Comic Party (Comedy, Volume 1 Release: 6/4/04) Manga fans and creators alike will get a laugh from this story by Sekihiko Inui that reads like a wacky, behind-the-scenes look at The Rising Stars of Manga. With a breakneck pace, Comic Party's over-the-top plot centers on Kazuki, who has a passion and talent for painting and drawing that propels him into the world of Doujinshi (amateur manga). Soon, Kazuki's everyday life is consumed by manga... reading it, drawing it, living it at convention after convention. Sure, his new career as a struggling artist has begun, but at what cost to his friends and family?

Deus Vitae (Sci-Fi, Volume 1 Release: 6/4/04) In a world powered by machines, are humans even necessary? That's the question posed in this futuristic manga by Takuya Fujima, sure to appeal to fans of the Matrix and Terminator franchises. The action takes place in 2068, after mankind has developed a "Brain Computer" to manage all machines on Earth. Unfortunately, this ultra-sophisticated CPU has detected a virus-humans!-and has eradicated most of the race. Now, the only thing preventing humanity's complete annihilation may be the forbidden love between a man and an android.

Immortal Rain (Fantasy/Drama, Volume 1 Release: 6/4/04) Kaori Ozaki (Hitsuji-No-Hana, Honeymoon) delivers a unique spin on the predator-prey relationship. For centuries, the eternal Methuselah Rain has escaped assassins and eluded bounty hunters determined to kill him and expose his secret. Even the Grim Reaper Zol died without uncovering Rain's fountain of youth. Now Zol's 18-year-old granddaughter Machika vows to end Rain's immortality once and for all. What stands in her way is the line between love and hate that becomes blurred when she actually discovers she needs him.

Remote (Action/Horror, Volume 1 Release: 6/4/04) From the creative minds of Seimaru Amagi and Tetsuya Koshiba comes this wildly compelling and ultra-violent manga that inspired a top TV drama in Japan. Kurumi Ayaki is a police officer who needs extra money to pay for her wedding. Seeking serious overtime to earn the cash, she takes on a host of crimes previously classified as unsolvable. Kurumi's partner is a mysterious young genius who is not only emotionless, but is also confined to his room. Acting as his eyes and ears, Karumi begins the frustrating task of piecing together the most elusive of clues while her personal life succumbs to business.

CPM Press is the umbrella brand enveloping CPM Manga, CPM Manhwa and CPM Comics. CPM Press’ diverse catalog features some of the hottest licenses in Japan for science fiction, fantasy, action/adventure, comedy and Shoujo (comics targeted at women). With fans in mind, CPM Press has re-sized, re-priced, and changed the format of its graphic novels to mirror the traditional Japanese right to left format whenever possible.

"This release marks an exciting milestone in the ascendant growth of CPM Press’ publishing program, happily coinciding with the phenomenal rise in popularity of manga in the United States." – stated John Davis, CPM Press Account Executive.

Slayers Super-Explosive Demon Story Book 03: Red Priest Writers and Artists: Hajime Kanzaka (writer), Shoko Yoshinaka (artist) and Rui Araizumi (character design). The forces of evil have triumphed. Lina is in the clutches of a sketchy band of sinister brigands in the employ of a mysterious and powerful man.

So it was on a rainy night, when Mahito had gone out for groceries that she was struck by a car. Two days later she awakens at home, covered in dirt and blood, yet there is not a scratch to be found anywhere on her. Shortly thereafter she discovers that she had died that night of the accident, but a mysterious woman named Alice had arrived on the scene and brought her back to life. This strange woman shared a part of her “Sacred Heart” with Mahito, giving her life as a Median, or Undead. It is a strange world Mahito is introduced to. As a Median, she possesses unique powers and sees the world around her for what it really is - a place quite different than what we humans perceive. It is a darker more foreboding plane where danger can lurk behind any given corner.

Available
Volume One of Sister Red will be available in Feb 2004. The 200 page graphic novels will be priced at $9.95. Visit http://www.comicsone.com/manga/sisterRed/sisterRed_v1.jpg for more detailed series information.

g-NET's "all access" iGuides are interactive, DVD strategy guides that enable consumers to fully navigate, enjoy, and master today's most popular videogames. iGuides feature many innovations that improve upon the existing print strategy-guide format, including: - Video-based instruction on controls and game-play - Video-based character, enemy, weapons, items, and maps galleries - Video-based walkthroughs - Web-based updates and content - Print and search functionality - Exclusive animated/video Bonus Content With a patent pending and a growing slate of exclusive licenses from some of the world's largest game publishers, g-NET is the first-mover, pioneer, and leader in the DVD strategy guide market. In Spring 2004, g-NET will officially launch the iGuide product line, which will be distributed nationally by FUNimation and will be available wherever games are sold.

"The iGuide has reinvented strategy guides for the evolving generation of video games and gamers," said Gen Fukunaga, President of FUNimation Productions Ltd. "g-Net is a company with great experience and talent for producing content and entertainment for the gaming industry. This is a great opportunity and we are very excited to partner with them on their iGuides."

g-NET's first "Dragon Ball Z" iGuide will be for the highly anticipated upcoming game "Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 2," to be published by Atari in December 2003. The iGuide will be a demo included on FUNimation's upcoming DVD release "Dragon Ball GT(r): Calculations," scheduled for nationwide release on December 30, 2003. In addition to sharing insider secrets and tips on how to master the "Budokai 2" game, the demo will also provide a preview glimpse at the kinds of content and features that will make iGuides one of the most important product launches for the videogame market in 2004.

"We are proud to have FUNimation as our exclusive distribution partner in this international, multi-year agreement," said David Getson, CEO of g-NET Media LLC. "We believe it says much about the quality of our product, the strength of our distribution, and our position as the pioneer and leader in the DVD strategy guide market that FUNimation has chosen g-NET as a partner for the enormously popular 'Dragon Ball Z' brand."

These gorgeous statues are perfectly sculpted productions based on two of SNK/PLAYMORE's bounciest fighting girls, Blue Mary and Mai Shiranui. Imported from Japan, both statues are professionally hand painted, contain stunning detail and stand nearly 6" tall! TOYCOM is now taking all pre-orders on these products and will ship out in early December.

Retailers, please contact your TOYCOM Sales Person for pre-orders and inquiries.

RUMBLE PAK was originally set published 48 pages of original comics for $4.95 (US); the company is now excited to announce the that comic book series will double each issue starting with issue one to 98 pages and still stay the same prices of $4.95.

The decision has been made after the Diamond Previews December solicitation. “We’re strongly feel that we need to platform as many new and talented American artists as possible,” claims Austin Osueke, publisher for RUMBLE PAK. “Putting the US on the map for creating a new generation of manga stories and characters are out top priority”.

With the announcement of creating “Giant-sized” comics, RUMBLE PAK editors are now seeking out new American comic artists as well as artists from all over the world. eigoManga's CEO Austin Osueke was excited about working with international artists, "Most Manga companies are located in Japan, and they accept artwork by mainly Japanese artists, but (eigoMANGA) like to partner with artists world wide, giving exposure to tales and art never seen before."

Knights of the Zodiac has already reached cult status across Asia, Latin America and Europe as one of the most popular anime properties and is also a current hit on the Cartoon Network’s action block in the U.S. ADV Films’ Volume One of Knights of the Zodiac, the first in a series of 13 volumes, features four half-hour episodes of the popular series plus collectible trading cards, which will also be included in subsequent volumes. ADV Films is scheduled to release a total of 40 half-hour episodes of Knights of the Zodiac in 13 volumes throughout 2004.

A fast-paced, futuristic, action-adventure series, Knights of the Zodiac pits the forces of good against evil as the Knights of Athena battle the Knights of Aries for control of the sacred Golden Cloth of Sagittarius and the world. Led by Bronze Knight SEIYA, the Knights of Athena draw upon their amazing martial arts skills as well as their mystical powers, each keyed to a different sign of the Zodiac, as they attempt to defeat PHOENIX and his Black Knights, who would do anything to gain the cloth of Sagittarius.

“The international popularity of Knights of the Zodiac is a strong indication that the property will resonate with the target audience of boys seven and up, in fact, we’re expecting this to be the ‘must have’ anime title for first quarter 2004,” says John Ledford Founder, president and CEO of ADV Films. “We are excited to be bringing such a popular and exciting series to the American anime audience.”

Bill Josey contributes more than 25 years of business and legal experience in the entertainment industry. Prior to joining TOKYOPOP, he served as Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at Fox Television Studios, where his principal responsibilities included negotiation of rights, talent, licensing and co-production agreements. His experience also includes senior executive business affairs posts at Saban Entertainment/Fox Family Worldwide, MGM/UA and other major Hollywood entities. In his newly-created position at TOKYOPOP, Josey will participate in the company's expansion into TV and film, as well as assume a variety of business and legal functions previously outsourced.

Masashi 'Sho' Matsuhashi also comes to TOKYOPOP with a wealth of entertainment industry experience. Most recently, he was General Manager, Business Operations Division for Virgin Cinemas Japan, with responsibility for all company sales--20 billion yen annually--and the entire nationwide theater chain of more than 500 personnel. Matsuhashi's previous roles include high-level general management positions with Universal Studios Japan, Disney Interactive Japan and GAGA Communications, Inc. As Tokyo Office General Manager, Matsuhashi will create, nurture and maximize opportunities through current and future relationships, with a focus on acquisitions, property development, co-productions, sales expansion and investor relations.

Four of China's supremely skilled assassin/detectives serve only their Master Zhuge Zhen-Wo - The Little Flower, who in turn is head bodyguard and advisor for China's all-powerful Emperor. The Four constables include: Wu Chen - The Emotionless Cripple is a master of weapons and devices, Tie Sho - The Iron Hand possesses incredible chi and can stop the sharpest blades with his bare hands, Zhue-Min - The Life Snatcher is highly skilled in light-foot granting him undaunted legwork and kicks, and Len Hsueh - The Cold Blooded who was raised by wolves and has since learned to convert his pain into strength enabling him to defeat opponents much stronger than himself. Each man is entrusted by the Emperor with the power to arrest and execute any corrupt officials or lawless criminals within the Chinese Empire.

These Imperial Constables act as protectors. With their venerable skill as kung fu practitioners and meticulous sleuths, they root out potential usurpers and discern the cause of many strange occurrences during Sung Dynasty! Before Agatha Christie, Dick Tracy, or even Sherlock Holmes, the game was afoot in ancient China!

About Wen Rui-An: Although of Chinese descent Wen Rui-An was born in Malaysia. He published his first literary piece when he was only 9 years old and organized his own literary group when he was barely twenty. He had completed more than 200 fiction and nonfiction literary pieces before he was 30. His 49 martial arts series have been published under Wang-Sheng Pub. The novels mainly deal with the final years of the Northern Sung Dynasty (ca. 1100 A.D.) under Emperor Huei.

BATTLE VIXENS (Action/Adventure/Comedy, Volume 1 Release: 4/6/04) Also known as Ikki Tosen, this immensely popular Yuji Shiozaki series is being adapted by famed comic book pro Keith Giffen (Justice League, Battle Royale). Its shocking story follows a troubled teenage girl who wants nothing more than to beat someone to a bloody pulp. This raging buxom beauty has no idea of her true fighting potential until her mother sends her to Tokyo, where she begins training with other brawl-hunting "Toushi"-warriors from around the world who possess ancient jewels that hold the spirits of fallen Chinese heroes.

LAMENT OF THE LAMB (Horror, Volume 1 Release: 5/11/04) Created by Kei Toume-one of Japan's hottest manga artists-this surprise hit inspired a live action film and an anime series in Japan. Lament of the Lamb takes readers on a chilling journey into the tormented life of a family of vampires-all of whom struggle constantly to suppress their insatiable thirst for blood. Sent away after the death of his mother, Kazuna has long been blissfully unaware of his "condition." When his teenage hormones begin to rage, an uncontrollable bloodlust suddenly rears its head. Can his long-lost sister protect him from the world? More important... can she protect the world from him?

ARM OF KANNON (Horror, Volume 1 Release: 5/4/04) An "11" on the evil scale, this dark tale by Masakazu Yamaguchi will appeal to fans of TOKYOPOP's Battle Royale and Priest. After Juzo Mikami discovers an ancient Buddhist relic rumored to have mystical powers, he vanishes, leaving behind his wife and two children. Juzo reappears three years later, but something isn't right, and his son, Mao, is suspicious of the man claiming to be his father. As Mao searches for the truth behind the relic and his father's disappearance, a secret organization bent on creating mystical super-soldiers may just get in the way and cause a world of chaos in the process.

MODEL (Romance/Horror, Volume 1 Release: 5/4/04) Lee So-young (The God of Death, Check) delivers this classic gothic story. Like Lament of the Lamb, its plot involves vampires...but introduces a whole new angle to the parasite-host relationship. Jae is a struggling artist living in Europe. Determined to succeed at all costs, she finds herself in the most unusual of barter deals. She allows a vampire to drink her blood if he allows her to paint him. Her hope? That this bizarre situation may just give her the edge that launches her into stardom as a painter.

THE DEMON ORORON (Fantasy, Volume 1 Release: 4/6/04) Fans of all things goth will delight in this unique manga created by Mizuki Hakase and adapted by Josh D.M. Dysart (Image's Violent Messiahs). Chiaki is the orphaned daughter of the Archangel Michael and a human woman. Ororon is an unholy devil with a bounty on his head. With nowhere to run and no allies to turn to, Ororon and Chiaki struggle to stay alive as the battle between devils and the angelic order rages around them.

CRESCENT MOON (Fantasy/Sci-Fi, Volume 1 Release: 5/4/04) Created by Haruko Iida, this classic Japanese legend of sorcery and myth has a lure shojo fans will find irresistible, especially if they've ever read TOKYOPOP's Demon Diary or Vampire Game. In this unusual story, a high-school girl has the uncanny ability to bring luck to everyone she physically touches. A recurring dream drives her to a tribe of demons called the Lunar Race, who ask for her aid in recovering their stolen power source. As an envoy between them and the Human Race, she is joined by a group of fierce but kind companions. Their battles and adventures forge a camaraderie that will never be broken!

The 360 page commemorative issue will feature the debut of a brand new series - Hikaru no Go. The comic, from creator Yumi Hotta and artist Takeshi Obata, is based around the ancient Chinese strategy game Go and has sat atop Japan's manga sales charts for many years and also spawned a popular anime television series. For its American debut, the opening pages of Hikaru no Go will be presented in full color. Building on a tradition established in the premiere issue of SHONEN JUMP, VIZ will again offer an added bonus to Yu-Gi-Oh! fans - an exclusive, fully playable and tournament legal monster trading card available nowhere else but this issue. Rounding out the edition are the continuing serialized adventures of Dragon Ball Z, Naruto (which has consistently ranked first in VIZ reader response surveys as their favorite manga), Yu-Gi-Oh!, YuYu Hakusho, One Piece, and Shaman King. Later in November, the award-winning Shaman King creator, Hiroyuki Takei, is expected to pay an in person visit to VIZ's offices for an exclusive interview that will be forthcoming next year. He'll also autograph a bevy of Shaman King premium items for a contest that will be announced shortly for SHONEN JUMP.

"I am gratified to see that SHONEN JUMP has garnered such a popular following among manga and anime fans," states VIZ President Mr. Seiji Horibuchi. "Since its debut in 2002, SHONEN JUMP has achieved the goal of becoming the first English language manga publication expressly targeted at mainstream audiences. This special anniversary edition will debut our newest serial - Hikaru no Go - an intense psychological drama that will captivate readers. Manga has been immensely popular in Japan for many decades and I am pleased that a diverse American audience has wholeheartedly embraced the stories and format presented in SHONEN JUMP. VIZ is committed to offering unique titles that feature positive characters in a medium that remains true to the artistic integrity of the original Japanese artists."

Sakura-Con: Pacific Northwest Anime Convention April 23rd to April 25th, 2004 Seattle Airport Hilton & Conference Center and Sea-Tac Marriott Hotel

Sakura-Con 2004 is proud to announce our first Guest of Honor for 2004.

Akitaroh Daichi http://www5c.biglobe.ne.jp/~akitaroh/

Mr. Daichi is the creator of such successful shows as "Elf Princess Raine", "Jubei-chan: The Ninja Girl", "Now and Then, Here and There", and "Carried By the Wind Tsukikaze Ran". Mr. Daichi is also known for the direction of such hits "Kodomo No Omocha (Child's Toy)", "Akazukin Cha Cha (Little Red Riding Hood Cha Cha)", Nurse Angel Ririka", and "Fruits Basket". He is currently now working on directing "Jubei-chan 2". This will be Mr. Daichi's first trip to the Pacific Northwest!

The special disc will include: The Legend of Zelda, the original 1987 game for the Nintendo Entertainment System® (NES) that introduced Link, Zelda™, Ganon and the magical world of Hyrule; the game remains one of the most popular video games ever Zelda II™: The Adventure of Link®, the 1988 NES adventure that combined exploration, action, magic and weapons The Legend of Zelda®: Ocarina of Time®, the 1998 hit for the Nintendo® 64 that let players travel through time, explore vast territories and solve puzzles, all in a 3-D environment The Legend of Zelda®: Majora’s Mask™, the 2000 sequel for the Nintendo 64 that let players don masks to transform into various characters, all while battling against the clock A playable demo of The Legend of Zelda®: The Wind Waker™, the series’ 2003 debut on the Nintendo GameCube that included cartoon-shaded visuals and unique facial animation in the richest, most expansive environment yet Gameplay footage highlights from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker A short retrospective history of The Legend of Zelda series