VIZ MEDIA’S WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA DIGITAL MANGA MAGAZINE BEGINS SIMULTANEOUS PUBLISHING WITH JAPANESE RELEASES ON JANUARY 21, 2013

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA (WEEKLY SJ ALPHA), a weekly serial anthology of some of the most popular manga series in the world, to Japan releases starting with the January 21, 2013 issue.

WEEKLY SJ Alpha, available exclusively on the VIZ Manga digital platform, will feature new installments of BLEACH, CROSS MANAGE, NARUTO, NISEKOI, ONE PIECE, and TORIKO on the same day as their general release in Japan. Monthly series such as BLUE EXORCIST, RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION and YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL will debut the closest Monday after the Japanese release. There are also plans for additional series to join the WEEKLY SJ ALPHA lineup.

“North American fans have been waiting for a long time for real-time publishing to synchronize with Japan, and it’s about to happen in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA,” says Alvin Lu, Executive Vice President, Publishing. “A robust VIZ Manga digital infrastructure, combined with our close relationship with WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP in Japan allows us to close the gap in release schedules. We look forward to fans continuing to look to WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA for the latest hot new manga titles straight from Japan!”

WEEKLY SJ ALPHA also launches its newest weekly manga title today as it debuts Naoshi Komi’s romantic comedy series, NISEKOI (rated ‘T’ for Teens). In the laugh-out-loud feel-good manga series, it was hate at first sight...rather a knee-to-the-head at first sight when Raku Ichijo meets Chitoge Kirisaki! Unfortunately, Raku’s gangster father arranges a false love match with their rival’s daughter, who just so happens to be Chitoge! However, Raku’s searching for his childhood sweetheart from ten years ago, with a pendant around his neck as a memento, and he can't even remember her name or face! For a free sample, fans are invited to check out the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA Starter Pack, which has been updated to include Chapter 1 of NISEKOI, available from SJalpha.com and VIZManga.com!

NISEKOI, Volume 1 is also available for digital download for $4.99 (USD/CAN) VIZ Manga, VIZ Media’s innovative digital platform that allows for complete interoperability to read manga from your iPhone^®, iPod^® touch, iPad^®, and supported Android smart phones and tablets (including the Kindle Fire), with VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers. With one account, registered users are able to view their purchases across even more devices than ever, and the rapidly growing platform features over 1,000 volumes across 100 different series.

Each digital edition of WEEKLY SJ ALPHA treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga titles, and is available through the VIZ Manga digital platform through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of digital access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99. Members also receive exclusive Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME promotional cards throughout the year, an annual collector’s yearbook and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and exclusive videos.

Don Cheadle Returns As Captain Planet

Last year FunnyorDie.com released a hilarious skit with Don Cheadle playing a psychotic Captain Planet. Well Cheadle is back as Captain Planet and still turning people into trees. Check out the new skit.

Captain Planet 2 from Don Cheadle

Five Underrated Anime Villains

A hero is nothing without a good antagonist. Without the villain the hero quest won't have true meaning or any type of conflict. Today I wanted to give praise to five anime villains that I feel are underrated. These villains have left a mark on the protagonist and has very memorable moments. Leave your choices in the comment section.

King Hamdo (Now & Then, Here & There)

When your villain kidnaps kids, puts them in slavery and even has them killing each other for the sake of your own goal, you're not a villain to mess with. King Hamdo is a paranoid schizo with one goal in mind and that is power. He will sacrifice anyone and everything to achieve his goal, not even animals were safe from his wrath. He's the central reason why the anime "Now & Then, Here & There" was so powerful and heartbreaking.  He was truly bone chilling at times, especially when he was around Lala Ru. 

Tetsuo (Akira)

  










In "Akira" Tetsuo played the antagonist to the protagonist of Kaneda. Tetsuo was very power driven and once he discover his gifts he stop at nothing to find the truth behind Akira. He even destroy the military tons of civilians and even his closest friends. 

Mr. Me-Mania (Perfect Blue)

Mr. Me-Mania is one hell of a villain. What made him so great is that he didn't talk much, but his actions spoke very clearly. He was obsessed with pop idol Mima and nothing was going to stand in his way of having her, not even Mima himself. He killed many and anybody who thought about bringing harm to his precious Mima and his final scene was bone chilling to say the least. 

Johan Liebert (Monster)

Johan is a complete psychopath, a manipulator and he's damn scary. He is purely deserving of the title monster. He kills without any thought, he loves human suffering and thrives on fear. He's usually overlooked as top anime villains, but this is one character I don't want anyone to cross paths with. What makes him even more scary he's a mystery.

Char Aznable 

I love Char Aznable he was a really cool villain. He's not as crazy or sadistic as the others, but he's a villain with charm. You can't help but like him, even though his actions sometimes are questionable. He's a military man and does what he feels is right, he is one of the most underrated antagonist in the Gundam world, even though he was one of the first.

Let's Watch Episode 2: Now and Then, Here and There

On episode 2 of Let's Watch. Justin & Ashley sit down to watch and discuss the anime drama "Now & Then, Here & There."

Animated Shorts By Swoozie06

I found these cool animated shorts by Youtuber Swoozie06. Check out his shorts on topics of  Cheating In College, Cheating In Middle School, Videogame Girlfriend, Textually Active and his short Virgin On Campus. Make sure to subscribe to him on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/user/swoozie06.

Videogame Girlfriend Cheating In College Cheating In Middle School Virgin On Campus Textually Active

Dead Talk Episode 1: For Who The Bell Tolls

On the all new zombie podcast show. Justin and guest co-host Keenan talk about The Walking Dead game and The World War Z trailer. Duration: 1hr 55 mins.
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Lights, Camera, Action Episode 2: Film Adaptations

On episode 2 of Lights, Camera, Action. Justin and his guest co-host Keenan talk about Halle Berry finance fight, good and bad film adaptations, Transformers 4, the top ten movies of the week. Duration 1hr 21 mins.

Note - Justin forgot to talk about the Boys Meets World sequel and he know about the Cloud Of Atlas mistake. It stars Tom Hanks, not cruise.

Your First Look At The Final Issue Of AMAZING SPIDER-MAN!

Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Amazing Spider-Man #700, from the blockbuster creative team of Dan Slott and Humberto Ramos. It’s the most anticipated comic of the year, and on December 26th, fans will truly see the end of Amazing Spider-Man! Celebrate the end of Marvel’s year long celebration of an amazing 50 years featuring the World’s Greatest Super Hero with 104 action-packed pages that when all is said and done, will leave you demanding more! Plus stories by JM DeMatteis & Giuseppe Camuncoli and Jen Van Meter & Stephanie Buscema AND letters answered by Stan Lee! Secrets are revealed, but the twists and turns are not done yet – no fan can miss this! And when you think all is lost, the must-read story continues in Avenging Spider-Man #15.1 by Chris Yost and Paco Medina! There’s a reason this is the ONLY other Marvel comic on sale December 26th. But the only way you’ll find out is by picking it up!  All-new secrets revealed! An epic conclusion! This is Amazing Spider-Man!

Otakus & Geeks Holiday Guide 2012

It's the most wonderful time of the year. The holiday season is slowly approaching and that means its time to shop. Have no idea on what to get for your friends or family members, have no fear the Otakus and Geeks team is here to help. Check out our holiday guide:

Movies & TV

On black Friday 20th Century Fox will have some great deals on popular titles from X-Men First Class, Prometheus and many more. Swing by http://www.foxconnect.com/ to find your favorite movies and TV shows and enjoy free shipping for orders over $25.

Bond 50th Anniversary Collection

With "Skyfall" breaking records in the UK and being one of the best Bond films ever, how can I not put the Bond 50th Anniversary collection. All James Bond movies from Sean Connery to Daniel Craig with hours of bonus features, interviews and behind the scenes footage. This is the ultimate collection for any die hard James Bond fan. The Blu-Ray collection is $199.99 and the DVD collection is $129.99

Videogames

Best Buy on Black Friday will be selling the XBOX 360 250 GB with 2 games and a headset for only $199.99. If you ever wanted a XBOX 360 this will be the time to get it. Not sure if it's in limited supply but this is a deal you don't want to pass up.

Best Buy again is having a similar deal like the Xbox 360. This time for the Playstation 3. PS3 250 GB comes with the Uncharted Dual pack, Infamous and a 30-day trial of Playstation Plus only for $199.99.

Nintendo 3DS is coming with a limited edition flaming red version which has Super Mario 3D Land already installed. This bundle only cost $169.99. Black Friday only.

Nintendo releases the next generation of gaming with the Wii U. You have the deluxe set which has 32GB and the basic set which only has 8GB. The deluxe is $349.99 and the basic is $299.99.

Anime & Manga

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING ·

Rated “M” for Mature Audiences · MSRP: DVD: $19.98 U.S. / $24.98 CAN Blu-ray: $24.98 U.S. / $27.50 CAN · Available November 27^th    

Combining a foreboding medieval European-inspired setting with fantasy and exquisitely detailed swordsmanship, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING follows lone mercenary, Guts, as he travels a land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to kill enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group “The Band of the Hawk,” and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith’s dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both.  The beginning of the epic Golden Age Arc Trilogy!

INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT SET 1 · Rated “T” for Teens ·

MSRP: DVD: $44.82 U.S. / $43.24 CAN; Blu-ray: $54.97 U.S. / $66.15 CAN · Available November 20^th   

Kagome is an ordinary schoolgirl who finds her destiny linked to the half demon Inuyasha and the powerful Shikon Jewel. In their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome face their ultimate enemy, the demon mastermind Naraku. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru learns the truth behind his sword Tenseiga, and Kikyo discovers a secret that could defeat Naraku! With the jewel nearly complete and in enemy hands, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies, and an epic battle is brewing on the horizon! Box Set contains episodes 1-12.

NEW BLEACH RELEASES:

BLEACH THE MOVIE: HELL VERSE · Rated “T” for Teens ·

MSRP: DVD: $19.98 U.S. / $24.98 CAN; Blu-ray: $24.98 U.S. / $27.50 CAN · Available December 4th   

Hell – a place where beings that have committed mortal sins during their lifetime are sent. It is a realm where even Soul Reapers are forbidden to interfere. When a group of vicious Sinners plots to escape from this eternal prison, they discover that Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki is the key to their freedom. The Sinners launch an attack and in the process kidnap Ichigo’s younger sister Yuzu and take her to Hell. With the help of a mysterious man named Kokuto, Ichigo and his friends must now travel into the depths of Hell to stop the Sinners and save Yuzu, unaware that their actions could bring Hell to the World of the Living.

BLEACH Vol. 15 DVD BOX SET · Rated “T” for Teens ·

MSRP: $44.82 U.S. / $43.24 CAN · Available December 11^th    

With Sosuke Aizen intent on destroying Karakura Town, the Soul Reapers fight to protect the four pillars placed by the Head Captain to replace the real Karakura Town with a fake one constructed in the Soul Society. When the Fracción Poww nearly destroys one of the pillars, the real Karakura Town slowly begins to return to the World of the Living. If it fully returns, the Soul Reapers will be unable to fight! Box Set contains Episodes 218-229.

NEW NARUTO SHIPPUDEN RELEASES:

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: THE WILL OF FIRE · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: DVD: $19.98 U.S. / $24.98 CAN;

Blu-ray: $24.98 U.S. / $27.50 CAN · Now Available!

In the latest NARUTO feature film, four ninjas with Kekkei Genkai justsu abilities that have been guarding the Hidden Villages of Cloud, Stone, Mist and Sand mysteriously disappear from their respective villages. The Land of Fire comes under suspicion as it is the only country to have suffered no loss. Mounting suspicion among the four countries could potentially set off the 4^th Great Ninja War. In the Hidden Leaf Village, Tsunade orders her men to keep strict guard and to try to find out what really happened. At the same time, it turns out that Kakashi has left the village. The bad news deeply disturbs Naruto and his friends.     

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN DVD BOX SET Vol. 12 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $43.24 CAN · Now Available!      

At the Akatsuki hideout, a weakened Sasuke hears the history of the Uchiha Clan from Madara and learns Itachi's true intentions. Meanwhile, Kakashi and Naruto, having lost the trail, must abandon their mission to capture Itachi and find Sasuke. The team is heading back to the village when an urgent assignment comes in from Tsunade that will lead them on a perilous journey to protect a young woman! Box set features Episodes 141-153.

NEW POKÉMON RELEASES:

POKÉMON BLACK & WHITE DVD BOX SET 1 · Rated “A” for All Ages ·

MSRP: DVD: $19.97 U.S. / $24.95 CAN · Available November 20^th   

A new land, new rivals, new challenges, and all-new Pokémon make the 14th season of the Pokémon animated series one of the most exciting ones yet! When Ash and his mother accompany Professor Oak to the distant Unova region, Ash discovers Pokémon that he’s never seen before… and that he can’t wait to catch! He may have Pikachu at his side together with new friends Iris and Cilan, but he’ll still need plenty of new Pokémon on his team if he wants to challenge Unova’s expert Gym Leaders. His quest to become a Pokémon Master just got even tougher! Box Set features Episodes 1-12. 

For more information on these and other anime titles available from VIZ Media, please visit: www.viz.com.

The Rightstuf is having a Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals for Manga, Anime and live action Asian films.

http://www.rightstuf.com/rssite/main/holiday/#current

Comics

Midtown Comics is having a 25% off everything starting on Friday.

BLACK FRIDAY ONLINE: 15% TO 45% OFF EVERYTHING from 11/23 to 11/26!

Visit http://www.midtowncomics.com/ for more details.

• GRAPHIC NOVELS: UP TO 45% OFF
• MANGA: 40% OFF
• COMICS: 25% OFF
• BACK ISSUES: 25% OFF
• ACTION FIGURES: UP TO 40% OFF
• STATUES: UP TO 40% OFF
• ACTION FIGURES: UP TO 40% OFF
• COLLECTIBLES: UP TO 40% OFF
• APPAREL: UP TO 40% OFF
• MAGAZINES: UP TO 40% OFF
• CARDS: UP TO 40% OFF
• COMIC SUPPLIES: UP TO 40% OFF
• DVD’S: UP TO 40% OFF

Geek Fashion

When we think of geeky girl fashion we think "Her Universe." There will be a Cyber Monday sale going on which you can check out here http://www.heruniverseshop.com/departments/new-holiday-items.aspx? 

New for the season, fans will find fashionably fun Darth Vader Star Wars pajamas by renowned artist Katie Cook. "Everyone knows I love creating designs for Her Universe," said Katie Cook. "I jumped at the chance to combine two of my favorite things: Star Wars and pajamas." In addition to PJ's Her Universe has a new Missy style Star Wars top, new Doctor Who tops, an ultra cozy Battlestar Galactica sweatshirt, Star Trek earrings and a new Star Trek "Gorn" t-shirt featuring the art of guest designer and founder of Bye Bye Robot, Charity Wood.

Lolita Crisis!

So I've been away, and even Tumblr hasn't been tumbling but so much. However, I'm a loli with a cause as of late, so my absence hasn't been in vain. In fact, I've been on a mission to connect with more lolita's.

My little Loli sis and I are embarking on an adventure to make the DC Lolita scene a bit more visual. This came into play during the Hello Kitty for President campaign and pop-up shop that was hosted here in DC. At some point, a few nights before Halloween, I started receiving texts and tweets asking where my Lolita friends were and such. I had to respond that there are about 4 Lolita's in the area that I knew of (and we're all friends LOL) ad that most others only dressed for conventions and such.

SO! Needless to say, we're not too pleased with having to share news like that. But instead of pouting about it ... we're trying to make things happen! As such, we've decided to do more meet-ups (at least once a moth) and lined up some road trips and Lolita good times (in the making!)

Here are some pics from our last two bouts around the city. Two weekends back to back and somehow, I found time to start my Live Journal to share my looks. I've also started creating the MISS-Adventures of Indian Pussy short manga (of couuuuurse it's Lolita inspired!). So stay tuned! But ... read what's after the pics and let's see if we can make this happen. K!

 

All of this post was to say LET's KEEP in TOUCH! If you're a Lolita ... or even into Japanese sub-culture fashion (ALL are welcome), please send your info my way! Regardless of location, the more the merrier, right?!

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Just a FEW quickies ... 

Be sure to join us on our new Otaku Time Tumblr, for quick geeky & fashion posts. You can submit & share ANYTHING you'd like with the Otakus & Geeks crew!

If there's EVER anything you'd like to see covered, fashion or art related ... or if you just want to send a kind note, be sure to shoot me an email at imani@otakusandgeeks.com >^.*<

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'Til next time, you know what it is ...

~je t'adore!

<3 IKB

Movies About Otakus That You Should Watch

It's no secret that I love movies. Heck I'm the movie reviewer for Otakus and Geeks. One particular type of movie I love is movies that have otakus in them. Here is a list of movies about otakus or with otaku characters that you should check out.

Densha Otoko (Train Man)

The most famous story of all otakus is Densha Otoko. The story of an otaku who saves a girl on the train from the assault of a drunken passenger. This actually loosely based on a true story. The story proceeds with the otaku asking the girl out and getting dating tips from people on a popular message board. The movie is very light hearted and tells a good story of the nerd finally getting the girl. It shows the importance of confidence, self love and being yourself. This is a must watch movie for otakus everywhere. Good acting, wonderful settings and great music.

How To Date An Otaku Girl

A guy meets girl. She turns out to be a yaoi fanatic, what transpires is a fish out of water story for the guy as he tries to adjust to her lifestyle. This is a sweet romantic comedy but it gets serious towards the middle. The female protagonist deals with whether she will be accepted being otaku. She is viewed as being weird, or awkward which most otakus can relate too at some point. It's not a perfect movie, but when it gets to the serious tone it made it a must check out.

Otakus In Love

This film is about a manga artist down on his luck and happens to meet a girl and it's love at first site. Funny, light hearted and it packs plenty of cosplay for the otakus. It's a fun film to watch and it's a great romantic comedy.

Otaku

Honestly I wasn't a fan of this documentary on otakus. To be fair it was made in 1994 and otaku was kind of a negative term back then. However it still a decent insight on the otaku culture in Japan in the 90's. It might rub some hardcore otakus the wrong way when they touch on the issue of obsessions, but it's worthy of a look.

Marvel Announces All-New DEXTER Comic Book Series

Dexter Morgan is s skilled forensic blood spatter expert with the Miami police department but he’s also the city’s friendly neighborhood crime-fighting serial killer who has to face his greatest challenge yet—a high school reunion! Dexter #1 (of 5), from series creator & New York Times best-selling Jeff Lindsay and artist Dalibor Talajic (Deadpool), brings fans the very first comic book featuring everyone’s favorite psychopath, Dexter. While keeping his Dark Passenger’s bloodlust--his inner demon--under control,  Dexter must stop the latest murderous threat to Miami…the Skid Row Slasher. As this new menace racks up a body count to rival that of Dexter, can  Miami’s “darkest” hero save the day and keep his cover intact as a normal, well-adjusted member of society?

“Marvel Comics has always been a place where I felt at home. It has been a very important part of my life, and has always been a wellspring of creative and relevant ideas,” says Jeff Lindsay. “I feel like I'm coming home. It is a huge thrill for me to bring Dexter into this very special pantheon."

The character of Dexter Morgan debuted in 2004’s Dily’s Award-winning Darkly Dreaming Dexter and has since appeared in five subsequent novels, with the seventh novel, Dexter’s Debut, scheduled for release in 2013. Marvels’Dexter #1 marks the first time a story in the novels’ continuity has been presented in the comic book format.

“Dexter is a perfect fit for comics, bringing an exciting cast of layered characters together with gripping, visually arresting stories ” said Ruwan Jayatilleke, Associate Publisher & SVP, Marvel Entertainment. “It’s an honor for Marvel to work with a lauded author such as Jeff Lindsay, whose ability to both horrify and move an audience is unparalleled. Fans of Dexter will be thrilled by this new story that fits seamlessly into the world they already know.”

This February, join Dexter and his Dark Passenger in an all-new story from creator Jeff Lindsay in Dexter #1 (of 5), available in comic shops everywhere!

DEXTER #1 (OF 5)

Written by JEFF LINDSAY

Penciled and Inked by DALIBOR TALAJIC

Cover by DALIBOR TALAJIC

On-Sale February

Grand Theft Auto 5 Trailer #2

GTA 5 second trailer is finally out and it is mind blowing what Rockstar has done. Check it out for yourself. It looks like we three characters are the center of this story.

World War Z Official Trailer

The trailer has finally arrived for World War Z. A U.N. employee is racing against time and fate, as he travels the world trying to stop the outbreak of a deadly Zombie pandemic.