Cosplay Is Go!

We're today excited to announce NYAF and NYCC's Masquerade is now accepting entries online! Taking place Saturday night in our IGN Theater, the Masquerade is an event that's part fashion show and part talent show, featuring competitors spanning the worlds of anime, comics, movies, television, toys, game, and -- if I've got a say in it -- a category dedicated to the 10th Doctor.

This year's event will be live-streamed online via our friends at Gaia Online and 24-hour Asian American television network Mnet will be following select competitors preshow as well as at the convention for a special which'll air after NYCC.

We've got a number of prizes in the works for this year's Masquerade, but we'll start off by saying our Best in Show takes home a giant, fake novelty check as well as a cool, real $1,000.

Want more information? Want to enter? Click over to newyorkcomiccon.com.

Part Motorcycle! Part Karate Expert! All Free!

Our friends at Nerd York City are giving away two pairs of tickets to the New York Asian Film Festival's Karate-Robo Zaborgar.

The New York Asian Film Festival is in town starting tomorrow, celebrating its 10th anniversary. NYAFF's a showcase for the biggest, best, most acclaimed, and most disturbing flicks in contemporary Asia, and Nerd York City is offering up two pairs of tickets to one of NYAFF's more disturbing flicks -- the July 5th screening of Karate-Robo Zaborgar!

Based on a 1970s tokusatsu series about a karate-chopping motorcycle robot, director Noboru Iguchi's helmed both a tribute to and send-up of the classic show -- adding in flying cyborg heads, bulldog car robots, samurai kissing monsters, and robot rugby girls we're pretty sure weren't in the original. But we've got no problem with that.

For more on Zaborgar, visit http://subwaycinema.com/karate-robo-zaborgar-japan-2011/

For info on how to win tickets, keep on reading.

So, how do you win one of two pairs of tickets? Just use hashtag #imakaraterobo in any conversation on Twitter! That's it. Nerd York City be selecting winners at random from all those who tweet out this hashtag.

Two Randomly Selected Winners Will Each Receive The Following:

- One Pair of Tickets to the 8:45 PM screening of Karate-Robo Zaborgar on Tuesday, July 5th at Lincoln Center

The Rules Of The Game:

- Follow @nerdyorkcity on Twitter

- Send tweets – any tweets – with the hashtag #imakaraterobo between now and 11:59 PM Eastern Time on July 1st

- @nerdyorkcity will be randomly selecting two winners and direct message them before noon on July 2nd

- You need to reply to this direct message by 4 PM on July 2nd to claim your prize (if you don't, Nerd York City will be selecting a new winner)

Makes sense? We hope it does. Start telling the world that you're a Karate-Robo and click over to subwaycinema.com to take a look at their full line up. From a Takashi Miike joint about prepubescent shinobi to a Chinese Steampunk Sherlock Holmes, the New York Asian Film Festival's celebrating their 10th anniversary with a bang!

Free Popcorn at Transformers 3 from NYCC!

Michael Bay's third Transformer bash-fest opens tomorrow! Shia's got a new lady this time around and rumor is the City of Chicago gets pretty smashed up. Transformers: Dark of the Moon, I'm told, ends with 40 minutes of utter robot-on-robot carnage reducing Chicago to ash. I hope Chi-Town Spidey's OK. I hope that Hala Kahiki makes it out unscathed, too. Anywho, while I'll miss Miss Fox in Transformers 3, I'm always game for more giant robot action.

As is tradition now, NYCC's proud to offer a discount to readers and attendees who want to take in Transformers: Dark of The Moon at NYC's Ziegfeld Theatre. The Ziegfeld is located at 141 West 54th Street in Manhattan, and we can get you a free 85 oz. popcorn with any drink purchase. That's $5.75 of free popcorn. Plus -- while supplies last -- an exclusive Transformers 3 pin.

Simply print this coupon and present it at the Ziegfeld's snack bar to load up on a free popcorn from NYCC.

And, remember, nothing celebrates the 4th of July better than a big budget action romp based on an American cartoon about a Hasbro toy brand that was repurposed from several unrelated Japanese figure lines. God bless America! God bless Starscream!

Marvel at STGCC! Kieron Gillen! Exclusive Comic! New Singaporean Artist!

Not a lot of updates this week? Why's that? Probably because we've been working. When big things are going on, the blog sadly slips a bit. Or, it could be because I lost my BlackBerry. If you find a grey BlackBerry 8310 on the MetroNorth New Haven line with the password PUGSrGR8T, it's mine.

Today, though, we're happy to start talking about some of the big things that have been slurping up our time

The Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Con and Marvel Comics have today announced Marvel's return to the 2011 STGCC. Marvel will be back at this year's STGCC, and they'll be bringing with them Guest of Honor Kieron Gillen, an exclusive variant comic, and once again host a regional search for new artist talent through Marvel's C.B. Cebulski -- with a new artist just signed on from last year's talent search!

KIERON GILLEN - Marvel previously announced SVP of Creator and Content Development C.B. Cebulski will be returning to Singapore for STGCC, and Marvel and STGCC are today proud to reveal writer Kieron Gillen will also be appearing at the convention as a Guest of Honor! Based in London, Gillen's Marvel work includes Journey Into Mystery, Generation Hope and Uncanny X-Men. Gillen is currently writing Uncanny X-Men and will pen the book's final issue, #544, due out this October. This epoch-ending issue will send shockwaves throughout the Marvel Universe, and Gillen is the man trusted to pen it. Gillen will be appearing at STGCC both days and will be speaking on Q&As, hosting autograph signings, and meeting fans at the Marvel booth.

VARIANT COMIC - Beyond offering fans a chance to meet and speak with both Kieron Gillen and C.B. Cebulski at their booth at STGCC, Marvel will, for the first time, be offering an STGCC-exclusive variant comic! Limited to a run of 1,000 and priced at S$15, the STGCC Marvel booth will be offering fans and collectors a special Singaporean cover to Captain America #1 by Ed Brubaker and Steve McNiven. The cover is drawn by regional artist Harvey Tolibao with colors by Chris Sotomayor. It features an iconic image of Captain America in front of Singapore's emblematic Merlion. The Captain America Merlion Variant is only available at STGCC and, again, has a strict run of 1,000. Further, artist Harvey Tolibao will be making appearances at the Marvel booth, signing the STGCC variant!

PORTFOLIO REVIEW WINNER - Last year, C.B. Cebulski conducted a portfolio review, looking over and critiquing the work of artists from throughout Singapore as well as across the region -- looking to discover new talent and cultivate comics creators in South East Asia. Marvel is proud to reveal, out of the hundreds of submissions in 2010, they have recently signed Singaporean Ben Ang to work professionally with then, starting on projects later this year. Ben will be in this year's STGCC Artist Alley and make a special appearance on one of Marvel's Q&A sessions. Cebulski will again be pouring over the work of regional artists at this year's STGCC, and interested hopefuls can find details on how to submit their samples at singaporetgcc.com.

Marvel, presenting two Guests of Honor, an exclusive comic, and the opportunity for regional artists to be critiqued by one of the most important players in the business, will be appearing at STGCC in a big way. Joining exhibitors including Hot Toys, Tokidoki and Nintendo, they'll bring a global look at the present and future of the popular arts to the tiny island of Singapore. Want to come? Fans looking to attend can purchase tickets now at singaporetgcc.com. Day Passes run S$10 and Weekend Passes are S$18. S$40 VIP Tickets to STGCC have sold out.

For more information about the event and the latest updates, follow facebook.com/singaporetgcc and twitter.com/singaporetgcc.

In other Singapore news, rojak salad is at the top of my must-eat list when I return to STGCC.

Happy Birthday, New York Asian Film Festival!

The New York Asian Film Festival turns ten this year!

Caturday

Meet Bandit!

This adorable little fellow's the new sidekick of C2E2 Captain @chitownspidey.  Dare I say it, he'll soon become C2E2 2012's mascot.  And, I will, of course steal him.

NYCC Is Marvelous

So, we made a new guest announcement for NYCC this week.  Just a few little names...

Axel Alonso

Joe Quesada

Jason Aaron

Matt Fraction

Kieron Gillen

Stuart Immonen

You're welcome.  We're honored, humbled, and thrilled by the support from our friends at Marvel, and we're utterly amazed by the roster of creators who'll be spending time with us this October -- both these new guests from Marvel as well as everyone currently announced at newyorkcomiccon.com.  NYCC was a big show last year.  Huge. Crazy. Wonderful.  This year?  Even bigger.  We've got some astonishing things in the works, and we hope what we've revealed thus far is an indication for what we're aiming for this time out.  And, though it all, as we're able to expand more, add more cool creators, and broaden the content you're all asking for, none of it would be possible without your support.  A huge thanks to Marvel.  A huge thanks to all the pubs.  A huge thanks to all the creators.  A huge thanks to all the fans.

October cannot come soon enough.

AKB48's Aimi Eguchi Is a Photoshop Diva

Last week I mentioned how Japanese blogs had begun pondering if AKB48's newest member was a fabrication -- either virtual or a photoshop amalgam.  This week, Anime News Network reports it's true, revealing Japan's Mainichi Shimbun newspaper's published that AKB48's Aimi Eguchi is in fact a composite of six flesh and blood AKB48 members, all photoshopped together into one mega idol.

Aimi Eguchi, fully revealed, is a marketing stunt between AKB48 and Japanese candy maker Glico.  Eguchi first appeared in a commerical for a new Glico candy, and ANN goes on to state...

Eguchi's name comes from the "E" in "Ezaki Glico," the "kuchi" in the commercial's theme song "Ice no Kuchizuke," the Japanese word for love (ai), and the "Mi" in the sweet's name Ice no Mi. Eguchi's birthday comes from Glico's founding date, February 11. Glico's slogan "Hitotsubu 300 meter" inspired Eguchi's listed talent in track and field.

It gets better, too, as Glico's now allowing anyone to create their own idol with a fun little widget that lets you mix and match facial features from AKB48's members.  And, by "fun", I of course mean "kinda creepy".  You can play with the widget here...

http://www.icenomi.com/oshimen/index.html

Meanwhile, completely virtual idol Hatsune Miku is playing a sold-out show next weekend at Anime Expo.

Fairy Tail Cast Coming To NYAF

Very excited to reveal our first real volley of anime guests for this year's New York Anime Festival at New York Comic Con.  Fairy Tail's one of FUNimation's biggest shows this fall, and we're pleased to be working with them to welcome the four main leads.  We've announced Todd Haberkorn, the voice of Natsu, previously, but today, we're announcing Todd will be accompanied by Newton Pittman (Gray), Colleen Clinkenbeard (Ezra), and Cherami Leigh (Lucy)! Todd, Newton, Colleen, and Cherami will all be appearing at NYAF for panel sessions, autograph signings, and an introduction to a premiere Fairy Tail screening.

Fairy Tail, currently broadcast in Japan, is based on a manga by the same name by Hiro Mashima. The manga is published in America by Kodansha Comics. In the world of Fairy Tail, sorcerers band together in Guilds to take on paying assignments, including hunting monsters, finding lost items, and running odd errands, for non-magic users. The story follows Lucy, an aspiring wizard who wants to join the most prestigious Guild around, Fairy Tail. And, when she meets the (literally) fiery Natsu, she's well on her way to joining the ranks of Fairy Tail.

FUNimation is currently streaming subtitled episodes of the series at www.funimation.com/fairy-tail and will release the complete series on DVD and Blu-ray later this year.

Details around NYAF's Fairy Tail events and its full schedule will be announced later this summer.  For now, though, know that Newton, Colleen Clinkenbeard, and Cherami will be joining Todd in NYC!

PS: I went to small anime con when I was in Singapore earlier in the month.  I went to an art workshop.  At some point, the instructor asked the kids in the room to draw a cat.  A roar over the crowd as -- again and again -- the attendees drew Fairy Tail's winged cat mascot, Happy.

Murakami?

Is that?  I think it is.  That's Murakami atop Google!  Brilliant!

Two Kinds of People

There are two kinds of people in the world, those who find this picture hilarious and those who just don't get it. I'm glad to be one of the former. ReedPOP stepbrother @nerdyorkcity tweeted this over the weekend.

It's an NYC TARDIS on or around Lex and 30th.

I had no clue NYC even had police boxes, but now I do. And now you do, too. And every time I look at it, I smile from ear to ear.

Battle Royale!

Remember, kids, Battle Royale's coming this July to NYC thanks to Japan Cuts and the The New York Asian Film Festival.

Bloody Dracula

Captain America: The First Avenger toys have hit stores. I've popped into a K-Mart in Manhattan to escape from the heat and found this little guy. Winter Combat Captain America with Subzero Parka and Extreme Snowboard accessories.

I presume the movie now ends with a climactic snowboard race down the Bavarian Alps between Captain America and Hitler. The Capt, of course, wins but also invents the gnarly backside rodeo flip.

If the flick end any way else I'll be disappointed.

Drink Goes Here

Last year, we made 50,000 or so coasters for NYC-area watering holes. This year? This year, we made 200,000. Maybe. Brian told me on Tuesday, and this number's probably a complete fabrication. All I know is we made more, and if you're grabbing a cold one anywhere in the remote vicinity of Manhattan, it may just be served atop a cube of New York Comic Con-colored cardboard.

We got these coasters in this week, and they'll shortly be sent out into the wild. I don't know if we're sending any to Bierhaus by Grand Central, but we should. It's Apple Strudel Day at Bierhaus today. And every day at Bierhaus is Gravlax Day.

New York Asian Film Festival's 2011 Poster

Behold the New York Asian Film Festival's official poster.  Sporting Karate-Robo Zaborgar and the always-sexy Arial Rounded font, it gets my blood boiling.

NY Asian Film Fest and Japan Cuts Tickets Out Now!

Tickets are now on sale for the New York Asian Film Festival and Japan Cuts!  Two summer institutions in NYC, they're running from July 1 to July 22nd, presenting the biggest, boldest, most inventive, and most terrifying recent flicks from Japan and mainland Asia.  There's well over 50 films being presented this year, spanning every genre -- and I'm pretty sure Karate-Robo Zaborgar is inventing a few new ones, too.

For tickets to screenings at the Walter Reade, head to:
http://www.filmlinc.com/films/series/new-york-asian-film-festival

For tickets to screenings at Japan Society, head to:
http://www.japansociety.org/japancuts
 
There's student pricing, senior pricing, member pricing (for Film Society of Lincoln Center members and for Japan Society members), and for tickets at the Film Society of Lincoln Center's Walter Reade Theater, there's a ticket ten-pack (10 tickets for $99)!
 
I know I'll be at Battle Royale, Gantz, and Detective Dee.  How about you?

The Dead Walk... And Buy Tickets

Here's a first look at NYCC's retailer badges via crappy BlackBerryCam. We just got them in the office.  Want a better look? If you go into New York City retailers including Midtown Comics and Kinokuniya starting next week, you'll see these available.

Each featuring AMC's Walking Dead art, they're perfectly themed for October's NYCC dates.

Look for these in your local comic shop - as well as NYCC's secret 2011 poster - coming soon!

Hot Toys Exclusive at STGCC!

Ladies and gents, the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention and Action City have announced Hot Toys will be coming to this year's STGCC -- and will be bringing with them their 2011 Toy Fairs Exclusives! The first exclusive to be announced is this darling 1/6 scale Mark IV Secret Project Iron Man.

The exclusive will be shared across all the summer events Hot Toys attends this year: San Diego Comic-Con, Ani-Com in Hong Kong, Ani-Com in Guangzhou, and now the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention!

For more, visit Hot Toys' Facebook page, filled with additional pictures of the exclusive!

Bubble, Bubble, Scribble, Scribble

Here are some of my notes for today. I don't know why, but I drew a lot of fish. Also featured in the note are some top secret scribbles including "Animeland", "Felicia Day", and "Kim Hates Fans".

What's it all mean? Look for Masquerade registration to be online on June 30th. Don't believe the fish. The fish lies.

The Big Board

We've got a big board in our customer service department. It tracks daily calls and various metrics. Here's NYCC blowing up that board.

Take that, JCK!

How's the day been? Hectic. We've got less than ten Kevin Smith prime seats left. Of course, by the time you're reading this, that number will likely be zero. If you're interested in a Kevin Smith or VIP ticket, I'd kindly suggest you not wait around to grab that ticket.

Best. Burger. Ever.

See this thing? It's a custom burger from Bill's Burger Bar in South Norwalk. I'm here with Travis, Liz, Wendy, Gillian, and Eileen. Travis is in town for meetings, and we're wrapping the day here.

We were supposed to go to some place called The Pizza Factory, although no one outside of Gillian had ever heard of it. And when we got there, it was closed.

No worries.

We're at Bill's Burger Bar now, and this baby is packing both fried egg and avocado. It's what I imagine God tastes like.

Cosplay Queen Kipi At STGCC!

Today's big news day continues as the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention announces its first Japanese guest -- Kipi.  One of the most well-known cosplayers in Japan, Kipi debuted in 2006 and has since developed millions of followers and fansites.  She's a regular at anime events throughout Japan, Taiwan, China, and Thailand, but this is her first time in Singapore. Kipi will be speaking to fans, hosting a photoshoot, and will serve as a judge for STGCC's cosplay contest.

Kipi's official blog, filled with photos of her and the food she eats, is at still.kipi.lomo.jp.  Seriously, check out the blog.  Beyond her cosplay, the girl eats some delicious-looking stuff. 

I hope to put her on a Foodie panel with C.B. at STGCC.

Tickets and VIP Tickets Live for STGCC, Too!

Today's a big day for ReedPOP, and not just in the US. NYCC's got our VIP and Kevin Smith tickets up, screening submissions live, and revealed Felicia Day as a guest, but our friends in Singapore have news, too!  Today, the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention have their general and VIP tickets online.

Singapore's a wee bit different than NYC.  What are tickets like for the STGCC?

Day passes to the convention are $10, and a weekend pass is $18.  Coming after 5 PM? Then it's just $5 to get in.  And with any pass you purchase online between now and July 14th, you get a free, exclusive Green Lantern STGCC poster -- pictured to the right.  You'll get your poster when you pick up your badge at the con.

Plus, for the first time, STGCC is offering VIP Passes.  Limited to 150 and priced at $40, the STGCC VIP Pass includes an exclusive badge, first acess to the show floor, reserved seating at STGCC's Main Stage, two exclusive posters (Green Lantern and one we can't talk about yet), a Walk of Fame FastPass (cut the line at autographing), and a 20% Off Coupon Singaporean geek heaven Harris Planerds.

Get all the details and, if you're in South East Asia, grab your STGCC ticket at SingaporeTGCC.com!

Felicia Day Tops Our Expanded Guest List!

NYCC's announced a swath of new comics guests -- Olivier Coipel, Arvell Jones, Jim Calafiore, Alex Saviuk, Joe Staton, Bob McLeod, Matteo Scalera, Stuart Moore, and Peter Kuper -- as well as one new entertainment name for the show, geek goddess Felicia Day!

Felicia, most known for The Guild and Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, has been one of our most-asked-for guests, and we're proud to be bringing her to NYCC this October.  Felicia will be signing autographs for fans as well as doing a Q&A. More details on her autographing tickets and panel time to come, but for now, see her and all our guests' bios and information at newyorkcomiccon.com.

Oh, Felicia was in Dollhouse, too. She wasn't in it all that much, but she brought the house down. Literally.

NYCC VIP and Kevin Smith Tickets Now Live!

NYCC VIP Passes went live at 12 PM Eastern today, and by 12 PM Eastern tomorrow, they may all be gone.  VIP Passes come in three flavors -- Special Access, Anime Access, and Ultimate Access -- and range from $185 to $450.  All are limited in number, and you can grab yours now right here. Already have a NYCC ticket but want to upgrade? If you have already purchased a ticket to NYCC and would like to upgrade to a VIP ticket, call us at 888-605-6059 or 203-840-5635.  (If talking isn't your thing, purchase a VIP ticket and then send an email to upgradetickets@reedexpo.com to get a refund for the full amount of your regular ticket.)

Oh, and VIPs aren't the only tickets on sale today.
 
Kevin Smith tickets are also live.  As we mentioned last week, Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes will be appearing together for a live performance of their popular podcast -- Jay & Silent Bob Get Old -- on Friday, October 14 at 7:00 PM in the IGN Theater. If you're planning to snag one of these delicious and limited seats, you'll need both a NYCC ticket and an additional podcast ticket. Prices are based on seating location: $50 for prime seats with a pre-signed item, $35 for second tier, and $10 for general admission. (All NYCC Ultimate Access VIPs receive a free ticket to the event.)
 
Grab your Kevin Smith ticket, too, right now at newyorkcomicon.com.

NYCC Screening Submissions Online

Today's not a slow news day.  Oh, no.  Today's a busy news day. Today's a huge news day.  We've got a lot to talk about.  And it begins now!  Actually it began with that Artist Alley post right beneath this one.  Eh, let's just get to the news.

We've had panel submissions live at newyorkcomiccon.com for some time now, but screening submissions have just been added.  Want to present a movie, pilot, short, or other movie-y thing at NYCC?  You can.  Simply apply right here.  The deadline to send in your application is August 1, and once you fill out the form online, you must also send a physical screener to be reviewed.

By me.  And Liz.  And Kim.

We look forward to seeing Cloverfield 2: The Battle of Newark.

NYCC Artist Alley Closes Today

I saw Super 8 at the Ziegfeld with @geeksdenmom and @littlest_asian on Sunday. Stopped at the bank for some cash before the screening. Is that a star-spangled Bud can left beside the ATM? Why, yes, it is. It's good to be back in the USA.

And I got back just in time because TODAY is the last day for NYCC Artist Alley submissions. Want to show your stuff and sell your work at New York Comic Con? Sign up now at newyorkcomiccon.com. Want to rub elbows with comics legends? Sign up now at newyorkcomiccon.com. Want to get an email from Liz Smith? Sign up now at newyorkcomiccon.com.

Tomorrow? Tomorrow's too late.

Unless you're into anime. NYCC's Anime Festival Artist Alley, built for fans and aspiring manga creators, doesn't wrap up today. If you'd like to sign up for the Anime Festival Artist Alley, you need to hurry as well, but it doesn't turn into a pumpkin at midnight.

AKB48 and The Uncanny Valley

Back in the office. A schedule fat with meetings. I'd love to write a long post around AKB48's newest member -- Aimi Eguchi -- and if she's real or not.  There's buzz going around the web, and wonderfully cataloged in this Kotaku article, that Aimi is virtual.  Looking her over, while a little stiff, there's no way in hell we've got CG this advanced.  We're coming closer and closer to the uncanny valley, but this here's not just crossing the valley, but planting a flag on the moon.

Is Aimi Eguchi the CG moonshot?

I don't think so.  But, could she be a photoshopped amalgam of all of AKB48's best features?  That there's a scary possibility.

Times Runs Out!

Time is running out!  The deadline for New York Comic Con Artist Alley submissions is Wednesday, June 15 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Want to join 300 other artists in the East Coast's biggest comics celebration? Submit your information now at...

http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Exhibitor-Info/Artist-Alley-Table-Request-Form

Battle Royale! Finally, Finally In The USA!

What's my favorite movie? Easy. Battle Royale.  The tale of a high school class forced to hack and slash their way through each other by edict of the Japanese government, it's a shocking, profound piece of cinema.  And it's never officially been released in the USA.  This, though, hasn't stopped me from seeing the thing.  Upwards of 50 times.  The movie's over 10 years old, and I own it on VCD, twice of Korean DVD, and most recently on luxurious UK Blu-ray.  (College professor Vaun Monroe still has one of my copies, not that I still hold it against him.)

And, now, at long last, this movie -- which scared away distributors for a decade -- is finally coming to the USA.  Is America finally ready for Japanese high schoolers tearing each other limb from limb with guns, swords, and simmering hormones?  Probably not.

Oh, the movie's not a comedy.  Far from it.

Battle Royale is getting an official release through Anchor Bay and a premiere screening in NYC as part of Japan Cuts and the New York Asian Film Festival in July.  Two summer institutions, Japan Cuts is the largest showcase of contemporary Japanese cinema on the planet, programmed by our friends at Japan Society.  The New York Asian Film Festival, from Subway Cinema, is a celebration of the best, the boldest, most brilliant, and the most sensational cinema from across Asia.

Created in tandem, Japan Cuts and the New York Asian Film Festival run from, altogether, July 1st to July 22nd.

Do yourself a favor and click through their sites for their full listings, but some quick picks beyond Battle Royale...

Osamu Tezuka's Buddha
Gantz 1&2
The Last Ronin
Yakuza Weapon
Detective Dee and The Mystery of the Phantom Flame
13 Assassins: Director's Cut
Karate-Robo Zaborgar
Ninja Kids

While this post starts out gushing about Battle Royale, the image is actually from Yakuza Weapon.  Ain't she kawaii?  There'll be much more -- too much more -- as we hit July, and I'm late for work every day because of these twin festivals of awesome.

Dave Roman Astronaut Academy Launch Party

I love Dave Roman. A local creator behind Teen Boat, Agnes Quill, Jax Epoch and the Quicken Forbidden, and a lot of Last Airbender comics, I first got to know him through his shoujo-styled X-Men: Misfits.  Today's a big day for him.  As, this week, his new graphic novel -- Astronaut Academy -- hit stores, and, today, he's hosting a little party at Bergen Street Comics to celebrate.

The party starts at 3 PM and runs all night...

Comics-Making Workshop - 3-4 PM

Kids Party - 4-6 PM

Grown-Ups Party - 8-10 PM

I hear grown-ups party will have bubbly drinks.

So, if you're in NYC and can manage to wade through the heat, head on down to Bergen Street to meet one of NYC's homegrown comics greats!

Caturday

New York At Large: I'm Home

So, here we are. Back in New York. After two weeks with Team Singapore, I'm in the back of a cab under a grey sky and cold rain. I was able to work fairly exclusively on STGCC the past two weeks, but now comes the fun challenge of NYCC, NYAF, C2E2, SWCVI, Kim, Liz, Nick the Intern, and STGCC all needing attention. Sorry, Petrina.

Only real reason for this post is to say I slept on the flight. I can't sleep on planes. Doesn't matter where. Doesn't matter when. I can rarely get more than 15 minutes of rest when I'm in the air.

But I slept from Tokyo to New York. The whole time. I found the secret. I just need two weeks on three hours of sleep in a remote time zone. Armed with that, I was able to get 20 hours of blissful black as I crossed the curve of the Earth.

Time for an All American falafel dinner!

Tokyo At Large: Bai Bai

Dear Narita, you won me over. Your charms were hidden, but I'm smitten. I'm coming home with Tokyo Bananas, Wasabi Kit Kats, and an assortment of other shocking, sweet goodies.

I will miss your vending machines most of all.

Now, time for an 18 hour flight.

Tokyo At Large: Yatta

I found a sushi bar far from the main roads of Narita. Chef Mamoru's prepared for me some ume shisho and natto rolls. And, what's this? Asahi Premium?

Yes, I think I will. Asahi Premium's slogan is "Relax Time! Rich Taste!" and it delivers both. It feels a little richer, fruiter, and hoppier than regular Asahi, but I'm no beer except. All I know is it's more expensive and goes down real smooth.

The sushi itself isn't the best sushi I've had, but it is probably the best airport sushi I've had.

Tokyo At Large: Chocolate Covered Potato Chips

Japan, just when I think I've figured you out, you add another wrinkle and another riddle. Behold gourmet chocolate covered potato chips. Available in chocolate, caramel, and white cheddar.

Tokyo At Large: Kit Kats and Beer

Look what I found! Cafe Leo 5 might just have something for me here in Narita. I'm here with some Swedish stewardesses checking out their Kit Kat display.

Japan has a thing with Kit Kats. An awesome thing. While the US has chocolate, Japan gets stuff like green tea, cherry blossoms, and wasabi.

And these are their tame varieties.

Tokyo At Large: Tax Free Toy Box

It's official. My BlackBerry doesn't work in Japan. I'm here in Narita, and the thing won't connect. (You're reading this now as it was sent after I landed in the US.)

My flight to Tokyo got in early, and my flight out is delayed three hours, so I've got four hours to wander its deserted halls. And I can't tweet.

I've been looking for food, but - as I've been told - everything has meat in it. Other than Asahi, there's nothing here for me. It all looks delicious, but it's all some combination of fish, rice, noodles, broth, pork, or beef.

I suppose I could just spend ¥5000 here. I found the Tax Free Toy Box over by Gate 58. It's packed to the ceiling with Gundam and Hello Kitty. And some Star Driver, too. I want to see Star Driver.

Well, I've got one more wing to wander. Maybe they'll have inari or something, so I'm not just pounding down the Super Dry.

Then, again, I want to finish a Medium At Large v2.5 roadmap on the flight back to the US, so a 3.2% blood alcohol count could be beneficial. Kanpai!

NYCC VIP Tickets! On Sale June 15!

Continuing Medium At Large's late-breaking news -- meaning that I'm reporting on it "late" -- we've got details on this year's NYCC VIP Passes.  We released this information a little bit ago, and they'll be going on sale on June 15th.  We've got three flavors...

Special Access Package
Anime Access Package
Ultimate Access Package

What do they all mean?  I always say that a Weekend Pass to the convention will get you into 99% of the show.  A general ticket is what any casual fan needs.  We want to make our shows open and inclusive.  This said, for diehards -- for those that want it first, want it faster, and want it now -- we offer our VIP Passes.

The Special Access Package offers a limited edition badge which includes Thursday admission, first access to the show floor each day, a private VIP lounge featuring live closed circuit TV from the biggest panels, refreshments, private ATM, and VIP coat check, the official 2011 NYCC poster signed by its artist, an oversized re-usable NYCC shopping bag, and a 10% discount on all NYCC show store merchandise.

The Anime Access Package is all this plus guaranteed seating to our Masquerade -- and some cool stuff I can't talk about yet.

The Ultimate Access Package is all this plus guaranteed seating for everything in the IGN Theater, including Friday night's Kevin Smith event.

Special and Anime Access are $185.  Ultimate Access is $450.  All are available starting June 15th.  Head over to NYCC's VIP Page for more details.

Singapore At Large: Chocolates and Tea

HuiLeng, Michelle, Melinda, Robin, Joanna, Rita, Paul,

There's a box of TWG Paris-Singapore tea, chocolates, and comics in the office for all of you. Mike and I fell in love with Paris-Singapore tea our first time in Singapore, and we're hauling just a bit back to the US. Enjoy a cup on me. Also, please share the chocolates, as I'm afraid Melinda will down them all.

Thank you. Thank you all for your hospitality these past two weeks. Thank you for opening your office and your lives up to Mike and me. We learned a lot. About the show, the community, the culture, the retailers, the partners, the professionals, and the fans. And I hope you picked up a few things from us.

We've got ten more weeks ahead of us. That's short for a show, but it's a long time for anyone to sprint. Have Fun. You'll need to smile. You'll need to laugh. I've pushed myself to panic attacks too many times for NYCC, and I don't want any of you to follow me. Fans are coming to STGCC to have a good time, and while there's work to be done, I want and need you to have a good time, too.

Thank you all again. I'm excited and energized about STGCC. I'm looking forward to seeing you all this August. I'm looking forward to more laksa. I'm looking forward to more kaya toast. I'm looking forward to more MOS Burger.

But I think I've had my last durian.

Singapore At Large: Green Lantern's Foot-Long Light

It's a small, weird world. Subway (the sandwich shop) in Singapore reached out to DC, who reached out to us, as they wanted to give away tickets to New York Comic Con as a grand prize in a Green Lantern promotion.

We figured out the logistics with them a few weeks back, and now, here we are, with the promo live in the wild.

Eat at Subway in Singapore and you could win a trip to NYC and tickets to NYCC.

Nom.

Super Popcorn! Super 8!

Summer rolls on, and so does New York Comic Con's free popcorn offer at NYC's Ziegfeld Theatre (141 West 54th Street).  Super 8's a movie about aliens.  I think.  It's from J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg.  It's set in the small town and stars a small kid.  Maybe.  I don't think we know much yet about the film, but it's starting June 10th, and if it's from the collective imaginations of Abrams and Spielberg, it doesn't matter if I'm a bit murky onto the details.  It's gonna be good.

If you're in NYC, take in Super 8 at the Ziegfeld, as with this coupon you'll get a free 85 oz. popcorn with any drink purchase (that's $5.75 of popcorn free) and a limited edition Super 8 souvenir pin. The offer expires on June 28, 2011, and pins are while supplies last.

Maybe it's a Cloverfield prequel.

Singapore At Large: Goodbye, Singapore Beard

Goodbye, Singapore. Goodbye, Singapore Beard. I just wrapped my last meeting with Michelle and HL. Naturally, we ate. Did some tofu with pumpkin, spicy noodles, spinach soup, surprisingly awesome green beans, and a sour apple drink. We talked about 2011 plans and the long game in 2012.

Now, I'm back at my hotel and am heading out at 3 AM. I've got to type up notes to Lance, pack my clothes around a stupidly giant Macross toy I bought from Falcon's Hangar, and shave. Really, I've got to shave.

Meet my Singapore Beard. That's ten days of manliness on my chin. If I don't shave every week in the US, I want to tear off my face, but something in Singapore - maybe the humid weather - had made it no problem at all. The thing makes me look a little older and a little more cowboy. And when you're an American in Singapore, why not be a cowboy?

Of course, now I'm heading back to the US of A, so the Singapore Beard has got to go. There's a Kids in The Hall sketch about a dude who grows a beard which ruins his life. I don't recall the specifics, but there was a fish involved, too. I fear this'll shortly be me.

Singapore At Large: Mr. Scary

Meet Mr. Scary. Can you see him? He's the big black blob in the picture. I think he's a catfish. Or a paku. That's a fish. Maybe.

We're at the top of Dempsey Hill, and Mr. Scary lives in a pond here. Mel says his name is Mr. Scary. I don't know if that's true. Either way, she's kinda afraid of him. I think he's cute.

"Bubble, Bubble," says Mr. Scary.

I've clearly gone bamboo.

Singapore At Large: Cheddar-Crusted Apple Pie

Mel and I are at PS Cafe in Singapore's Dempsey area. I'm realizing now this is where CB, Mike, and I were stranded at 2 AM last time we were in town.

We went to the Disgruntled Chef, home of suckling pick, creme brulee, and Asahi Black.

Then we drank Tiger at a bar next door.

Then we couldn't find a cab.

We're in the middle of the rain forest here, afraid we'd be eaten by gorillas, but - being drunk - we wandered until we found a main road and hijacked a taxi.

This time, as PS Cafe, it's a bit more tame. Darjeeling and Ginger Steamed Pudding. Of course, this is because they're out of Cheddar-Crusted Apple Pie and Poutine.

Yes, they have Poutine. Well, had it.

Singapore At Large: Live On The Air

I'm on 938 Live's Need To Know radio show.

Mustn't cuss.

Singapore At Large: That's Not Good

I'm at MediaCorp. They're a big TV-Radio-Internet thingie out here. I'm going on in a bit. A show called Need To Know. I'm being promoted as an American nerd expert. Maybe. None too clear about it. Anyway, I'm going to convince them I created Superman.

Kevin Smith Comes To New York Comic Con!

Correction: Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes come to New York Comic Con!  This news broke a bit ago on newyorkcomiccon.com, but being in Singapore, time flows a little differently here.  Still, we're pleased to announce Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes will appear together on Friday, October 14 at 7:00 PM in the IGN Theater at this year's NYCC!

Kevin and Jason will present a live performance of their popular podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old.  Billed at "No Trench Coats. No Hair Extensions. Bound for the Grave," it's no laughing matter.  No, wait, it is.  Click the link to listen to what's coming to the IGN Theater on Friday night.



Want to come?  Fans interested in attending the live performance must have a New York Comic Con badge and also buy a ticket to the podcast. All ticket prices are based on seating location: $50 for prime seats with a pre-signed item, $35 for second tier seating, and $10 for general admission. Tickets will go on sale June 15. All NYCC Ultimate VIP ticket holders will be provided a free ticket to the live podcast.
For details:
http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Whats-Happening/Events-I-Q/Jay-And-Silent-Bob-Get-Old/

NYCC Artist Alley Deadline!

Tick, tock, tick, tock! Time is running out to fill out an application to be a part of the NYCC Artist Alley. The deadline for Artist Alley submissions is Wednesday, June 15 at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.  Want to join 300 other artists in the East Coast's biggest comics celebration?  Submit your information now at...

http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/Exhibitor-Info/Artist-Alley-Table-Request-Form

Anime fans, as Mike Armstrong's back from Singapore, the NYAF Artist Alley application (separate from NYCC's) will soon be made public.  We've redesigned NYAF from the Pocky up, and Mike'll be able to clue you in on the new NYAF Artist Alley.

Singapore At Large: THERE ARE FISH!

There are fish in the hotel! @armstrongmike mentioned a koi pond in the hotel, but I've been too busy -- what's that word -- working, to check it out. Until now.

I love fish. They bubble. They swim. They're awesome.

Tomorrow's my last full day in Singapore, so I'm hoping the team and I do dinner at an underwater restaurant. They've got that here, right? If not, inside the Singapore Aquarium. If not, I hope Mel dresses up like a penguin.

Penguins, while not fish, are also really cool.

Singapore At Large: Meetings, Meetings, Meetings

Today's like a great fat ship loaded with treasure. Except it's a bunch of people talking in circles around the wonky side of STGCC. We've spent the morning and good part of the afternoon discussing contests, artwork, posters, prizes, queue lines, ticket colors, and evening evenings. These are the meetings I love.

After three hours locked in a room, people get punchy. This image may make it look quite tame, but it was like The Hangover, Part III in there.

Really.

Singapore At Large: Horse Oil

Horse Oil.

This is Horse Oil. It's oil made from the fat of horses and exported from Japan. It's a line of beauty products. Makes your skin shimmer. I suppose.

We're at a Japanese-owned discount store. Everything is $2. They have a wall of Horse Oil, but they have zero Gundam toys or One Piece cookies.

Singapore At Large: It's Like Caramel Corn... No, It's Not

apor

After the laksa lunch, we did this for dessert. It's a devilish lump of shaved ice covered in caramel, peanuts, and corn. Swimming about the bottom are red beans and jelly.

We've got four spoons for this dish. One for me. One for Mel. One for Jo. And one for Mr. Mike Armstrong, who is sorely missed.

Singapore At Large: Lunch Time Is Laksa Time

I think my two weeks in Singapore are beginning to run together. Days flow into nights and time's lost its meaning. Writing emails at 3 AM? That's natural, right? My time in Singapore's turned into a sea of frothing, spicy, sweet broth, with days and nights like noodles, twisting, turning, and bending about a murky, simmering soup without start or end.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining. This laksa you see before you, an embodiment of my Singapore travels, is delicious.

Singapore At Large: Eataku Jr.

C.B. Cebulski is Marvel's SVP of Creator & Content Development. He travels the world looking for new talent, came to the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention last year, and we're pleased as a very pleased punch that he'll be coming back this August.  We've got really cool news around his portfolio reviews we'll be able to share in a bit, but today -- today -- we're going to talk about another of C.B.'s passions.  When not looking for vibrant artists, he's looking for good eats.  C.B. runs food blog Eataku. 

ReedPOP's big fans of C.B.'s Eataku, and today, we're going to present Eataku Jr., a little visual trip through some of Singapore's finest eats.  Everything we've had here's been amazing.  Above amazing.  Above and beyond amazing.

Well, except for durian.  I've got two questions around durian.  (1) Why did God invent the durian?  (2) Who was the first idiot caveman who found a spikey thing, cracked it open and smelled death, and then decided to plunge into the mucus?  Durian, I'm told, is called the "king of fruits".  It's not.  Not any kind of king.  No, it's a demon fruit.  A wicked, evil, foul thing.  What's it taste like?  Not like what I've been told.  It's not like poo, not like garbage, not like raw meat, and not like a gang of other nasties.  No, it's pretty simple.  It's like rancid green onion jam.  With seeds.  No one ever told me about the giant seeds.

With that ringing endorsement, it's time for a visual feast of some of Singapore's nommy teasures...

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