Hybrid Child Grows Into Anime Adaptation

Exciting news for all Shungiku Nakamura fans!

The September issue of Ciel magazine proudly announced that not only has "Sekai-ichi Hatsukoi" has been renewed for a second television season, but yet another one of our favorite yaoi mangaka's work is being transformed into an animated series. "Hybrid Child" will reportedly be debuting on Japanese television later next year. This will be the third animated series based off Nakamura's creations (the first being the successful run for "Junjo Romantica"

that completed in 2009 after 24 episodes).

Unlike the ongoing volumes of "Junjo" and "Sekai," Hybrid Child was a fantasy one-shot manga published in Japan in 2005 and spawned a drama CD in 2008.

The story takes place during the Meiji period and features the separate lives of Kotaro, Seya and Kuroda: three men (a number true to Nakamura's romantic formula) in possession of organic android-type creations known as the Hybrid Child, or HC, whom develop strong emotional ties to their owners in order to grow.

So congratulations Nakamura-sensei! We are all so very proud. Now, where is volume 15 of Junjo Romantica? Just asking...

Satoshi Kon Exhibit Available Online

Today marks the one-year anniversary of master animator Satoshi Kon's untimely death on August 24, 2010. In memory of Satoshi Kon, an exhibition in France was organized during Japan Expo Sud (Feb 25-27, 2011 in Marseille) and Japan Expo 12th Impact (June 30-July 3 in Paris).

An online version of their exhibition is now available on Catsuka (in English, French, and Japanese). It contains 40 beautiful images from French artists representing Satoshi Kon himself, and works from Millennium Actress, Paranoia Agent, Paprika, Perfect Blue, and Tokyo Godfather.


Launch the exhibition diaporama here. [Photo from Catsuka/©Kosal Sok]

Guild Wars 2 Gamescom Trailer

Check out the all-new Gamescom trailer "Guild Wars 2" -- showing off more of its beautiful art, actual gameplay, sequences, and the vast classes and worlds Guild Wars 2 has to offer. Not to mention, a taste of what can only be described as an absolutely stunning soundtrack.

Waiting for Guild Wars 2 is getting tougher and tougher...

"Awakening" Creators at Baltimore Comic-Con 2011

"Awakening" -- it was one of those comic book titles I just happened to pick up back in 2009 for its dark, haunting yet subdued cover. And ever since then, I've been hooked. With the concluding volume released back in November 2010, what's next for the dynamic duo of Nick Tapalansky and Alex Eckman-Lawn?

Well if you are heading to Baltimore Comic-Con this weekend, maybe you can get them to drop some hints on their next book. Both Alex and Nick will be there (table A105), along with copies of Awakening Volume 2 (for those who haven't picked it up yet) at just $10 at the con.

Even better is that not only is Archaia releasing an omnibus of said title (in stores next month, retailed at $24.95), but advance copies will be available at Baltimore this weekend for just $20.

The zombie noir graphic novel is a must-read for any comic book fan. I was able to meet them at last year's Baltimore Comic-Con (check out the pic I took of them - now why wouldn't you want to pick up "Awakening" from these cuties? (^_^)

Be sure to visit Nick's site for more details and check out their Facebook page here.

Baltimore Comic Con 2011 This Weekend

The wait is almost over...and it would seem that all good things come to those who wait. Baltimore Comic-Con 2011 returns for its 12th year this Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21.

The Baltimore Convention Center will play host to countless legends this weekend, with the one and only Stan "The Man" Lee leading the way as the Guest of Honor. Just over 150 guests, over 100 exhibitors and retailers and a packed artist alley await. I am especially excited to check out what Top Cow has in store for the coming year! The ever popular costume contest returns for its third year, with a new date and new (and bigger) room.

Check out the full line-up of Baltimore Comic-con heroes here and be sure to view the full schedule here.

If you've gone to the past conventions, you know why I never miss it -- the perfect getaway for the comic book junkie. So what are you waiting for, get that list of missing back-issues you need, grab those comic books that are itching for an autograph, and bask in "Nerd-vana." If you haven't registered yet, one- and two-day passes are still available.

It's time to get our geek on...

(Be sure to check back here for Baltimore Comic-con updates, photos, and recaps!!)