Dead Sea Scrolls 606

Baltimore Comic-Con 2013 Panel Schedule

2013-09-03T12:58:00.001-04:00

As the handy countdown indicates, there are only 3 days, 21 more hours to go until Baltimore Comic-Con 2013 begins. So if you haven't already, be sure to update those comic book lists, make those last minute additions to that costume of yours and of course, don't forget to check out the panel schedule, which is now available online at http://baltimorecomiccon.com/about/programming/. What/who are you looking most forward to seeing?

The squad here at "Third Impact" will be there (in cosplay!) roaming the halls, camera at the ready with wallets ready to be emptied, so be sure to stop us and say hello :)

An Evening with Yoshiki USTREAM Broadcast

2013-08-23T12:51:00.000-04:00

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.

Resident Evil S.T.A.R.S Replica Badge

2013-06-13T10:14:00.000-04:00

Hollywood Collectibles has announced, among its other San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive, their Resident Evil Special Tactics and Rescue Service (S.T.A.R.S.) Replica Badge.

Based on the badge used by Chris and the other STARS members in the video games, this officially licensed, Undercover Version, solid die-cast metal replica S.T.A.R.S. badge is intricately detailed, and is complete with a genuine leather badge holder & metal neck chain The metal badge is 3¼" long and the leather holder is 4½" overall length. 34" chain.

The badge is set at $49.95 and will be limited to just 500 pieces. While listed as a SDCC exclusive, HCG has set aside a very limited quantity of said replica badge for those unable to make it to SDCC. So if you've got your eyes set on this awesome replica S.T.A.R.S badge, jump here to reserve yours today.

Anime Adaptation of Love Stage!!

2013-05-31T18:21:00.000-04:00

The July edition of Asuka Ciel magazine has made my day by announcing that Eiki Eiki and Taishi Zaou's BL manga "Love Stage!!" is getting an anime adaptation! Details are sparse at the moment but you can be sure that I'll keep you up-to-date as they become available. In the meantime you can pick up volume three of the manga and the third "Back Stage!!" spin-off novel at CD Japan starting June 1st. Also, for those of you still waiting on the American market to publish this great series, be sure to catch up on previous chapters from the wonderful folks at September Scanlations.

Sideshow Collectible's Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure

2013-05-30T12:16:00.000-04:00

"Tall and menacing, Darth Vader is the most potent icon of the Galactic Empire's might. The product of the Emperor himself, Vader answers to only the highest in the Imperial command structure and is granted great leeway in the work he conducts on his master's behalf. Once a Jedi, Vader possesses absolute command over the Force, and through him it is directed to terrible and often fatal effect. As a Lord of the Sith, the dark side flows through him, and it can be channeled to kill with a single thought or to subdue his detractors, enemies, and sometimes even subordinates. Feared by Rebels and Imperials alike, Darth Vader is a terrifying union of man and machine hidden beneath black robes and forbidding armor. Determined to hunt down and extinguish the Rebel Alliance, Vader commands the massive Imperial fleet and rules his forces through unquestionable terror. " ~Backstory provided by Sideshow Collectibles

Can't... fight... it... Dark Side... too... tempting...Who am I kidding?! Jedi mind tricks not needed. You don't have to threaten my room with Death Star destruction. I want! I have to have Sideshow Collectible's Darth Vader Deluxe Sixth Scale Figure! Pre-order is open at Sideshow Collectibles website and set to release on January 2014.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Vader stands at a glorious 14" high with fully articulated body, fabric body suit, head with helmet and cape and detailed armor and gloves. Pose him as you please with 10 interchangeable gloved hands and lightsabers (hilt only and hilt with blade). If you are one who is attracted to anything that lights up, please note the light-up belt, the light-up figure display base with Imperial symbol AND additional Helmet and Mask accessories with light-up Meditation Chamber display base! As much as I love all of this what really clinched the deal with me was the additional Anakin Skywalker Portrait. Now THAT'S detailed!

So give the wonderful artists of Nathan Eakins and Bernardo Esquivel (Paint), Tim Niver, Adrienne Smith, Andy Bergholtz, Nathan Mansfield, Pascual Wawoe, Bigshot Toyworks (Sculpt), Kevin Ellis (Costume Fabrication), Joe Allard, Pascual Wawoe, Jared Chapman (Design), Jesse Lincoln (Development) and all of The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team a hand! Vader did. Okay, that was a lousy way to work in a pun, but I sunk to that depth in order to end this post on the Sideshow Exclusive you will receive if you pre-order through their website today: Vader's Severed Gauntlet and Hand. Now isn't all of this worth $249.99 of your hard earned money to support The Empire?

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

2013-05-15T12:41:00.001-04:00

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!

Morphing Rorschach Mask

2013-04-05T13:18:00.002-04:00

Okay, so Rorschach is probably my favorite character in Watchmen -- let's get that out of the way. And his mask is just bad-ass, constantly influx and morphing inkblots. Anyways, the folks at "Rorschach Masks" have created just that, a set of inkblot marks that actual move and morph. The trick here is that these one-size fits all spandex masks use a nontoxic fabric ink that reacts to your breath. The video below, showing all 5 versions, just says it all. Way too cool!! [Source: FashionablyGEEK]

Global Shinkai Day

2013-03-15T15:19:00.000-04:00

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.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Dragonborn Statues

2013-03-12T11:59:00.001-04:00

ATTENTION FELLOW DOVAHKIIN!!! Gaming Heads announces for pre-order an awesome Dragonborn Statue inspired by official artwork, that begs to be on my shelves!

Dragonborn stands powerfully upon his rock base, surrounded by the tail of a mighty dragon. At 1/6 scale, he measures approximately 16 inches tall, including the base - creating an extremely awe-inspiring presence. Cast in high quality poly-stone, the statue is hand-finished and hand-painted. The Dragonborn comes dressed in incredibly detailed and authentic hand-tailored fabrics for unparalleled realism.

Dragonborn comes in 2 different flavors. The exclusive version of Dragonborn, only available at GamingHeads.com, comes with an additional alternate arm that holds a fireball spell that illuminates and pulses like real fire. The collector can exchange the fireball for the short sword depending on preference. Also included is an alternate portrait that shows the Dragonborn with his helmet removed. The exclusive version is limited to 500 pieces worldwide and will set you back $329.99. The "basic" version comes with the long and short sword (sans fire) is limited to 1,000 pieces worldwide and sits at $299.99. Both versions are scheduled to be released Q4 2013.

The statue, in all its amazingness includes deluxe, full-color packaging, a hand numbered base, and a certificate of authenticity.

Pre-orders are open today, so what are you waiting for? Snag yours today and be sure to check out the tons of stunning photos here.

Junjou Romantica Suzuki-san Plushie

2013-02-25T11:55:00.000-05:00

Readers, you know I love BL. I love "Junjou Romantica". I love teddy bears, and the Bear of Bears for this BL lover is none other than Suzuki-san. Imagine as I weep over having yet another JR goody dangled before me but unable to reach across the giant pond to Japan so I can grasp and hug the stuffing out of it.

Here I present to you the Suzuki-san plush, one of the many treasures to come from Shungiku Nakamura's series and its honoring at the Animate Cafe (you can read my news about the event held back in July 2012 and my hunger pains here. Sitting at a tall 23 inches and sporting a red plaid bow to compliment his round ears, face & body, Akihiko "Usagi" Usami's best bear from England will cost you 8,500 yen from Korder.com.

He's soft. He's adorable. He should be in my home.

Oh My Goddess Belldandy with Holly Bell PVC Figure

2013-02-22T16:26:00.001-05:00

Long, long ago I was a lonely Otaku in high school. The year of this story isn't important but let's just say that I was only aware of 150 Pokemon, I was buying fansubs on VHS from Canada with my unused lunch money and my game console of choice was Nintendo 64. Anyway, I had a Business Communications class with an assigned seat in the back of the room next to a color laser printer. Not only was it convenient to print out all of my daily classwork, but it also allowed me to print out all those lovely Anime and Manga images from the Internet for me to cut out and tape onto my books and walls at home, swiping them from the printer tray before anyone was the wiser.

Included among those pictures were all the figures and statues I highly desired but could not have. After all, most of my money went to helping my family, and even if having a personal credit card wasn't just a dream on the horizon, access to obtaining these items was few and far between (anyone else out there remember loving Yahoo Auctions USA back in the day as much as me?!). Even if I managed to go the more affordable route and obtain the garage kits to build and color myself, I didn't have the tools or mad skillz to make them as impressive as they're displayed on the boxes. One of these long desired beauties of mine was the Belldandy with Holly Bell statue from the "Oh My Goddess!" (or if you prefer, "Ah! My Goddess") series. Several years and failed auctions later I could only settle for the 1000 Edition art print; lovely in its own right but not the same as the 360 degree view I always wanted. Well, prepare for a second chance as Max Factory, who is celebrating it's 25th anniversary, is bringing to us a re-release!

Though made of PVC instead of resin, the amazing top-to-bottom detail of our heavenly ladies stands in 1/10 scale from Holly Bell's sweeping blond hair and enveloping angel wings to Belldandy's flowing and swirling orange gown, all upon a black base of scroll work and blue stones. To ensure its collectible status each figure is stamped with a unique serial number. If you are oohing and aahing over this for the first time or exactly like me and muuuust haaaave thiiis nooow, you can pre-order from CD Japan or Hobby Search today for around $190.00, but you'll have to wait August 31, 2013 before it ships. I've waited this long. What's a few more months?

T.M. Revolution Returns to Otakon 2013

2013-01-30T13:20:00.003-05:00

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.

Time Magazine's 100 Best Video Games of All Time

2012-11-16T10:18:00.002-05:00

I think it's safe to say that we can all agree a "Top Video Games of All Time" list is never an easy thing to do. There will always be titles missing that for many are shoe-ins, or titles that make it but have no business being there. Then there's the nuance of titles of importance and titles of popularity, as opposed to titles that score high in all categories of gameplay, visuals, audio, story, etc. That is always true. But that doesn't mean that lists don't exist.

Time Magazine has done just that with their "All-Time 100 Video Games" list, and what's cool about it is the poll results showing what the public thinks about the list -- definitely? or no way?

The top 10 comprise of Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., The Oregon Trail, Pong, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong, Tetris, The Legend of Zelda, Asteroids, and Mass Effect 3!

Other games listed with positive responses include Final Fantasy VII, Metal Gear Solid, World of Warcraft, Castlevania, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Resident Evil, The Sims, Portal, and Half-Life.

Check out the entire list here and be sure to vote yourself on whether these titles should definitely be on the list or not.

The Walking Dead Episode 5 "No Time Left" Release Date Confirmed

2012-11-15T19:48:00.001-05:00

Telltale has confirmed that the fifth and final episode of The Walking Dead video game series, "No Time Left" will be coming out on November 21st for most platforms, and a day earlier on the Playstation Network! What better time to celebrate Thanksgiving than with zombies and finding out what becomes of Lee and crew. If you've been keeping up with the episodes, you know how high the stakes are now.

At the end of each episode, stats of what decisions you and other players made are displayed. It's always interesting to see where you fare with the rest of the world. And the video below does just that for episode 4. Be warned though, if you have not played all 4 episodes yet, do NOT watch this video. Major spoilers ahead. But if you have though, the by all means, please partake. It serves as a nice summary and segue to the final episode.

For those holding off until the retail version comes out (and for those who want the physical game), the wait isn't much longer either. Remember, the standard version with all five episodes will cost $29.99 and the GameStop-exclusive collector's edition is set at $69.99 and will get you the full game, as well as a huge Walking Dead Compendium collection, assembling the first 48 issues of the comic series.

Mass Effect Mordin Solus Bust

2012-11-14T08:14:00.000-05:00

Our favorite talks-a-mile-a-minute Salarian is coming to us in a beautifully hand-scultped polyresin bust. Looks like Mordin may be the first of a series of Mass Effect busts...or at least this fan is hoping it is. (I recall a prototype Garrus bust earlier).

Each piece is individually cast and handpainted and stands 8 inches tall. Mordin comes with a detachable headset; a sculpted and embossed base with the text "Someone Else Might Have Gotten It Wrong."

Retailed at $50.00, you can preorder yours now at the BioWare store. And if you put your order in before November 19th, you can get Mordin for a special discounted price of $40.00. This is a spectacular piece to add to any Mass Effect fan.

Tiger & Bunny's Life-Size Wild Tiger Head

2012-11-13T12:15:00.001-05:00

Premium Bandai, Bandai's online shopping site, will begin taking pre-orders for a 1/1-scale Wild Tiger head from Tiger & Bunny on Monday. Unlike the rubber mask that Animate offered last year, Bandai's painted, assembled display model is made of hard ABS plastic and opens in half.

If your eyes and heart have settled on owning this cool 1/1-scale Wild Tiger head, be sure your wallet is also settled, as this awesome collectible will set you back 37,380 yen (US$470). Not that this should affect you, but there is a limit of three per customer, and the head will arrive late next February. [Source: ANN]

Fifty Evangelion 3.0 Character Goods Revealed

2012-11-12T12:06:00.000-05:00

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

2012-11-02T13:16:00.000-04:00

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!

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can [Not] Redo Trailer

2012-11-01T13:19:00.000-04:00

The official website for the Evangelion franchise began streaming the theatrical trailer for Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo (Evangelion Shin Gekijō-ban Q), the third film in Hideaki Anno and Khara's four-part remake of Gainax's Neon Genesis Evangelion anime series. Check it out below (hey, new characters!!). The film is set to open in Japan on November 17th.

HAL 9000 Replica by Artifactory

2012-10-23T11:49:00.000-04:00

When it comes to murderous A.I. villains, you have to love 2001: A Space Odyssey's HAL 9000. Sure, Apeture Science's GLaDOS from the Portal games may be more witty and evil-to-the-core than this post's red camera light friend, but you can't tell me that you didn't think at some point how she shared some resemblence to HAL. And if you didn't then you must be the only sci-fi lover who has never seen the movie, read Arthur C. Clarke's books or seen an AFI Movie Best countdown on television O_O (by the way, HAL was number 13 on the 100 greatest villains list). Plus, while I admit it took me into my adult years to finally appreciate and understand what exactly was going on in Stanley Kubrick's artsy film adaptation (and the added help of the movie & novel's sequel "2010"), I liked Mr. 9000 from day one with his eerily calm voice and seemingly sinister ways, and even more that he was actually a "good" character gone bad thanks to receiving conflicting orders from his superiors.

If you would love to own Dr. Chandra's creation, Artifactory has created an 11 pound replica of the machine from the original 1967 studio blueprint to add to your collection. It has been stated that HAL 9000 will feature 15 lines of dialogue. Exactly what he'll say hasn't been released, but I would imagine it would feature such things as personal favorites "I'm sorry, Dave. I'm afraid I can't do that." and "I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over." Maybe he'll even serenade us with his slow shutdown rendition of the tune Daisy.The cost to own your own HAL 9000? $499.99 over at Big Bad Toy Store! I'm sorry Artifactory, but I'm afraid I can't do that. Awesome as this sounds to a nerd like me, I would wish a demo and more details about the ""several user-selectable modes" before shelling out the astronomical funds to bring this into my domain. Maybe if HAL's replica was more interactive than just pushing a button to hear famous lines I could justify the price. Come on, give SIRI on my iPhone a reason to be jealous!

Asuka November 2012 Now On Sale

2012-10-22T11:50:00.000-04:00

Luka... This is for you. I made a lucky charm. Will you take it? ... It's the only thing I can give. Although it's not half as much compared to what you're doing for me.

Get your money over to CD Japan today as the November issue of Asuka is for sale. The magazine is home to "Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru" as die hard fans know, so who better to grace the cover than Luka Crosszeria himself!

Actually it can get even better when the bonus item inside is Luka's protection charm, given to him by Yuki in Act 36 of the manga. The black cross features the rose emblem of the series and comes with a mini-chain. And when I say mini, I mean it. It's a shame that it isn't a necklace like in the manga and it's way too small to wear as a bracelet unless you are a chibi, but nevertheless it is a nice freebie to add to any "Uragiri" collection, especially if you are a Luka fan (*points to self*). [Partial scanlation image credit to Stargazing Scanlations]

Preview to Baltimore Comic-Con 2012: Issue 3

2012-09-06T18:10:00.001-04:00

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

2012-09-05T08:04:00.003-04:00

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

2012-09-04T20:08:00.000-04:00

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

2012-09-03T08:01:00.000-04:00

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.