Makoto Shinkai Set to Appear at NYAF 2011

Press Release:

ANIMATOR AND DIRECTOR MAKOTO SHINKAI COMES TO THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL

Shinkai To Present NY Premiere Of Children Who Chase Lost Voices From Deep Below 

Norwalk, CT, August 4, 2011: The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) and Crunchyroll today announced auteur Japanese animator and director Makoto Shinkai will participate in this October’s New York Anime Festival.  The New York Anime Festival will take place October 13-16, 2011 at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan as part of the sixth annual New York Comic Con (NYCC).  NYCC, which attracted 96,000 attendees in 2010, celebrates comics, television, movies, toys, games, and the popular arts from around the planet.  NYCC’s Anime Festival shines a specific spotlight on anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture.  NYCC has already announced guests including Kevin Smith, Felicia Day, and Robert Kirkman.  NYAF guests include voice actress Junko Takeuchi and manga author Hiro Mashima.

Makoto Shinkai, born in Nagano, Japan in 1973, boldly entered the animation world in 2000 with She and Her Cat, a short single-handedly written, directed, and animated. His follow up, The Voices of a Distant Star in 2002, was again a solo work.  Shinkai laboring individually on what a team would normally produce, the result was a poignant, personal, unique film which won awards and praise in both Japan and the United States. Shinkai’s first animated feature, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, was released in 2004, and it was followed by 5 Centimeters per Second in 2007.  Shinkai now working with a dedicated staff at CoMix Wave Films committed to his vision, these two titles expanded the scope of his storytelling. They further planted his name squarely in the minds of anime fans, critics, and cinemaphiles on both sides of the Pacific, and earned the young artist comparisons to master storytellers including Hayao Miyazaki and the departed Satoshi Kon.

Hoshi O Ou Kodomo: Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below is Makoto Shinkai’s newest work, released earlier this year in Japan and premiering in New York City at the New York Anime Festival.  He is co-sponsored by Crunchyroll.  His travel is provided by American Airlines.

“The New York Anime Festival is humbled to welcome Makoto Shinkai to New York City,” NYAF and NYCC Show Manager Lance Fensterman said.  “Since The Voices of a Distant Star was released in America, it has been making fans. Something different, all of Shinkai’s works have been possessed by a heart and a sense of self that is seldom seen in anime.  Every project Mr. Shinkai’s been behind has had a clear personality, intimacy, and immediacy that have earned him fans far beyond traditional anime watchers.  Shinkai’s works are respected by animation and cinema aficionados the world over, and I am delighted to bring Mr. Shinkai to New York City and to present his most recent work, Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below.”

Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below premiered in Japan on May 7th and saw its American premiere at Otakon on July 30th of this year.  It will screen for the first time in NYC at the New York Anime Festival.  In Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below, a girl named Asuna meets a young man called Shun who comes from the faraway land of Agartha.  The two quickly become friends, but then — just as quickly — Shun disappears.  And when Asuna hears the word “Agartha” again in school as part of a fairytale, she knows adventure and mystery lie ahead.  Makoto Shinkai’s most ambitious film yet, Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below is grand in scope, marrying together lavish visuals with a narrative that literally crosses worlds.

At the New York Anime Festival, Makoto Shinkai will speak on a Q&A session and dedicate time to autographing, both public signings for general attendees and reserved autographing for NYAF VIPs.  His appearance will culminate in the introduction to Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below.

For Mr. Shinkai’s bio, headshot, and stills from Children who Chase Lost Voices from Deep Below, please visit www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

Details around all of Shinkai’s events and NYAF’s full schedule will be announced later this summer.  Tickets are available at www.newyorkcomiccon.com now. For the latest information, please follow @ny_anime_fest and @ny_comic_con on Twitter as well as read NYAF and NYCC’s official blog,www.mediumatlarge.net.

ABOUT CRUNCHYROLL, INC:

Crunchyroll is a leading global video network and developer of social media applications for Japanese anime and Asian media. Through applications like Crunchyroll for iPhone, iPad, Android, TV set-top boxes, affiliate websites and its own streaming website, Crunchyroll delivers officially-licensed content from leading Asian media producers directly to consumers. Crunchyroll has offices in San Francisco,Calif. and Tokyo, Japan, and is a member of the Association of Japanese Animations (AJA) and Licensing International Merchandisers’ Association (LIMA). Founded in 2006, Crunchyroll is funded by leading venture capital firm, Venrock, Japanese entertainment giant TV TOKYO, digital publishing leader Bitway and a group of angel investors representing some of the brightest and most successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley. (www.crunchyroll.com)

ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:

The New York Anime Festival is a celebration of Japanese popular culture from the creators of New York Comic Con. NYAF conducts, promotes and is involved in anime and Japanese cultural activities year-round in New York City, including events at Kinokuniya Bookstore, Japan Society, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Sakura Matsuri. Our flagship event is the New York Anime Festival at New York Comic Con. Taking place at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan on October 13-16, 2011, the New York Anime Festival at New York Comic Con showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music and games as well as anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. (www.newyorkanimefestival.com)

ABOUT NEW YORK COMIC CON:

New York Comic Con is the East Coast’s biggest and most exciting popular culture convention. Our show floor plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Our panels and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators. Our screening rooms feature sneak peeks at films and television shows months before they hit either big or small screens. And with dedicated professional hours, New York Comic Con is a market place, bringing together the major players in the entertainment industry. New York Comic Con is the second largest pop culture convention in America and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City. (www.newyorkcomiccon.com)

ABOUT REEDPOP:

ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans.  The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East & West, Star Wars Celebration, New York Anime Festival (NYAF), Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC), and UFC Fan Expo.  The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion.  ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

UPDATED: Viz Media Brings the Star of Naruto to New York Anime Festival 2011

Viz Media announced last week at Comic-Con International that they are bringing voice actress Junko Takeuchi to the New York Comic Con and Anime Festival! Takeuchi is best-known for her work as the voice of Naruto Uzumaki — lead character in the Naruto franchise — as well as roles including Gon Freecss in Hunter x Hunter, Mamoru Endo in Inazuma Eleven, Metabee in Medabots, and Gomamon in Digimon. At the New York Anime Festival, Takeuchi will speak at a Q&A session and dedicate time to autographing, both public signings for general attendees and reserved autographing for NYAF VIPs. Her appearance will culminate in the introduction to the US premiere of the feature film Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Bonds.

For more information follow the Medium at Large blog.

UPDATED WITH PRESS RELEASE:

VOICE ACTRESS JUNKO TAKEUCHI – THE JAPANESE VOICE OF NARUTO – COMES TO NEW YORK ANIME FEST

Ms. Takeuchi To Premiere New Naruto Shippuden Film At Anime Event During New York Comic Con 

Norwalk, CT, August 1, 2011: The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) and VIZ Media are proud to announce the Japanese voice of titular character Naruto Uzumaki in the global anime phenomenonNaruto and Naruto Shippuden — Junko Takeuchi — is coming to this October’s New York Anime Festival.  The New York Anime Festival will take place October 13-16, 2011 at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan as part of the sixth annual New York Comic Con (NYCC).  NYCC, which attracted 96,000 attendees in 2010, celebrates comics, television, movies, toys, games, and the popular arts from around the planet.  NYCC’s Anime Festival shines a specific spotlight on anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture.  NYCC has already announced guests including Kevin Smith, Felicia Day, and Robert Kirkman.

VIZ Media officially announced Ms. Takeuchi’s attendance at the New York Anime Festival on Friday, July 22nd as part of VIZ Media’s 25th Anniversary Panel at Comic-Con International in San Diego, CA.  Ms. Takeuchi will take part in a panel and signings at NYAF, and will introduce the U.S. premiere of the motion picture Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Bonds at a VIZ Media event (details forthcoming).  Ms. Takeuchi’s travel is provided by American Airlines.

Junko Takeuchi, a prolific voice actress (or seiyuu), originally hails from Saitama, Japan and has earned a large following internationally for her portrayal of Naruto Uzumaki — lead character in the Narutofranchise — and is also well-known for roles including Gon Freecss in Hunter x Hunter, Mamoru Endo in Inazuma Eleven, Metabee in Medabots, and Gomamon in Digimon.  Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens with more than 100 million copies in circulation to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (Naruto rated ‘T’ for Teens, and Naruto Shippuden rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) are among VIZ Media’s most successful properties and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe, and South America.

At the New York Anime Festival, Takeuchi will speak on a panel and dedicate time to autographing, both public signings for general attendees and reserved autographing for NYAF VIPs.  Her appearance will culminate in the introduction of the U.S. premiere of Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Bonds.  In the feature film, a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

“The New York Anime Festival is honored welcome Junko Takeuchi to New York City,” NYAF and NYCC Show Manager Lance Fensterman said.  “VIZ Media is responsible for the biggest manga and anime series in America, Naruto and Naruto Shippuden being among them, and we’re very excited to partner together to bring the voice of Naruto together with her fans in NYC. Of course, while we’reexcited, our attendees will be absolutely, entirely thrilled.”

For Ms. Takeuchi’s bio and headshot, please visit www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

For more information on Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, please visit Naruto.viz.com.

Details around all of NYAF’s Naruto events and its full schedule will be announced later this summer.  Tickets are available at www.newyorkcomiccon.com now.  For the latest information, please follow @ny_anime_fest and @ny_comic_con on Twitter as well as read NYAF and NYCC’s official blog, www.mediumatlarge.net.

ABOUT VIZ MEDIA, LLC:

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan’s largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine and blockbuster properties like Naruto, Bleach and InuYasha, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:

The New York Anime Festival is a celebration of Japanese popular culture from the creators of New York Comic Con. NYAF conducts, promotes and is involved in anime and Japanese cultural activities year-round in New York City, including events at Kinokuniya Bookstore, Japan Society, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden’s Sakura Matsuri. Our flagship event is the New York Anime Festival at New York Comic Con. Taking place at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan on October 13-16, 2011, the New York Anime Festival at New York Comic Con showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music and games as well as anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. (www.newyorkanimefestival.com)

ABOUT NEW YORK COMIC CON:

New York Comic Con is the East Coast’s biggest and most exciting popular culture convention. Our show floor plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Our panels and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators. Our screening rooms feature sneak peeks at films and television shows months before they hit either big or small screens. And with dedicated professional hours, New York Comic Con is a market place, bringing together the major players in the entertainment industry. New York Comic Con is the second largest pop culture convention in America and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City.(www.newyorkcomiccon.com)

ABOUT REEDPOP:

ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans.  The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East & West, Star Wars Celebration, New York Anime Festival (NYAF), Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC), and UFC Fan Expo.  The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion.  ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

American Airlines Offers Discount on Flights to NYCC/NYAF 2011

Press Release:

The New York Anime Festival and New York Comic Con are proud to Partner with American Airlines as our Official Airline. Many of our guests will be traveling this year on American, but this partnership isn’t just for creators. American, NYCC, and NYAF are proud to offer a special discount for any travel for fans, professionals, and exhibitors, too!

If you book on American through NYAF and NYCC, we’re proud to offer you a 7% discount.

This special discount is available on flights on American Airlines, American Eagle, and American Connection between October 10th and 19th, 2011. To book travel with this discount, simply visit www.aa.com/group and enter code 17H1BL. Don’t want to book online? Call 1-800-433-1790 from anywhere in the US with the code handy. And, if you’re traveling internationally, contact your local reservation number and mention our discount code.

A big thanks to our friends at American!

Puffy AmiYumi NYAF Signing Tickets On Sale Now

Japanese guests Puffy AmiYumi are performing as part of Superglorious’s Far East to East Showcase on Sunday, October 10. They’ll be appearing at NYAF, too, on Saturday, October 9. For the ultimate fan, Sony is proud to present this limited Puffy AmiYumi Autograph Experience ticket. It includes tickets to the New York Anime Festival, the Far East to East Showcase, and a meet and greet with Puffy at NYAF. Puffy will not be holding a public autographing signing at NYAF, so this is your sole chance to get up close and get their autograph. Please note: This is not a VIP ticket offered by NYCC/NYAF and does not include any additional VIP perks.

• Priced at $150
• Limited to 50 tickets
• Meet and Greet with Puffy takes place in a private room at 3:45 PM on Saturday, October 9
• Meet and Greet includes a pre-signed photograph of Puffy
• Puffy will not be signing autographs live
• Puffy’s management have asked that photographs not be taken during their Meet and Greet
• You’ll be contacted within two business days of your order with confirmation and more information
• Order by 11:59 PM EST on October 3

Click here to purchase tickets

Mobile Suit Gundam 00 to Premiere at NYAF 2010

Press Release:

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM 00: A WAKENING OF THE TRAILBLAZER MOVIE TO PREMIERE AT NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL!

September 1, 2010 (Cypress, CA) – Sunrise announced today that the North America premiere of the movie, Mobile Suit Gundam 00: A wakening of the Trailblazer, will take place at New York Anime Festival/New York Comic Con on Sunday, October 10, 2:00-4:00pm. The movie will be subtitled in English with Japanese audio.

This movie is a two hour all original sequel to the television series Mobile Suit Gundam 00, which had two seasons and ran for 50 episodes. The movie will premiere in Japan on September 18th and will be released in some other Asian Countries this fall.

The series story was set at the dawn of the 24th century and the world was still torn by conflict, driven by the rivalry between three great superpower blocs. Then the private armed organization called Celestial Being appeared, announcing its intention to rid the world of war and conflict.

In the movie, the year is 2314 AD, two years after Celestial Being’s last great battle, and the world faces a new crisis. A derelict Jupiter exploration ship, abandoned 130 years ago, has left its orbit and is approaching Earth. As Celestial Being and its Gundam Meisters begin their final mission to save humanity from an unimaginable threat, Gundam Meister Setsuna F. Seiei is about to discover the true purpose of his evolution as an Innovator, and the nature of the “dialogues” for which legendary scientist Aeolia Schenberg’s plan has been preparing the human race.

The all original feature is directed by Seiji Mizushima, director of the television series.

ABOUT SUNRISE

Sunrise, Inc, a Namco Bandai Group Company, is an animation production studio who produces smash hit anime series like the original Mobile Suit Gundam, and all of the subsequent series in the Gundam franchaise, as well as Cowboy Bebop, Escaflowne and many more . The company is located in Suginami, Tokyo, Japan and was established in 1972. The President is Mr. Kenji Uchida. http://sunrise-inc.co.jp/international/index.html

ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:

The New York Anime Festival takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan and is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the creators of New York Comic Con. The New York Anime Festival showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music, and games, and anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. (www.newyorkanimefestival.com)

NYCC 2010 Unveils Artist Alley

Press Release:

NEW YORK COMIC CON ANNOUNCES 300 GUESTS IN ARTIST ALLEY AND THE LIST IS GROWING!

New York Comic Con’s Newly Added Artists Include J. Scott Campbell, Tom DeFalco, Steve Scott, Mark Morales, among many others …

Norwalk, CT, July 29, 2010:  New York Comic Con (NYCC) has announced the preliminary line up of artists who will be appearing in Artist Alley this year.  More than 300 guests have already signed up and show officials note that the list will continue to grow as the annual pop culture convention gets closer.  This compares with 250 artists who appeared in Artist Alley last year.   NYCC, which will be co-located with the New York Anime Festival (NYAF) in 2010, will take place October 8 – 10 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.  Among the artists who have joined the top headliners in Artist Alley include:  J. Scott Campbell, Jimmy Cheung, Chris Claremont, Geof Darrow, Tom DeFalco, Leo Leibelman, Mark Morales, Steve Scott, and Leinil Francis Yu.

“This is an awesome Artist Alley and it’s only going to get better,” notes Lance Fensterman, Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for both NYCC and NYAF.  “It certainly underscores how popular the venue is, and how much the fans want to see and talk to these incredible artists.  Artist Alley is an unparalleled opportunity since it offers a unique chance to get up close to some of the best artists working today.  We are incredibly pleased to be able to facilitate this kind of ‘up close’ communication and interaction.  Across the board, this is going to be New York Comic Con’s best year ever!”

For more information about the complete line up of artists participating in Artist Alley please go to their website.   As noted, the 2010 New York Comic Con be co-located with the New York Anime Festival (NYAF) and will occupy the entire Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City.  Tickets for NYCC and NYAF may be purchased at www.nycomiccon.com.  Other information about the shows, as well as news about ReedPOP, which also organizes Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), is available at Lance Fensterman’s blog, www.mediumatlarge.net.

J. SCOTT CAMPBELL: J. Scott Campbell is a renowned illustrator and a world famous comic book artist with over a decade and a half in the business. Best known for his landmark series Danger Girl, where he served as both creator and artist, Scott has also created a huge fan-base over the years from his work on such titles as Gen 13, Spider-Man, Wildsiderz and most recently his very first pin-up calendar FairyTale Fantasies, featuring his very recognizable, sexy and playful girly art. An all around talent, Campbell has also dabbled in the fields of film design, video games, toys, animation, commercial art, and self publishing. His current projects include upcoming interiors on Spider-Man in addition to many high profile covers for Marvel Comics.

JIM CHEUNG: Originally hailing from the UK, Jim now resides in Florida, pencilling exclusively for Marvel Comics. He is currently working on a new Young Avengers project with Allan Heinberg as well as providing covers for the Secret Warriors series. His past projects for Marvel have included Iron Man, X-Force, Uncanny X-Men, Illuminati and New Avengers, and he is responsible for co-creating the Young Avengers and Scion for Crossgen Comics.

CHRIS CLAREMONT:  Writer Chris Claremont’s stories have achieved best-seller status, won numerous awards, and are trend-setters for the industry. Although best known for his work on Marvel Comic’s X-Men series, he has written other seminal characters such as Batman and Superman; originated several creator-owned series; is published throughout the world in many different languages; authored nine novels; and has had his first video game premier in Spring 2006.  In total, Chris has sold approximately 500,000,000 comics, world wide.  Chris is also known for his progressive treatment of women in a genre that oftentimes relies on stereotype. Active, intelligent, courageous women characters such as Jean Grey, Kitty Pryde, and Storm have made Chris’s X-Men as popular with women readers as men. The Summer of 2000 saw the release of the feature film, X-Men, based largely on material created by Chris. The sequel, X-2, contains characters and key story elements from Chris’s best-selling graphic novel, God Loves, Man Kills. X-Men: The Last Stand, released in May 2006, is grounded in the Dark Phoenix saga. The forthcoming second Wolverine movie is based largely on the graphic novel, Wolverine, by Chris and Frank Miller.  Current projects include the on-going Marvel series X-Men Forever, the one-shot X-Women, drawn by renowned Italian artist Milo Manara, and several exciting, soon-to-be announced prose projects.

GEOF DARROW: Geof Darrow was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and studied drawing at the Chicago Acadamy of Fine Arts and Hanna-Barbera School of Frustration. He has lived and worked in four countries: U.S.A., France, Japan, and California. His credits include the comics work HardBpiled, Big Guy (with Frank Miller) and Shaolin Cowboy (with his split personality The  Chubby Johnson). He has done concept work with film directors Wachoswki Brothers, Ridley Scott, and JJ Abrams amongst others. He has met President Frederick Mitterand of France and has never met either Bush Presidents. He continues to work in comics, film, animal husbandry, and never intends to meet either Bush’ or maverick media vampire Sarah Palin.

TOM DEFALCO: A former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics with over thirty books currently in print, Tom DeFalco has written comic books, graphic novels, short stories, prose novels and books like Spider-Man: The Ultimate Guide and Comic Creators on Fantastic Four.  He was also a major contributor to The Marvel Encyclopedia and The Marvel Chronology. DeFalco has recently worked on Star Wars: The Clone Wars for Titan Comics, The Man From RIVERDALE for Archie Comics, Flash Gordon for Ardden Entertainment, The Flying Fool for Moonstone Books and, of course, The Spectacular Spider-Girl for Marvel Comics.  He is currently writing a new Thunderstrike limited series with co-creator Ron Frenz.

LEO LEIBELMAN: Leo Leibelman went to the HS of Music and Art and took a How to Draw Comic Books class under Carlos Infantino. Those classes paid off because a few years later in 1994 he began working for Marvel Comics on Savage Sword of Conan. From there, Leo worked for Acclaim Comics on Turok: Dinosaur Hunter and Majick: the Gathering and Topps on Hercules.  Leo eventually moved to the Great White North and found himself in the film industry while still keeping his hand in the comics business. Besides comics and film, Leo has painted covers for romance novels and has illustrated for educational CD roms. Currently, Leo is working on films and TV shows full time and has produced some covers for magazines like Heavy Metal.

MARK MORALES: A graduate of New York’s famed School of Visual Arts, Mark Morales is a longtime comics veteran.  Over the course of his 15 year career, he has worked for Marvel Comics, DC Comics, Image Comics and various others, mostly as an inker.  Through the years, Mark has worked on such titles as Uncanny X-men, Secret Invasion, Justice League, New Avengers, Thor, Daredevil and many others.  Currently he is hard at work on ‘Siege’ from Marvel Comics.

STEVE SCOTT: Comic artist Steve Scott’s work recently graced the  X-Men Forever series with writer Chris Claremont as well as a current Green Lantern special project at DC Comics.  He is also the only artist tapped by DC Comics to do any work relating to Batman Forever, depicting the now legendary turn of Heath Ledger as The Joker.  Steve’s work has also often been seen on the television show Smallville and in other special projects for DC Comics.  He began his comics career at Malibu Comics and enjoyed immediate success but continued to lead a dual life as firefighter by day and artist by night– for more than sixteen years, in fact! After 9/11, Steve was selected among the few to contribute to DC Comics’ The Worlds Finest Comic Book Writers & Artists Tell Stories to Remember.  Recent and current projects at Marvel Comics, and DC Comics include working with industry legends Louise Simonson and Chris Claremont on the titles Magik and Exiles, the Marvel Adventures line featuring Fantastic Four, Avengers, and the Hulk, work on She-Hulk, and a Kyle XY one shot for Disney/ABC with writer Jeff Parker.

LENIEL FRANCIS YU: Leinil Yu’s first interest in Comics was sparked by a copy of How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way when he was 11.     It was later reinforced by positive responses from talent scouts from Wildstorn/Homage and Darkhorse, published fan art in Wizard Magazine and first professional work on Entity Comics’ Aster.  The major break was Whilce Portacio’s tutelage where the training landed him his first mainstream comics gig: Wolverine in 1997.   After a lengthy run, he later took on the Uncanny X-men, X-men, Highroads, Superman: Birthright, Silent Dragon, Ult, Hulk/Wolverine, New Avengers, Marvel’s 2008 Epic: Secret Invasion,  and a series of projects with writer Mark Millar, Ultimate Avengers and their creator-owned project:  Superior.  He lives in Manila, Philippines.

ABOUT REEDPOP: ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena.  ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans.  The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East & West, Star Wars Celebration V, New York Anime Festival (NYAF), and UFC Fan Expo.  The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion.  ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

NYCC and NYAF Reveal Special Ticket Packages for 2010

Press Release:

NEW YORK COMIC CON & NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL REVEAL SPECIAL TICKET PACKAGES

Tickets, Special Access, Autographs, and Much More are Included in Unique Combinations!

Norwalk, CT, July 7, 2010: Officials at New York Comic Con (NYCC) and New York Anime Festival (NYAF) have today revealed their Special Ticket Packages which will go on sale via the NYCC and NYAF websites beginning July 15, 2010. General tickets to both conventions are available now and provide attendees access to the show floor, panels, screenings, autographing, and guests; however, for fans wanting additional perks, earlier access, or guaranteed seats, NYCC’s and NYAF’s special packages offer an array of opportunities to purchase tickets with added benefits to both shows. Ranging from general packages which supply convenience for fans who seek easy access, to reserved seating for NYAF’s Saturday Night concert, to a Stan Lee Dream Package which supplies exclusive merchandise and a meet-and-greet with Stan Lee, the NYCC and NYAF Special Ticket Packages are designed to serve a wide variety of needs for fans wishing to get more from the cons.

As previously announced, New York Comic Con and New York Anime Festival will be co-located this year and will take place October 8-10, 2010 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Manhattan. Guests include comics legends Stan Lee, John Romita, Sr., and John Romita, Jr. and Japanese bands Puffy AmiYumi and VAMPS.

“We listen to our fans and adjust our upgraded tickets every year based on attendee wants and needs,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President and Show Manager for NYCC and NYAF. “This year, we’ve created a number of different packages in order to suit individual tastes and interests. Rather than offer a one-size-fits-all package, we’ve tailored multiple packages to serve the breadth of our fanbase. We want people to have the con experience that they are looking for and these packages allow people to have the flexibility to choose the experience they want.”

NYCC and NYAF encourage attendees to buy their packages early as quantities are limited – and Special Ticket Packages have sold out in the past.

Special Access Package (limited to 350 fans) – $150

For fans who want to be the first on the show floor, want to grab all the exclusives they can carry, and want to keep them safe and sound in a special lounge, look no further than the Special Access Package. You’ll be the first fans into the con each day, and with a separate entrance, you’ll always skip the line no matter when you come back in. Plus, the lounge and coat check will give you places to stow your swag and kick up your feet away from the masses.

-Limited Edition NYCC/NYAF Badge

-First access to the show floor

-Separate entrance to the show floor

-VIP Lounge

-VIP Coat Check

-NYCC or NYAF 2010 poster

IGN Theater Package (Limited to 100 fans) – $300

The IGN Theater is where NYCC’s and NYAF’s biggest events will be held. From movies and television to the most prolific names from the worlds of comics and anime, it’s all in the IGN, and you won’t need to worry about waiting in line or getting in with this package. The IGN Theater Package will save you a seat for everything in our Special Events Hall all weekend long.

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass

-Guaranteed seating for all events in the IGN Theater/Special Events Hall

Stan Lee Friday Experience Package (Limited to 65 fans) – $400 per ticket

Stan “The Man” Lee. His name is synonymous with comic books. And he’s coming to NYCC. If you’re a disciple of Stan or a soldier in his Twitter army, this Experience Package will assure you time before the master. Stan’s autographings and events will become one of the biggest parts of NYCC, and with this ticket, you’ll not only get to meet Stan the Man, but you’ll get to spend some private time with only him and other VIPs. (Stan is signing both Friday and Saturday, and – as such – this package comes in Friday and Saturday varieties.)

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass

-Meet-and-Greet with Stan Lee on Friday, October 8

-Autograph from Stan Lee

-Stan Lee PopFun Collector’s Glass

-Signed Stan Lee and J. Scott Campbell Lithograph

-Guaranteed seating in all of Stan Lee’s panels

Stan Lee Saturday Experience Package (Limited to 65 fans) – $400 per ticket

-NYCC/NYAF Weekend Pass

-Meet-and-Greet with Stan Lee on Saturday, October 9

-Autograph from Stan Lee

-Stan Lee PopFun Collector’s Glass

-Signed Stan Lee and J. Scott Campbell Lithograph

-Guaranteed seating in all of Stan Lee’s panels

NYAF Concert and Masquerade Experience (Limited to 200 fans) – $150 per ticket

The New York Anime Festival will present a concert on Saturday night featuring a Japanese voice actress you may have heard of. We’ll be announcing her name in the coming days, but start getting ready now. She has performed voices and songs in over 40 anime series, and with this package, you’re guaranteed to hear her voice as she sings some of her favorite songs Saturday night at NYAF. And, not only does this ticket include reserved seating for her concert, but it also guarantees seating for the Masquerade following the performance!

-NYAF/NYCC Weekend Pass

-Guaranteed, reserved seating for NYAF Concert, Saturday night in the IGN/Theater/Special Events Hall

-Guraranteed, reserved seating for the Masquerade, Saturday night in the IGN Theater/Special Events Hall

Special Ticket Packages go on sale on July 15th at 12 Noon EST. Standard tickets for NYCC and NYAF are already available and may currently be purchased at www.nycomiccon.com or www.nyanimefestival.com. Other information about the shows, as well as news about ReedPOP, which also organizes Star Wars Celebration, is available via the Show Director Lance Fensterman’s blog, www.mediumatlarge.net.

ABOUT REEDPOP: ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) East & West, Star Wars Celebration V, New York Anime Festival (NYAF), and UFC Fan Expo. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Asia and Europe.

NYC – Ponyo Day

 

Ponyo Day at Kinokuniya on Saturday!

Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and Castle in The Sky are now available on Blu-ray and DVD, and to celebrate, Kinokuniya Bookstore in NYC is throwing a special Ponyo Day this Saturday, March 6!

Headlining the day will be Mr. Roland Kelts author of Japanamerica: How Japanese Pop Culture has Invaded the US, and the forthcoming novel, Access. Kelts has interviewed Hayao Miyazaki on several occasions, most recently this past summer in California. Kelts will share clips and insights of his meetings with Miyazaki-san.

In addition to Mr. Kelts’s appearance, Ponyo Day will include…

Learn to Draw Ghibli Characters with Misako Rocks!
Learn Japanese through Ponyo with Hills Learning
Samurai Beat Radio interactive Ponyo discussion
How We Grew Up With Ghibli panel with anime industry professionals
Kid-friendly activities all day long

The day runs from 1-5 PM and wraps at 5 with a raffle from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment and the New York Anime Festival.

Kinokuniya Bookstore is at 1073 Avenue of the Americas in NYC

NYCC and NYAF at the Same Place and Time Starting in 2010

NEW YORK COMIC CON & NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL CO-LOCATE IN 2010

TWO POP CULTURE CONVENTIONS TO JOINTLYTAKE PLACE AT THE JACOB JAVITS CENTER

Norwalk, CT, September 10, 2009: Reed Exhibitions (RX), the organizers of the New York Comic Con (NYCC) and New York Anime Festival (NYAF) today announced that both shows will co-locate next year, with the 2010 installments of these events taking place at the same time and place, October 8-10, 2010 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. New York Comic Con, which last took place February 6 – 8, 2009, is the second largest popular culture event in America as well as the second largest public event in NYC. Since its inception in 2006 the show has played host to some of the greatest and most popular celebrities, creators and artists in the pop culture world including Neal Adams, Brian Michael Bendis, Stephen Colbert, Neil Gaiman, Stan Lee, Grant Morrison, Alex Ross, Kevin Smith, Art Spiegelman, and Joss Whedon, to name just a few. The next New York Anime Festival is September 25-27, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Center and includes guests such as Yoshiyuki Tomino — the Director of Mobile Suit Gundam — and Yui Makino — the voice of Sakura in Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle.

“Our decision to co-locate NYAF with NYCC is the final installment of a strategic plan to place and sequence our pop culture events in a manner that best serves the needs of our fans and exhibitors,” notes Lance Fensterman, Vice President of the Reed Exhibitions Pop Culture Group. “We are launching the Chicago Comic and Entetainment Expo (C2E2) in April 2010, and we have moved NYCC to a permanent October date, thus providing a spring and fall balance to these two key events which will remain in place as we move forward. Rather than create a third date for NYAF, it was decided a co-location would be better for anime fans, professionals, exhibitors, and partners. We spoke to attendees and exhibitors of both shows before making this decision, and everyone agrees that this will provide an opportunity for both shows to further grow and prosper.”

The jointly-held New York Comic Con and New York Anime Festival 2010 will occupy virtually the entire Jacob K. Javits Center in 2010. Both shows will maintain distinct guests and programming space and share a common show floor. And, more importantly for attendees, fans will be able to attend both shows for the price of one — as a ticket to NYCC 2010 will also provide access to NYAF 2010 and vice versa. “Co-locating NYCC and NYAF provides value, pure and simple,” Fensterman concludes. “We want to reach as many people as possible and this is clearly the best way to serve our audience and grow our events at the same time.”

For more information on NYAF, please visit www.nyanimefestival.com. For additional details on NYCC, please view www.nycomiccon.com. For the latest news about the Reed Exhibitions Pop Culture Group please follow the group’s official blog, www.mediumatlarge.net.

ABOUT NEW YORK COMIC CON:

New York Comic Con is the East Coast’s biggest and most exciting popular culture convention. Our show floor plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Our panels and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators. Our screening rooms feature sneak peeks at films and television shows months before they hit either big or small screens. And with dedicated professional hours, New York Comic Con is a market place, bringing together the major players in the entertainment industry. New York Comic Con is the second largest pop culture convention in America and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City. Further information can be found at newyorkcomiccon.com.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:

The New York Anime Festival takes place at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan and is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the creators of New York Comic Con. The New York Anime Festival showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music, and games, and anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. Further information can be found at newyorkanimefestival.com.

ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS POP CULTURE GROUP:

The Pop Culture Group at Reed Exhibitions owns and operates the New York Comic Con (NYCC), the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), and the New York Anime Festival (NYAF). New York Comic Con was launched in 2006 and quickly became a dominant presence in the pop culture world of public events. In 2009, 452 companies exhibited at NYCC for a total of 84,000 square feet of paid exhibit space, and it has been ranked by Crain’s New York Business as the second-largest annual event in NYC. C2E2, which will debut April 16 – 18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, is modeled after NYCC and will provide fans the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite writers, creators, and artists, as well as to see, hear and learn about the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. The Pop Culture Group also operates the recently-launched UFC Fan Expo in partnership with the UFC – the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization – and it formed a strategic partnership with Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in 2008 and will work closely with PAX on the launch of PAX East in Boston in 2010.

Soul Eater English Cast to Appear at NY Anime Festival

SOUL EATER ENGLISH CAST TO APPEAR AT NY ANIME FESTIVAL

Supernatural Anime Series Receives English-Language Debut In NYC

Norwalk, CT, September 3, 2009: The New York Anime Festival (NYAF) today announced the main cast of FUNimation Entertainment’s upcoming supernatural anime series Soul Eater — Laura Bailey, Micah Solusod, Brittney Karbowski, Monica Rial, Todd Haberkorn, Jamie Marchi, and Cherami Leigh — will appear together for the first time at this September’s NYAF, and this cast appearance will serve as the pinnacle of a weekend of Soul Eater activities, including the English language premiere of the series. The cast along with Soul Eater Director Zach Bolton and Producer Masazumi Kato will join Yoshiyuki Tomino — the Director of Mobile Suit Gundam — and Yui Makino — the voice of Sakura in Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle — as guests at NYAF. Other than Soul Eater, NYAF premieres include Gurren Lagann: The Movie – Childhood’s End, Cencoroll, and 20th Century Boys.

Soul Eater, based on a manga by Atsushi Ohkubo, follows Maka, Black Star, and Death The Kid, three students determined to turn their partners — living weapons — into powerful death scythes, weapons fit for Death himself. Charged with the task of collecting and devouring the tainted souls of ninety-nine humans and one witch, Maka and her fellow meisters strive to master their weapons as they face off against the bizarre and dangerous minions of the underworld. Laura Bailey stars as the voice of Maka, Micah Solusod portrays Soul, Brittney Karbowski plays Black Star, Monica Rial is Tsubaki, Todd Haberkorn voices Death The Kid, Jamie Marchi is Liz, and Cherami Leigh voices Patty.

Producer Masazumi Kato will be coming all the way from Japan, where he’s been in charge of the overall promotion for Soul Eater, including advertisements, publicity, and DVDs.

“We’re honored to partner with our friends at FUNimation to bring the main cast of Soul Eater to NYAF,” New York Anime Festival Show Manager Lance Fensterman said. “Soul Eater will be one of the biggest titles of 2010, and we’re excited to give it the launch it deserves in NYC!”

“The premiere of Soul Eater on a stage as big as New York City? Now, that’s cool,” Soul Eater ADR Director Zach Bolton said.

NYAF’s Soul Eater activity schedule follows…

Yen Plus Giveaway

Be one of the first 200 fans to come by the FUNimation booth any day of the show to take home a free copy of the latest issue of Yen Press’s Yen Plus magazine. Yen Press is the US publisher of the Soul Eater manga, and Soul Eater is serialized each month inside Yen Plus.

Friday – 1:00 PM – FUNimation Booth (303)

Saturday and Sunday – 10:00 AM – FUNimation Booth (303)

Cast Signing

Meet Laura Bailey (Maka), Micah Solusod (Soul), Brittney Karbowski (Black Star), Monica Rial (Tsubaki), Todd Haberkorn (Death The Kid), Jamie Marchi (Liz), Cherami Leigh (Patty), and Director Zach Bolton at a special signing at the FUNimation Booth!

Friday – 4:00 to 5:30 PM – FUNimation Booth (303)

Saturday – 3:30 to 5:00 PM – FUNimation Booth (303)

Chalk Mural

Eric Maruscak is an artist who specializes in massive murals drawn in chalk. He’s appeared at New York Comic Con and other conventions around the country, and he’s at NYAF this year creating a giant illustration of Maka, Black Star, and Death The Kid. Check out Eric’s work throughout the show to see Soul Eater larger than life!

Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – All Day – Front of Exhibit Hall

Soul Eater Panel and Screening

Laura Bailey (Maka), Micah Solusod (Soul), Brittney Karbowski (Black Star), Monica Rial (Tsubaki), Todd Haberkorn (Death The Kid), Jamie Marchi (Liz), Cherami Leigh (Patty), and Director Zach Bolton along with Producer Masazumi Kato and representatives from both FUNimation and Yen Press present the first three episodes of FUNimation’s Soul Eater! Be one of the first fans to see what’ll be one of 2010’s biggest shows, and get the inside scoop about what’s ahead from the women and men at Soul Eater’s center!

Saturday – 1:00 to 3:00 PM – ANA Theater (1A08 )

Soul Eater Cosplay Meet Up

Come by chalk artist Eric Maruscak’s Soul Eater mural on Sunday at 1 PM for a Soul Eater group photo! FUNimation’s asking all Soul Eater cosplayers to show up to get their pictures taken with Eric’s completed work of art and the American cast of Soul Eater, and, then, stay tuned to funimation.com and newyorkanimefestival.com for the photo once the show’s over!

Sunday – 1:00 PM – Front of Exhibit Hall

For Soul Eater cast bios or to purchase NYAF tickets, please visit the show’s official site (www.nyanimefestival.com). For the latest announcements, please visit NYAF’s official blog (www.mediumatlarge.net) or follow NYAF on Twitter (www.twitter.com/NY_Anime_Fest). For more on Soul Eater, visit the show’s official site (www.funimation.com/souleater).

ABOUT FUNIMATION ENTERTAINMENT:

FUNimation® Entertainment, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Navarre Corporation, is the leading company for home video sales of Japanese animation in the United States. FUNimation has a proven formula for launching and advancing brands, and manages a full spectrum of rights for most of its brands including broadcasting, licensing, production, internet, and home video sales and distribution. For more information about FUNimation Entertainment and its brands, visit www.funimation.com.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL:

The New York Anime Festival takes place September 25-27, 2009 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan and is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the creators of New York Comic Con. The New York Anime Festival showcases the best of anime pop culture, including the latest anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music, and games, and anime-influenced comics, animation, and films from around the world. The festival features exclusive and extensive screenings, a gala cosplay masquerade, sessions with the some of the biggest names in anime from Japan, Asia, and America, and explores the Japanese cultural experience with displays of both traditional and cutting-edge Japanese life. Further information can be found at newyorkanimefestival.com.

ABOUT REED EXHIBITIONS POP CULTURE GROUP:

The Pop Culture Group at Reed Exhibitions owns and operates the New York Comic Con (NYCC), the Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2), and the New York Anime Festival (NYAF). New York Comic Con was launched in 2006 and quickly became a dominant presence in the pop culture world of public events. In 2009, 452 companies exhibited at NYCC for a total of 84,000 square feet of paid exhibit space, and it has been ranked by Crain’s New York Business as the second-largest annual event in NYC. C2E2, which will debut April 16 – 18 at Chicago’s McCormick Place Convention Center, is modeled after NYCC and will provide fans the opportunity to meet and greet their favorite writers, creators, and artists, as well as to see, hear and learn about the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. The Pop Culture Group also operates the recently-launched UFC Fan Expo in partnership with the UFC – the world’s leading professional mixed martial arts organization – and it formed a strategic partnership with Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) in 2008 and will work closely with PAX on the launch of PAX East in Boston in 2010.

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