NYCC 2016: Europe Comics At New York Comic Con

Europe Comics, the All Digital All European comics and graphic novel venture will mark its first year of existence at the New York Comic-Con this October. The project, officially launched at the NYCC 2015, is returning to the convention, but this time with four European creators and a list of events at the Javits and other locations around New York.

French creators François Boucq, Matthieu Bonhomme and Jean-David Morvan and Italian comics prodigy Zerocalcare will be comparing their work and experience with American creators Sean Gordon Murphy, Andrew C Robinson, Dave Roman, and US-based French creator Pénélope Bagieu, under the watchful chairmanship of Calvin Reid (Publishers Weekly) and Brigid Alverson (Good Comics for Kids). Panels will be held at the Javits Center, the Cooper Union and Columbia’s Department of Italian.

A series of author signings/live drawing, and a week of special sales and giveaways will be accompanying Europe Comics at the NYCC.

Europe Comics will also be co-sponsoring ICV2’s state-of-the-industry event ‘Insider Talks/Happy Hour’ where a quick summary of the past 12 months and future goals will be made.

In one year Europe Comics has published 200 titles, has participated in five major events in Europe and the USA, and toured with a dozen European creators.

Details at http://www.europecomics.com/nycc16

VIZ Media Launches New Manga Titles In October Digital Update

VIZ Media winds down summer and welcomes the Fall reading season with a brand new digital manga update for October as well as ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM promotions celebrating series creator Yusei Matsui’s New York Comic Con appearance. This month, readers can dive into a wide range of noteworthy new releases that includes TOKYO GHOUL: DAYS, the first in a new line of novels inspired by the smash hit manga series created by Sui Ishida, the digital exclusive release of the shojo drama, BOYS OVER FLOWERS SEASON 2, Vol. 4, as well as 7THGARDEN Vol. 2, KUROKO’S BASKETBALL 2-in-1 Vol. 2, and ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Vol. 12.

ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Manga Promotion

VIZ Media celebrates the first-ever North American appearance of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM manga creator Yusei Matsui at New York Comic Con 2016, taking place this month. To celebrate Yusei Matsui’s visit there will be two ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM digital sales available for a limited time:

• ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Digital Volume Sale: All available volumes of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM on sale for $4.99 per volume. Available Oct. 4^th–10^th on all digital platforms.

• ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Digital Bundle Sale: A digital bundle that includes Vols. 1-11 for only $45, approximately 41% off! Available Oct. 4^th-10^th on VIZ.com and comiXology only.

In addition to the ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM promotions, readers can look forward to Halloween themed sales featuring your favorite frightening reads. Check VIZ.com for the latest sales!

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP readers can also look forward to Yusei Matsui celebrations by visiting the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP website. The first seven chapters of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM will be available on the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP website’s free section for the extent of the creator’s New York Comic Con appearance. Check the website for more free chapters from fan-favorite series available this month!

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is the world’s premier manga brand and leading international weekly manga magazine. Starting October 3^rd, HUNTER X HUNTER will join the website’s free section. New chapters of HUNTER X HUNTER will be added every day for new and current fans to enjoy. Other series currently available in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP’s free section include the new Jump Start series, RED SPRITE, as well as DRAGON BALL SUPER, HAIKYU!!, ONE-PUNCH MAN, NARUTO: CHIBI SASUKE’S SHARINGAN LEGEND and more!

New October 2016 Digital Manga:

Additional digital manga updates for October include new volumes for 14 continuing VIZ Media series. Notable releases include the latest not-to-be-missed volumes for BLACK CLOVER (Vol. 3), FOOD WARS! (Vol. 14), HAIKYU!! (Vol. 4), MONSTER HUNTER (Vol. 4), and TOKYO GHOUL (Vol. 9). New shojo manga releases include HONEY SO SWEET (Vol. 4), KAMISAMA KISS (Vol. 22), MY LOVE STORY!! (Vol. 10), SO CUTE IT HURTS!! (Vol. 9) and YONA OF THE DAWN (Vol. 2).

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the ComiXology, iBooks and Google Play Stores.

Most manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Readers can also explore free Chapter 1 previews of most series.

For more information, please visit VIZ.com.

NYCC: Viz Media's Exclusives and Guests

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, brings a jam-packed weekend of unique creator events, informative panel discussions, fun booth activities and a specially curated selection of exclusive retail items available for purchase during New York Comic Con 2016. New York Comic Con (NYCC) takes place October 6^th – 9^th at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan and is the East Coast's biggest pop culture convention. The annual event plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. More information on New York Comic Con is available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

VIZ Media will be located in Booth #2036.

This year, VIZ Media proudly welcomes Yusei Matsui, the creator of the bestselling ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM manga series, as a special NYCC Spotlight Guest. Fans will be able to catch his first-ever North American professional appearance as Matsui participates in a range of panel discussions and autograph sessions.

Additional creators and guests making appearances at the VIZ Media booth this year include Toyotarou, the Japanese artist and manga creator who is collaborating with famed manga creator Akira Toriyama on the new DRAGON BALL SUPER series.

VIZ Media also will celebrate the globally acclaimed animated series, RWBY, the first western anime series to be distributed in Japan, with appearances by Barbara Dunkelman, who provides the voice of Yang, as well as RWBY Head of Animation Gray Haddock. Please check the VIZ Media booth for appearance times.

2016 marks the 30^th Anniversary of the founding of VIZ Media. Join in the celebration at the VIZ Media booth, which will be vividly adorned with a gallery of original artwork on shikishi by scores of manga’s greatest creators paying homage to VIZ Media! A special illustration by ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM creator Yusei Matsui also will join the exhibit.

Other fun activities taking place at the VIZ Media booth will include:

• VIZ Media 30^th Anniversary Prize Wheel

Celebrate VIZ Media’s 30^th Anniversary and try your luck at our prize wheel for a chance to win exclusive goodies!

• SAILOR MOON Tiara Giveaway

Collect your tiara and become a guardian of love and justice!

• RWBY Poster Giveaway

Grab a poster for the hot RWBY animated series at the VIZ Media booth!

Please check the daily booth schedule for activity times.

VIZ Media New York Comic Con Panels:

Friday October 7^th

11:15AM - 12:15PM    VIZ Media Official Panel

                                      Room 1A10

Join the VIZ Media team as they talk about favorites like NARUTO, ONE-PUNCH MAN, TOKYO GHOUL, SAILOR MOON and much more. There will be announcements, exclusive first looks at new titles, and prizes!

5:15PM - 6:15PM         An Evening with Yusei Matsui, Creator Of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM

                                      Room 1A06

Yusei Matsui will discuss his career and creative process behind his global hit! This special presentation will explore the ins and outs to bringing the story of a pathetic class of misfits and their bizarre tentacled teacher to life.

Saturday October 8^th

1:45PM - 2:45PM         WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Panel

                                      Room 1A10

Hang out with the English language editors of the world’s most popular manga! Yusei Matsui, creator of the global sensation ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM, will make a special appearance.

3:00PM – 4:00PM         ONE-PUNCH MAN Official Panel

                                      Room 1A10

What's it like when a hero becomes too strong? Find out! Lucky attendees will get the inside scoop from the VIZ Media team on what's next, plus a surprise or two.

Sunday October 9^th

2:45PM – 3:45PM         SAILOR MOON Official Panel

                                      Room 1A06

Everyone's favorite Guardian of Love and Justice is back and better than ever! Join the VIZ Media SAILOR MOON team for all the can't-miss news and updates on the legendary anime series, as well as the all-new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL.

Also don’t miss the following product exclusives and special advance releases available (while supplies last) at the VIZ Media booth:

• Advance Pre-street Manga Releases:

o   ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Vol. 13 with exclusive collectable button - $10

o   JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE - PART 3: STARDUST CRUSADERS Vol. 1 - $20

o   THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: LEGENDARY EDITION Vol. 1 - $18

o   MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM THUNDERBOLT Vol. 1 - $15

o   ITACHI’s STORY Vol. 1 – DAY BREAK (NARUTO Novel) - $11

o   SUPER MARIO ADVENTURES - $15

• ONE PIECE Full Color Framed Replica Manga Artwork – $230 each

Exclusive from Japan!

• NARUTO SHIPPUDEN “Kakashi Hatake” 1/6 Scale Statue by Grecco - $220

Exclusive – includes special accessories just for the show!

• TOKYO GHOUL & ONE-PUNCH MAN Black & White Manga Replicas - $15 each

Exclusive from Japan!

• SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL Season 1 Set 1 Combo Pack - $65

Includes a Limited Edition Sun Catcher as a special free gift with purchase

• SAILOR MOON S (Season 3) Set 1 Combo Pack Pre-Order – $65

Pre-order the set now to have it mailed when it releases; also receive a special free collectible Sailor Moon Coin as a gift with purchase

• HUNTER X HUNTER Set 1 Blu-ray Pre-order - $50

Pre-order the set now to have it mailed when it releases; also receive a special free Hunter’s License as a gift with purchase

• WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Premium Annual Membership – $30

Secure a digital subscription to the world’s most popular manga magazine that also includes exclusive YU‐GI-OH! Promo Card: Masked Hero Blast and an exclusive Shonen Jump t-shirt designed for NYCC

• Exclusive ONE-PUNCH MAN “Oppai” T-shirts in a limited edition color - $20
• Exclusive SAILOR MOON S T-shirts – $15 each

Exclusive design featuring all of the Guardians’ symbols; available only from VIZ Media!

• THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES 2016 CON EXCLUSIVE - $15

And don’t miss the limited edition VIZ Media tote bag featuring iconic characters from celebrated series in 2 bold designs as a free gift with purchase of any item from VIZ Media. Select from SAILOR MOON or ONE-PUNCH MAN! (while supplies last)

For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

Title Announcement: Titan Reveals New Ongoing Assassin's Creed Comic

Titan Comics is excited to reveal that it will be culminating the Phoenix Project storyline from the Assassin’s Creed^® video games, published by Ubisoft^®. Titan’s current Assassin’s Creed^® series’ – Assassin’s and Templars – will now merge into one brand-new, exhilarating ongoing comic to unite characters from across the Assassin’s Creed^® mythos! Launching in stores this February, Titan’s brand-new Assassin’s Creed^® comic will give fans fresh insights into characters from the vast Assassin’s Creed universe, including Juhani Otso Berg, Galina Voronina, Kiyoshi Takakura and Arend Schut. The series will also expand upon the adventures of Charlotte De La Cruz and Black Cross from Titan’s Assassin’s Creed^® & Templars comics.

It’s an exciting time for the franchise; last year saw the release of the critically acclaimed Assassin’s Creed^® Syndicate video game, and this December, the Assassin’s Creed^® universe expands into theaters with the worldwide release of the feature film “Assassin’s Creed^®,” which opens in theaters on December 21, 2016 and stars Academy Award^® nominee Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past) and Academy Award^® winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises). The film, directed by Justin Kurzel, is produced by New Regency Productions, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, a UBISOFT^® studio, DMC Films and The Kennedy/Marshall Company; co-financed by RatPac Entertainment and Alpha Pictures; and distributed by 20th Century Fox.

Written by scribes Dan Watters (Limbo) and Alex Paknadel (Arcadia) and illustrated by Assassin’s Creed^® video game storyboard artist, José Holder (Deceivers), this new comic series will culminate a key storyline from the Assassin’s Creed^® video games, kicking off with the Phoenix Project (featured in Assassin’s Creed^® Unity, Assassin’s Creed^® Rogue and Assassin’s Creed^® Syndicate) - a Templar plot to unlock the ancient secrets stored in the DNA of a precursor race.

In the first arc, tensions are running high for both the Brotherhood and the Templar Order. A nefarious new world order is on the horizon and only a united team of Assassin’s have the knowledge and skill to save humanity from subjugation.

Assassin’s Creed^® #1 arrives in stores and digital platforms in February. Retailers can order issue #1 from the November edition of Diamond PREVIEWS.

Tales For A HalloweeNight vol. 2 at NYCC

This anthology includes works from all of the following artists and writers who WILL all be signing at the Storm King booth # 2304: Tim Bradstreet (Punisher), Sandy King Carpenter (They Live, Vampires), Cat Staggs (Wonder Woman ‘77), Jimmy Palmiotti (Harlequin), Steve Hoveke (Tales for a HalloweeNight Vol 1), Janice Chiang (Impulse), Dennis Calero (Xmen Noir), Deirdre Brooks (Wizard Press), Amanda Deibert (Wonder Woman’ 77), and Richard R. Clark (Batman: Arkham Unhinged).

About the title:

John Carpenter’s Tales for a HalloweeNight Volume 2: From John Carpenter, the man who brought you the cult classic horror film Halloween and all of the scares beyond comes 12 more twisted tales of terror, tricks, and treats. In volume 2 of the award-winning graphic novel series, Carpenter brings together another stellar ensemble of storytellers from the worlds of movies, novels and comics for a collection of stories that will haunt your dreams at night.

NYCC 2016: Dark Horse Announces Over-sized "Black Hammer" Anthology

Jeff Lemire’s superhero comic series is getting the super treatment: Dark Horse is proud to announce that Black Hammer will have an oversized anthology issue in early 2017. Black Hammer Giant-Sized Annual features an all-star slate of guest artists illustrating five stories by Jeff Lemire. Dustin Nguyen (The Authority, Batman: Streets of Gotham), Emi Lenox (Plutona, EmiTown), Nate Powell (March, Any Empire), Matt Kindt (MIND MGMT, Dept. H), Ray Fawkes (One Soul, The People Inside), and Dave Stewart (Fight Club 2, Black Hammer) bring Abraham Slam, Golden Gail, Colonel Weird, Barbalien, and Madame Dragonfly to life.

The forty-page Black Hammer Giant-Sized Annual will be available on January 18, 2017.

Black Hammer is currently available as an ongoing comic series from Dark Horse. The popular series is from the prodigious brain of Lemire (Descender, Sweet Tooth, Essex County, A.D.: After Death, Plutona) and brought to life by Ormston (Lucifer, The Sandman), with colors by none other than Eisner Award–winning veteran Dave Stewart.

Comic Industry: Dark Horse Promotes Melissa Lomax To New Director of Marketing

Dark Horse is proud to announce the promotion of Melissa Lomax to the role of director of Marketing. She will be responsible for helping to oversee the Marketing department in bookstore and direct market business strategies, digital publishing, promotions, social media, and advertising. “Melissa has proven herself to be a great asset to the company. Her hard work and dedication have been an example for us all,” said Dark Horse’s president and publisher Mike Richardson. Melissa started her career at Dark Horse Comics as a summer intern in the Marketing department in 2007 and 2008. In September 2009, Melissa was hired as a public relations coordinator following her graduation from Pacific Lutheran University. Through hard work and dedication, Melissa has been promoted from coordinator to manager and now to director in the Marketing department. Melissa holds a bachelor of arts in communications with a focus in public relations and advertising and a minor in history. Melissa has been a member of Pacific Lutheran University’s School of Arts and Communication advisory board since its inception in 2013.

Vice president of Marketing Matt Parkinson explained his excitement for Melissa’s part in Dark Horse’s future: “As we near the end of our first thirty years of business, I look forward to watching Melissa help propel Dark Horse into the next thirty years with her creativity and innovation!”

New director of Marketing Melissa Lomax spoke of her excitement for the new opportunity: “I am beyond thrilled and honored to take on this position with the new opportunities and challenges it presents. It has been a privilege to work along side and learn from the best people in the business and I only hope to continue the stellar legacy of Dark Horse Comics in the years to come.”

Please join us in congratulating Melissa Lomax on her past accomplishments and wishing her luck in her new role in the company!

LINE Webtoon at NYCC

LINE Webtoon, the popular digital comics platform that is revolutionizing the distribution and consumption of comics worldwide, is heading to New York Comic Con with a lineup of panels, autograph signings, portfolio reviews, and more. The highlight of the weekend will be on Friday evening at the LINE Webtoon – Monetize YOUR Comics! panel featuring the founders of LINE Webtoon, DeviantArt, and Patreon in a discussion on the history and future of creator-owned content along with superstar creators Kaitlyn Narvaza (Siren’s Lament) and Tracy Butler (Lackadaisy). As sponsors of Artist Alley, LINE Webtoon will be set up at booth #N101 in Artist Alley for portfolio reviews and creator signings each day of the convention. All signings are free and all who attend will get a free mini-poster. LINE Webtoon will also host a Draw Along vertical storytelling contest at the booth for a chance to win a $300 gift card each day.

Panels

Comics & Politics

Thursday, October 6 – 8:00PM-9:00PM (Room 1A24)

Over the years political cartooning has taken an increasingly important role in the public discourse, amplified by social media. The panel will focus on the role comics and art play in politics, specifically during election cycles, and how they can influence, inform, or enlighten the public on topics that they might otherwise have had a hard stance on or limited exposure to. Featuring Consume artist Hal Hefner, Polidiocy creators Eric Mahoney and Ryan Dunlavey, and other noted political cartoonists. Hosted by LINE Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel.

LINE Webtoon – Monetize YOUR Comics!

Friday, October 7 – 6:30PM-7:30PM (Room 1A02)

Making comics and you can too! LINE Webtoon has been breaking new talent for over 10 years. LINE Webtoon’s Tom Akel will walk you through how to publish and promote your own IP on the Discover platform and talk about LINE Webtoon’s partnerships that are focused on creator growth with Patreon Founder Jack Conte, DeviantArt Founder Angelo Sotira, and LINE Webtoon Founder Junkoo Kim. Come hear from creators who have published their work through Discover while building huge audiences, including Kaitlyn Narvaza (Siren’s Lament, Where Tangents Meet) and a creator of the hit series Lackadaisy, Tracy Butler.

Webcomics on LINE Webtoon

Saturday, October 8 – 6:30PM-6:45PM (#NYCC Live Stage - Show Floor)

LINE Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel  hosts hit webcomic creators Shen (Bluechair), Andy Stuart (Behind the GIFs), Ryan Dunlavey (Polidiocy), and Eric Mahoney (Polidiocy) to talk about creating social currency and relevance in a crowded webcomics world. Fans can also watch this panel live on Twitch here.

LINE Webtoon – The Future of Comics

Sunday, October 9 – 12:00PM-12:30PM (#NYCC Live Stage - Show Floor)

Join LINE Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel as he speaks with an all-star group of creators including Katie Cook (Nothing Special), Colleen Doran (Finality), David Tischman (Heroine Chic), Zach Howard (Buck), and Dean Haspiel (The Red Hook) about their current and upcoming titles, leading the charge in creator-owned content, and the future of digital comics. With a first look at Colleen Doran and Warren Ellis' Finality. Fans can also watch this panel live on Twitch here.

Throughout the weekend LINE Webtoon will also be hosting a series of autograph signings with top creators and portfolio reviews where creators can drop by for constructive feedback on their comics. The signings and portfolio reviews will take place at Booth #N101 at the following times:

Autograph Signings & Portfolio Reviews

Thursday, October 6^th:

• 1:30PM-2:30PM – Portfolio reviews with LINE Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel and DeviantArt Creative Strategist Hal Hefner
• 4:00PM-5:00PM – Signings with Shen (Bluechair), Andy Stuart (Behind the GIFs), Eric Mahoney & Ryan Dunlavey (Polidiocy), and Dami Lee (As Per Usual)

Friday, October 7^th:

• 1:00PM-2:00PM – Portfolio reviews with LINE Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel
• 3:00PM-4:00PM – Signings with Tracy Butler (Lackadaisy) and Megan McKay (Doodle for Food)
• 4:30PM-5:30PM – Signings with Matt Doyle (Dents), Karl Altstaetter (Mirror) and Matt Hawkins & Bryan Hill (Cyberforce)

Saturday, October 8^th:

• 12:00PM-1:00PM – Portfolio reviews with LINE Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel and Zach Howard (Buck)
• 1:30PM-2:30PM – Signings with Colin Lawler & Joe Grabowski (Spirits) and Kaitlyn Narvaza (Siren’s Lament)
• 3:00PM-4:00PM – Signings with Colleen Doran (Finality) and David Tischman (Heroine Chic)
• 4:00PM-5:00PM – Signings with Dean Haspiel (The Red Hook), Vito Delsante & Ricardo Venâncio (The Purple Heart), Shamus Beyale & Jason Goungor (The Brooklynite)

Sunday, October 9^th:

• 1:00PM-2:00PM – Signings with Katie Cook (Nothing Special) and Zach Howard & Austin Harrison (Buck)
• 2:30PM-3:30PM – Portfolio reviews with LINE Webtoon Head of Content Tom Akel and Dean Haspiel (The Red Hook)

VIZ Media Appoints Evolution As Licensing Agent

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, has tapped the premiere global licensing and brand management firm Evolution USA, LLC as its new licensing agent. Evolution will represent VIZ Media’s vast catalog of anime and original multimedia content and will be focused on developing new merchandise and expanded retail relationships. The team will also identify and monetize North American licensing opportunities to expand VIZ Media’s consumer presence into untapped new vertical markets.

"VIZ Media's extensive multimedia catalog aligns perfectly with Evolution’s focus on monetizing intellectual properties and character-driven brands into new media, location-based entertainment, consumer products, and fashion apparel,” says Travis J. Rutherford, Evolution‘s President of Licensing & Retail. “There's tremendous brand loyalty and awareness for VIZ Media's unique properties, and we're excited to bring new products to life that will appeal to new and existing fans alike."

“Partnering with the team at Evolution will be a critical component in the ongoing execution of our consumer licensing strategies,” says Brad Woods, Chief Marketing Officer, VIZ Media. “As we continue to develop and expand our catalog we wanted to have an expert merchandise and retail partner who can help to drive the North American business.”

VIZ Media’s acclaimed catalog of anime, manga and original properties includes smash hit series such as ONE-PUNCH MAN, NARUTO, HUNTER X HUNTER, and JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE. The company’s manga titles are regularly featured on New York Times and Nielsen Bookscan national bestseller lists, and its anime series are widely viewed on major broadcast outlets such as Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. The company marked the 30^th Anniversary of its founding this year.

For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.