“LOS ANGELES, (July 25, 2011) ­ ARC Entertainment and XLrator Media will sneak preview BUNRAKU for East Coast audiences at the 18th annual Otakon in Baltimore, MD on Friday, July 29, 2011. The martial-arts action film boasts an internationally renowned cast including Josh Hartnett, Woody Harrelson, Demi Moore, Kevin McKidd, Ron Perlman and Japanese rock-star Gackt in his American screen debut. Written and directed by Guy Moshe, BUNRAKU opens in theaters September 30.”
BAM! Marketing, Publicity & Promotions Press Release, July 25, 2011

Official Trailer:

Oooh, go see this if you can. I loved it!

“A PR representative working for Tokyopop CEO Stu Levy informed ANN that ‘TOKYOPOP will announce the future of specific titles and other releases in the coming weeks.’

“In a post on the website for Tokyopop’s America’s Greatest Otaku reality web series, Levy announced that he will spend the next year in the Japanese prefecture of Miyagi, making a documentary about the effects of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake disaster (Higashi Nihon Daishinsai) of March 11. The proceeds of the documentary will go to support the victims. He also posted a farewell message on the official Tokyopop website.”
News: Tokyopop to Close North American Publishing Division, Anime News Network, April 15, 2011

In their heyday, Tokoyopop was very generous to J LHLS with review copies and swag. I hope their former and remaining employees find jobs worthy of them. Good luck.

J LHLS suggests you buy those Tokoyopop and BLU titles while you can, fanboys and girls.

Edit 04/16/2011:  Why close it when they could have sold it?  I wonder.  Anyone know?

This is the press release that was released:

Kodansha and Random House Transform and Expand Their U.S. Manga Publishing Relationship

New York, NY – October 4, 2010 – Kodansha Ltd. and Random House Inc. have announced their plans to change and expand their manga publishing relationship in North America. The companies are shifting from a licensing relationship to a sales and distribution arrangement as of December 1, 2010.

The current relationship between Kodansha and Random House began in 2003, with the first titles debuting in 2004 under the latter’s Del Rey Manga imprint. Since then, more 500 volumes have been published, including many bestselling manga series.

Under the new arrangement, Kodansha’s subsidiary, Kodansha USA Publishing, LLC, established in 2008 and led by Yoshio Irie, will be publishing Kodansha-originated manga themselves directly in the U.S. English-language market with strong support from Random House Publisher Services (RHPS), Random House’s third-party distribution division. Del Rey Manga associate publisher Dallas Middaugh will remain with the program, transferring to RHPS.

“We are very excited to extend our relationship with Random House,” said Yoshio Irie, president and CEO of Kodansha USA Publishing. “Both companies see opportunity in the American manga market, and we look forward to working together to further the distribution and exposure of manga in the United States.”

“We are thrilled to have a publisher as distinctive as Kodansha USA Publishing join the Random House Publisher Services portfolio,” said Jeff Abraham, the division’s president. “Kodansha is one of the great worldwide publishing brands for the manga category, and we will do everything to support their efforts with our many booksellers and distributors who love selling manga titles.”

Del Rey’s ongoing manga titles which were licensed by Kodansha will be gradually taken over by Kodansha USA Publishing on a per-title basis.

Tokyo-based Kodansha established Kodansha USA Inc. on the occasion of their company’s 100th anniversary. Kodansha USA Publishing began by publishing Akira and The Ghost in the Shell in 2009 under the Kodansha Comics imprint. They plan to expand their strong line-up of manga under this exciting new collaboration with Random House Publisher Services.

Like last year (see below), J LHLS will be covering this event. And won’t that be grand?

(2008: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, and Day 4.)

Gardena, CA (April 2, 2009) – Digital Manga Publishing, one of the industry’s most innovative and creative publishing companies, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of two great Hideyuki Kikuchi titles: Yashakiden: The Demon Princess and Taimashin: The Red Spider Exorcist.

From acclaimed Japanese horror writer, Hideyuki Kikuchi (Vampire Hunter D & Wicked City novel series), comes his next big hit novel series: Yashakiden: The Demon Princess. Taking place in the city of Shinjuku-the novel is based in the same universe as the popular Wicked City animated series, and is spun out of the Demon City Shinjuku world. Of all the novels Kikuchi has ever written, Yashakiden is the one series he has wanted to have published stateside, and he considers it to be in his own words, “…the best novel series I’ve ever written, this is my vampire masterpiece. In my personal opinion, this novel transcends Vampire Hunter D.” The novel is peppered with beautiful illustrations by Jun Suemi, who also illustrated a number of “The Guin Saga” novels in Japan. Beginning with volume one in December, Yashakiden: The Demon Princess will span four vampire-filled volumes of horror. Read the first chapter preview in the May 2009 release of Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D vol. 3 (pre-order available now) and on the newly revamped DMP books website www.dmpbooks.com.

Taimashin: The Red Spider Exorcist is based upon a novel series also by Kikuchi, and is illustrated by manwha artist Shin Yong-Gwan. An ongoing series in Japan, with over 20,000 units sold, Taimashin: The Red Spider Exorcist is a crafty story about a demon-hunter who traverses between the worlds of the living and the dead, all to save lost souls being preyed upon by evil spirits of the underworld. With amazingly detailed art by Shin Yong-Gwan, this manga will appeal to horror lovers everywhere! Catch preview pages of this title in the November 2009 release of Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D vol. 4 and on the newly revamped DMP books website www.dmpbooks.com.

Look for these two great titles to slither their ways into your hands this dark December, all part of “D”emon month from Digital Manga Publishing.
————
YASHAKIDEN: THE DEMON PRINCESS VOL. 1-Rated YA+ (for ages 16+), MSRP: $13.95, Available: December 16, 2009, DMP Novel,
5 1/8″x 7 3/16″, Preview Pages HERE!

After a devastating earthquake leaving most of Japan in ruins, the district ward of Shinjuku in Tokyo has opened up a doorway into another dimension—becoming the halfway-house suspended between the real world and the supernatural. It has become a place where the living fights a losing battle with monsters and demons from the netherworld—a constant struggle for control on grounds which inevitably may be consumed into the depths of Hell.

Factory manager by day and moonlighting P.I. by night, Setsura Aki is no stranger to danger. Specializing in missing-persons cases and considered the best “man hunter” in the business, he allies himself with friend and rival, Doctor Mephisto—a wizard of physical and spiritual surgery. Together in battle, there is none that can compete with their combined wit and power—until now.

Coming from the deepest and darkest parts of China, four immortal vampires, lead by one of unmatched beauty and calling herself nothing more than “Princess,” mystically sail into landlocked Shinjuku aboard an ancient ghost ship one roiling hot night. She and her ancient undead entourage with powers never before seen of vampires, have surmounted four thousand years of space and time to seize control of Shinjuku and to make it their own.

It is up to Setsura and Mephisto to uncover their new formidable foes’ true origins and to reveal the truth to the Princess’s dark plans for the city. Can the duo stop them before they plunge the living populace into a new level of fear and slavery none can escape?

Set in Hideyuki Kikuchi’s popular demonic ward of Shinjuku—favorite locale for his other recognized works, the Demon City Shinjuku and Wicked City novel series—this new epic tale touches the conscious fear of the unknown and dips deep into the soul of one’s own heart of darkness.

TAIMASHIN: THE RED SPIDER EXORCIST VOL. 1- Rated 18+ (for ages 18+), MSRP: $9.95, Available: December 16, 2009, DMP Manga,
5 1/8″x 7 3/16″, Preview Pages HERE!

Traveling in-between the world of the living and the twilight world of the dead, Akamushi, the shaman, priest, demon-hunter, or specifically, the Red Spider Exorcist, is one that’ll never refuse a request for help from lost souls falling prey to evil spirits and demons of the underworld. With the strength and regeneration powers of a giant spider, and the ability to command his swarm of arachnids to his will, he combats the malevolent supernatural and is a force to be reckoned with.

When career woman Megumi is suddenly pursued and attacked by the unholy demons of the afterlife, she seeks the help from the phlegmatic shaman to eradicate the infestation of unholy beasts seeking to take her soul and turn her into a vindictive minion. But as it seems, these demons are more than persistent—everywhere Megumi tries to hide, they follow. With Megumi’s cry for help, is this more than what Akamushi can handle—as he too collapses to the will of their malicious powers?

But why are these creatures of twilight after her? What does she know, or doesn’t know, that’ll unravel the truths about her true self and everyone around her? And what of Akamushi—can he use his unique shamanic spider-like powers to cast out and purify himself from the demon scourge?

From acclaimed Japanese horror writer, Hideyuki Kikuchi—(famed Vampire Hunter D & Wicked City novel series), Taimashin – The Red Spider Exorcist—vol.1 of an ongoing series—takes you to a world of monsters and demons that’ll twist your senses and blur your mind, from real world to pseudo-reality.

——————–
HIDEYUKI KIKUCHI was born on September 25, 1949, and is one of Japan’s top horror/sci-fi writers. Over the past two decades, several of his works have been adapted into animated movies including VAMPIRE HUNTER D and his first novel, DEMON CITY SHINJUKU. He is the writer of the best-selling VAMPIRE HUNTER D novel and manga series also available through Digital Manga Publishing.

And

Gardena, CA (April 2, 2009) – Digital Manga Publishing, one of the industry’s most innovative and creative publishing companies, is thrilled to announce a very special contest for Vampire Hunter D fans with the pre-order release of Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D Vol. 3, the manga!

From horror and sci-fi maestro Hideyuki Kikuchi comes the next chapter in his saga following the adventures of the enigmatic vampire hunter D. To celebrate the release of this next great chapter in the ongoing manga series, Digital Manga Publishing will run a very special raffle contest with amazing prizes for anyone who places a pre-order between now and the middle of April. Every pre-order comes with a free Vampire Hunter D 4″x11″ illustration card, and by placing a pre-order, you will be entered into a promotional contest for one of these free, limited autographed Vampire Hunter D items:

-Saiko Takaki and Hideyuki Kikuchi autographed Vampire Hunter D 4″x11″ illustration card-(10) prizes
-Hideyuki Kikuchi autographed softcover Vampire Hunter D Vol. 1 novel-(5) prizes
-Hideyuki Kikuchi autographed limited hardcover Vampire Hunter D vol. 1 novel-(5) prizes
-Saiko Takaki autographed Vampire Hunter D vol. 1 manga-(5) prizes
-Vampire Hunter D vol. 1 manga Japanese edition-(5) prizes
-Vampire Hunter D vol. 2 manga Japanese edition-(5) prizes
-Hideyuki Kikuchi and Saiko Takaki autographed Vampire Hunter D vol. 1 poster-(3) prizes
-Hideyuki Kikuchi and Saiko Takaki autographed Vampire Hunter D vol. 2 poster-(3) prizes

GRAND PRIZE-Hideyuki Kikuchi and Saiko Takaki autographed shikishi with a sketch of D by Takaki

You can see images of these great prizes at the new DMP Books Blog!

We’ve even redesigned our DMP Books website to make it all easier for you! Visit our newly revamped DMP Books website at: www.dmpbooks.com, for pre-order placement and contest entry, rules and other information. The pre-order deadline is April 16th and coming up fast, so place your order now! When you’re done, feel free to browse the new site which touts some great new features like preview pages of all DMP books, an up-to-date Release Schedule, revamped forums, a brand new blog, and more! All winners will be notified via email at the end of April, and we will post their names (with permission) on the new DMP books website. Good luck!
——————–
HIDEYUKI KIKUCHI’S VAMPIRE HUNTER D VOL. 3 Rated YA+ (for ages 16+), MSRP: $13.95, Available: May 20, 2009, DMP Manga, 5 1/16″x 8 1/4″, 264 pages!!! Preview Pages Here! Pre-order available now, pre-order HERE!

The vampire-slaying hunter known only as “D,” with a reputation of taking care of business by way of the sword, is on another bounty run — this time to rescue the beautiful daughter of a wealthy village elder, kidnapped by the vampire Noble, Mayerling. But what happens when another group of bounty hunters have taken up the same assignment? Head of the notorious mercenary clan, the Marcus family, oldest brother Borgoff leads his not-so-merry band of ruthless renegades not only on a mission of pursuit and retrieval, but also on a path of destruction that’ll hopefully wipe out anything that gets in the way from their payday, including D.

But all is not what it seems with the vampire, Mayerling… In hopes to buy enough time to thwart his pursuers and escape to his secret destination, he enlists help from a safe haven village inhabited by mutant monster outcasts with daunting powers of their own.
What is the reason behind his taking of a prize he seems to hold most dear — is this really abduction or some strange form of vampire elopement? Is this vampire Noble, more than what he leads others to believe?

It is up to D to find the true purpose behind the chase and time is running out. But with so many obstacles against him, will he ever catch up before the “taken” will never be seen again?

Manga includes a chapter bonus preview of Hideyuki Kikuchi’s latest vampire novel YASHAKIDEN:THE DEMON PRINCESS VOL. 1, arriving in December. You can also view this bonus preview here!

This is the first new original manga series from Takahashi sensei since her epic INUYASHA series ended in 2008. Shogakukan’s popular WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY manga magazine, which has featured Takahashi’s work since the early 1980’s, will be debuting the new series and VIZ Media will be publishing the manga series later in 2009!

With over 170 million copies sold in Japan alone, Rumiko Takahashi’s various works continue to be loved by a multitude of readers, regardless of their age or gender. Takahashi’s works, full of wonderfully endearing characters that readers are drawn to, combine the various elements of comedy, love, fantasy, and martial arts, and continue to create truly unique worlds. Her works cannot be categorized by standard genres, and the signature style she has created has come to be known as the “Rumic World.” It would not be an overstatement to call the “Rumic World” a genre of its own.

In addition to INUYASHA, which spanned more than 500 chapters and 50 individual volumes, some of Rumiko Takahashi’s other notable works include RANMA ½, MAISON IKKOKU, MERMAID SAGA, ONE POUND GOSPEL and, URUSEI YATSURA (THE RETURN OF LUM). All of these titles are published in North America by VIZ Media. Several of these series, including URUSEI YATSURA, MAISON IKKOKU, RANMA ½ and INUYASHA have also been adapted into highly successful animated television series and feature film releases. Rumiko Takahashi has won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award twice, first for URUSEI YATSURA in 1981 and again in 2002 for INUYASHA.

Posted by Tom Good

See also:

• Ranma 1/2 Volume 36 review by Kelly S. Taylor
• Mermaid Saga, No. 4 review by Tom Good

“Deux Press, the yaoi imprint of Aurora Publishing, has picked up the title Cigarette Kisses by Nase Yamato. Originally, Boysenberry Books, the yaoi imprint of Broccoli Books, was to release this title. However, with Broccoli Books shutting down, the title will be dropped from their list. Lucky for all of the Nase Yamato fans, Deux Press (who is already releasing her Take Me to Heaven in January 2009) was able to acquire the rights to the title, and fans can expect the manga to be released sometime in the second half of 2009. For more information, visit http://www.deux-press.com”