VANGUARD PRODUCTIONS
STARS OF THE MONTH
JOE KUBERT: HOW TO DRAW FROM FROM LIFE SC
(W/A) Joe Kubert
Joe Kubert has taught many of the finest cartoonists working today. In How to Draw from Life, he presents a wealth of his own original drawings from nude models, spanning his sixty-plus years as an artist and art instructor. Subjects include gesture drawing, contour drawing, the figure in motion, short studies, long studies, form and structure, anatomy, and lighting. Fully annotated with Kubert’s insightful commentary on drawing from life, this is the perfect book for art students, professionals, and comics enthusiasts everywhere. (MAY091094)
SC, 8.5x11, 128pgs, PC SRP: $24.95
EXCESS: THE ART OF MICHAEL GOLDEN SC (NEW PRINTING)
(W) Renee Witterstaetter (A) Michael Golden
Golden’s unique, innovative work has been seen in Micronauts, The ‘Nam, and Dr. Strange, as well as almost every major character in comics. Excess, the first color hardcover retrospective of his work, features Golden’s own words as he discusses his art and technique in depth. For Golden, "excess" defines a mind that can form every fold and nuance of a character without being overwhelmed by the frenzy. (JUN073933)
SC, 7x10, 128pgs, FC SRP: $24.95
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VERTICAL INC
CHI'S SWEET HOME GN
(W/A) Kanata Konami
A tender fun adventure focusing on the life of a newborn kitten and the young family that decides to raise her. The Yamadas have decided to not only keep Chi but to move to a new apartment to accomodate their kitten. The new environment looks like a world new world full of all sorts of adventures for little Chi. (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 6x9, 144pgs, FC SRP: $13.95
7 BILLION NEEDLES VOLUME 2 GN
(W/A) Nobuaki Tadano
Loosely inspired by Hal Clement's novel Needle, 7 Billion Needles follows the life of a teenage girl whose life is dramatically changed when her body is possessed by an alien life form caught up in an intergalactic manhunt. As strange as "normal" might seem to her now, "happy days" are much more welcomed than the surreal days Hikaru experienced with Celistial. Having wasted Maelstrom in battle, she has been freed from the voices and is moving on with her life. But not only is Maelstrom still around and possibly more determined than ever to defeat Celestial, but Celestial has been in her blood all along! (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 6x8, 192pgs, B&W SRP: $10.95
TEZUKA'S AYAKO GN
(W/A) Osamu Tezuka
Long considered as one of Osamu Tezuka’s most political narratives, Ayako is also considered to be one of his most challenging as it defies the conventions of his manga by utilizing a completely original cast and relying solely on historical drama to drive the plot. Set in the aftermath of World War II, Ayako focuses its attention on the Tenge clan, a once powerful family of landowners living in a rural community in northern Japan. The war and American occupation have begun to erode the fabric that binds them all together. And when the family seems to have completely fallen apart, they decide to turn their collective rage on what they believe to be the source of their troubles — the newest member of the Tenge family, the youngest sister Ayako. (C: 0-1-2)
HC, 6x8, 704pgs, B&W SRP: $26.95
TWIN SPICA VOLUME 4 GN
(W/A) Kou Yaginuma
Asumi is now in her second term at the Tokyo Space School. After struggling to be accepted into this elite program and some hardships once she was admitted, she quickly found herself developing her skills and her character through the many trails the school administered. When she is confronted by protestors demonstrating against Japan's space program, she is torn by the memories of her past, which include her deceased mother, and the dreams she is working so hard to attain. (C: 0-1-2)
SC, 200pgs, B&W SRP: $10.95
VIPER COMICS
ODD RODS VOLUME 1 GN
(W) Dale Mettam (A) Jose Coba
In the 60s they were crazy trading cards. Now their true story is finally told. Join Mac Short as he discovers his new "gently used" car can transform into the craziest hotrod ever. But that's just the start, as the changes plunge Mac into a thrilling chase, discovering their origins and protecting secrets from those who would steal The Odd Rods.
SC, 6x9, 48pgs, FC SRP: $5.95
VIZ MEDIA
BIOMEGA, VOL. 4
By Tsutomu Nihei
In a bid to remake the planet according to her design, Niarudi—Matriarch of the DRF—has unleashed the Reverse Morphic Polymer. This substance triggers a radical transformation of the earth, preparing it for "restoration." Meanwhile, Zoichi goes all out to recover Eon Green, and Fuyu learns more about what happened on Mars seven hundred years ago—secrets that shed light on the unbelievable metamorphosis about to take place! RATING: M
SC, 6x8, 192pgs, B&W $12.99
JORMUNGAND, VOL. 5
By Keitaro Takahashi
Koko and her team head for the Balkans to deliver a rather different cargo than usual—a team of doctors on a humanitarian mission. Unfortunately, the war zone they're entering is undergoing "ethnic cleansing," which is anything but clean. The perpetrator of this bloody genocide, a war criminal named Dragan Nikolavic, isn't about to let anyone get in his way. When Koko's unstoppable force meets Dragan's immovable object, the results are bound to be explosive! Koko may not be transporting a load of weapons, but she's not about to miss this delivery! RATING: M
SC, 6x8, 192pgs, B&W $12.99
SATURN APARTMENTS, VOL. 2
By Hisae Iwaoka
Far in the future, humankind has evacuated the earth in order to preserve it. Humans now reside in a gigantic structure that forms a ring around the earth, thirty-five kilometers up in the sky. The society of the Ring is highly stratified: the higher the floor, the greater the status. Mitsu, the lowly son of a window washer, has just graduated junior high. When his father disappears and is assumed dead, Mitsu must take on his father's occupation. As he struggles with the transition to working life, Mitsu's job treats him to an outsider's view into the living-room dioramas of the Saturn Apartments. RATING: T
SC, 6x8, 192pgs, B&W $12.99
THE OUROBOROS WAVE
By Jyouji Hayashi
Ninety years from now, a satellite detects a nearby black hole scientists dub Kali for the Hindu goddess of destruction. Humanity embarks on a generations-long project to tap the energy of the black hole and establish colonies on planets across the solar system. Earth and Mars and the moons Europa (Jupiter) and Titan (Uranus) develop radically different societies, with only Kali, that swirling vortex of destruction and creation, and the hated but crucial Artificial Accretion Disk Development association (AADD) in common.
SC, 6x8, 275pgs, B&W $14.99
DRAGON SWORD AND WIND CHILD
Story by Noriko Ogiwara
Illustrated by Satake Miho
The forces of the God of Light and the Goddess of Darkness have waged a ruthless war across the land of Toyoashihara for generations. But for 15-year-old Saya, the war is far away and unimportant—until the day she discovers that she is the reincarnation of the Water Maiden and a princess of the Children of the Dark. Raised to love the Light and detest the Dark, Saya must come to terms with her heritage even as she tumbles into the very heart of the conflict that is destroying her country. The armies of the Light and Dark both seek to claim her, for she is the only mortal who can awaken the legendary Dragon Sword, the fearsome weapon destined to bring an end to the war. Can Saya make the dreadful choice between the Light and Dark, or is she doomed—like all the Water Maidens who came before her…?
SC, 5x8, 300pgs, B&W $13.99
NARUTO ILLUSTRATION BOOK
By Masashi Kishimoto
Delve into the world of your favorite ninja with the Naruto Illustration Book, a celebration of the first 10 years of the best-selling manga series. Includes 100 pages of full-color illustrations and comments from creator Kishimoto, as well as a double-sided poster and a sticker sheet featuring cover images from the first 46 volumes of series!
SC, 8x12, 100pgs, B&W $19.99
BAKUMAN, VOL. 2
Story by Tsugumi Ohba
Illustrated by Obata Takeshi
Average student Moritaka Mashiro enjoys drawing for fun. When his classmate and aspiring writer Akito Takagi discovers his talent, he begs Moritaka to team up with him as a manga-creating duo. But what exactly does it take to make it in the manga-publishing world? RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 208pgs, B&W $9.99
D.GRAY-MAN, VOL. 19
By Katsura Hoshino
Following a brutal battle with a Level 4 akuma, Allen seems to be undergoing an odd and disturbing change. Meanwhile, a new breed of Exorcist is introduced at Black Order headquarters and, at Asia Branch, Kanda learns some disturbing things about his own status in the Black Order's Exorcist operations. Needless to say, Allen and his friends are ill prepared to deal with the simultaneous appearance of the servants of the Millennium Earl all over the world! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99
GENKAKU PICASSO, VOL. 1
By Usamaru Furuya
Hikari Hamura, nicknamed Picasso because of his natural artistic abilities, survived a horrible accident, but his friend Chiaki wasn't so lucky. Suddenly, Chiaki appears in front of him and tells him in order to keep living he must help the people around him. Can Hikari save people with his sketchbook and a 2B pencil? RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 248pgs, B&W $9.99
DRAGONBALL Z (VIZ BIG EDITION), VOL. 9
By Akira Toriyama
Final Volume! A Collection of Volumes 25-26! The universe's ultimate champions are desperately scheming and training to find a way to stop this abominable bouncy ball. Gohan is undergoing a bizarre training regimen with former Lord of the Lords... but the old guy keeps nodding off! Meanwhile, Trunks and Goten are perfecting their fusion dance in the Room of Spirit and Time to become Super Gotenks, a level 3 Super Saiyan power combo with extra-special hair. But how can they make a dent in a monster that keeps bouncing back? If only there were a way they could bring Goku and Vegeta and their other friends back to Earth... Don't miss the thrilling conclusion to this colossal manga classic! RATING: A
SC, 6x8, 560pgs, B&W $17.99
SHONEN JUMP VOL. 8 #12, DECEMBER 2010
THE WORLD'S MOST POPULAR MANGA! One of the world's biggest comics, containing the original manga versions of some of the most popular anime ever made! Each issue includes tons of full-color information about toys, TCGs, CCGs, video games and anime, plus amazing manga stories! RATING: T
Magazine, 328pgs, PC $4.99
THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, VOL. 1
Story by Sai Yukino
Illustrated by Yura Kairi
Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern. RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 176pgs, B&W $9.99
BLACK BIRD, VOL. 6
By Kanoko Sakurakoji
Misao and Kyo have traveled to the Tengu Village to end Sho's claim on the leadership of the clan once and for all. Misao knows there will be bloodshed, and things will only get worse if the battle is drawn out. But her attempt to help is thwarted by a cunning trap. Locked in with Sho with little hope of rescue, Misao has a terrible choice to make—betray Kyo or die a horrible, painful death! RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99
OTOMEN, VOL. 8
By Aya Kanno
Ryo's grandfather becomes ill, so she decides to move to Fukuoka to take care of him. With Ryo transferring schools, does this mean that Asuka will have to bid farewell to his love…forever? RATING: T
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99
KUROZAKURO, VOL. 1
By Yoshinori Natsume
Mikito Sakurai is tired of being a punching bag for all the delinquents on campus. But what can he do? By nature he's a gentle and easygoing high school student. That all changes the night he swallows a mysterious orb and meets Zakuro, a strange kid who promises to grant his most heartfelt desire. "When you wake up," says the pint-sized apparition, "you'll be stronger and better than a human." And that's exactly what happens. Mikito wakes up with superstrength. But there's a catch. He may look the same on the outside, but deep inside lurks a monster that craves ultraviolence and the taste of human flesh. RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99
INUYASHA, VOL. 5 (VIZBIG EDITION)
By Rumiko Takahashi
Kagome and Inuyasha have an angry argument that won't be settled until someone apologizes, but each of them is just as stubborn as the other! While Kagome and Inuyasha work things out, Naraku sends forth one of his own most enigmatic minions, a woman with the power to control the dead. As Naraku's plans unfold, Sesshomaru finds an unexpected reason to question his demonic nature. Between covetous wolf demons and Naraku's powerful illusions, Kagome and Inuyasha face even more difficult challenges! RATING: T+
SC, 6x8, 568pgs, B&W $17.99
MAOH: JUVENILE REMIX, VOL. 3
By Megumi Osuga
Ando's desperate attempt to prevent a gas station explosion will bring him face-to-face with Inukai. But will their confrontation only spur on Ando's decision to fight, or will new challenges be too much for him to bear...? RATING: T+
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99
TARO AND THE MAGIC PENCIL
By Sango Morimoto
Taro loves to draw comic books. He used to think the comics he created were nothing more than flat pieces of paper—until they came to life. Now Taro's characters are being erased! How can a real boy save a comic book world? With the wave of a magic pencil, of course! Bonus games and comics inside. RATING: AGES 6+
SC, 6x8, 104pgs, PC $7.99
PANDA MAN TO THE RESCUE!
Story by Sho Makura
Illustrated by Kato Haruhi
What's RED, WHITE and FARTS all over? It's PANDA MAN The world's greatest martial artist is on a mission to defeat a band of milk-stealing thieves. But even with the power of ?atulence and super-stinky feet, Panda Man can't ?ght this ?ght on his own! Solve the puzzles and mazes that stand in his way and help Panda Man become the hero he thinks he's meant to be. Bonus comics and games inside. RATING: AGES 6+
SC, 6x8, 96pgs, B&W $7.99
POKÉMON DIAMOND AND PEARL ADVENTURE!, VOL. 8
By Shigekatsu Ihara
Final Volume! Most kids spend their days at school, but not Hareta. Raised in the wild by Pokémon, he can climb as high as an Aipom, swim as fast as a Magikarp, and even eat bark like a Bidoof! RATING: A
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $7.99
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM VIZ MEDIA:
B.O.D.Y., VOL. 11
SC, 5x7, 184pgs, B&W $9.99
CHOCOMIMI , VOL. 5
SC, 5x7, 184pgs, B&W $7.99
CRIMSON HERO, VOL. 14
SC, 5x7, 184pgs, B&W $9.99
CROWN OF LOVE, VOL. 4
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99
GIN TAMA, VOL. 20
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99
HARUKA: BEYOND THE STREAM OF TIME, VOL. 10
SC, 5x7, 184pgs, B&W $9.99
HIKARU NO GO, VOL. 21
SC, 5x7, 200pgs, B&W $9.99
INUBAKA: CRAZY FOR DOGS, VOL. 17
SC, 5x7, 216pgs, B&W $9.99
INUYASHA, VOL. 54
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99
KIMI NI TODOKE: FROM ME TO YOU, VOL. 6
SC, 5x7, 184pgs, B&W $9.99
NARUTO: CHAPTER BOOK , VOL. 16
SC, 5x7, 80pgs, B&W $4.99
REAL, VOL. 9
SC, 5x7, 216pgs, B&W $12.99
S.A, VOL. 17
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99
SHAMAN KING, VOL. 31
SC, 5x7, 192pgs, B&W $9.99
ULTIMATE MUSCLE, VOL. 27
SC, 5x7, 232pgs, B&W $9.99