An Evening with Yoshiki USTREAM Broadcast

Yoshiki, considered to be one of Asia's most influential music artists and their biggest rock icon, will be broadcasting his first-ever U.S. solo performance at The GRAMMY Museum on Ustream on August 26th, 2013. The event - dubbed An Evening With Yoshiki - sold out within a few days of going on sale. Yoshiki will be performing songs from his highly-anticipated classical album entitled Yoshiki Classical (set for digital release on 8/27), as well as songs from his globally recognized rock band X Japan. He will also be taking this opportunity to interact with his fans in real-time during the event, including live song requests on his official Yoshiki Facebook and Yoshiki Twitter pages. To round out the event, spectators will take in a discussion between Yoshiki and Vice President of The GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares about his illustrious career and new album. Fans will be able to watch the event at Ustream from start to finish, as well as Yoshiki's official Facebook and Twitter pages.

An Evening With Yoshiki is part of the highly regarded series at the GRAMMY Museum, which has seen performances by Brian Wilson, Ringo Starr with Ben Harper, and Natalie Maines.

Catch the stream at: http://www.ustream.tv/yoshiki and if you haven't already, be sure to purchase Yoshiki Classical here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/yoshiki-classical/id688431015.

Yoko Kanno to debut "PIANO ME" concert at Otakon 2013

Baltimore, MD (May 15, 2013) – The renowned composer will present the world premiere performance of her new project, "PIANO ME", at Otakon. For this concert, the simple intimacy of one performer with one instrument will be enhanced by experimental live visuals that respond to her performance. To see a sample of that performance, you can see it on our website at http://www.otakon.com/.

While studying at Waseda University, Yoko Kanno made her first debut as a member of “Tetsu 100%” which was released from CBS Sony. After the group split up, she became a composer/arranger for commercials, animation, movies, games and TV series. Known as a great master of animation music, her best works include Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex, Cowboy Bepop, MACROSS Frontier, Genesis of Aquarion, and The Vision of Escaflowne. She has also written and produced songs for artists such as SMAP, May’n, YUKI, Miki Imai, Maaya Sakamoto, Kyoko Koizumi, Crystal Kay, T.M Revolution, Shione Yukawa, Chitose Hajime, YOSHIKA, ORIGA and more.

Her recent performances include in 2008 the “Galaxy Tour” for MACROSS Frontier as well as in 2009 for the “YOKO KANNO SEATBELTS / Chojiku Tanabata Sonic” event of which both were sold out almost immediately.

For the recently released movie Petal Dance which came out in April 2013, she wrote a piano soundtrack which she performs herself. The piano score will be released from her own label PIANO. In summer 2013, she plans to release a score of “Song of departure, which is A Cappella Arrangements for Male Voices.”

Otakon 2013 will be held August 911 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, MD.

Be sure to check out her super adorable announcement video below!

Global Shinkai Day

Happy Global Shinkai Day, a world-wide online festival care of Crunchyroll, featuring the films and works of the incredible Makato Shinkai!!  From Friday, March 15 through Sunday, March 17th, enjoy a special Shinkai Weekend celebration that will promise heart-warming smiles and tears.

Crunchyroll will be featuring three of Shinkai's works from the past, 5 Centimeters Per Second, The Place Promised in Our Early Days, and Voices of a Distant Star, available during the weekend for all members worldwide (excluding Japan).  And not only that, Shinkai's new movie will also being joining the line-up (courtesy of Sentai Filmworks), Children Who Chase Lost Voices!  You can also watch out for daily deals and win autographed goods.

T.M. Revolution Returns to Otakon 2013

Baltimore, MD (January 30, 2012) - Otakon is pleased to highlight the "Year of Awesome" by welcoming back musician T.M.Revolution for a special Saturday concert at Otakon 2013. He returns ten years after debuting to American audiences in 2003.

T.M.R. was the first major Japanese rock/pop performance at Otakon. The success of that show demonstrated that Japanese acts could find an audience in America by leveraging the fanbase for anime. T.M.R.'s american debut helped bring Otakon to the attention of the Japanese music industry and helped stimulate interest in bringing J-pop and J-rock acts to the US.

Takanori Nishikawa, born in 1970 in Shiga prefecture, made his debut as T.M.Revolution (T.M.R.) in May 1996, with the single “Dokusai –monopolize-”. Since then, he has established a reputation as a singer with ear-catching tunes combined with intriguing and irresistible live performances. Many singles have been picked up as themes of major anime and games including Mobile Suit Gundam and Sengoku BASARA. Since his debut, T.M.R. has built a global fan base and reputation mainly among anime fans.

Fifty Evangelion 3.0 Character Goods Revealed

What better way to commemorate the release of Evangelion 3.0 You Can [Not] Redo than with just about 50 awesome character goods to be sold by theaters starting this Saturday. Well, 46 awesome merchandise to be exact.  You can expect to find the usual (and beautiful) clear file folders, stickers, pens, straps, and different mobile goodies.  But within the 46 items are some special picks that have got this EVA afficianado giving her gotta-have-it face.

If I were lucky enough to make it to theaters in Japan, my shopping list would include:

• Item 17 - Who doesn't need a letter opener?  So why not make it a spear letter opener?
• Item 22 - Sure, there are plenty of keychains out there, but this one has got that special something.
• Item 25 - Why not a monolithic way to tell time with this Seele-type clock...
• Item 31 - To all the Ritsuko lovers, you gotta have an official Nerv ashtray.
• Item 35 - And you'll definitely need a pass case when you catch the train.
• Item 38 - My personal favorite is the perennial calendar that is made to last...genius-ly styled after the Nerv elevator floor number display.
• Item 43 - Because we all get hungry eventually, why not have some cookies with Kaworu's silhouette?

Check out the entire list here and full catalog photo here.  And while you're at it, be sure to drop me a line if you find it in your heart to pick up some items for me from my wishlist :) From one Eva fan to another...

Mass Effect: Paragon Lost Limited Engagement Screening

On November 29th, there will be a one night only, exclusive screening event for Mass Effect: Paragon Lost. Show times will vary by theater.  This very limited engagement will hit the following cities: New York City, San Francisco, Edmonton (Canada), Dallas, Greensboro, and Los Angeles.  If you're in one of these cities, you won't want to miss this.

And as an extra special bonus, the first 20 people who attend the screenings will receive a FREE Mass Effect : Paragon Lost T-shirt.

Mass Effect: Paragon Lost is the result of an epic collaboration between the legendary Bioware and visionary Production I.G (Innocence, Kill Bill: Vol.1 (Animation Part), BLOOD-C The Last Dark . [Source: Funimation]

ABOUT THE MOVIE
Mass Effect: Paragon Lost is the prequel to the highly-anticipated Mass Effect 3 and follows the early career of Alliance Marine, James Vega. Vega leads an elite Special Forces squad into battle against a mysterious alien threat known as The Collectors. Stationed at a colony in a remote star system, Vega and his soldiers must protect the civilians from a ruthless invasion determined to capture the population for unknown purposes. Learn more about the Mass Effect universe with an unprecedented glimpse into the haunted past of Mass Effect's newest hero! Featuring the voices of : Freddie Prinze Jr., Monica Rial (Deadman Wonderland), Vic Mignogna (Fullmetal Alchemist).

Pre-order your copy of the movie, available on Blu-ray and DVD on 12.28.12.  If you haven't done so yet, check out the trailer below!

Preview to Baltimore Comic-Con 2012: Issue 3

You know the drill...this weekend is Baltimore Comic-Con and Third Impact has been giving highlights of what to expect as our anticipation grows and grows.  The crew will be headed to Baltimore tomorrow, so this will be our final issue for now until we return with full coverage, new boxes to open, and rummaging through the spoils of the con.  But before I get ahead of myself, let's do this!

It seems like we're not the only ones growing with anticipation.  For the first time, Baltimore Comic-Con will be expanding their Saturday hours, allowing you more time to squeeze panels, comics and comics-related products shopping, the Costume Contest, the auction, and collecting autographs and commissioning sketches from your favorite comics pros and newfound rising talent. The new Saturday hours will be from 10am to 7pm on Saturday (and the same 10am to 5pm on Sunday that we've had in years past).

I attended the first Costume Contest held a few years ago, and I'm happy to see its return year after year.  Registration for the 2012 Costume Contest will be taking place in booth #2606, and will cost $5 for adults 18 and older (children 17 and younger are free!). There are 10 categories with prizes for each, and $1,000 up for grabs to the person with the best overall costume! The Costume Contest, presented by StylinOnline.com, will be held on Sunday, September 9th in Room 307-310 upstairs from the convention center floor. You won't want to miss this!  The prizes have gotten PRETTY nice over the years!

Ever wondered where the genius behind many of the favorite comic books in the 1980s came from? Captain America and many other of your favorite comic books were actually enhanced by 'The British Invasion' of the comic book world.

The British Embassy in Washington will be celebrating this theme at Baltimore Comic-Con, this weekend, showcasing what is great about the comic book, science-fiction, and creative industries in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The team from the British Embassy will be exhibiting in the lobby of the Baltimore Comic-Con, and its booth will feature images of characters portrayed during the long history of creativity in the UK - from the early days of Doctor Who to the present, to Game of Thrones and British contributions to American creative arts. Come experience why Creativity is GREAT in the UK and to take a fresh look at the longstanding British Invasion of American comics.

Preview to Baltimore Comic-Con 2012: Issue 2

The countdown continues with just 3 more days till Baltimore Comic-Con.  And what better time that the good folks reveal their 2012 Show Map, now available in the 2012 Program Guide. Be sure to check it out!! 

The first ever Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook makes its debut this year.  This book of art features some of our guests interpreting the Liberty Meadows characters, sometimes in conjunction with their own creations, in a celebration of creator-owned properties.  As an added bonus, you can win the art created for the Yearbook at the auction. And the fun doesn't stop there -- a scavenger hunt will also be held.  Buy the book and get 15 of the 36 contributors to sign it, win an awesome print by either Joseph Michael Linsner or Barry Kitson. Determined to get both prints? Then grab 20 signatures and they are yours.

If you thought all the guest announcements have been made, well then I'm happy to say "you're wrong!"  Artists Jimmy Cheung and Paul Pope join the roster! Jimmy Cheung began his career in the mid-1990s at Marvel Comics working on such titles as X-Force, Force Works, and Spider-Man Unlimited. In 2000, he left Marvel to join the team at CrossGen Comics, helming the art duties on one of their flagship titles, Scion. In 2005, Cheung returned to Marvel and became one of their "Young Guns," a group of artists that, according to Marvel Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada, had the qualities that make "a future superstar penciller." Most recently, Cheung finished illustrating Avengers: The Children's Crusade, a mini-series which ran from 2010 through 2012.

Paul Pope is an American comic artist whose work has ranged from manga to American-style comics. Throughout his career, Pope has worked for such companies as Dark Horse, DC, and Marvel Comics, Dargaud in France, and Kodansha in Japan. His book Batman:Year 100 won Eisners for Best Limited Series and Best Writer/Artist in 2007. Since 2011, he has been a sitting board member of the American Council of the Arts. He is currently finishing work on his latest graphic novel, Battling Boy, to be released soon through First Second.

In addition to the great line-up of guests for this year's Baltimore Comic-Con, more than 100 retailers will also grace the floor bringing with them all the goodies our wallets can and, in more cases than not, can't afford.  The retailers cover a wide variety for every type of collector, specializing in Gold, Silver, and Bronze Age comics. Vintage comics, apparel, toys, trade paperbacks, and hardcover collections are just a few of the types of items that are available from a great selection of retailers and exhibitors.

Preview to Baltimore Comic-Con 2012: Issue 1

It's finally here...the week of Baltimore Comic-Con 2012 is here!  The crew here at Third Impact couldn't be more ecstatic and excited for the goodness to come this weekend.  So to celebrate, we'll be giving highlights of what to expect at this year's Comic-Con.  Let the countdown commence...

Stan, the Man, Lee returns to Baltimore and has even extended his stay to include Sunday until 4pm.  VIP packages are still available.

On Saturday night, September 8th, the comic book industry, including professionals, retailers, and fans, will gather at the Hyatt Regency Baltimore to honor the 2012 Harvey Award Nominees for 2011 comic work and present the Harveys to their recipients.  This is an exciting evening, highlighted by our host Phil LaMarr, keynote speaker Ross Richie, and a special appearance by Stan Lee! Harvey Awards tickets are on sale NOW at baltimorecomiccon.com/harvey-awards.
I'll be rooting for my fav Top Cow peeps for sure!

BCC always brings a slew of great panels, and I'm particularly impressed with the offering of the Marvel Boot Camp Seminar.  Marvel SVP-Executive Editor Tom Brevoort will, for the first time ever, give a training lecture to the public, which he normally gives to the Marvel editorial staff explaining how Marvel editors think about the business of storytelling. There will also be inside secrets, tricks-of-the-trade, and - time permitting - a Q & A with Brevoort.  You'll need tickets to this special event ($10) as seating is limited.

Attention fellow Lady Death fans! Not only is Lady Death creator Brian Pulido making an appearance at the con, but he, along with his fellow attendees Greg Capullo and Joseph Michael Linsner will be bringing 2 special issues.  Lady Death: Judgement War #1 - Heavy Duty Edition features cover art by Greg Capullo and is enhanced with seven 1/4" heavy metal spikes and is limited to just 99 serially numbered copies. Lady Death: Judgment War #1 - Blood Red Skies Edition, art by Capullo and limited to 199 serially numbered copies, features a cardstock cover. Also premiering is Lady Death: Tribulation #1 - Blood Beach Edition, featuring a Joseph Michael Linsner cover and limited 199 serially numbered copies.  After hearing this news, it didn't take long to put the Heavy Duty edition on my list!

I love my comics in all forms, and I am digging 215 Ink's exclusive for the con.  215 Ink will be unveiling a deal previously unheard of in the comic community, small press or otherwise: a fully functional Android 4.0 tablet loaded with the full line-up of 215 titles for just $99. Consider this on my list too...

These were just some of the highlights and the reason why I always cannot wait till Baltimore Comic-Con.  It's the dedication to bringing the best, classic and modern, and above all, the obvious unrivaled focus of why we're here...and that's comic books.

So for now, check out the posted schedule and be sure to register for the con if you've been lazy and haven't done so already.  And while you're at it, check out the wicked guest list, check those collections, and make your plans.

Takumi-kun Series Memorial 2009-2012 DVD Collection

Fans of the "Takumi-kun Series" [like me] may have noticed recently that the official website has been updated, and if you have and you do not live in Japan [like me], you may have went from extremely excited to completely heartbroken [LIKE ME!!].

It’s only expected that at some point all entries in a series will be combined into one collection and on September 19th distributors Pony Cannon will be releasing the Takumi-kun Series Memorial 2009-2012 DVD box set! Director Takeshi Yokoi's collection includes the dramatic and romantic films "Niji Iro no Glass", "Bibo no Detail" and "Ano, Hareta Aozora" that starred Kyosuke Hamao and Daisuke Watanabe, the quintessential pairing of Takumi and Gii. Ryouma Baba and Taiki Naito’s beautiful "Pure" is also here. Not included is the first movie "Soshite Harukaze ni Sayayaite" that starred Tomo Yanagishita and Keisuke Kato, so sorry to those who may have liked the original with its cop out kisses that weren't kisses and insanely bright, washed out love scene.

Fabulous as the romance of these four movies are, the added gems make this collection extra special, including a CD soundtrack (a long desired item amongst fans), bonus DVD, photo book and postcards, all wrapped up in a Shido High School blazer box.

Now the bad news: It’s technically ONLY available as a reservation item for those in the Pony Cannon Club! At this time it doesn’t appear that the collection will be released for general sales from the typical online shopping websites you frequent. And to add salt to my wound: those in Japan who are able to get their hands on this limited edition item will also have the capability of entering a postcard submission contest to attend a meet-and-greet with Kyosuke Hamao and Daisuke Watanabe in Tokyo on December 1st. @$&#@!!!

CD Japan has it listed as a special request item for $245.05. If you are a huge fan like me (long time Daisuke Watanabe crush over here!), cross your finger and hope for the best.

Image Comics Exclusives at Comic-Con International

Berkeley, CA - July 5, 2012 — In addition to a full schedule of panels, Image Comics is also celebrating creativity at Comic-Con International in San Diego with exclusive covers and editions of popular and debut titles. Creators will be signing exclusives, which are available in limited quantities, so be sure to stop by the Image Comics, Skybound and Top Cow booths to make sure you get your copies!

Comic-Con International takes place on July 12-15 in the San Diego Convention Center. The Image Comics booth (#2729) will be the destination for Skybound, Shadowline, and Image central titles, while the Top Cow booth (#2629) will have all the latest in the WITCHBLADE- and THE DARKNESS-helmed universe.

Some highlights include:

THE WALKING DEAD #100 Vannen Watch
In honor of The Walking Dead’s 100th issue, Skybound and Vannen watches bring you a limited edition timepiece. The watch features art from Charlie Adlard’s issue #100 cover.  Each watch is signed by Robert Kirkman. ($85.00; Limited to 500 units, One per person)

THE WALKING DEAD Hardcover Compendium
Limited edition, foil stamped hardcover version of THE WALKING DEAD Compendium Vol. 1.  Collects issues 1-48 of THE WALKING DEAD ($100.00; > Limited to 900 copies, One per person)

THE WALKING DEAD Michonne Bloody Poncho Variant Action Figure
Limited edition bloody Michonne action figure featuring an exclusive poncho based on her first appearance. ($25.00; Limited to 3000 units, Two per person)

Artifacts #19 Broussard Comic-Con Exclusive Variant Cover
Kicking off a brand new story in the Top Cow's ongoing REBIRTH initiative, RON MARZ and STJEPAN SEJIC introduce a brand new Artifact bearer -- Dr. Rachel Harrison, bearer of the Heartstone -- in this special three part story. Available only at Comic-Con, this exclusive cover by MICHAEL BROUSSARD features Witchblade, Angelus and Aphrodite! ($10; Limited to 500 copies)

The Darkness #105 Portacio Comic-Con Exclusive Variant Cover
Concluding DAVID HINE and JEREMY HAUN's explosive opening story arc, this issue sees Jackie Estacado, bearer of the Darkness, confronted with disintegration of his perfect world. Available only at Comic-Con, this exclusive cover by WHILCE PORTACIO features The Darkness and his Darklings! ($10; Limited to 500 copies)

Think Tank #1 Bagus Variant Cover
A Comic-Con Debut Issue! The action-packed science series from MATT HAWKINS and RAHSAN EKEDAL tells the tale of a brilliant scientist trapped in a military think tank and his attempt to escape. Available only at Comic-Con, this exclusive cover by BAGUS HUTOMO introduces the world to slacker genius scientist -- Dr. David Loren! ($10; Limited to 500 copies).

Animate Cafe's Junjo Romantica Inspired Menu

Oh, how my heart aches and my tummy grumbles!

If you are fortunate to be in Japan this month and a member of CLUB animate, you have the fantastic opportunity to enter the drawing to attend Animate Café’s “Junjo Romantica” event. Commemorating the series’ 10th anniversary, the limited edition menu will allow lottery winners to partake in delicious dishes inspired by Shungiku Nakamura's [and my favorite] BL that would make Misaki Takahashi proud.
I’ve never wanted to eat an Octopus-shaped hotdog more than I do right now! And there is yummy omelet with hilarious “I like dogs” ketchup-written topping! And there is even Suzuki-san shaped ice cream for dessert! That’s not even the beginning of the menu’s hearty plates and drinks (ichigo daisuki!), with each section of the menu dedicated to the couples of Romantica, Egoist, Terroist and Mistake! The chefs may have even finely minced green pepper into all the dishes, and while I share Usagi’s strong dislike of the green vegetable, I would be willing to lose 1,000 yen to each cook to have the bountiful meals on my table!

While your belly would surely be satisfied by all the tasty food, your heart will be warmed by the plethora of fabulous swag and shopping, including Suzuki-san coasters, Suzuki-san plates, Suzuki-san mugs, Suzuki-san chocolate cookies, “JR” clear files, secret prizes and much, much more!!

Sadly the much-filled-with-love “Usami-sensei no Fuwa Fuwa Omlette Special Deluxe” is not on the menu. I’d be willing to risk Usagi’s food poisoning if it meant I could attend and grab some of these goodies.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go sob into my peanut butter sandwich… T_T

Evangelion Rei Ayanami Slide

As part of the Shiohaku Expo 2012 summer amusement event, an 18.5 meter (60 foot) long figure of Rei Ayanami (Neon Genesis Evangelion) will be built outside of the NTV Tower in the Shiodome area of Tokyo.

The "Gundam-sized" figure will feature a slide that attendees can slide down during the event, which will take place from July 25th through August 26th, 10 am to 6pm daily.

And if that wasn't enough, a third branch of the beautiful wallet-breaking Evangelion store will open in the nearby NTV building and will feature limited edition merchandise.  Check out the official NTV site as more details (and hopefully pics) emerge. [Source: Evangelion via ANN]

Resident Evil Cafe and Grill S.T.A.R.S.

Back in January 2012, Capcom opened up a Capcom Bar in Shinjuki that sells drinks and food inspired by titles such as Monster Hunter, Ace Attorney and Resident Evil (braiiiins).  Well if that wasn't enough, The Resident Evil franchise will now be opening a Resident Evil Cafe and Grill S.T.A.R.S. in Shibuya.

While the restaurant's actual menu has not been released, Capcom has promised limited items and dance performances from Dance Team S.T.A.R.S. Angelique.

The Cafe and Grill will open, fittingly, on Friday the 13th next month, for just one year. [Source: Andriasang via G4TV]

MAGFest to Host Kinuyo Yamashita

MAGFest announces its first honored guest -- Kinuyo Yamashita!

Yamashita made her mark on the video game industry after her graduation from University, as she walked into the offices of Konami and began her long career as a video game music composer. Her first project for the company became one of their most popular games of all time, Akumajou Dracula, released as Castlevania outside of Japan. With her roots in classical piano combined with a youthful spirit, her music for Castlevania took the video game industry by storm, combining catchy action rhythms with eerie atmosphere to create a unique and timeless sound. Since then, she has become a prolific composer, working on titles such as Power Blade and Mega Man X3, as well as contributing music to various big projects including dondonpachi DAI-OU-JOU and GEONDAN.

MAGFest 11 returns to the Gaylor National Hotel and Convention Center (National Harbor, MD) January 3-6, 2013.

Tetsuya Kakihara at Otakon 2012

Otakon announces voice actor and musician Tetsuya Kakihara as one of its guest this year.  Tetsuya, or as he is best known "Kakki" debuted as a voice actor in 2003 and won “Best Male Newcomer” at the First Seiyuu Awards ceremony in Japan. Since then, he has amassed a considerable number of leading roles in his career, voicing the likes of Fairy Tail's Natsu Dragneel, Gurren Lagann's Simon, Linebarrels of Iron's Koichi Hayase, BlazBlue's Jin Kisaragi; Hakumen, and Saint Seiya: the Lost Canvas' Pegasus Tenma. As a supporting cast member, Kakihara has been featured heavily in Blue Exorcist (Amaimon), Digimon Xros Wars Season 2 (Ryouma Mogami), Minami-ke (Fujioka), Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan (Shima), and Toriko (Tom).

As a music artist on Lantis and Bandai Visual's Kiramune label for voice actors, Kakihara has released two albums, “Still on Journey” and “Continuous.” He has also performed the openings for Brave10, a Fairy Tail OAV, Sengoku Paradise Kiwami, and the Angel's Feather OAV.

Kakki is also known for his work as Akihito Takaba from Finder Series and Ishii Tetsuo in the ending theme/duet song from Okane ga nai, among many other accomplishments in his repetoire.

Otakon 2012 will be held July 27 – 29 at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland.

YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz Disband

Guitarist TAKUMI, from YELLOW FRIED CHICKENz announced through his blog that the band will break up on July 4th -- the day of their Budokan live and coincidentally, Gackt's birthday.

During the last Nico Radio broadcast, Takumi and Chacha discussed the breakup as a positive thing.  The members want to pursue their own, separate goals, which they won't be able to accomplish as YFC.  "Camui Gakuen, Sparkly Male Cram School, Happy Birthday Live, Don't Cry, Let's Say Sayonara With Smiles" will be their last live.

New projects are brewing and each hope that fans look forward to more fun and interesting things from them. [Source: JPOP Asia]

Kojima at Uniqlo for Metal Gear 25th Anniversary

Metal Gear god Hideo Kojima and genius artist Yoji Shinkawa will be at UNIQLO June 8-9 to celebrate the Metal Gear 25th Anniversary with a new collection of t-shirts.  If you're in the NYC area (and feel like picking up some shirts for me), go to UNIQLO's 5th Ave Store, June 8th from 6-8pm and 34th St store on June 9th 4-6pm to meet and grab autographs from these legends. Check out the new shirts at UNIQLO.

Kojima is in NYC as I type...recently tweeting "Is this autograph card for NY event?"

Ahhhhh, what I wouldn't give to be there right now!!

GBWC 2012 U.S. Championship

It's that time again.  Time to show off your insane love for building GunPla and grab that chance represent the U.S. in the Gunpla Builders World Cup 2012.  Top modelers from all over, including Japan, China, Austrialia and the U.S. battle it out and test their skills to claim the title of Gunpla World Cup Champion!

Check out the official website for more details and entry form.  U.S. regional contests will be held at these confirmed conventions which will judge up to 3 of your models based on painting, technical, and creativity.

Sakura-Con Seattle, Washington April 6th – 8th
Website: http://www.sakuracon.org/

Anime Central, Chicago, Illinois April 27th – 29th
Website: http://www.acen.org/

A-Kon, Dallas, Texas, June 1st – 3rd
Website: http://a-kon.com/

Anime Expo, Los Angeles, California June 29th – July 2nd
Website: www.anime-expo.org

Otakon, Baltimore Maryland July 27th – 29th
Website: www.otakon.com

NYAF/NYCC, New York Oct 11th – 14th
Website: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/

So what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite kit, fresh paint and brushes, and unique creativity -- and show that Gunpla who's boss!

E3 First Look -- BEYOND: Two Souls

"Heavy Rain" fans have been waiting for Quantic Dream's next move. And E3 finally gives us the answer in the form of "BEYOND: Two Souls." BEYOND follows the similar format that made "Heavy Rain" so innovative, with an interactive psychological experience using real actors to portray real emotion and movement.

The quality of the images look absolutely spectacular and right off the bat, you recognize that BEYOND is much more action-oriented than Heavy Rain.  The game stars Ellen Page (Inception, Juno) as the protagonist Jodie Holmes.  Jodie has a interesting psychic link to an invisible entity called Aiden, and she looks like she's in for a wild journey.  The story seems to cover the span of 15 years of Jodie's life.  Beyond is slated for a February 2013 release, exclusively for the PS3.  Check out E3's first look below.