In two dramatic hours, ALIEN ENCOUNTERS lays out a plausible hypothetical scenario for a first contact event. What would really happen if we got a message from space? How will humans react when we learn that a message from a distant technology or a spacecraft is on its way to Earth? Will humans learn from aliens, or become colonial subjects? Some of the world’s leading astrophysicists, astrobiologists, and sci-fi writers help unravel the scientific, cultural and psychological impact of this world-changing global event. This show is made in cooperation with The SETI Institute which was founded in 1984 and had renowned astrophysicist Carl Sagan as one of its Board of Trustee Members. Carl’s son Nick is now following in his father’s footsteps wondering, “How will we meet our galactic neighbors?”

NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES premieres Tuesday, March 27 at 10 PM (ET/PT)

Countless mysterious objects have been caught by NASA’s cameras. In this special, we’ll reveal NASA’s top ten unexplained encounters using original footage and groundbreaking interviews with astronauts and scientists. Can these phenomena be explained away through science and detective work? Or have NASA’s cameras potentially captured the first traces of extraterrestrial life?

Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat Coming April 17

“DEADLIEST WARRIOR: ANCIENT COMBAT” INVADES NORTH AMERICAN RETAIL ON APRIL 17

345 Games Combines Downloadable Xbox LIVE® Arcade/PlayStation®Network Titles “Deadliest Warrior: The Game” and “Deadliest Warrior: Legends” Together With New Weapons, Fighting Arena And Exclusive TV Show Content Onto One Retail Disc

New York, NY - MARCH 15, 2012 – 345 Games announced today that “Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat” is coming to North American retailers everywhere on April 17. The disc-based game/TV show hybrid - based on the successful multi-platform Spike TV series “Deadliest Warrior,” which pits two of the most feared warriors civilization has ever known against each other in a battle to the death - will be available for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and PlayStation®3 compute entertainment system. Also, gamers who preorder “Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat” at GameStop before April 17 will receive an exclusive DVD featuring never-before-released episodes of the hit show.

“Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat” combines the wildly popular downloadable console games, “Deadliest Warrior: The Game” and “Deadliest Warrior: Legends,” in addition to all downloadable content packs, an exclusive new level, 30 new weapons and exclusive TV show content. Fans of the show will be treated to never-before-released episodes from all three seasons.

Notable features include:

• The brand new “Graveyard” arena exclusive to “Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat”
• 30 new weapons, including a “Lockbar Axe” for William Wallace, the “Monk’s Spade” for Sun Tzu and a “Tsonga Battle Axe” for Shaka Zulu
• Both digital titles and all DLC included for only $29.99
• Cross-play with consumers of the original digitally-distributed titles
• Never-before-released episodes of the show exclusive to “Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat”
• Preorder “Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat” and receive the GameStop exclusive DVD featuring two full episodes of the TV series, including one never before released on DVD!

Do you have what it takes to be the “Deadliest Warrior”? Rated ‘M’ for Mature by the ESRB, “Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat” will launch on April 17 at a MSRP of $29.99 at North American retailers everywhere. For more information about “Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat” please visit deadliestwarrior.spike.com or follow the game on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/deadliestwarrior.

###

ABOUT 345 GAMES

345 Games, the video game arm of COMEDY CENTRAL and Spike TV, develops products based on the MTV Networks Entertainment Group’s franchises and brands. The first two titles to be released under this label included COMEDY CENTRAL’s hit animated show “Ugly Americans” and Spike TV’s successful multi-platform series “Deadliest Warrior.”

ABOUT DEADLIEST WARRIOR

Each week on Spike TV’s “Deadliest Warrior,” episodes pit two of the most feared warriors civilization has ever known against each other. Along with the use of 21st century science and the latest in CGI technology, each episode enlists warrior-specific world-class fighters and experts to provide insight into what makes these combatants tick, analyzing every facet of their unique skills of destruction, culminating in a head-to-head final fight between two legends of the battlefield that will produce the deadliest warrior. Highly-lauded showdowns include: Joan of Arc vs. William the Conqueror, Saddam Hussein vs. Pol Pot, Hannibal vs. Genghis Khan, US Army Rangers vs. North Korean Special Operations Force. Check out “Deadliest Warrior” on < href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=33166370&msgid=462522&act=D0TI&c=275324&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fevent.php%3Feid%3D57563431327%26ref%3Dts">Facebook

MANGA BASED TV DRAMA SERIES SEQUEL FILM: KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE COMING TO AM2 CON

ENTER THE WORLD OF THE CURRY KINGDOM AS AM2 ANNOUNCES US CALIFORNIA PREMIERE
OF THE LEGENDARY MANGA BASED TV DRAMA SERIES SEQUEL FILM: KAIBUTSU-KUN THE
MOVIE

One of Many U.S. Convention Film Premieres Happening this June 15-17, 2012
at the Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton! Get your Passports
Today and Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 14, 2012) ­ The extremely popular and highly
anticipated sequel to the legendary manga based TV drama series comes to
life in KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE (2011/Fantasy, Adventure, Comedy/Approx. 103
min) to be screened EXCLUSIVELY at this summer¹s most anticipated Anime,
Manga and Music event AM2.  Two screenings will be available-one EXCLUSIVELY
for Passport holders ONLY and the second for Passport holders preferred
(with general attendees as seating permits).  More info and attendee
registration can be found at www.am2con.org <http://www.am2con.org>

³With our growing guest list, screenings and activities AM2 will be the
place to be this summer in Southern California for all that is anime and
manga,² states Chase Wang of AM2, ³Get your Passports today and join us for
all the fun!²

SYNOPSIS
A sequel to the legendary TV drama series ³Kaibutsu-kun² has finally been
made into  a movie! Prince Taro, also known as   ³Kaibutsu-kun² is the young
prince of the Kaibutsu (Monster) Land. In the drama series, Kaibutsu-kun and
the three lovable companions, Dracula, Wolfman and Franken came down  to the
human  world to learn what it  takes to  be a   leader.

Time has passed and today is the ceremony for succession to the Throne.  But
Kaibutsu-kun (Satoshi-Ohno) receives boos and jeers from whole nation for
being selfish.  Kaibutsu-kun   has a tantrum and   screams at the citizens
to be quiet before running away to the human world. But when   Kaibutsu-kun
and his companions arrive in Japan, they find that they are not Japan, but
in   The Curry Kingdom!  What   will happen to Kaibutsu-kun and his
companions??!


Staff

Directed by Yoshihiro Nakamura

Screenplay by Fujio A. Fujiko

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere
screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a
Passport fast pass for the event.  The Passport fast pass will also provide
holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as
well as major discounts with theme parks (including Disneyland and the grand
opening of Cars Land, Knotts Berry Farm, etc.), retailers and local
restaurants. Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the
difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV¹s, Arcade, Summer Festival,
Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table
Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

Free Weekly “Crossed: Wish You Were Here” Horror Webcomic Launches Today

AVATAR PRESS LAUNCHES FREE WEEKLY "CROSSED: WISH YOU WERE HERE" HORROR WEBCOMIC

March 14, 2012 – Avatar Press, a publisher of extreme horror comic books, proudly announces that its new, ongoing webcomic Crossed: Wish You Were Here launched its first episode online today at www.CrossedComic.com. The full-color series, written by novelist Simon Spurrier with artwork by Javier Barreno, is set in the continuity of the wildly successful Crossed series created by Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Punisher), and expands upon the premise of a post-apocalyptic world overrun by thrill-killers and psychopaths. Subsequent episodes will be posted on a weekly basis every Thursday for years to come, available completely free to site visitors.

Crossed: Wish You Were Here introduces a cast of two dozen human survivors who survived the “Crossed plague,” a worldwide outbreak that transformed a percentage of the populace into violent, insatiable murderers. While other Crossed tales follow people who are constantly on the move and trying to avoid detection by bloodthirsty hordes, Spurrier and Barreno’s tale sees a group determined to hold their own, to convert an island into a defensible stronghold.

Crossed blends the gnawing psychological terror of shattered nerves and paranoia with sudden bursts of all-out, gruesome violence, a combination that has proven extremely successful in the comic marketplace. At the dramatic core of Wish You Were Here is a character whose career – that of a comic book writer – lends nothing to his own survival or the makeshift new society. Writer Simon Spurrier says, “In the real world, folks who are practically-minded, farmers and fishers and builders and butchers, are rarely the ones making the Big Decisions. So what happens when everything goes insane, when the class system no longer exists? When the minimum-wage guy who knows how to tune an outboard motor or set a trap is suddenly more important, more indispensable, than a millionaire or politician? What does a writer do in a world where the one thing he’s any good at, the only skill he’s ever used to judge his self-worth, suddenly means nothing?”

The online release of Crossed: Wish You Were Here ties into a larger marketing event taking place today, “C-Day.” Comic book retailers in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom are celebrating the in-store release of the new print comic, Crossed: Badlands, in many cases with promotional giveaways, decorative displays, and even costume parties. The first issue of Badlands is written by influential comic writer Garth Ennis and his frequent artistic collaborator, Jacen Burrows (Alan Moore’s Neonomicon).

Horror fans, especially those with an affinity towards “zombie apocalypse” scenarios, will find the Crossed: Wish You Were Here refreshingly different and uncompromising in its depiction of extreme horror. By making this new series available online for free, Avatar Press hopes to attract a massive internet following at www.CrossedComic.com as they did when previously publishing Warren Ellis’ Eagle Award-winning science fiction webcomic at www.Freakangels.com.

Avatar Press is a groundbreaking independent publishing company which produces a wide variety of cutting-edge comic books, graphic novels, and original web content. Their high-quality publications include the work of such industry luminaries as the aforementioned David Lapham (Ferals, Caligula), Garth Ennis (Crossed, Chronicles of Wormwood), Warren Ellis (Freakangels), and Alan Moore (Neonomicon). They also produce a diverse range of licensed projects including the classic zombie epic Night of the Living Dead and George RR Martin’s Fevre Dream. Their Boundless Comics imprint publishes Brian Pulido’s original Lady Death and Mike Wolfer’s reimagining of the classic femme fatales Pandora, Hellina, and Widow in the series War Goddess. For more information about Avatar Press, their publications, and creators, please visit www.avatarpress.com.

World's #1 Most Influential Comic Book Blog Launches "Bleeding Cool Magazine 8

WORLD’S # 1 MOST INFLUENTIAL COMIC BOOK BLOG LAUNCHES" BLEEDING COOL MAGAZINE"

Bleeding Cool, the premiere source for breaking news and gossip in the comic book industry (www.bleedingcool.com), will launch its own print magazine beginning in May 2012. Featuring editorial contributions from blog founder Rich Johnston, Bleeding Cool Magazine will debut with an introductory #0 issue in late May, its worldwide in-store release coinciding with the Phoenix Comicon event.

The special introductory #0 issue of Bleeding Cool Magazine features 32 dense pages of coverage, value-priced at $1.49 per copy, and will cover the comic industry’s hottest summer events and blockbuster films. The cover story features the return of Valiant Entertainment, and its regular features will provide ample coverage of all the top publishers, including Dark Horse, DC Comics, Marvel, Image, IDW, Boom, Avatar Press, Top Cow, and more. The full-length regular magazine launch will take place in October, featuring over one hundred pages of insightful features, exclusive content, and investigative reporting.

“Everyone else is going from print to digital, but we're going from digital to print! We’re bucking the trend, zagging when others are zigging,” says Rich Johnston. As a blogger with a substantial and vocal fan base, he quips, “Oh, and I'm looking forward to writing something without having people comment underneath on how awful everything is.”

“Readers expect longer, beefier reads from magazines than they do from the web, and Bleeding Cool will be happy to oblige with good, in-depth pieces amongst all of the usual chaos. I'll certainly relish the extra space for mental legroom,” says Brendon Connelly, who currently contributes the majority of film coverage to the website. Regarding the intended audience, he adds, “There's a lot of different people in and out of comic shops, and there's a lot of different things for those people in our magazine. But Bleeding Cool Magazine won't be just for the comic-reading core; it will be plenty newsstand friendly, too.”

Retailers will have special incentives to stock Bleeding Cool Magazine. Those retailers who stock over fifteen copies will receive an additional 10% discount on their investment, while retailers who order 25 or more copies will see their store promoted online at BleedingCool.com as a “Bleeding Cool Store.” Furthermore, with a cover retail set at $1.49, the price of the introductory magazine is half the cover price of any comic book currently on the market, making it an affordable add-on for comic book consumers.

“Comic book fans need a place where they can find the content you can’t get from a short blurb or blog on the web. Bleeding Cool Magazine will provide features that go deep into the biggest events in comics and give creators a forum to really express inspiration for projects. We’re putting together the essential fan publication that will celebrate comics and all the many facets of collecting,” says William Christensen, the publisher of Bleeding Cool Magazine. “With features that are extensive, creative, and entertaining, we plan to enhance the reading experience for the Bleeding Cool Online fans and really create a magazine that is an essential part of the comic book collecting culture.”

BleedingCool.com hosts over one million site visitors monthly, and has been ranked as the world’s most influential comic book blog by Technorati, the leading search engine for blogs. Bleeding Cool also regularly places within Technorati’s top ten rankings for pop culture and entertainment, and top fifteen for film coverage. The website features regular contributions from Rich Johnston and Brendon Connelly, as well as retailer and comic book creator columns. For more information about Bleeding Cool Magazine, please contact keithdavidsen@bleedingcool.com.

BioWare And Dark Horse Announce Mass Effect 3 In-Game Items

BIOWARE AND DARK HORSE ANNOUNCE MASS EFFECT 3 ­­IN-GAME ITEMS ON PC AND XBOX 360 FOR FANS WHO PURCHASE MASS EFFECT ART BOOK

March 14, MILWAUKIE, OR—BioWare, a label of Electronic Arts, Inc., and Dark Horse Comics revealed today that fans who purchase the digital version of The Art of the Mass Effect Universe through Digital.DarkHorse.com will receive a limited code to unlock a Reinforcement Pack containing in-game items to be used on PC or the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system in the co-op campaign in 2012’s most anticipated game, Mass Effect 3. Showcasing the unique and iconic art featured in the Mass Effect series, The Art of the Mass Effect Universe was released in print and digitally on February 8. Additionally, Mass Effect fans who purchase the digital version of the four-issue comic miniseries Mass Effect: Invasion at the Dark Horse Digital store will also receive a limited code to unlock a Reinforcement Pack.*

Fans who gain access to the Reinforcement Packs will receive in-game items that can be used in the four-player cooperative multiplayer campaign in Mass Effect 3 on PC or Xbox 360. These packs will include powerful character boosters and the devastatingly lethal Collector Assault Rifle. With deadly efficiency, this special weapon uses the same principles as a human assault rifle, but its organic components set it apart. To learn more about how to obtain and redeem the special item code, visit DarkHorse.com.

Recently named by over 100 outlets around the world as one of the most anticipated games of 2012, including the fan-voted Most Anticipated Game of 2012 award at the Spike TV VGAs, Mass Effect 3 thrusts players into an all-out war to save the galaxy from an ancient alien race known as the Reapers. Players will assume the role of Commander Shepard, a war-torn veteran who’s willing to do whatever it takes to eliminate this nearly unstoppable foe. With a team of elite, battle-hardened soldiers at their side, each player decides how they will take Earth back, from the weapons and abilities they utilize to the relationships they forge or break.

Mass Effect 3 was released on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, and PC in North America on March 6, 2012, and in Europe on March 9, 2012. For more information on Mass Effect 3, please visit MassEffect.com, follow the game on Twitter at twitter.com/masseffect, or “like” the game on Facebook at facebook.com/masseffect.

*Code expires March 31, 2013. Additional restrictions and conditions apply. See MassEffect.com for details.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ACTIVITIES FOR WONDERCON 2012

VIZ Media, returns to WonderCon 2012 as the show comes to Anaheim, CA, March 16^th-18^th at the Anaheim Convention Center. WonderCon is one of the country's best comics and pop culture conventions. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 206. Complete details on WonderCon are available at: www.comic-con.org/wc.

Throughout the convention, VIZ Media will treat WonderCon attendees to special “test drives” of the company’s new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA digital manga magazine. Drop by the VIZ Media booth, sample the new digital content, and complete a special survey to be entered to win a new Apple iPad 2! The winner will be notified following the show.

Each new digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga fans in North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine. Featured series include BAKUMAN｡, BLEACH, NARUTO, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, ONE PIECE, and TORIKO. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA is available through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99; members also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, collectable YU-GI-OH! game cards four times a year, and access to exclusive content. As a show special, attendees that become new members will receive a special bonus premium (while supplies last).

Celebrate all things SHONEN JUMP at a special SHONEN JUMP Fan Meet-Up on Friday March 16^th from 2:30pm - 3:30pm in Room 208 and learn about the benefits of being a WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA member! Grill the WEEKLY SJ ALPHA editors in a live Q&A session! Win prizes at the trivia contest and join in the live fan art jam! Meet editor Urian Brown, the lead hype-man of #TEAMJUMP, specializing in video games, anime, and assorted fun wacky antics. Also meet Misaki Kido, female leader of #TEAMJUMP, and challenge her manga knowledge or ask for advice about your own manga!

Finally, sit in with WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA editor Urian Brown as he joins NAMCO BANDAI Games to celebrate NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations in a special panel discussion on Sunday March, 18^th from 4:00pm-5:00pm in Room 207. With over 10 million units of the popular game, based on the smash hit anime/manga series, sold worldwide, all fans of NARUTO are encouraged to attend this celebration of the series. In addition to being treated to an appearance by Production Head Director Hiroshi Matsuyama of CyberConnect 2, fans can enjoy a panel covering the exciting world of NARUTO video games, with a guest host, Urian Brown, master of all things video game-related at WEEKLY SJ ALPHA. Don't miss all of the action happening live on-stage with this exciting and breakthrough game franchise.

For more information on WEEKLY SJ ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com or VIZManga.com.  

Alien Encounters Premieres Tomorrow on SCIENCE

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS PREMIERES TOMORROW ON SCIENCE

--The World Premiere of ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: THE MESSAGE debuts on SCIENCE Tuesday, March 13, at 10:00 PM ET/PT

ALIEN ENCOUNTERS: THE ARRIVAL PREMIERES on Tuesday, March 20 at 10:00 PM ET/PT--

ALIEN ENCOUTNERS brings together renowned experts including Nick Sagan and SETI Institute’s Dr. Jill Tarter to explore how alien life might communicate with Earth. Some of the world’s leading scientists explain the scientific, cultural and psychological effects a first contact with aliens would have on humans. ALIEN ENCOUNTERS is a part of SCIENCE’s Are We Alone? initiative happening the entire month of March.

Episode Descriptions:

Part 1- The Message premieres on Tuesday, March 13 at 10 PM (ET/PT)

Part 2- The Arrival premieres on Tuesday, March 20 at 10 PM (ET/PT)

In two dramatic hours, ALIEN ENCOUNTERS lays out a plausible hypothetical scenario for a first contact event. What would really happen if we got a message from space? How will humans react when we learn that a message from a distant technology or a spacecraft is on its way to Earth? Will humans learn from aliens, or become colonial subjects? Some of the world’s leading astrophysicists, astrobiologists, and sci-fi writers help unravel the scientific, cultural and psychological impact of this world-changing global event. This show is made in cooperation with The SETI Institute which was founded in 1984 and had renowned astrophysicist Carl Sagan as one of its Board of Trustee Members. Carl’s son Nick is now following in his father’s footsteps wondering, “How will we meet our galactic neighbors?”

Top Ten Supervillain Performances

If there is one thing we love is supervillains and one thing we love, is when we get the right actors/actress to play some of the most iconic figures in history. So we have develop a list of our top ten supervillains performances. Each day starting today we will reveal number 10 to 1.

#10: Skeletor played by Frank Langella


#9: Catwoman played by Michelle Pfeiffer

Kingdom Hearts Dream, Drop, Distance First Look At The Grid

If you know anything gamers is that Ashley and I love Kingdom Hearts. Today Square Enix released a look at the new world "The Grid" from TRON Legacy. Check out the screenshots and artwork below.

PETER PANZERFAUST #2 SELLS OUT

Image Comics/Shadowline series continues success

PETER PANZERFAUST, the Image Comics/Shadowline series that places the classic character Peter Pan in World War II-era France, has sold out of its second issue at the distribution level a week before its in-store date of March 14. It has immediately gone back to press and a second printing (JAN128290) will be in stores the same day as PETER PANZERFAUST #3 (FEB120514), April 11.

The first issue of the series by Kurtis Wiebe and Tyler Jenkins also went into a second printing after an enthuisastic reception by critics, readers, and retailers. The second priting of PETER PANZERFAUST #1 will be in stores on March 21.

After having two issues in a row sell out, PETER PANZERFAUST has been expanded from a five-issue miniseries to an ongoing title, with PETER PANZERFAUST #6 shipping in September.

Wiebe is the writer of several Image series, including GREEN WAKE and the upcoming GRIM LEAPER (May) and DEBRIS (July).

PETER PANZERFAUST is a monthly, full-color comic book series published under Image Comics' Shadowline imprint, available in comic book stores and multiple digital outlets.

ODDITIES' Mid-Season Finale This Saturday on SCIENCE

DON’T MISS ODDITIES’ MID-SEASON FINALE THIS SATURDAY ON SCIENCE

--The Mid-Season Finale of ODDITIES Premieres on SCIENCE

Saturday, March 10, at 9:00 PM ET/PT & 9:30 PM ET/PT--

The third season of ODDITIES takes all the deliciously weird elements from its past two installments and kicks it up a notch. This time, the merchandise gets weirder with some of the most notable pieces, including a two-headed pig, a mummified “member,” an occupied coffin, a prostate warmer and a preserved heart with bullet holes. The visitors this season are also more eccentric than ever – they include a self-admitted evil clown, a burlesque dancer, and viewer favorite Edgar Oliver. Mike, Evan, and Ryan also head out to Los Angeles where they meet like-minded celebrities like Cassandra Peterson and Limp Bizkit guitarist, Wes Borland.

Episode Descriptions:

Premieres Saturday, March 10, at 9:00 PM ET/PT

“Gurney” - At Obscura Antiques & Oddities, a woman hires Mike and Evan to find vintage autopsy equipment to use with her grandfather’s body. Then Ryan sends shivers down a dark lord’s spine when he suggests a creepy item, and a human pincushion shows his holey side.

Premieres Saturday, March 10, at 9:30 PM ET/PT

“Meat” - At Obscura Antiques & Oddities Mike & Evan deliver fresh eyeballs to a woman who creates art from animal tongues. Evan gets dressed up for a big steampunk party, Mike gets a set of vampire fangs and they get a visit from Brent of the band Mastodon.

AM2 ANNOUNCES DANCE DJ¹S FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2012 CONVENTION

PARTY THE NIGHT AWAY!  AM2 ANNOUNCES DANCE DJ¹S FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 2012
CONVENTION

An Amazing Line-Up of Fan-Favorite Music DJ¹s Attend and Perform at this
Summer¹s Most Anticipated Anime, Manga and Music Convention this June 15-17,
2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Anaheim Hilton! Get your Passports
Today and Experience the Difference!


 The fun continues as this summer¹s most anticipated anime, manga and music event, AM2, announces the nightly dance event to be held the evenings June 15 and 16, 2012 starting from 7:00
pm till 2:00 am.  Fan favorite DJ¹s including DJ Sandman, Elvin Ong, Melodic
Verse and Funkmaster Miko will be bringing their incredible mixed beats to
fans dancing the night away!  More info and attendee registration can be
found at www.am2con.org <http://www.am2con.org>

All attendees will be able to attend, FOR FREE, with Passport Holders
receiving preferred ³front of the line² entry. Limited prizes and freebies
will also be given away to Passport holders.

FEATURED LINE-UP

DJ Sandman --  Electro-House / Mash-ups / Trance / Breaks
The deadly DJ Sandman returns to AM2, bringing his specialty of mixing
Hip-Hop, Electronica and Club music to the ever hungry crowds. Spawned from
the bays of San Francisco, his mixes portray his deep appreciation to many
different styles of music

Elvin Ong -- Progressive Techno / Dub-step
Elvin¹s sound has emanated across the globe, spanning across 5 countries
including Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. With original mixes such as
Bruce Lee (BoneBrew's Dead Heroes Remix) and playing at clubs and events all
around the world, Elvin Ong is quickly becoming a crowd favorite.

Melodic Verse --  Techno / House / Trance /
Having fully embraced the future of sound, Melodic Verse has learned to
utilize his skills not only on decks but virtual decks as well. His sounds
include Trance, Techno, and recently Electro House. He's been found randomly
streaming his music online as of late, adding a formindable arsenal of
tracks at his disposal..

Funkmaster Miko -- Asia-pop / Top 40s / Mash-ups
A humble otaku during the day, Funkmaster Miko dons the mantle of DJ at
night, providing an eclectic blend of pop music from the east with popular
tracks from the west.

Toshihiro Kawamoto is currently announced as an AM2 Official Guest of Honor
for 2012.

Attendees can avoid the anticipated huge lines at autographs, premiere
screenings, workshops, main events, concerts and panels by purchasing a
Passport fast pass for the event.  The Passport fast pass will also provide
holders with premier seating options at Main Events and at Concert events as
well as major discounts with theme parks, retailers and local restaurants.
Bypass the lines and get your Passport today and experience the difference!

AM2 current activities include Exhibit Hall, AMV¹s, Arcade, Summer Festival,
Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table
Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

Follow us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/AM2Con

Follow us on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/AM2Con

HICKMAN'S THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS EXPLODES ONTO THE SCENE

HICKMAN'S THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS EXPLODES ONTO THE SCENE

First issue sells out, gets second printing

Jonathan Hickman's return to independent comics, THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #1, drawn by Nick Pitarra and Cris Peter and published by Image Comics, has sold out at the distributor level ahead of its in-store date of March 7. The issue will immediately go back to press and a second printing (JAN128125) will be in stores the same day as THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS #2 (FEB120509), April 4.

Hickman previously created the Image comics THE RED WING, RED MASS FOR MARS, PAX ROMANA, and THE NIGHTLY NEWS, and his series SECRET will debut with Image on April 11. In THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS, he creates an alternate history in which the the U.S. government's development of an atomic bomb is a front for bringing together the world's brightest minds for something even more dangerous. The Second World War rages underground in ways the public can never imagine, and the men of The Manhattan Projects are the United States' last and best defense against the supernatural forces of the Axis powers.

THE MANHATTAN PROJECTS is a monthly, full-color comic book, available in comic book stores and multiple digital platforms.

The Sabertooth Vampire Sinks His Teeth Into Dark Horse Presents

THE SABERTOOTH VAMPIRE SINKS HIS TEETH INTO DARK HORSE PRESENTS!

March 7, MILWAUKIE, OR—Dark Horse Comics announces the latest character to be added to its flagship anthology, Dark Horse Presents: the Sabertooth Vampire!

Penned by Mike Russell (SabertoothVampire.com), The Sabertooth Vampire is a webcomic about a tiny vampire hampered by his giant fangs. Will he pull his teeth out of the ground long enough to actually bite someone? Probably not.

“One of the first books that got me into comics in the nineties was the original black-and-white Dark Horse Presents—back when it was serializing stuff like Sin City and The One Trick Rip-Off and Hellboy: The Wolves of Saint August,” said Russell. “So as you can imagine, getting to submit a few strips for DHP was a huge moment for me personally as well as professionally.”

Russell has collected The Sabertooth Vampire in two self-published minicomics: the 28-page Beware the Sabre-Toothed Vampire and the 56-page Sabertooth Vampire Unleashed. The strips frequently contradict themselves as Russell dives into the Sabertooth Vampire’s personal life—his awkward teenage years, his stints as King Arthur and a caveman, his solo dance parties, his run-ins with Abbott and Costello and assorted angry mobs, and his awkward trip around the world after someone mistakes him for a garden gnome.

“Porting my webcomic over to DHP was an awesome experience for three very specific reasons,” said Russell. “One, I got to add color to the strip, with the help of ace cartoonist/colorist/brother-in-arms Bill Mudron. Two, I received some first-class professional editing from Scott Allie and Daniel Chabon. And three, I swung for the fences and asked if I could draw a crossover strip where the Sabertooth Vampire fought one particular world-famous Dark Horse character, and to my delighted surprise, that character’s creator said yes.”

Said Russell, “The Sabertooth Vampire is basically a ‘Road Runner’ riff on a single tragic idea: The dental feature that defines him as a vampire keeps him from being an effective vampire. Also he turns into a really pathetic bat.”

Look for The Sabertooth Vampire in Dark Horse Presents #12 and #14, on sale May 23 and July 18, 2012!

About Dark Horse Comics

Since 1986, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent like Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, Gerard Way, Will Eisner, and best-selling prose author Janet Evanovich, Dark Horse has developed such successful characters as the Mask, Timecop, and the Occultist. Additionally, its highly successful line of comics and products based on popular properties includes Star Wars, Avatar: The Last Airbender, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan the Barbarian, Mass Effect, Serenity, and Domo. Today, Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic-book publisher in the United States and is recognized as both an innovator in the cause of creator rights and the comics industry’s leading publisher of licensed material.

George Lucas Brings the Force to the Season Finale of 'Prophets of Science Fiction' on SCIENCE

GEORGE LUCAS BRINGS THE FORCE TO THE SEASON FINALE OF

PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION ON SCIENCE

--A New Episode of PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION Premieres on SCIENCE

Wednesday, March 7, at 10:00 PM ET/PT--

Ridley Scott, the creative genius behind several Hollywood blockbuster films such as “Alien,” “Blade Runner” and “Gladiator,” returns to SCIENCE this February with the remaining four episodes of the critically acclaimed PROPHETS OF SCIENCE FICTION. Through the series, Scott explores the connections between science fiction and science fact. He takes us into the world of the creative minds that have inspired researchers seeking mankind’s next transformative discovery. From Isaac Asimov, to Jules Verne, to Robert Heinlein, to George Lucas, Scott explores how science fiction can become a reality. This week, peek into the mind of George Lucas, the man behind Star Wars.

Episode Description:

Season Finale: George Lucas

Can our thoughts change the world? Is the ‘Force’ a remarkable prediction of the mind’s ability to shape reality beyond the walls of our bodies? Star Wars visionary George Lucas imagined sci-fi wonders that have inspired real world scientists to conquer the impossible and redefine the potential of humanity itself.

Justice League Doom Review

Vandal Savage steals confidential files Batman has compiled on the members of the Justice League, and learns all their weaknesses.

Director:

Lauren Montgomery

Writers:

Dwayne McDuffie, Mark Waid (comic book story) Stars:

Stars:
Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly and Susan Eisenberg

Cover of JLA Tower of Babel (2001) Trade Paperback





JLA Covers 43-46 Tower of Babel

Summary:
Tower of Babel" deals with Batman's perceived betrayal to the superhuman community by keeping records concerning the strengths and weaknesses of his allies in the JLA, including plans to neutralise his allies in a fight. His files are stolen by Ra's al Ghul, who uses them to defeat the League through a coordinated attack to prevent them from interfering with his latest scheme.

Check out Justice League Doom and Tower of Babel!

First Look At The Incredible Hulk #50

RED HULK SMASH! Hey guys here is a first look at the upcoming Incredible Hulk #50. 

The stakes grow even higher, as a mysterious figure lurks in the shadows waiting to destroy Red Hulk and his fellow comrades! Will Red Hulk’s might be enough to match ghoulish malevolent magic? Can the help of Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Daredevil and more aid Thunderbolt Ross? Find out in the bonus-sized issue- Hulk #50, hitting comic shops everywhere and the Marvel Comics app, this April!