Craftsman Presenting Their Own Justice League Comic at NYCC 2012; Offers Contest Winner Trip to NYCC 2013

CRAFTSMAN BRAND RELEASES ITS FIRST-EVER COMIC BOOK AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

Created with DC Entertainment to Showcase New Craftsman® Bolt-On™ Modular Power Tool System

HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill — (Oct. 1, 2012) /PRNewswire/ — Craftsman, America’s most trusted tool brand, is bridging the world of comics and DIY with a first-edition, custom comic book created with DC Entertainment – “Craftsman Bolt-On System Saves the Justice League.” The book, based on the new, innovative Bolt-On tool system, can be viewed and downloaded beginning today on the DC Comics app and at CraftsmanComic.com, where fans can submit their own suggested plot for the hero.

“Accomplishing a DIY project can make you feel like a superhero in your home, and the tools you use are a big part of that,” said Michael Castleman, president, Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, SVP, Sears Holdings. “With the switch of an attachment, the Bolt-On tool system can transform into nine different tools to tackle any task. With this comic and our presence at Comic Con, we want to show DIY to a new generation of tool users.”

A Heroic Tale of “The Technician”
In “Craftsman Bolt-On System Saves the Justice League,” The Craftsman Technician acts as the handyman to the Justice League, including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and The Flash. The Technician finds himself at the center of the story when a villain, The Key, tries to steal records from The Hall of Justice while the Justice League is away. The Technician’s quick-thinking and Bolt-On tool help save the day.

“We loved working with the Craftsman brand team on this project,” said Hank Kanalz,SVP of digital, DC Entertainment. “In the new, custom comic book we spotlight how tools play an important behind-the-scenes role in this Justice League story, from tuning up the Batmobile to getting the Invisible Jet back up and running after an epic battle. It’s a unique angle, one that we don’t get to see in the normal course of our stories.”

The “Power” Tool
For those starting their tool collection or looking to expand their arsenal, the Craftsman Bolt-On is a perfect option as America’s largest modular power tool attachment system. It saves space, time and money with nine interchangeable attachments that all connect to one high-performance tool base. The attachments can be switched in seconds to convert from a drill to a router to a jigsaw to an oscillating multi-tool and more. The Craftsman Bolt-On tool system is made to bring projects to life and help users make and create.

The Bolt-On system is available as part of a kit that comes with a tool base, a 20-Volt Max Lithium-Ion battery, a compact Drill/Driver attachment and a QuickBoost® Charger, which boosts battery power at lightning speed – from 0 to 30 percent in 10 minutes with the push of a button, or a full charge to the battery in just 30 minutes. All other attachments are sold separately:

Sander	3-3/8-inch Trim Saw
Jigsaw	High Pressure Inflator
Impact Driver	Two-Speed Hammer Drill
Oscillating Multi-Tool	Router

The tool hits shelves in late October in time for the holidays. The Bolt-On tool system kit is available for $119.99, while the individual attachments will retail for $29.99 to $39.99.

Calling all Super Fans, DIY Superheroes
Comic and DIY fans alike can find complimentary issues of the comic book at this year’s New York Comic Con at the brand’s exhibit, which features a live-action project build of The Technician’s headquarters using the Bolt-On system. Those adventurous enough can join in to assist with assembly. Fans can also get their photo taken on the Craftsman Motorcycle and participate in other activities, including a signing with the comic book author, Joshua Williamson, on Saturday, October 13 from 11:00 a.m. to noon.

The 2012 New York Comic Con runs from October 11-14 at the Jacobs Javits center in New York City. Stop by to see Craftsman at booth #2046.

For those not attending the show, the full digital comic can be downloaded for free on the DC Comics app and viewed at CraftsmanComic.com. On CraftsmanComic.com, fans have the opportunity to flex their creative muscles by submitting an original drawing and synopsis, outlining their own story of how The Technician can use the Bolt-On system. The winning submission will receive an all-expenses paid trip for two to New York Comic Con 2013 as well as a private tour of DC Comics in New York.*

If you have a great idea for a story but can’t draw a straight line, or love to illustrate but recognize that writing is not your strong suit, CraftsmanComic.com will connect you with others who are in the same boat.

For more information on Craftsman and the Bolt-On tool system, log ontowww.craftsman.com or www.facebook.com/craftsman.

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES INCLUDING DCAND PUERTO RICO, 18 YEARS AND OLDER WHO DID NOT PURCHASE ANY EQUIPMENT FORPURPOSES OF ENTERING THE CONTEST. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Enter Contest by: 11/30/12. For Official Rules and prize description, visit http://www.CraftsmanComic.com. Sponsor: Sears Holdings Management Corporation, 3333 Beverly Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179.

About Craftsman
The Craftsman brand is America’s most trusted tool brand. For more than 85 years, the Craftsman brand has developed innovative tools and products, making projects come to life and earning a reputation for unsurpassed quality and durability. Craftsman offers a full range of hand and power tools that meet the needs of the DIY user to the demanding professional. In addition, Craftsman also offers Lawn and Garden products and tool storage.

About Sears Holdings Corporation
Sears Holdings Corporation is a leading integrated retailer with over 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada and the home of ShopYourWay, a social shopping experience where members have the ability to earn points and receive benefits across a wide variety of physical and digital formats through ShopYourWay.com. Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, fitness equipment and automotive repair and maintenance. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, with a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands’ End, the Kardashian Kollection, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as Sofia by Sofia Vergara and The Country Living Home Collection. We are the nation’s largest provider of home services, with more than 15 million service and installation calls made annually and have a long-established commitment to those who serve in the military through initiatives like the Heroes at Home program. We have been named the 2011 Mobile Retailer of the Year, Recipient of the 2012 ENERGYSTAR® “Corporate Commitment Award” for Product Retailing and Energy Management and one of the Top 20 Best Places to Work for Recent Grads. Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation. For more information, visit Sears Holdings’ website at www.searsholdings.com. Twitter: @searsholdings | Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/SHCCareers

Valiant Heads to NYCC 2012 with Signings, Exclusives, and More

Tiger and Bunny Character Designer Masakazu Katsura to Attend NYCC 2012 as a Spotlight Guest

Press Release:

MASAKAZU KATSURA IS SPOTLIGHT GUEST AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

TIGER & BUNNY Character Designer To Attend Courtesy of SUNRISE, Inc.

Norwalk, CT, September 21, 2012: New York Comic Con (NYCC) is today proud to announce Masakazu Katsura will attend this year’s NYCC as a Spotlight Guest. Mr. Katsura is currently the character designer of the hit anime series TIGER & BUNNY, as well as the creator of acclaimed manga series including Video Girl Ai and Wingman. New York Comic Con will take place October 11 – 14, 2012 at NYC’s Javits Center. It is one of New York’s largest annual events and last year attracted over 100,000 attendees. Mr. Katsura joins a broad range of already-announced guests including Yoshitaka Amano, Brian K. Vaughan, Mike Mignola, Joshua Gates and Anne Rice. Katsura’s appearance at New York Comic Con is courtesy of SUNRISE, Inc., the animation studio behind TIGER & BUNNY as well as anime classics including Mobile Suit Gundam, Code Geass and Cowboy Bebop.

Artist Masakazu Katsura is in charge of character creation and hero designs for the anime series TIGER & BUNNY. Beyond his work as a character designer, Katsura is a well-recognized manga creator who won an honorable mention in the 19th Tezuka Awards for his debut manga Tsubasa in 1980. In 1983, he began serializingWingman in Weekly Shonen Jump. Wingman became a major hit and was also turned into an animated series. Afterwards, he created the hits Video Girl Ai, DNA², I’s, SHADOW LADY, M and others in Weekly Shonen Jump.He is presently serializing his science fiction action manga ZETMAN in Weekly Young Jump.

TIGER & BUNNY, produced by SUNRISE, Inc. in Japan and released by VIZ Media in the US, is set in Stern Bild, a metropolitan city where superheroes called NEXT help to maintain peace. Sporting sponsor logos on their suits, these heroes work to solve cases and save people’s lives in order to earn Hero Points, while also helping to improve the public image of their corporate sponsors. One such hero is Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, a veteran superhero named the “Wild Tiger” who relies on his years of experience and instincts to fight crime. Now, Kotetsu suddenly finds himself forced to team up with rookie hero Barnaby Brooks Jr., soon nicknamed “Bunny”.

Mr. Katsura will appear at NYCC on a TIGER & BUNNY panel on Saturday at 6:30 PM with Kazuhiko Tamura, the producer of TIGER & BUNNY, from SUNRISE. Katsura will then also appear on VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump Alphapanel at 7:45 PM on Saturday.

“I am honored to welcome Mr. Katsura, Mr. Tamura and SUNRISE to New York Comic Con,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for NYCC. “SUNRISE has grown into our friend and partner, and we’re humbled by all they will be presenting at NYCC this year. TIGER & BUNNY is one of the biggest anime hits in America, and we know all of its fans will be tremendously excited to hear more about the series from Mr. Katsura and Mr. Tamura themselves.”

Tickets for New York Comic Con 2012 are currently available for purchase at NewYorkComicCon.com. Companies interested in exhibiting at New York Comic Con should contact Larry Settembrini atlarry@reedpop.com. Other information about the show, as well as news about ReedPOP, which organizes a range of pop culture events, is available at facebook.com/NewYorkComicCon and twitter.com/NY_Comic_Con. Officials note that more details about SUNRISE’s appearance as well as additional scheduling information will be announced over the coming weeks and fans should keep their eyes on NYCC’s website for additional announcements.

ABOUT SUNRISE, INC: Sunrise, Inc., a Namco Bandai Group Company, is an animation production studio who produces smash hit anime series like Mobile Suit Gundam, Cowboy Bebop, Escaflowne, Code Geass andTIGER & BUNNY. The company is located in Suginami, Tokyo, Japan and was established in 1972. The President is Mr. Kenji Uchida.

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 digital manga anthology Weekly Shonen Jump Alphaand 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.

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 & Prime, Star Wars Celebration, Fantasy Football Fest and the 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.

Redbubble Giving Away Free Passes to NYCC 2012

With their sweepstakes, Redbubble will award 1 person a pair of 3-day tickets to NYCC 2012 plus 3 additional winners will each receive a pair of Saturday only passes. You must enter through the Redbubble Facebook page, and the sweepstakes ends September 30th.

Manga Artist Masakazu Ishiguro and Editor Masahiro Ohno to Appear at NYCC 2012

Press Release:

MANGA ARTIST MASAKAZU ISHIGURO AND EDITOR  MASAHIRO OHNO TO BE GUESTS AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

Ishiguro And Ohno To Attend In Cooperation With JManga.com

Norwalk, CT, September 20, 2012:  New York Comic Con (NYCC) is today proud to announce Masakazu Ishiguro and Masahiro Ohno will both attend this year’s NYCC as guests. Mr. Ishiguro is the creator of the Japanese comic Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru (And Yet The Town Moves), and Mr. Ohno is the Editor-in-Chief of popular Japanese comic magazine Young King Ours. New York Comic Con will take place October 11 – 14, 2012 at NYC’s Javits Center. It is one of New York’s largest annual events, and last year attracted over 100,000 attendees. Ishiguro and Ohno join a broad range of already-announced guests including Yoshitaka Amano, Brian K. Vaughan, Mike Mignola, Joshua Gates and Anne Rice. Ishiguro and Ohno’s appearances at New York Comic Con are in partnership with JManga.com , who publish Ishiguro’s work online in English and who will be participating at NYCC for the first time with their own booth and panel.

Mr. Ishiguro is a Japanese manga artist best known for the series Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru, which is the story of a high school girl who works at a maid coffee shop and dreams of becoming a detective. SoreMachi, as the series is commonly referred to in Japan, rolls together stories from mystery, science fiction, and tender humanity. SoreMachi has also been made into a popular anime series which is available in English from Sentai Filmworks under the title And Yet The Town Moves. Mr. Ishiguro has also created a variety of other comics including the cat manga Mokuyoubi no Furutto, Nemuru Baka, a story about the daily lives of college students and the troubles they encounter, and the mystery Getenrou.

Mr. Ohno is the editor of Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru and Editor-in-Chief of the popular Japanese comic magazine Young King Ours, both published by Shonen-gahosha Co., Ltd. Ohno is also in charge of Shonen-gahousha’s Media Department where he oversees digital manga and rights. As an editor, Ohno has experienced a wide variety of manga ranging from such diverse themes as yankee (delinquents) to meganekko (glasses-wearing girls).

Mr. Ishiguro will be at NYCC speaking about his career on a Q&A Panel and signing autographs for attendees. In addition, Mr. Ishiguro and Mr. Ohno will both be participating in a JManga.com Panel, during which the company will unveil new information about upcoming releases, the future of their web portal, as well as their brand new siteJManga7.com which will be updated with new digital manga content every day. Mr. Ishiguro’s Panel is at 6:30 PM on Friday, October 12th in room 1A06. The JManga.com Panel is at 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 13th in room 1A07. Attendees will be able to learn more about JManga.com and interact with Ishiguro and Ohno throughout the weekend at JManga.com’s Booth (Booth No. 856).

“I am truly honored to welcome Mr. Ishiguro, Mr. Ohno and JManga.com for the first time to New York Comic Con,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for NYCC. “The way fans are consuming content is rapidly changing, and JManga.com is at the forefront of giving audiences previously-unavailable content in previously-unheard-of ways. We’re excited for them to participate in this year’s New York Comic Con and present to our attendees two gentlemen our fans have only known through their artwork and words online.”

Tickets for New York Comic Con 2012 are currently available for purchase at www.NewYorkComicCon.com. Companies interested in exhibiting at New York Comic Con should contact Larry Settembrini,Larry@ReedPOP.com. Other information about the show, as well as news about ReedPOP, which organizes a range of pop culture events, is available at facebook.com/NewYorkComicCon and twitter.com/NY_Comic_Con . Officials note that more details about Mr. Ishiguro and Mr. Ohno’s appearance as well as additional guests and scheduling information will be announced over the coming weeks and fans should keep their eyes on NYCC’s website for additional announcements.

ABOUT JMANGA: JManga Inc., was established on December 27, 2010 to support the 39 prominent publishers that make up Japan’s Digital Comic Association. JManga.com was subsequently formed with the goal of making Japan’s manga as accessible as possible to readers worldwide in a legal environment beneficial to both the readers and the publishers. With digital comic retail, manga promotion, and development of other manga related services as our main business areas, JManga, together with manga publishers around the world, strives for the growth, progression, and expansion of the worldwide manga market. For more, visit JManga.com andJManga7.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) Prime & East, Star Wars Celebration, Fantasy Football Fest and the UFC Fan Expo. In 2013 ReePOP will add Star Wars Celebration Europe and PAX Australia to its rapidly expanding portfolio of international events. 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.

Robert Kirkman and Skybound Announce Plans for NYCC 2012

Via Skybound:

The Walking Dead creator/writer Robert Kirkman and Skybound, his imprint at Image Comics, have special items and events planned for this year’s New York Comic-Con from October 10-14th. At NYCC, Kirkman will participate in panels including a question and answer session about his work, and a panel discussing the success of Skybound. Skybound will also debut two new hardcovers at NYCC: The Walking Dead Hardcover Compendium (Red Foil Version) will be a limited edition of 1500 for $100. The first-ever Thief of Thieves Hardcover, Volume 1, “I Quit” will debut with a limited edition of 1000, available for only $30. Both may be purchased at the Skybound booth, #1229, along with all your favorite Skybound titles, t-shirts and merchandise.

In New York, Kirkman will also be signing copies of The Road to Woodbury, his and Jay Bonansinga’s latest Walking Dead novel for St. Martin’s Press. The book is the sequel to last year’s bestseller, The Rise of the Governor, and will be released October 16^th.

Skybound will also keep you posted on where you can buy The Walking Dead: The Official Magazine, which debuts from Titan/Skybound on October 23 and features an interview with Kirkman and The Walking Dead artist Charlie Adlard, and is chock full of art, news and interviews from the entire The Walking Dead universe.

Exclusives:

Two beautiful Skybound hardcovers will debut at NYCC. First up, The Walking Dead Hardcover Compendium (Red Foil Version) will be a limited edition of 1500 for $100. Next up, the first-ever Thief of Thieves Hardcover, Volume 1, “I Quit.” will debut with a limited edition of 1000, available for only $30. Both may be purchased at the Skybound booth, #1229, along with all your favorite Skybound titles, t-shirts and merchandise.

You’ve been dying for the latest news on Witch Doctor and creator/writer Brandon Seifert and creator/artist Lukas Ketner will be there to entice you with details about the November 28 release of Witch Doctor: Mal Practice #1. Also, come welcome editorial director Sean Mackiewicz as the newest member of the Skybound team.

Skybound Panels:

Skybound: On the Rise

Robert Kirkman, Shawn Martinbrough, Jason Howard & special guests

moderated by Sean Mackiewicz

Date: 10/12/2012 Friday

Time: 2:45PM – 3:45PM

Location: 1A14

(seating capacity 350)

There’s no limit on what to expect from Skybound, Robert Kirkman’s imprint at Image Comics. Thief of Thieves is already a breakout hit that has been optioned by AMC, Guarding the Globe supplies another monthly fix for theInvincible universe, and the all-ages smash Super Dinosaur is about to blow up in a big way. Join Robert Kirkman as he discusses the imprint’s future with his stable of creators, including the creative teams behind Thief of Thieves, Witch Doctor and more!

 

Kirkmania!

Robert Kirkman takes questions from the audience

Date: 10/14/2012 Sunday

Time: 1:30PM – 2:30PM

Location: 1E13

(seating capacity 1200)

Robert Kirkman, creator of the global sensations The Walking Dead, Invincibleand Thief of Thieves, opens the floor to all his fans in this lively and engaging Q&A session.

 

Skybound Signings:

 

Thursday, October 11th:

5:00PM-6:00PM         Robert Kirkman signing, creator/writer of The Walking Dead, Invincible, Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves

 

Friday, October 12th:

1:00PM-2:00PM         Thief of Thieves signing with artist Shawn Martinbrough, writer James Asmus and colorist Felix Serrano

4:00PM-5:30PM         Robert Kirkman signing, creator/writer of The Walking Dead, Invincible, Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves

 

TBD                             Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga sign advance copies of their upcoming novel, The Road to Woodbury. For further details, keep checking www.Skybound.com

 

Saturday, October 13th:

1:00PM-2:00PM         Witch Doctor signing with creator/writer Brandon Seifert and creator/artist Lukas Ketner

5:00PM-6:00PM         Thief of Thieves signing with artist Shawn Martinbrough, writer James Asmus and colorist Felix Serrano

 

Sunday, October 14th:

11:00AM-12:00 PM    Jason Howard signing, artist for Super Dinosaur

3:30PM-5:00PM         Robert Kirkman signing, creator/writer of The Walking Dead, Invincible, Super Dinosaur and Thief of Thieves

Sony Pictures to Debut Exclusive First Looks of Carrie and Evil Dead at NYCC 2012

Press Release:

Sony Pictures to Debut Exclusive First Looks of Carrie and Evil Dead at New York Comic Con On October 13th

CAST MEMBERS AND FILMMAKERS FROM BOTH FILMS WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE

CULVER CITY, Calif., Sept. 19, 2012 — Sony Pictures will debut exclusive first looks at the highly anticipated upcoming films Carrie and Evil Dead at New York Comic Con on Saturday, October 13th from the Javits Center.

The panel presentations for Carrie and Evil Dead will take place between 3:45pm-4:45pm on October 13th. The Carrie panel will include the film’s stars, Chloe Grace Moretz and Julianne Moore, along with producer Kevin Misher and director Kimberly Peirce. Evil Dead’s panel will include the film’s star, Jane Levy (“Suburgatory”), producer (and star of original) Bruce Campbell and director, Fede Alvarez.

Carrie is a reimagining of the classic horror tale about Carrie White (Chloe Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King and directed by Kimberly Peirce with a screenplay by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. The film will be released nationwide on March 15, 2013.

In the much anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, Evil Dead finds five twenty-something friends holed up in a remote cabin. When they discover a Book of the Dead, they unwittingly summon up dormant demons living in the nearby woods, which possess the youngsters in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival. Directed by Fede Alvarez, with a screenplay by Alvarez & Rodo Sayagues Mendez, the film will be released nationwide on April 12, 2013.

New York Comic Con is taking place from October 11th-14th at the Javits Center (655 West 34th Street, New York). More information can be found at: www.newyorkcomiccon.com

Scene on the Web Weekly: September 17-23, 2012

Lots of breaking news concerning New York Comic Con and more. Keep checking back for updates through the weekend.

Scene on the Web Weekly: September 17-23, 2012

Storified by Convention Scene · Fri, Sep 21 2012 06:33:41

Yu Asakawa, Danny Choo, Kanae Muraki and Tara Knight to Attend NYCC 2012 Courtesy of the Japan Foundation

THE JAPAN FOUNDATION TO FEATURE FOUR GUESTS AT NEW YORK COMIC CON

Yu Asakawa, Danny Choo, Kanae Muraki and Tara Knight to attend Courtesy of the Japan Foundation

Norwalk, CT, September 12, 2012: New York Comic Con (NYCC) is today proud to announce the Japan Foundation, an organization built to foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries, will participate in this year’s NYCC with three events and four guests, showcasing the popular culture of Japan in the heart of New York City. New York Comic Con takes place October 11 – 14, 2012 at NYC’s Javits Center, and NYCC is honored to welcome the Japan Foundation’s guests – Yu Asakawa, Danny Choo, Kanae Muraki and Tara Knight – to its roster of already-announced guests including Brian K. Vaughan, Mike Mignola, Christopher Lloyd, Joshua Gates and Anne Rice.

2012 will be the third year the Japan Foundation participates in New York Comic Con, and it will be representing Japan and encouraging the discovery of Japanese culture this year with more events and guests than ever before.

Ms. Yu Asakawa is a popular seiyuu (voice actress) and singer from Tokyo. Her list of credits includes Love Hina (Motoko Aoyama), School Rumble (Itoko Osakabe), Vandread (Jura Basil Elden), Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 (Priss S. Asagiri), Azumanga Daioh (Sakaki), Gravion (Mizuki Tachibana), Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII (Shalua) and Final Fantasy XIII (Lebreau). She also provided the voice of Crypton Future Media’s Vocaloid virtual singer Megurine Luka, and she will be speaking at New York Comic Con on Friday about her career, becoming the voice of a Vocaloid and singing as Luka in both Japanese and English. For more on Ms. Asakawa, follow her on Twitter at @Julia320, where she tweets in English to her international fans.

Mr. Danny Choo resides in Tokyo and runs a media production company where he produces Culture Japan, a portal including a website, television show and products that focus on spreading information on Japan around the world. Danny speaks at conferences and universities worldwide on Japanese pop culture and consumer generated media and his activities are regularly featured in web, print and media outlets worldwide such as CNN, BBC, NHK and G4TV. Danny has also been known to dance around Tokyo dressed as a Stormtrooper. Danny will be speaking at NYCC on Saturday about discovering Japanese culture, moving to Tokyo and spreading Japanese pop culture to the world. Danny will also share his tips for studying Japanese for those wishing to follow his path.

On Sunday at NYCC, Crypton Future Media, the creators of Vocaloid singers Hatsune Miku and Megurine Luka, will speak about the Vocaloid software’s success and bringing the Vocaloids to the USA. This panel will feature the behind-the-scenes story of virtual singer Hatsune Miku with Kanae Muraki, Director of Global Development for Crypton Future Media, and Tara Knight, producer of Mikumentary – an upcoming series of short documentaries focusing on the Hatsune Miku phenomenon. Crypton will make a special announcement as part of this panel.

“We’re very, very excited to see the Japan Foundation expand its participation in New York Comic Con,” notes Lance Fensterman, Group Vice President for ReedPOP and Show Manager for NYCC. “For three years now, the Japan Foundation has brought a little bit of Tokyo to New York City, and each year, attendees have only wanted more. We know fans will be very pleased to meet Ms. Asakawa, Mr. Choo and the staff at Crypton, and we hope that the Japan Foundation’s panels will inspire our attendees to read more about Japan, learn its language, and ultimately visit the land that’s given the world Hatsune Miku and so much more.”

Full details about the Japan Foundation’s panels will be revealed soon, as well as dates and times for autograph sessions with Ms. Asakawa and Mr. Choo.

Tickets for New York Comic Con 2012 are currently available for purchase at www.NewYorkComicCon.com. Companies interested in exhibiting at New York Comic Con should contact Larry Settembrini atLarry@ReedPOP.com . Other information about the show, as well as news about ReedPOP, which organizes a range of pop culture events, is available at facebook.com/NewYorkComicCon and twitter.com/NY_Comic_Con . Previously announced guests at New York Comic Con include: Anne Rice, Sean Astin, Joshua Gates, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Joe Quesada, Axel Alonso and Brian K. Vaughan, among others. Officials note that many more guests will be announced over the coming weeks and fans should keep their eyes on NYCC’s website for additional announcements.

ABOUT THE JAPAN FOUNDATION: The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 by special legislation in the Japanese Diet and became an Independent Administrative Institution in October 2003. The mission of the Japan Foundation is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and other countries. The Japan Foundation activities, aiming comprehensive and effective development of its international cultural exchange programs, consist of following three major categories: (1) Arts & Cultural Exchange, (2) Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange and (3) Japanese-Language Education Overseas. The Foundation maintains its headquarters in Tokyo and operates through a network of 22 overseas offices in 21 countries worldwide. The Japan Foundation is represented by two offices in the United States — one in New York and the other in Los Angeles.

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, Fantasy Football Fest and the 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.

Warner Bros. TV Taking Arrow, 666 Park Avenue, The Following, and Person of Interest to NYCC 2012

WARNER BROS. TELEVISION GETS AN EMPIRE STATE OF MIND!

666 PARK AVENUE, ARROW, THE FOLLOWING AND PERSON OF INTEREST JOIN THE LINEUP FOR NEW YORK COMIC CON 2012
Person of Interest Panel and Signing on Saturday, October 13; 666 Park Avenue, Arrow and The Following on Sunday, October 14; All Autograph Signings Will Take Place in the DC Entertainment Booth, #1238
Participants Include 666 Park Avenue’s Terry O’Quinn and Vanessa Williams; Arrow’s Stephen Amell, Katie Cassidy and Willa Holland; The Following’s Kevin Bacon and James Purefoy; Person of Interest’s Jonathan Nolan, Michael Emerson, Taraji P. Henson and Kevin Chapman; and Many More

BURBANK, Calif. (September 18, 2012) — 666 Park Avenue stars Terry O’Quinn (Lost) and Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives); Arrow stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Katie Cassidy(Supernatural) and Willa Holland (Gossip Girl); The Following stars Kevin Bacon (X-Men: First Class) andJames Purefoy (Rome); and Person of Interest creator/executive producer Jonathan Nolan (The Dark Knighttrilogy) with series stars Michael Emerson (Lost), Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Kevin Chapman (Rescue Me) are among the many talented performers and producers from Warner Bros. Television series confirmed to attend New York Comic Con 2012 for panel sessions and autograph signings with fans on Saturday, October 13, and Sunday, October 14.

Highlights of WBTV’s participation at NYCC 2012 include:

• 666 Park Avenue (Sundays 10/9c ABC, series premiere September 30): Stars Terry O’Quinn(Lost), Vanessa Williams (Desperate Housewives), Rachael Taylor (Charlie’s Angels), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters), Mercedes Masöhn (The Finder), Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill),Helena Mattson (Iron Man 2), Erik Palladino (ER) and Samantha Logan (Law & Order: SVU) and will join executive producers Matthew Miller (Chuck, Human Target) and David Wilcox (Fringe) to take fan questions after a special video presentation highlighting this sexy and seductive new drama
  

• Arrow (Wednesdays 8/7c The CW, series premiere October 10): Stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural) and Willa Holland (Gossip Girl) will treat fans to a Q&A and special Arrow video presentation, just days after the series premiere of this hard-hitting action-drama
  

• The Following (Mondays, midseason, FOX): Stars Kevin Bacon (X-Men: First Class), James Purefoy (Rome), Annie Parisse (Person of Interest), Natalie Zea (Justified) and Shawn Ashmore(the X-Men films) will join forces with executive producer Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries) for a Q&A after a screening of the full-length pilot of this terrifying new thriller
  

• Person of Interest (Thursdays 9/8c CBS, season 2 premiere September 27): Series starsMichael Emerson (Lost), Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) and Kevin Chapman (Rescue Me) will join creator/executive producer Jonathan Nolan (The Dark Knighttrilogy) to screen a special highlight reel and discuss upcoming episodes from year two of the #1 new series among Total Viewers for the 2011–12 season
  

• All autograph signings will take place in the DC Entertainment booth, #1238

• For continuing information about WBTV’s plans at New York Comic Con 2012, please follow us on Twitter @TheWBdotcom and use the #WBNYCC hashtag

Here is the complete WBTV New York Comic-Con schedule:

 

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13

• 1:00 p.m.: Person of Interest Signing at the DC Entertainment booth, #1238

 

• 1:45–2:45 p.m.: Person of Interest Special Video Presentation and Cast/Producer Q&A in Room 1E13

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Arrow Special Video Presentation and Cast/Producer Q&A in the IGN Theater

 

• 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: 666 Park Avenue Special Video Presentation and Cast Q&A in Room 1E13

 

• 12:00–1:00 p.m.: The Following Pilot Screening and Cast/Producer Q&A in Room 1E07

 

• 12:30 p.m.: Arrow Signing at the DC Entertainment booth, #1238

 

• 1:30 p.m.: 666 Park Avenue Signing at the DC Entertainment booth, #1238

 

• 2:30 p.m.: The Following Signing at the DC Entertainment booth, #1238

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