Tattoo Convention KAWAII :: A Talk With Hemet

So! I had the opportunity to tattoo at the San Francisco Body Arts Convention. I'm not too sure that you may be too familiar with the Rock-A-Billy style of tattoo-life fashion, but it's awesome. Aside from that tattoo conventions get overlooked for some of THE MOST kawaii finds ever! That being said, I thought I'd have a chat with one of the con's vendors.

Being that this was my first convention, I was pretty shy about the people and the things I would attract or even gravitate towards. However, after a few quick twirls around the show's floor, I kept visiting Hemet's booth for both the good vibes and smiles ... AND for spending money! *sheesh!* That being said, I  felt it only natural to share some of their Kawaii goodness with you. 

This week in ... Fashion <3, IKB!

IKB: What's your store's name and how long have you all been around?

HEMET: Hemet and we've been around since 2005.

IKB: Tell us a little bit about your brand.

HEMET: Hemet's style is influenced by our lifestyle, rock-a-billy, vintage, and cultural wear. Apparel and jewelry are our own designs and all hand-made.

IKB: In Japanese, kawaii means cute. Can you give show us around your booth with your top 5 kawaii items?

HEMET: Sure! Let's start here ... 

1. the Monster Safari Dress                                       2. Lolita cameo wristlet

 

3. Lolita necklace

(the necklaces hung from an AWESOME tree display!)

 

4. pastoral mini dress                                                     5. skull & roses skirt

 

IKB: Where can we buy the goods after the convention?
HEMET: You can chop our online store, selected boutiques and tattoo expos or follow our FB!


IKB: Last but not least, is there anything else you'd like to share?
HEMET: Sure! We are a family run business, we love what we do, and appreciate all of our customers!

THANKS HEMET!!!!!

These little kids were awesome! And though I was able to buy 2 ... I wanted to take them all away with me! I had to take pics instead :(

This was my pull from Hemet. The sweet cupcake apron and messenger bag and two figurines, a unicorn and a monkey.

    

For future shopping at Hemet, be sure to visit their website. You can explore your own kawaii rock-a-billy style and then you can be as diverse & unique as you want to be ... 

~je t'adore!

Fate/Zero Opening Singer LiSA is Coming to America Official CD Import and Guest Appearance On The Horizon

Fans of the hit anime series Fate/Zero can really look forward to this summer.  At her recent concert at the Anime Contents Expo in Japan, Recording Artist and Fate/Zero opening singer LiSA has announced her US debut appearance at Anime Expo 2012 in Los Angeles. In celebration of this occasion, just in time for her appearance at Anime Expo, Aniplex of America is bringing LiSA’s music to North America. From her full-length album to her chart toping single release, North American fans will have the opportunity to own their very own copy of LiSA.  Pre-orders for all the SKUs starts Monday, April 2nd.

Four of LiSA’s releases will be imported to North America. Two of the releases will be Limited Edition combos which includes a Blu-Ray or DVD depending on the release. The imported releases will be all available on May 1^st.  In addition, the official digital downloads of LiSA’s music is coming soon. Release dates and titles are listed below.

For detailed information, please visit:

www.Aniplexusa.com/lisa

Product number and UPC bar code

Title	Street Date	SKU #	UPC	SRP	Store price
Letters to U	May 1, 2012	SVWC-7760	4534530045782	$32.00	$25.00
LOVER”S”MiLE Limited Edition CD & BD Combo	May 1, 2012	SVWC-7824-7825	4534530053305	$50.00	$40.00
LOVER”S”MiLE	May 1, 2012	SVWC-7828	4534530052582	$38.00	30.00
Oath sign Limted Edition CD & DVD Combo	May 1, 2012	SVWC-7800-7801	4534530051240	$20.00	$15.00

All of LiSA’s Releases can be pre-ordered and purchased at:

Right Stuf: http://www.rightstuf.com/

About LiSA

LiSA is the first music artist to sign under the Aniplex Label.  Immediately making an impact in her career, LiSA grabbed a role on the hit anime Angel Beats! as the singing voice for Yui, one of the vocalists in the in-show band Girls Dead Monster. LiSA’s earnest personality and emotional live performances caught the public’s attention, and it was clear that her star would only continue to rise. In 2011, LiSA’s first single oath sign was chosen as the theme song to the wildly popular anime Fate/Zero. The single entered the Oricon weekly charts at #5, and went on to capture the #2 spot on the daily charts.

http://www.aniplexusa.com/lisa/

http://www.lxixsxa.com/

Wrath Of The Titans Review

Perseus braves the treacherous underworld to rescue his father, Zeus, captured by his son, Ares, and brother Hades who unleash the ancient Titans upon the world. Does the Titans bring the wrath? Or will you be feeling the wrath?

Bestseller Review

Hee-soo has been a bestselling author for the past 20 years. But her reputation and fame are all butchered overnight when she is accused of plagiarizing a competition entry that she juried. She falls into despair for 2 years, but with the help of her long-time friend publisher, she dreams of a spectacular comeback. She drives to a remote pension deep in a small town with her daughter Yun-hee. At this quiet and uncanny pension, Yun-hee begins talking to an unidentified figure. Dying for a new source of inspiration, Hee-soo turns the stories that Yun-hee hears from this figure into her new book, which turns into a bestseller. But her regained fame doesn’t last long as she is again accused of plagiarizing a novel that was published 10 years ago. In order to prove her innocence, Hee-soo begins a mysterious journey to expose the truth. Does this film worthy of a bestseller? Or does it fall flat? Check out the review.

Rumor: Next PlayStation Coming In 2013

Rumor: Next PlayStation Coming In 2013

By Chris Morris | Plugged In
There have been plenty of leaks, whispers and rumors about the next Xbox for a few months now, but there hasn't been a lot of talk about Sony's plans for the next generation.

Kotaku, though, claims to have uncovered some inside information about the system that, on the surface, makes it sound like the next generation console race is going to be a tight one -- and begin next year.

Citing a single anonymous source, Kotaku says it believes the code name for the next PlayStation is "Orbis." And while the next console from Sony is widely expected to be called PlayStation 4 when it hits shelves, the site infers that Orbis might be the system's final name.

Whatever it's called, Kotaku says we can expect to see it released in the holiday period of 2013 -- the same timeframe most expect the next Xbox to arrive. If so, that would eliminate the one year head start Microsoft enjoyed with the Xbox 360, a year that gave it a lead over Sony that thus far has proven insurmountable.

[Related: New Sony CEO to keep charge of troubled TV operations]

Much like the rumored next Xbox system (codenamed Durango), the new Sony system will lock games to a PSN account, which could impact the used game market.

"If you then decide to trade that disc in, the pre-owned customer picking it up will be limited in what they can do," the site said. "While our sources were unclear on how exactly the pre-owned customer side of things would work, it's believed used games will be limited to a trial mode or some other form of content restriction, with consumers having to pay a fee to unlock/register the full game."

If true, that's likely to upset a notable segment of the gaming population, not to mention have a serious impact on retailers like GameStop who make a tidy profit on the used game market. And Sony could ruffle even more feathers if the system ditches backward compatibility with the PlayStation 3, as Kotaku says it will.

In terms of hard specs, Kotaku says the system will use either AMD's x64 CPU or perhaps AMD's Southern Islands GPU, the company's high-end chip. Graphics-wise, Orbis is said to be capable of resolutions up to 4096x2160, commonly called '4K' in TV manufacturer parlance (and one of the technological boosts shown off at this year's CES). It's also said to be able to play 3D games in full 1080p, a leap over the PS3's max 3D resolution of 720.

It's critical to note that these are unconfirmed reports based on a single source, so it's wise to be skeptical. Developers Yahoo! Games has spoken with are unable to confirm anything in Kotaku's report, and note they haven't been contacted yet by Sony to discuss the new system (though they say they have spoken with Microsoft).

Don't expect Sony to officially start talking about the PS4 or Orbis anytime soon, either. In January Sony's Kaz Hirai stated clearly that the company would not announce any new home systems at E3.

source: games.yahoo.com/pluggedin

Dark Horse To Release Mignola & Golden's JOE GOLEM Deluxe Edition!

DARK HORSE TO RELEASE MIKE MIGNOLA

AND CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN’S NEW NOVEL

JOE GOLEM IN A DELUXE HARDCOVER EDITION!

MARCH 29, SALT LAKE CITY, UT–In conjunction with the release of Mike Mignola and Christopher Golden’s latest collaboration earlier this week, and Mignola’s appearance at this weekend’s World Horror Convention, Dark Horse is pleased to announce a limited-edition hardcover release of Joe Golem and the Drowning City.

After a séance gone horribly wrong, strange men wearing gas masks and rubber suits abduct the aging psychic Orlov the Conjuror, sending his young assistant Molly McHugh racing through the canals of a submerged Manhattan. As Molly flees her captors through a sunken city full of scavengers, her one hope comes in the form of two strange men: Simon Church, a Victorian-era detective kept alive by clockwork gears and magic, and his assistant, Joe, whose mysterious past is hinted at in dreams of stone and witches.

“Joe and his world are made up of all those things I love: crumbling ruins, strange Victorian devices, and unknowable supernatural forces,” said cocreator Mike Mignola. “These are the very same elements that went into the creation of Hellboy, but here hammered into different shape and relocated to New York City. Hellboy is Joe’s country cousin.”

The deluxe limited-edition collection features multiple illustrations by Hellboy artist Mike Mignola, as well as a signature plate signed by both Mignola and Golden, and is presented in a handsome slipcase. Additionally, only the Dark Horse edition will feature the previously unpublished story “Joe Golem and the Copper Girl.”

The deluxe hardcover edition of Joe Golem and the Drowning City will be released in an extremely limited edition of only 1,000 copies on September 26, and will retail for $99.99.

Kingdom Hearts 3DS New Screenshots!

In celebration of the ten year anniversary since the first release of KINGDOM HEARTS in Japan, SQUARE ENIX is pleased to announce that new screenshots for KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance]. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KINGDOM HEARTS! Check out the pics below.

Events At AM2 Con

AM2 PROUDLY ANNOUNCES INTERACTIVE EVENTS FOR THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED
CONVENTION THIS JUNE 15-17, 2012 AT THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION CENTER AND HILTON

Twilight Tea, Iron Cosplay, Masquerade Ball, Masquerade, Console Game Room
and More at This Summer’s Hottest Ticket!  Get your Passports Today and
Experience the Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 27, 2012) ­ Fans can expect more fun this summer
at AM2, this summer’s most anticipated anime, manga and music convention,
coming June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim Convention Center and Hilton with an
array of activities for cosplayers and gamers in addition to the already
announced premiere screenings and activities.  More info and event rules can
be found at www.am2con.org <http://www.am2con.org>

TWILIGHT TEATIME
Date / Time: Twilight teatime will be on Friday June 15th at 9pm
Place: TBA
Attention Lolita enthusiasts! Put on your very own tea party as Elegant
Gothic Lolita / Elegant Gothic Aristocrat versions of your favorite anime,
manga, or video game characters in this competitive or exhibitive event!



IRON COSPLAY

Time/Date: To Be Announced

Location: Matsuri Festival

Work in teams under the watchful eyes of the judges, audience and chairman
of Cosplay using non-conventional items to create wonderful cosplay outfits
and accessories. See which team’s skills reign supreme and earn the title of
Iron Cosplay Champion!



MASQUERADE BALL
Time/Date:  Friday, June 15th
Location: AM² Dance
Theme: Horror
Convert you favorite Scary character into Horror elegance and see if your
work can make you the King and Queen of the Ball. This is a noncompetitive
and competitive event. To compete in the event, create an original ballroom
costume based on this year’s theme. Please only sign up if you are
competing.


MASQUERADE
Time/Date: Saturday, June 16th.
Place: TBA
The Masquerade is the event where costumers and cosplayers from around the
world bring out their best costumes and performances to try to be the Best
in Show.


CONSOLE GAME ROOM
Sponsored by Snake Byte
No anime convention would be complete without competitive and interactive
video games.  AM² is no exception to this. Are you tough enough to challenge
adversaries to these games?  To those elite few, we will be offering various
gaming tournaments throughout the weekend.  Amazing prizes can be won.

Tournament Schedule
* Street Fighter Third Strike                   Friday
* Cyberbots                                            Friday
* Street Fighter X Tekken                      Saturday
* Gundam Extreme Versus        Saturday
* Smash Brothers Brawl                        Sunday
* Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3            Sunday

All Tournaments require a valid passport to participat, and a $3.00 fee to
enter. 3 day passport holders get an additional $1.00 discount of tournament
entry.

“Cosplay and games are a staple for AM2,” states Miko Khun AM2 Interactive
Division Head, “cosplayers can make arrangements for gatherings and
celebrate all that is wonderful and fun by seeing old friends and making new
ones!  And gaming fans will rejoice with all the amazing tournaments and
prizing provided by our official console game sponsor Snakebyte USA.  AM2
will be the place to be with all the amazing guests of honors, concerts,
exhibit hall and other amazing activities for fans and enthusiasts!  Get
your Passports today and experience the difference!”

Please note that ALL Guest of Honor activities (i.e. panels, autographs,
appearances, etc.) are ALL Passport preferred activities.  There will also
be a private Meet & Greet event for Anaheim Hilton Room Block Attendees
(room key proof is required).

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, AMV’s, Arcade, Summer Festival,
Behind the Voice Actors Studio, Masquerade, Dances, Fashion Shows, Table
Top, Console Gaming, Workshops, Panels, Concerts and more!

AM2 Official Guests of Honor includes Andrea Libman, Quinton Flynn and
Toshihiro Kawamoto.

AM2 Premieres, screenings and exclusive screenings include ACE ATTORNEY,
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE STAR OF MILOS, KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE, KAIJI 2 and
more!

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

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

Mystique Make-Up Tutorial By Tamang Phan

We found this really cool Mystique Make-Up tutorial on Youtube. For those who ever wanted to cosplay as the character check this tutorial from Tamang Phan. You can follow Tamang On Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/TamangPhan and subscribe to her Youtube Channel for more tutorials http://www.youtube.com/user/dope2111?feature=watch. Great tutorial! 

L'Arc~en~Ciel World Tour 2012 Rocked!

Last night on March 25th 2012 at Madison Square Garden fans all over the globe and across the country gather for one event. That event was "L'Arc En Ciel World Tour." I brought my tickets the minute they went on sale and I'm happy that I did. The band was purely amazing, and the crowd was filled with Otakus, Geeks, and  J-Rock purist. This was my first Japanese concert and hopefully not the last. Not going to give anything away, but let's just say my favorite songs was played from "XXX", "Chase", "Anata" and many more. Hyde is purely amazing live, from his dancing and his singing. For those wondering of course Tetsuya pulled out his banana gag. The lighting, effects and music were all on point and it was a night worthy of Madison Square Garden attention. Here is the set list of the songs that was performed. When the crowd sang "Anata"it was purely amazing and moving. Here is a short video clip of my reaction. Believe me when I say I can't wait till they come back.
Setlist :

 M 01 Ibara no namida
 M 02 CHASE ­English version-
 M 03 GOOD LUCK MY WAY

 M 04 HONEY
 M 05 DRINK IT DOWN
 M 06 REVELATION

 M 07 Jojoushi
 M 08 X X X -English version-
 M 09 fate
 M 10 forbidden lover
 M 11 MY HEART DRAWS A DREAM

 M 12 Caress of Venus
 M 13 Driver's High
 M 14 STAY AWAY
 M 15 READY STEADY GO

 M 16 Anata
 M 17 winter fall
 M 18 Blurry Eyes

 M 19 Niji

Here is some professional pics of the concert.

Pedobear Keycharms

Every time we get something Pedobear related in our inbox. I can't help but make a post about it. This time Pedobear has some really cute key charms that be use for your phone, backpack or anywhere you want to place it. You can check it out at this  link http://catchkuma.com/products/cuddlebear-key-charm and the picture below. Thanks Katie for sending us the link and pic.

ARE WE ALONE? Concludes with the World Premiere of 'NASA'S UNEXPLAINED FILES' Tomorrow on SCIENCE

ARE WE ALONE CONCLUDES WITH THE WORLD PREMIERE OF NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES

ON SCIENCE

--The World Premiere of NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES Premieres on

Tuesday, March 27 at 10 PM ET/PT--

NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES gives viewers first-hand accounts of mysterious sightings witnessed by NASA astronauts and gives viewers access to the original footage that captured the attention of scientists. The question remains: is the captured footage that of extraterrestrial life or is it simply a flop in the camera? NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES is a part of SCIENCE’s Are We Alone? initiative happening the entire month of March.

Episode Descriptions:

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 \"Battle of the Week\" Round 2

Round 2: Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat’s “Battle of the Week” Pits a New World Conqueror Against an East Asian Warlord

Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat Battle of the Week Part 2: Hernán Cortés vs. Genghis Khan

Ready for your weekly dose of blood, gore and brutality? It’s week two of 345 Games’ ongoing “Battle of the Week” for Deadliest Warrior: Ancient Combat, pitting two of history’s greatest warriors against each other. Every week leading up to the game’s launch on April 17th, 345 Games will highlight an in-game battle too brutal to ignore.

This week’s “Battle of the Week” features the conniving New World conqueror Hernán Cortés and Genghis Khan, leader of the largest empire ever seen on Earth.

Check out screenshots of this epic battle here: https://www.yousendit.com/download/M3BuZGVZQTZlaFNLRmNUQw

Will this battle between Cortés and Genghis prove that the conqueror of a then-unknown Central America can defeat the man who ruled defiantly from Asia to Europe?

Hernán Cortés – Born in the 15th century in 1485, Hernán Cortés exemplified the success – and genocide – of the famed Spanish conquistadors. Discovery of the Western Hemisphere resulted in Cortés’ journey to Hispanola and Cuba before he finally established himself in the middle of modern Mexico, ultimately over throwing the Aztec Empire and earning the title of Marqués del Valle de Oaxaca. A figure of Spanish colonialism, his success by modern standards is less than ideal, but it’s impossible to deny – Cortés made a major impact on Central America in the following centuries. Equipped with his sword, can Cortés also make an impact on the battlefield mano-a-mano?

Genghis Khan –Genghis Khan, the renowned Mongol warlord, is a man to not be forgotten. It was the early 13th century when he began his rule, and while Europe wallowed in medieval conflicts, this man from little-known Mongolia stepped up to ultimately reign from modern day Korea and China all the way into deep Eastern Europe. Forget the Greeks, the Romans, the Persians, the Holy Roman Empire, the Germans, the Brits, or the Americans -- it was the Mongols, led by fierce Genghis Khan, that created an awe-inspiring empire. If faced against a fellow conqueror, would Khan reign supreme, or fall to his more modern upstart?

Why Cartoons Of The 90's Rule!!!

I have been on quite of a nostalgic trip for the past week. I've been watching a lot of the cartoons I use to enjoy as a kid, either on DVD or Netflix. You watch cartoons as a child, you really don't pick up certain things as you do as an adult. After watching tons of 90's cartoons from Hey Arnold, Ninja Turtles, Rugrats and many more. I wanted to give my list of reasons why the 90's era of cartoons is not only the best, but one of the most legendary periods of animation.


1. Moral Lessons - Whether it was direct, subliminally, or through humor 90's cartoons always had some message or lesson to teach their audience. Sad to say you really don't get that in today's cartoons as much. Cartoons like "Hey Arnold" is a perfect example of morality being the key element in the show. Arnold always had some lesson to learn, to show or to teach. One of my favorite episodes in "Hey Arnold" is "The Pigeon Man" episode. In this episode Arnold meets a man named Vincent who only companions are pigeons. If you look deeper into the episode, you'll see a man who lost faith in humanity, only to have it restored by Arnold. Here is the best scene from this tear jerker episode, and gives a great lesson that there is still good out there.


The Pigeon Man Speech


"Hey Arnold" is the not the only show that pulled out messages, or had tear jerkers episodes. A really good Spiderman TAS episode was "Make A Wish" when Spiderman meets his biggest fan. The episodes plays out like any normal Spiderman TAS episode. Peter has his issues, he is thinking of quitting Spiderman, he's lost and doesn't know what to do. Until Madame Web and a little girl name Tania remind him why he is important, why he is needed. The ending has a nice tear jerker when you find out about Tania. Check the clip below.


Spidey Biggest Fan


Finally another example of moral lessons is from a cartoon that you least expect to tackle the issue of death. The "Rugrats" Mother's Day Special did just that. Chuckie finally finds out the truth about his mother and the way it was written and handle, is still one of the most tear jerker moments I've seen in a cartoon. Check out the clip below.


Chuckie This Is Your Mommy


I can sit here and name tons and tons of shows, that taught lessons, had dark tones but still came off as something watchable for kids. The 90's cartoons wasn't afraid to touch on topics like death, drugs, being bullied and more. These cartoons were bold, brave and had enough to balance story without coming off as preachy.


2. Originality And Moments That Live Forever-  Cartoon of the 90's was so diverse, so original you would watch the shows for hours. From Animanics, Dexter's Laboratory , Doug, Rocko's Modern Life, Batman TAS, X-Men TAS and many more. These cartoons were fresh, unique and stood out from each other. Doug was nothing like Rocko's Modern Life, Batman TAS was nothing like X-Men's TAS. Each cartoon was original in animation, story, theme, design and it was a pure enjoyable. 90's cartoons have moments that I will never forget. Doug first date with Patti when they nearly kiss, but didn't. Darkseid killing Dan Turpin and Superman going ballistic. There are tons of moments that will forever stay in your hearts. Cartoons of the 90's are classics and still stand the test of time and are relevant and needed more than ever these days.


3. The Theme Songs - Who can forget the catchy theme songs of the 90's cartoons. The 90's cartoons theme songs were some of the best. How can you not love a theme that goes "We're tiny, we're toony, we're all a bit a little looney." If you grew up watching these toons there is at least one theme that is always in your brain. I' am guilty of humming or randomly singing the Animanics theme or Rocko's Modern Life from time to time. The theme songs were catchy and got you excited for the show, not many theme songs do that today. Not only was the theme songs great, but the background music was as well. Some of the best background music came from Batman TAS. Composer Shirley Walker put her all into the series leaving us with some of the best OST from an animation. She treated the cartoon like it was a motion picture and that made Batman TAS really stand out above the rest.


I could go on and on about why the 90's era of cartoons ruled. However why don't you just watch some for yourself  and see the magic, the glory and the lessons. You'll see why so many kids of the 80's and 90's outcry about today's cartoon. The cartoons are not the same they seem to lack the magic, the moral lesson, the originality that made the 90's cartoons so special. I love the 90's cartoons and will always. 

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT RELEASES AWARD WINNING NOVEL THE NAVIDAD INCIDENT: THE DOWNFALL OF MATIAS GUILI

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint has announced the release today of author Natsuki Ikezawa’s surrealistic novel, THE NAVIDAD INCIDENT: THE DOWNFALL OF MATIAS GUILI. The book is published by the company’s Haikasoru imprint and carries an MSRP of $24.99 U.S. / $28.99 CAN / £16.99 UK. An eBook edition is also available on the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, the Barnes & Noble’s Nook Books Store, and the Sony Reader™ Store.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

In this sweeping magical-realist epic set in the fictional south sea island Republic of Navidad, Ikezawa gives his imagination free rein to reinvent the myths of the twentieth century Japan. The story takes off as a delegation of Japanese war veterans pays an official visit to the ex-World War II colony, only to see the Japanese flag burst into flames. The following day, the tour bus and its passengers simply vanish. The locals exchange absurd rumors – the bus was last seen attending Catholic mass, the bus must have skipped across the lagoon – but the president suspects a covert guerrilla organization is trying to undermine his connections with Japan. Can the real answers to the mystery be found, or will the president have to be content with the surreal answers?

“Natsuki Ikezawa crafts an engrossing story that combines charmingly surreal set pieces, traditional fantasy tropes such as ghosts, with a story of international politics,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru Editor. “We invite readers to take the journey to the mysterious nation of Navidad and uncover the truth behind these unexplained occurrences in this newest release from Haikasoru!”

Author Natsuki Ikezawa was born in Hokkaido, Japan in 1945 and was formerly enrolled at Saitama University before leaving to become a poet and author. Presently, he writes fiction and literary criticism and is also an active public speaker. Several of his works including STILL LIVES and A BURDEN OF FLOWERS have been published in English. In 1993, THE NAVIDAD INCIDENT: THE DOWNFALL OF MATIAS GUILI was the winner of the prestigious Tanizaki Jun’ichiro Prize.

To read an excerpt of THE NAVIDAD INCIDENT, please visit http://www.scribd.com/doc/84566677/The-Navidad-Incident-The-Downfall-of-Matias-Guili.

To enter to win a copy of THE NAVIDAD INCIDENT, please visit http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/18397-the-navidad-incident-the-downfall-of-matias-guili.

For more information on THE NAVIDAD INCIDENT and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at www.haikasoru.com

AM2 PROVIDES MORE FUN FOR PASSPORT HOLDERS AND ATTENDEES WITH MORE PURIKURA MACHINES FOR 2012 CONVENTION

AM2 PROVIDES MORE FUN FOR PASSPORT HOLDERS AND ATTENDEES WITH MORE PURIKURA
MACHINES FOR 2012 CONVENTION THIS JUNE 15-17, 2012 AT THE ANAHEIM CONVENTION
CENTER AND HILTON

Purikura Machines Will be Made Available for Passport Holders to Create
Their Official Passport Images!  Get your Passports Today and Experience the
Difference!

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (March 21, 2012) ­ Some of the most popular and latest
Purikura machines will be available for attendees and Passport holders to
utilize for their memories at AM2 - this summer¹s most anticipated anime,
manga and music convention this coming June 15-17, 2012 at the Anaheim
Convention Center and Hilton.  More info can be found at www.am2con.org
<http://www.am2con.org>

Much like passports used for international travel, the Purikura images can
be used by 3-Day Passport holders as part of their official 3-Day Passport
photo within their booklets and will make each 3-Day Passport unique and
custom to its holder.  All attendees are still free to utilize the Purikura
Machines as well.

³Fans are going to have an amazing time taking memorable Purikura photos
with their friends at AM2², states Chase Wang AM2 representative, ³AM2 will
be the place to be with all the amazing guests of honors, concerts, exhibit
hall and other amazing activities for fans and enthusiasts!  Get your
Passports today and experience the difference!²

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!

AM2 Official Guests of Honor includes Quinton Flynn and Toshihiro Kawamoto
(Bones).

AM2 Premieres, screenings and exclusive screenings include ACE ATTORNEY,
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: THE STAR OF MILOS, KAIBUTSU-KUN THE MOVIE, KAIJI 2 and
more!

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

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

A NEW TEAM FOR THE DARKNESS

Hine and Haun take the reins of the iconic title at issue #101

Top Cow Productions and Image Comics are excited to welcome DAVID HINE (THE DARKNESS: FOUR HORSEMEN, THE BULLETPROOF COFFIN) and JEREMY HAUN (ARTIFACTS, BATTLE HYMN, Detective Comics) as the new ongoing team on THE DARKNESS, debuting with issue 101.

Hine takes the reins from long-time writer Phil Hester (Green Hornet, Wonder Woman), who has written the series since 2007, when the series relaunched following the events of FIRST BORN and the release of THE DARKNESS video game. Hine has previously written Jackie Estacado in 2010’s limited series THE DARKNESS: FOUR HORSEMEN, which garnered rave reviews. Hester concluded his run on the series with the over-sized landmark issue #100, released hot on the heels of The Darkness II video game from 2K Games and Digital Extremes.

“The Darkness is one of Image's longest running books and Jackie Estacado is one of the few truly classic characters in independent comics. That makes it a genuine honor to be entrusted with taking the book into its next phase,” explained Hine. “Issue 101 is the start of a roller coaster ride into some dark and scary places. Our intention is to mess with your heads. You have been warned..."

“It isn't often that you are invited to really put your stamp on a character," Haun added. "Top Cow has really given David and me the chance to let go and tell the next chapter of Jackie Estacado's life. We're staying true to everything that's come before in the 100-issue span of the book and adding a new twisted layer to things. I'm having the time of my life drawing each page of twisted madness. The Darkness is something we're really proud of.“

The team of Hine and Haun picks up the story of Jackie Estacado after the events of ARTIFACTS #13 and in the wake of Top Cow’s REBIRTH initiative. Joining the already-announced teams of Tim Seeley (HACK/SLASH) and Diego Bernard (The Man With No Name) on WITCHBLADE and Ron Marz (MAGDALENA, Voodoo) and Stjepan Sejic (WITCHBLADE) on the ARTIFACTS ongoing series, the two will help guide one of Top Cow’s flagship franchises into a new era perfect for long-time, lapsed, and new readers alike.

On the surface, Jackie Estacado has everything he ever wanted — control of the Darkness, a successful career, wealth and, most importantly, a happy family life. However, his desire to make his life truly perfect will be his undoing. What happens when all of it begins to slip through the cracks?

The debut issue will feature covers by Jeremy Haun and THE DARKNESS co-creator MARC SILVESTRI (Incredible Hulk).

THE DARKNESS #101 "THE CRACK IN EVERYTHING", PART 1, a 32-page full-color comic book for $2.99, will be on sale in stores and digital platforms, including THE DARKNESS app, March 21st, 2012.

IMAGE EXCLUSIVES AT EMERALD CITY COMICON

Exclusive covers, prints, and T-shirts at the March 30-April 1 convention

Emerald City Comicon (ECCC) is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2012, and Image Comics, commemorating its twentieth anniversary, is hitting the fan-favorite Northwestern convention in a big way. Previously announced was the programming guide cover and exclusive poster and T-shirt art by Marc Silvestri. Now, in advance of the March 30-April 1 convention, taking place at Seattle's Washington State Convention Center, Image Comics is announcing a trove of convention-exclusive covers, posters, prints, and T-shirts for some of their hottest titles.

A blood-smeared variant cover of BLOODSTRIKE #26, the relaunch of Rob Liefeld's Extreme title by Tim Seeley and Franchesco Gaston, pays homage to BLOODSTRIKE #1. The cover of the 1993 debut of the series invited readers to "RUB THE BLOOD!" This ECCC exclusive will be at the Image Comics booth, #310 for $5.00.

THE WALKING DEAD ECCC-exclusive T-Shirt will be the shirt to be seen in to show off your love of the undead, featuring an illustration by TWD artist Charlie Adlard. The T-shirt will be available in men's and women's sizes for only $20.00 at the ECCC show booth, #514.

The ECCC booth will also have the exclusive Marc Silvestri IMAGE HEROES T-shirt featuring the line art of the image that graces ECCC's program guide. The unisex T-shirt is $20.00. The print featuring the full-color Silvestri art will be at the Top Cow booth, #414. The 11" x 17" print is limited to 300 copies and is $20.00.

An exclusive THE DARKNESS signed print by Jeremy Haun will be at booth #514 for $20.00. The 11" x 17" print is limited to 300 copies depicts Jackie Estacado, in the tendrils of The Darkness, atop the Seattle Space Needle, looking at the nighttime cityscape below.

DEBRIS is a new Image Comics/Shadowline series by Kurtis Wiebe (Peter Panzerfaust, Green Wake) and Riley Rossmo (Rebel Blood, Green Wake) set to debut in July. ECCC attendees will get an advance look at it as Image unveils an exclusive free poster at booth #310.

A night vision variant cover of THE ACTIVITY #4, the espionage series by Nathan Edmondson and Mitch Gerads, will be available at table #C-09 for $10.00. The elite Team Omaha takes on a drug lord in this issue of the cinematic series praised for its accuracy in its depiction of special ops missions, a great jumping-on point for new readers.

An exclusive hardcover edition of Gerry Duggan's and Phil Noto's retelling of The Odyssey, THE INFINITE HORIZON will be at table #P-03 for $20. The near-future interpretation of Homer's ancient epic is 186 pages long and not in stores until April 11, so attendees of ECCC will get an early chance to get the eagerly-awaited collection.

The third SKULLKICKERS adventure begins with issue #13, and ECCC is the first chance for readers to see it! A limited number of Comic Legends Legal Defense Fund sketch cover variant editions of SKULLKICKERS #13 will be available at table #C-11 for $10.00 before the regular issue even reaches stores.

In addition to these ECCC exclusives, Image will also debut the convention-exclusive ALPHA GIRL #2 cover. The first issue of the series by Jean-Paul Bonjour, Jeff Roenning, Robert Love, Dana Shukartsi, and Diego Simone sold out, and the second issue will be in stores on the Wednesday before the convention, March 28. The issue will be available at the Image booth, #310, for $5.00.

Video Podcast: It's An Otaku Thing Episode 1: Let The Show Begin!

On Episode 1 of "It's An Otaku Thing" Justin and Ashley discuss the kid trying to transform into a Super Saiyan, Bleach going live action, answer some questions for readers and of course what they are playing, watching and reading.

THE END ON THE HORIZON

Duggan's and Noto's Epic The Inifinite Horizon Collected in April

The completion of Gerry Duggan's and Phil Noto's Odyssey-inspired THE INFINITE HORIZON hasn't taken quite as long as Odysseus's journey home, but the nearly five years since the publication of the first issue of the Image Comics series to the April publication of the 186-page trade paperback collection (FEB120448) have been a saga of their own.

"When Phil and I began the comic in 2007 we tried to imagine scenarios that would make make a soldier's ten-year journey home believable," said writer Duggan. "I hope we made some interesting choices about the loss of technology and a crippling energy crisis, but I know we did a pretty good job of imagining a world that's pulling itself apart. We could not have imagined the Arab Spring, but the fractured world of The Infinite Horizon seems much less fantastic just five years later."

THE INFINITE HORIZON takes place in the not-too-distant future, with a small group of abandoned soldiers being led home by one man: The Captain. To get back, he’ll have to cross half the globe and endure deadly encounters with mythic enemies.

The Captain escapes shipwrecks, beats a vicious opponent wearing a cycloptic combat armor...and resists the siren's call of a predatory society, all while encountering everywhere dying breaths of a great and horrible war. Artist Noto depicts the horrors of war and The Captain's long trek home with an understated palette, the violence taking on a haunting quality as The Captain sacrifices more and more of himself to return home.

Duggan found his inspiration both in Homer's 2700-year-old epic and current events in global conflict. "In the years following the 9/11 attacks I re-examined the poem and found it to be very fresh and relevant to our society," he said. "We're now living in a state of almost perpetual war. Contractors and drones will probably remain behind long after combat troops are withdrawn. The burden of these conflicts are not shared. Military families shoulder the load, and I have doubts about whether or not they are adequately supported for their service and sacrifice."

THE INFINITE HORIZON is a full-color, 186-page trade paperback for $17.99. It collects issues #1-6 of the series, as well as bonus material from Phil Noto. The final order cut-off for comic book retailers for this title is March 19, and it will be in stores on April 11.. Its ISBN is 978-1-582409-72-6. An advance PDF review copy is available; please email Jennifer de Guzman at jenniferdeguzman@imagecomics.com to request one.