Sunday, December 2, 2012

Amazing News: Nintendo Making Sure Their Copyright Works With a Fan Project?

A source for this can be found on the project's facebook group. Visit: http://zreomusic.com and http://twilight-symphony.com for more info on their projects.

Quote:
“Hey fans, we have a very important, yet exciting update! Those of you wondering what is causing the delay, continue reading.

Some of the top people at Nintendo have taken notice of the project and have become involved in an advisory capacity.

Nintendo wants to make sure our entire project is consistent with their brand identity. This is the largest fan-project of its kind, and the first time that a lot of this material will be legally available to the public beyond the game that made it popular. Joypad Records is currently working with Nintendo's head of copyright to make sure that this release complies with their wishes, above and beyond what is required by law. However, most of the changes Nintendo has asked us to incorporate are cosmetic, and should not affect the audio quality or physical packaging of Twilight Symphony as originally advertised.

Because of this, discs aren't expected to be finalized, pressed, and shipped until early-to-mid December. Unfortunately this also impacts the digital release, so we are unable to distribute the digital album until we receive the green light from Nintendo. Fear not! We ask that you please understand the situation and know that we are working very hard in conjunction with Joypad Records and Nintendo to bring this release to you as quickly as possible.

This is the end of a very long road for our team, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we bring all of this to a proper, successful, celebratory close. Thank you for your undying support.

Your friends,
The Twilight Symphony Team”

News via ZeldaInformer

Because I want to post on a conversation from a forum...

Dejeckt and Vinny, and the other guys from the Cheap Ass Gamer forum (Hey there!): I know this is... a weird way to do things but, eh, what ever. It won't let me post on the forum because I just registered and 'I have to wait a few days for posting or PMing privileges' but maybe you'll see this? It's about the "500" copies thing (and my rep, lol. In the 10 years I've been doing this, I do try my best, especially when it comes to keeping info straight ;) Maybe someone will post this post as a quote over there for me? :3 ? At least until I can join in:

"According to this blog http://historyofhyrule.blogspot.com/...or-hyrule.html (keep in mind that I don't know how reliable this is); it seems that each major online retailers got 500 copies each to sell. So if we consider Amazon, TFAW, and B&N sold entirety of their allotted amount then there should be 2500 copies still unaccounted for."

"If the History of Hyrule blog is accurate about each retailer getting 500 copies, which seems plausible given how quickly these sold out, that only leaves 500 copies unaccounted for. Those 500 copies are likely what's going to individual comic book stores. "

I know it doesn't make the biggest difference but, the quote from Dark Horse I had posted only applied to B&N getting 500. And... it was only from their Facebook page: so that's probably something to take into consideration as well. I don't know (and never said that I knew) what the allotted numbers were for other shops, so I'm also unsure how many copies would be un-accounted for still. (Though, hey, it wouldn't be surprising if each place only got 500. It's a nice, round, number) Here's what I had posted from Dark Horse:

"B&N will get 500 Copies and it's up to them how they sell those. However, if for whatever reason B&N doesn't work out the following retailers will also have copies. This is a Limited Edition and we have to be fair to as many retailers as we can who want to sell the book."

The context for where it came from is: A few months ago I contacted the book's English editor about Hyrule Historia's page count discrepancy, and then again to let him know their stores and press releases never updated to the correct number of pages. People were asking about it on Dark Horse's Facebook page, etc. It seems the Editor may have told the company's Facebook admin what was actually correct, because the next day they were releasing their page count correction statement as a response to all the comments on the matter. They also posted that above quote as a response during that time. (It's still probably in the more recent comments there.)

So, yeah: I also wonder how many are still left to go around.

BigPopov, thank you for posting about Diamond's history with distribution orders. I'd like to mention that when reminding people they can try the actual "brick and mortar" comic book shop option.

Euripides, thank you, this is also really good (and sad) to know. I've never purchased through them before, and I know people have had questions about it, so it's another one of those things I can pass along if asked  "I have had this happen before with B&N for some other special edition books. Most orders will remain open until the release date. Then some will ship and others will get delay notices followed by a cancelation email a day or two later.

To add insult to injury it does not matter when you place an order as I have seen orders placed after me go out first (last in first out)."

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Some Limited Edition Hyrule Historia Pre-Orders Are Getting Canceled

I couldn't think of a good, calmer, headline~ but please don't freak out, and don't freak others out: Just, if you pre-ordered the Limited Edition of Hyrule Historia (not the regular edition that has been for pre-order for a while) check your order status. Some have been canceled.

(For more news and info on Hyrule Historia, please see the blog's Hyrule Historia tag)

The most sane and reasonable explanation at this point is semi-unconfirmed (I will update when there's an official link/letter) but it's that the online shops like Amazon.ca (Not amazon.com) and Barnes and Noble posted the listings without knowing that there would be limited copies, or at least that they would have such a limited number of copies: so they over sold the amount they were actually going to be allotted.

I have not heard about any cancellations from Amazon.com or TFAW yet: so please don't assume the worst. Dark Horse has no news on this, certainly no bad news, so this really just seems like a problem with those specific shops, and the shops alone. (Or it was a problem with Dark Horse communicating with those shops: but, from the customer's end, that equals the same problem of not having their orders filled.)

So, yes, that explanation is sort of speculation, but it also makes the most sense at this point. From my experience, it sounds right. So, until I hear more, I'd say that's the best thing to think. Again, I will update if we can get hard evidence that is the case. People are being very informative and helping us by sharing their information.

There is absolutely no reason to think that all Limited Edition orders have been canceled. Dark Horse was very clear about them releasing this Limited Edition version of the book. Common sense seems to dictate that they would have been the first to announce if there was a problem with the release. And there is also, ABSOLUTELY, no reason to think that there will be any cancellations of the regular edition. Again, this just seems to be a problem with a few orders from a few shops for the limited release of newly announced Limited Edition.

***

At this point, from what I am hearing, it sounds like most Amazon.ca orders (again, that is not amazon.com, it is the Canadian version of Amazon that is experiencing the problem) were canceled and that only some of the Barnes and Noble orders were canceled: Many orders from B&N still seem to be valid at this point. We have conformations from a lot of Barnes and Nobel customers that their orders were either canceled, or are still good.

-- If you ordered from Barnes and Noble, you actually have to go check your order status. So do that now.

-- Amazon.ca sent out emails letting customers know about the cancellation  the wording was atrocious, but more about that below.

And feel free to let us know the results; good or bad news, it will probably help assure a lot of other fans and give them more of a clear idea of what they need to do. (Like, they might need to re-order the regular edition, because many people canceled their normal pre-order to get the Limited Edition)

***

Now, I'm going to post more about this below but, first, if you use Facebook, go to our group here and check out the posts and comments: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NoA-Please-bring-us-Hyrule-Historia-in-English/316841885016483

It's where people are posting about it, and where I'm staying more up to date (The admin posts there are by me and I try to make sure the info I post under the group's name is confirmed, or I will say otherwise)

Here is the original blog post by Dark Horse saying which stores would be getting copies of the Limited Edition Hyrule Historia. http://www.darkhorse.com/Blog/1195/hyrule-historia-limited-edition and here is what they said:


"The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia Collector’s Edition is on sale February 12th, 2013 for $69.99 and will be available in limited quantities at the following retailers:
- Nintendo World Store
- Think Geek
- Things From Another World
- Forbidden Planet UK
- PBM (Holland)
- Amazon.com
- Barnes & Noble (online)
Additionally, this book can be preordered from your local comic shop. Call them today and reserve your copy! To find a comic shop near you, call 1-888-comicbook or visit ComicShopLocator.com."

Notice that last part: That might be your saving grace. Dark Horse does love actual Comic Book shops, so I really do think there's a chance they allocated a number for special orders coming in from brick & mortar comic book stores. Call your local one up and see if they can get you a copy.

Also, and I'm saying this only out of past experience with other special order items: if you ordered from an online store that is not on that above list from Dark Horse, please be semi-skeptical of your order and check in on it. If it were me, I would not think it would be honored, especially since some are promising things that sound too good to be true. Dark Horse was oddly specific with where copies were going; I don't see why an unnamed online store would be getting them in. But, on the other hand, I am also not familiar with some of the web-shops people are saying they've used; and maybe those places ARE just really good about securing pre-orders. (That can often be the case & you'd know your online shops better than me.)

I posted about this a few days ago but, again, if your order was canceled on you or you did not get an order in, all I can think of is that: Some of the stores Dark Horse listed as having been promised copies have not seemed to offer them for sale yet. This is what I said: "Amazon.com appears to have sold out on day 1. Barnes and Noble: late on day 1, or day 2. TFAW: Day 3 (today.) Nintendo World Store does not do online or phone orders, and I can't assume how to purchase in the store since the book is not out until next year. I can not find a listing for Hyrule Historia on Think Geek, Forbidden Planet UK, or PBM- (Please feel free to double check, I can miss things) which are the other stores Dark Horse mentioned would be getting copies. This may mean they have not tried to sell their copies yet; so you may have more opportunities to purchase the book (outside of ebay.)" And, again, keep the comic book store option in mind.

***

Here's one of my older Facebook posts on the matter that also helps explain what is going on:
Yes; we're hearing that Amazon.ca canceled the Limited Edition orders on people. I don't know if this is for everyone who ordered from them, or just a few people. If you know of other cancellations, please let us know! If you ordered from Amazon.ca and DID NOT get a cancellation email, please let us know too. Keep in mind: This is for the special edition, not the regular one that's been for pre-order for a while. (There's no reason to think that one would be canceled, sounds like they're making a butt-load of those.) Brandi shared with us the letter Amazon.CA is sending out for the Limited Edition cancellation, it reads: "We're sorry to report the release of the following item has been cancelled:

Shigeru Miyamoto, et al "The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia Limited Collector's Edition"

Although we'd expected to be able to send this item to you, we've since found it won't be released after all. Please accept our sincerest apologies for any inconvenience we've caused you."

Again, as far as I know: Even though it says "won't be released at all" this is ONLY for people who ordered from Amazon's CANADIAN branch. There's no reason at all, right now, to think that the book pre-orders have been canceled for anyone else. Dark Horse has been very clear about their release of this product, even making a video for it. We know that Dark Horse (the publisher) said certain stores would be getting a certain number of copies each. Amazon WAS one of these stores, but it was Amazon.com not Amazon.ca. This may be the important detail. I think it shouldn't make a difference but, my assumption would be that, they may have just listed it on Amazon.ca because there was a listing for them on Amazon.com; not knowing that it was in such limited supply: so they've had to back-track. That is technically an assumption on my part, but it's my best one at this point based on all the dealings I've had with publishers and just ordering from Amazon throughout the years. But, yes, please let us know if you also get a cancellation notification, and where it was from- Even if just so other fans can know what to expect. Or, if you talk to one of these companies, let us know what they told you.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

New Entries Uploaded (With UPDATES): Check for Yours & Just Hours Left!

I have responded to all the contest emails that had entries in them. (I still have a few non-entry emails left.) If you have not heard back about yours, please resend with the image attached and comment here or note me on DA or Facebook to let me know it's not going through so I can add your email to the contest email's safe list.

We currently have over 126 beautiful pieces by 110 amazing artists!



If you do not see your entry in the flickr gallery, let me know ASAP. I need you to help me double check these things. If it is not in there, there is a small risk it will get missed for judging, (though I will do another pass through of all the emails before I start, just to be safe) so your help is appreciated! Below I will post the list of current participants with valid entries in. Check that for your name as well. I will be updating this list until the contest deadline happens.

You can also find the ones from DeviantART (it's not all of them, just the ones on DA) in this group folder. Please honor the artists and leave them a nice comment if you have some time! Thank you to everyone!

You still have until midnight, PST, November 30th, 2012, to get in entries and updates! That's around a day and a half left to do what ever you need to do! But, please do not wait any longer than you have to get something in. Emails sometimes error and I can not make exceptions on the deadline. The "midnight" deadline is slightly loose in the sense that, as long as your entry is in my mail box by the time I check it, it will be counted. If it comes in while I'm checking, that's too late. So, while that gives you a few extra moments, do not risk waiting a second past midnight, November 30th, on this PST Time Zone clock.

And, yes, you can update anything about your piece all the way until the deadline. Including the art. You can even update it after the deadline, but anything that comes in after the deadline will not be counted towards or judged for the contest: it will only be included with the other entries for the spirit of the event and so people can use it on their calendars if they want. Basically: If you finish late, or want to change something later, you can still send your piece in to be included with the other calendar pieces, but anything that comes in after the deadline will not count towards the "contest" part of the event. Only what I have AT the deadline will count towards the contest.

EVERYTHING must go to the contest email, historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.com  I can not accept notes or comment, anywhere, as valid entries unless we agree to it before hand. Other notes and comments can only be used to notify me if you think something has gone wrong.

& thank you to everyone who has entered so far, everyone who is going to enter, to the people who have commented on entries, and to everyone who has shown interest in it! I can't wait; it's so exciting! Good luck to you all!


This list of current participants:
Being updated as they come in...
  1. Linksliltri4ce
  2. Paper-Plate
  3. Robson B.
  4. Drisana Rodriguez-Martin
  5. Poly
  6. Mizueyes777
  7. Bookwormtiff
  8. Val Toukatly
  9. KingdomTwilightXIII
  10. Christian H.
  11. Ryttu3k
  12. Doudet
  13. SYChunsa
  14. Kylias Darkheart
  15. Erika P.
  16. Kyle L.
  17. mrpretzel
  18. Gakoru
  19. Elizabeth R.
  20. Clara B.
  21. Ashleigh
  22. Julieta
  23. Gimme
  24. Kreus
  25. Miniktty
  26. ApplejackMan
  27. Link24656
  28. Ryuupix
  29. Kyasarin Mire
  30. Jujulica
  31. Karnella
  32. Lisa H.
  33. Kudaku
  34. Fainttos
  35. Song C.
  36. BunBun
  37. Carolyn D.
  38. StardustFawkes
  39. Nummonkee
  40. Kichisu
  41. Zelidnia
  42. Lunasatomi
  43. Polina T.
  44. Miry
  45. FierceDeku
  46. Leeatard0
  47. Dagronrat
  48. Christin
  49. Ryoga
  50. Kuurankukka
  51. Leia C.
  52. AttractiveAustrianAristocrat
  53. Amber W.
  54. The Williams'
  55. Evanatt
  56. Pizza Breath the Awesome
  57. Chato Jr.
  58. Methuselah-Alchemist
  59. Aud Green
  60. Mellifera-imiya
  61. Link Fanatic
  62. Monkeykaos
  63. Byrch
  64. Malu CLBS
  65. Blackash
  66. S.C.
  67. Katie L.
  68. Steh-chan
  69. Zalogero
  70. Luluchia
  71. Gizmo
  72. Ideya-Freak
  73. Pandora
  74. Scowling Elf
  75. NelmaThyria
  76. Uni
  77. Gabriela Birchal
  78. Ponthion
  79. WhiteFoxCub
  80. Wings33
  81. RikkidoSnake
  82. Ari
  83. Niram
  84. Keyshe54
  85. ViridianRain
  86. Ferisae
  87. Majora
  88. 8-Bit-Hobo
  89. Kuroari (Wow! 100 plus the 3 below! 103 artists!)
  90. Stephanie J.
  91. Fenrisfang
  92. Seeburglar
  93. Sophie T.
  94. 7essa!
  95. Evergreen13
  96. Green Tea of Death
  97. The Great Ahtnamas
  98. Andrei Abismo
12 Main Calendar Winners:
  1. Karlen T.
  2. Cojirou
  3. Breana Melvin
  4. Aquanut
  5. Shadottie
  6. Mikey Patch
  7. Evelmiina
  8. Hadece
  9. Skull the Kid
  10. Josh
  11. Ebillan
  12. Tawny
Participation Prize Winners: (They are removed from the above list simply because they already won one. This way their number wont be drawn for future participation prize lotteries. They are still eligible for one of the 12 calendar spots though! No worries):
  1. Waffletea
  2. Ebillan
  3. Hina-ichigo

Out due to art issue, at least until reply is received: (Please email me back if you want to be counted in!)
  1. Leah
  2. Crystal M.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Confirmed: Spanish Language Hyrule Historia



Huge thanks to David Garcia Abril and Aitor Ramajo Olazabal for confirming this information and providing the links and info. They said:

"It basically says that Norma Editorial presented in the last "Salón del manga de Barcelona" (Manga saloon of Barcelona, the biggest manga and anime convention in Spain) that they will translate and publish the book in Spain next year, although they haven't said exactly when.

The rest of the new just describes what's in the book (not entirely accurately, I might add), including mentioning the timeline.

PS: Norma Editorial was also the publisher of the Zelda mangas in Spain. I guess that made the deal easier for them."

and...

" [...] Iit was confirmed during a manga convention, the publisher has already worked with dark horse comics and publishes the zelda mangas. Here is a live feed of Norma's presentation were it was announced (16:39)"

Since I don't really speak Spanish (I can only understand some when I hear it) I'm relying on what I've been told, and the Google translation of the text I'm posting below:

Via Deculture 

"La presentación de novedades de Norma Editorial durante el XVIII Salón del Manga de Barcelona ha estado movidita. La compañía demuestra una vez más que es la editorial de manga más potente en España con su tirón de licencias de cara a 2013. Entre ellas se encuentra The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia, el artbook por el 25 aniversario de la popular serie de videojuegos creada por Shigeru Miyamoto. No se han aportado fechas, ya que dicen que se encuentran traduciendo el libro y que hay muchísimo trabajo. Recordemos que el artbook no es enteramente tal, sino que también sirve de enciclopedia, e incluye la famosa cronología oficial de la franquicia. La editorial afirma que les ha costado muchísimo hacerse con la licencia de esta pieza para coleccionistas. Si algún coleccionista desea hacerse con todas las ediciones que existen en el mundo, que sepan que también se encontrará disponible en inglés de la mano de Dark Horse Comics. La edición japonesa original, más limitada, puede adquirirse también a través de intermediario. La publicación contiene un total de 272 páginas a color y otras en blanco y negro que recogen arte conceptual, diseños de los videojuegos, información valiosa para los fans y algunas páginas de los manga aparecidos hasta la fecha en Japón. Uno de los detalles más interesantes es la descripción e ilustración del mundo de Hyrule, que abarca un total de 70 páginas. También se retrata la evolución de Link a lo largo de los 25 años, un catálogo con los juegos de The Legend of Zelda y mucho más. The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia salió a la venta en Japón el 21 de diciembre de 2011 a un precio de 3255 yenes, por aquel entonces unos 32€.
Artículo publicado en Deculture.es: ‘The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia’ a España por Norma Editorial http://www.deculture.es/2012/11/03/the-legend-of-zelda-hyrule-historia-por-norma-editorial/"

Transcript via Ramen Para Dos

Uno de los momentos más esperados de la tarde del sábado del XVIII Salón del Manga de Barcelona será la presentación de novedades de Norma Editorial, en la que se esperan muchas noticias y sorpresas. 
La presentación de Norma Editorial estará rodeada de expectación con presumibles anuncios y novedades con las que volver a encandilar a los presentes a la cita y a los lectores como en anteriores adiciones. También ofrecerán un repaso a lo que ha ido dejando este año 2012 para la editorial catalana, marcada por la presentación de las novedades presentadas en esteSalón del Manga.
La rueda de prensa de esta editorial tendrá lugar a las 16:00 en la Sala 1 de conferencias del Pabellón 2 de la Fira de Barcelona. Como ya es habitual enRamen Para Dos, podrá seguirse en directo a través de nuestro twitter o esta misma entrada, que irá actualizándose en tiempo real. 
Cronología de la Presentación (actualizada en tiempo real):
16:09h - La presentación de Norma Editorial comenzará con algo de retraso.
16:10h - Comienza la presentación de Norma Editorial.
16:11h - ¡Anabel desvelará algunas de las licencias del próximo año! Se anunciarán de 8 a 10 novedades.
16:12h - Comenta que han encontrado un segmento interesante para el seinen, pero que no acaban de mejorar en lo que shôjo se refiere.
16:13h - Anabel dice que la organización del evento está muy sorprendida por el gran recibimiento de Hiro Mashima, lo cual es algo que agradecen desde Norma ya que se han esforzado mucho en esto.
16:15h - Mañana de 1 a 2 de la tarde encuentro de los fans con Hiro Mashima, y habrá sorteo de los dos originales que ha creado en este Salón.
16:16h - Oscar Valiente habla de Fairy Tail y su gran éxito, insinuando que seguramente el anime se acabe licenciando en España. Hablan de Malefic Soum diciendo que es el número 2 de ventas.
16:17h - Cambian a Ataque a los Titanes, obra que comentan que es raruna pero que ha sido un éxito. Los cofres y marcapáginas que regalan en colecciones como esta son un regalo para los aficionados que compran a pesar de la crisis.
16:18h - Pasan a mencionar El Síndrome del Hilo Enredado, otra de sus novedades. Dicen que están muy contentos con el resultado y que por lo visto gusta e interesa.
16:22h - Ser mangaka en España es vocación más que profesión, pero que les ha gustado el recibimiento en el mercado.
16:23h - Hablan de más novedades como Porcelain o Blood-C, de la cual comentan que es posible que se haga pack con Selecta Visión de anime + manga. Aunque no es CLAMP, Blood-C tiene buena acogida entre los fans.
16:24h - Cambian de obra para hablar de Bakuman: Charaman, reiterando el duro trabajo de la producción y la traducción de Marc Bernabé. Hablan de lo que incluye, portadas, datos, spinoffs...
16:25h - Dicen que el último tomo de Evangelion lo han sacado un día antes que en Japón y que no se sabe cuándo puede haber un final.
16:26h - Nodame Cantabile originalmente tenía dos tomos, el 24 y el 25, pero se pidió a Japón recopilarlos en uno solo, creando el Opera-hen. Lo han traído a pesar de las bajas ventas para apoyar al lector de esta serie.
16:27h - Siguen con más novedades del salón hablando de nuevos tomos de Las Vacaciones de Jesús y Buda y Silver Spoon.
16:28h - Anuncian una edición ampliada y revisada de Un Geek en Japón. Relatos de la vida cotidiana, de como funciona una empresa japonesa por dentro. Se ha vendido en muchos paises. Nuevo formato y contenidos. A la venta el 16 de diciembre.
16:30h - Anuncian la edición 30 aniversario de Akira, sólo existen 1982 copias y estará numerada. 120€. Incluye libro de ilustraciones y sale más barato que comprar la serie por separado. A la venta el 16 de diciembre.
16:32h - Hablan de Crónicas de Cipango. Están orgullosos de la encuadernación y dicen que es un híbrido de cultura japonesa contada de una manera amena con ilustraciones.
16:33h - El Lamento del Océano de Victoria Francés se pondrá a la venta a finales de este mes y se presentará en el Expocómic.
16:34h - Ganador del Concurso Manga de Norma: Dae-Hyun y el Caldero de Monedas de Oro. Volverán a celebrar más concursos manga.
16:35h - Pasan a las novedades de 2013, ATENCIÓN
16:36h - Primero hablan de las novedades que han comprado de EDT: Claymore, Death Note y Blue Dragon.
16:37h - Norma traerá los cómics de Hora de Aventuras. Si bien no son manga como tal, forman parte de sus novedades oficiales.
16:37h - ArtBook de Soul Eater anunciado también.
16:38h - ¡¡Otra artbook, esta vez de Hiro Mashima, se trata de "Fantasía"!!
16:39h - Más novedades, Zelda: Hyrule Historia. Libro del 25 aniversario de la saga.
16:40h - ¡¡Mangas del Profesor Layton!! Obra de 4 tomos de Naoki Sakura.
16:41h - Quieren apostar por shônens de calidad. ¡Al loro!
16:42h - Norma confirma la licencia de Thermae Romae. Es posible que la película se traiga a España también. Confirmada igualmente Bride's Story. Estas dos licencias ya se habían filtrado en su momento.
16:44h - Con un catálogo tan distinto a nivel de licencias, dejan claro su interés por extenderse en todos los géneros.
16:45h - Nueva obra de las autoras de Pechanko, "A través del Khamsin".
16:46h - Licenciado un tomo de historias cortas de Kazue Kato (Blue Exorcist) llamado Time Killers. Saldrá para el Salón del Cómic 2013
16:47h - ¡¡Licenciada una obra más de Hiromu Arakawa, Hyakusho Kizoku!!
16:48h - ¡¡Blood Lad de Yuki Kodama también llegará a España!!
16:49h - ¡¡¡I AM A HERO LICENCIADA POR NORMA EDITORIAL!!! ¡¡APLAUSOS VIRTUALES!! ¡Saldrá en el Salón del Cómic 2013!
16:51h - Turno de preguntas del público.
16:52h - La primera pregunta trata sobre el destino de la serie "Life". Confirman su intención de acabarla, y dicen que no la cancelarán pero que sí la espaciarán. En Norma son partidarios de acabar todas sus series.
16:55h - Preguntan por la influencia de la autora Naoko Takeuchi sobre la edición española de Sailor Moon. La respuesta es que la autora está pendiente de esta edición, por lo que si surgen retrasos en la publicación del manga suele ser por ella.
16:57h - El público pide que traigan al autor de Ataque a los Titanes
16:57h - Preguntan si la serie "Magi" les interesa. Está en su lista de futuribles.
16:58h - Ahora pasan a interrogar sobre Gundam Origin. La serie no vende bien, pero el próximo año publicarán dos tomos y que tienen los derechos completos de la obra.
16:59h - Confirman que tienen la completa intención de traer el artbook de Sailor Moon a España.
17:00h - Preguntan por obras como Sankarea y Sword Art Online. No piensan traerlas de momento por lo complicado que resultaría licenciarlas.
17:01h - Descartado que hagan 3x3 Ojos. Casi todas las obras que se han anunciado tendrán periodicidad bimestral, salvo casos puntuales.

17:02h - Fin de la Presentación de Norma Editorial.

Dark Horse: Confirmed 276 Pages for ALL English Versions of Hyrule Historia




Finally an official response that sounds like they checked and confirms it for sure! -This was in regards to the rumor that the Special Edition version had less pages"

Dark Horse Comics: "The Editor assures us that both versions have 276 pages. When we first solicited the book to retailers and the book market we were given a less definitive answer on final page count and now we're trying to bring all retailers to the same page count."

Monday, November 26, 2012

All the Parts to the Figma Link Figurine



In case any of you were curious; I posted a bunch of detailed images, of the figurine and all the parts it comes with, over on our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151324479240610.520490.306059985609&type=1

...The only thing I can't figure out is how to get the sword in his hand, I'm worried about breaking the thumb- There must be a trick to it, I'm surprised the pommel doesn't come off... So... I really need to find out the right way to do it before I regret Hulking it.

- The hair, face, and end of his hat come off pretty easily. But not so easily you'd be worried about them falling off.
- The hands, when they're going in, are kind of scary: the thin plastic that attaches them seems like it could easily break. So be careful and go slow and steady.
- The scabbard attachment seems to not want to go all the way into his back, but that may be because the shield needs some room to attach. (I have not attached the shield that way yet.)
- The shield parts seem to all detach and go together with the hands and arm pretty well. The "leather" strap on the back of the shield was the hardest to remove, but a small wiggle from side to side got it free with less perceived risk of damage.

I'm in love with this thing. The quality is actually really amazing, especially for the price! I can't think of anything else, so just ask if you have any other questions.

Small Contest Update. I have replied to everything I have recieved.

Figma Link is here :) He's prudy!
& He can't wait to go home with one of you guys. Yes, he WILL be one of the 12 final prizes.



Also, if you sent an entry in, you should have received a reply back from me. If you did not, please resend your entry ASAP! You can also leave a comment here, or send me a note on DA, if you think your emails are not going through. That way I can add your email to my accounts "safe" list so we know they're not being blocked for some reason (though I have been checking the spam folder.) Notes and comments WILL NOT COUNT for the deadline cut-off time, only contest emails to the contest email account will be counted unless other arrangements are made: so do your due diligence & help me make sure I have your entry in time! Again, all the contest info can be found here: http://melorasworld.com/zelda/theforest/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=863

And, if you're in doubt about something, just email! historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.com

There are a few (12 or so) letters left in my inbox that I still want to reply to, but they don't directly relate to someone knowing if they've been counted in or not so I've put them off until I'm done with everything else. Some are description updates, some are just people I want to talk to. I just making sure I update the contest entries and make replies on everyone's DA entry before I respond to more personal emails. No one's asked me about those letters; I just wanted to update you wonderful people with that info so you guys knew what was going on with my slow-butt. ;)

New, Limited Edition, Version for Hyrule Historia (UPDATES)

UPDATE 4: Some orders were canceled. Please stay calm, (it's isolated!) but check out this thread for more info.

The Faux-Leather Cover for the Limited Edition
More Info from Dark Horse Here

Limited to 4,000 Copies
Shopping Links: TFAWBarnes and NobleAmazon

Other shops? Nintendo World Store, Think Geek, Forbidden Planet UK, PBM (Holland)

Keep in mind this response from Dark Horse: "B&N will get 500 Copies and it's up to them how they sell those. However, if for whatever reason B&N doesn't work out the following retailers will also have copies. This is a Limited Edition and we have to be fair to as many retailers as we can who want to sell the book."

"The limited edition of Hyrule Historia looks like it could have been pulled off the shelf of one of the sages in Hyrule. The faux-leather hardcover bears the symbol of the Gate of Time, debossed, on the cover, and gold gilded pages. The limited collector's edition of The Legend of Zelda: Hyrule Historia is perfect for the hardcore The Legend of Zelda fan "

Update: Please don't freak out about the page-count yet. Both versions are consistent in page count on Darkhorse's page (the publisher) and their shop (TFAW) and that has ALWAYS conflicted with what other stores have listed as the page count. Please see my past posts on the matter. Example: DH-LE: 248, DH-S: 248, TFAW-LE: 248, TFAW-S: 248, so I do not believe any rumor that the Limited Edition will have fewer pages. But, please, try to get Darkhorse & TFAW to comment. I've been trying for ages to no avail, except from the wonderfully nice editor that assured me it would all be in there a while back.


UPDATE:
Confirmation! So, after pestering them, and contacting the editor again making him aware that the issue had become an issue on many fan sites, Dark Horse issued a statement that sounds like they finally checked and confirms it for sure! -This was in regards to the rumor that the Special Edition version had less pages.

Dark Horse Comics: "The Editor assures us that both versions have 276 pages. When we first solicited the book to retailers and the book market we were given a less definitive answer on final page count and now we're trying to bring all retailers to the same page count."

UPDATE 2:
After months, it appears they have finally updated the page count on most of the shop listings.

UPDATE 3:
The Limited Edition of Hyrule Historia seems to have sold out at the 3 stores that I could find online links for. This means: If you do not see a "purchase" option at a store, or you only see something like a "notify me when this product becomes available"  -Then they are probably sold out! It sounds like each store only got a set amount, such as a limit of 500 copies. Amazon appears to have sold out on day 1. Barnes and Noble: late on day 1, or day 2. TFAW: Day 3 (today.) Nintendo World Store does not do online or phone orders, and I can't assume how to purchase in the store since the book is not out until next year. I can not find a listing for Hyrule Historia on Think Geek, Forbidden Planet UK, or PBM- (Please feel free to double check, I can miss things) which are the other stores Dark Horse mentioned would be getting copies. This may mean they have not tried to sell their copies yet; so you may have more opportunities to purchase the book (outside of ebay.) Please DO keep in mind that the regular edition of Hyrule Historia, which has the exact same content (and, arguably, a prettier cover- green instead brown) is STILL for pre-order and I have seen no indication that it will be limited in number in any way. I'm sure they'll keep doing print runs for as long as people want it. :)

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

New Contest Prize Confirmed!

I wasn't sure the pre-orders would be honored, so I didn't announce this yet but... the Skyward Sword Figma Link WILL be one of the fanart contest prizes! Yes! This absolutely awesome figure:


And if you haven't heard about the Fanart Calendar contest yet, please see this post and this information thread. There's only a few days left until the contest ends! You better hurry!

Specifications:
ABS & PVC Pre-painted Posable Figure
Size: Appx. 140mm Tall (NON Scale)
w/Base

Details:
The Hero of Winds in his classic green outfit!

From the popular action adventure Zelda series' newest addition, 'The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword' comes a figma of the main character of the series, Link!

-Using the smooth yet poseable joints of figma, you can act out a variety of different scenes.
-A flexible plastic is used for important areas, allowing proportions to be kept without compromising posability.
-He comes with his standard gallant expression, as well as a powerful shouting face for combat poses.
-The Master Sword as well as the Hylian Shield are both included. They can also be carried on his back as they did in the game.
-A poseable figma stand is included, which allows various poses to be taken.

Hyrule Histroia Information (Purchasing and Release Dates)

If you would like more detailed info, check out the old Hyrule Historia Info Post and the Hyrule Historia Tag.

What is "Hyrule Historia?"
It's a book, officially released by Nintendo, that covers the whole Legend of Zelda series: from the original game up to Skyward Sword. Basically half of the book is timeline and story information, the other half is concept art from almost all these games. It also includes interviews and other information. The book's Editor is one of the series' main creators, Eiji Aonuma. It also includes a 32 page comic, a "prequel to Skyward Sword" if you will, which was done by the current manga-ka's for the series: Akira Himekawa.

Peek Inside the Japanese Versionhere's a released page in English, and here's the Skyward Sword Prequel manga.


Basic Information on the History of the Book's Release:
There is a Japanese version of the book that came first. In December of 2011 it was available for pre-order (Japan only.) Many fans thought it would be a limited edition run for the 25th anniversary of Zelda. The pre-order sold out instantly. After a long wait, more copies were printed; it can no longer be considered a limited run. The book is still currently available in Japanese. (The end of the post has info on purchasing the Japanese version)

Eventually, Nintendo of America approached Darkhorse (Comics/Publishing) and they agreed to bring it out in English. You can pre-order the English version now. The release date is/was January 29, 2013 for most shops.

A Note: It looks like the release date is being moved around a little bit by the publisher's shop. I would not be worried about this at all: I'm just thinking that this might mean newer orders might be shipped a little bit later due to demand. I could also be wrong and/or they could just have the wrong info listed. If you pre-ordered it from TFAW, the publisher's store, a while back: you got a slightly earlier release date of January 16, 2013. They now have a release date of February 12, 2013So... I'm basically just saying I'm not sure how this affects orders or orders made on other shops.

Explanation of the Covers:
There are 3 4 covers that you might see. This is what they are so there's no confusion as to what is what:



Limited Edition's Cover:
The Limited Edition English Version is a newer development. You can find info on that version of the book  at this link.



Where to Buy the English Version:
(cost and release dates usually vary from shop to shop and country to country.)
Note: We do not currently know if it will be localized into languages other than English. But, the English version IS available in other countries. The English version is the same version of the book no matter which country you buy it in. I will provide shopping links below. (If you know of good shops for other countries, please email me the links (or leave them in the comments) so I can add them to this list.)

The base price/list price is $34.99 USD. (Many shops have a great discount price on the pre-orders.) The ISBN in every country is 978-1-61655-041-7. It's hardcover, 9x12 inches, full color, the cover is stamped foil, and it's a total of 276 pages. 

The page count varies on different sites.* (this is old info; see the update just below this paragraph) Just know that I've checked with the Editor of the book for the English version and that he's confirmed that it should have all the same stuff the Japanese version has. The Japanese version has 272 pages. So it will at least have 270 pages. If you see 280 pages listed for the English one: those may be filler pages or .. it may have slightly more content? I can't really speculate on that much. I don't know why some shops have 280 pages listed. If you see 248 pages, that is an OLD number that they have forgotten to update on their shop: again, that is a confirmed fact from the book's Editor.

*Update: I was right ;)
Dark Horse Comics: "The Editor assures us that both versions have 276 pages. When we first solicited the book to retailers and the book market we were given a less definitive answer on final page count and now we're trying to bring all retailers to the same page count."

-- Amazon
-- Walmart

 Canada

 The UK




 Italy

 Australia
-- ??? Until I know more, just do an ISBN search on AU bookstores.

 Mexico
-- ??? Until I know more, just do an ISBN search on local bookstores.


Ordering "Offline" and Other Importing Methods:
You can also ALWAYS call a bookstore in your town and see if they can order it/import it for you. For example: Kinokuniya is very reputable, I use them a lot, and they have many world-wide locations. I call them when I use them, but you can probably email them too.

Note: Glitterberri, a fan-translator for the Legend of Zelda series, is helping with the localization. (So, yes, someone who is very familiar with the series will be working on the English version.)


Read it in Other Languages:
Since the English release is pending, I will not be posting links to English fan-localization efforts on this page. Until there is release info for other languages, I will provide links to fan translations for any other language. If you know of other sites with translations, please email me the links (or leave them in the comments) so I can add them to this list.

German:

Spanish:

French:


  Info for purchasing the original Japanese version:
This is the original version of the book that was released in Japan and is in Japanese. This is NOT the english version I've posted info for above.

Purchase: Amazon.co.jp has (expensive) international shipping
Purchase: Shogakukan, the book's publisher, only ships within Japan but, if it's in stock at the publisher's shop, THEN many local bookstores, like Kinokuniya, can import it for you.  The shipping should be much cheaper this way. Kinokuniya also, very often, has it in stock on their shelves in their actual stores. That means NO shipping fee.

Currently IN STOCK
Language: Japanese
Japanese Title: ハイラル・ヒストリア ゼルダの伝説 大全: 任天堂
Hardback: 272 pages
Publisher: Nintendo/Shogakukan
ISBN-10: 409227159X
ISBN-13: 978-4092271593
Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 7.2 x .7 inches
Price: 3,255 yen (roughly $40.00)

Note: The Japanese version is actually slightly smaller in size (dimensions) than the English one.This means that there's not much of a reason you would need to worry about buying the Japanese one unless you're just a collector. I do not know what the difference in print quality will be like yet though, I'm just hoping the English one will use even better paper-stock & printing. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Official English Hyrule Historia Cover Released



I saw this so much earlier today on Facebook (thank you yet again Feri!) but I didn't have time to look into it so I figured it was just something a fan had made. But, it's official. Anyway, I love it, I wanted it to look more like the Book of Mudora, so I'm super thrilled it's green and gold, ...and I wish I had time to post more: via Darkhorse via IGN 

Saturday, November 17, 2012

All the New Contest Entries Have Been Added!

You can find all the current entries in this gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/historyofhyrule/sets/72157630007526131/ 
Please check them out, they're simply beautiful! You can also find the ones from DeviantART in this group folder: http://thehistoryofhyrule.deviantart.com/gallery/37561737 Please honor the artists and leave them a nice comment if you have some time! Thank you to everyone!



If you haven't heard about the contest yet, or would like to join us in this collaborative event to make a free, downloadable, Zelda calendar for next year; please see this info thread! It has everything you should need to know. You can also look at the post I made just before this one to get a better idea of what it's about. The contest ends at the end of November.

 At this time I am only checking the contest email, historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.comnot my other message centers.

If you see an error, please let me know ASAP. I'm human and make mistakes; I want to ensure everything is right~ which means I need your help to double check things. I'm happy to make corrections to any aspect surrounding your art.

If you sent something in, and do not see your name on this list, or your piece in the flickr gallery, please re-send your email. The list and gallery are current, to the best of my knowledge, as of Nov. 17, 2012.


This list of current participants:
  1. Linksliltri4ce
  2. Paper-Plate
  3. Robson B.
  4. Drisana Rodriguez-Martin
  5. Poly
  6. Mizueyes777
  7. Bookwormtiff
  8. Val Toukatly
  9. KingdomTwilightXIII
  10. Christian H.
  11. Ryttu3k
  12. Doudet
  13. SYChunsa
  14. Kylias Darkheart
  15. Erika P.
  16. Kyle L.
  17. mrpretzel
  18. Gakoru
  19. Elizabeth R.
  20. Clara B.
  21. Karlen T.
  22. Cojirou
  23. Ashleigh
  24. Julieta
  25. Gimme
  26. Breana Melvin
  27. Kreus
  28. Miniktty
  29. ApplejackMan
  30. Link24656
  31. Ryuupix
  32. Kyasarin Mire
  33. Jujulica
  34. Karnella
  35. Lisa H.
  36. Kudaku
  37. Fainttos
  38. Song C.
  39. BunBun
  40. Carolyn D.
  41. StardustFawkes
  42. Nummonkee
  43. Kichisu
  44. Zelidnia x2
  45. Michel F.
  46. Lunasatomi
  47. Polina T.
  48. Miry
  49. FierceDeku
  50. Leeatard0
  51. Dagronrat
  52. Christin
  53. Ryoga
  54. Kuurankukka
  55. Leia C.
  56. AttractiveAustrianAristocrat
  57. Tawny
  58. Amber W.
  59. The Williams'
  60. Evanatt
  61. Pizza Breath the Awesome
  62. Chato Jr.
  63. Methuselah-Alchemist
  64. Aud Green
  65. Mellifera-imiya
  66. Link Fanatic
  67. Josh
  68. Monkeykaos
  69. Byrch
  70. Malu CLBS
  71. Blackash
  72. S.C.

Participation Prize Winners: (They are removed from the above list simply because they already won one. This way their number wont be drawn for future participation prize lotteries. They are still eligible for one of the 12 calendar spots though! No worries):
  1. Waffletea
  2. Ebillan
  3. Hina-ichigo

Out due to art issue, at least until reply is received: (Please email me back if you want to be counted in!)
  1. Leah
  2. Crystal M.

In Emergencies: If you think your emails are not getting through, or you have sent something but not heard back from me in a day or two, please use my other email melorasworld@gmail.com and/or leave a comment (not a note! I don't often check DA notes) on this DA journal entry: http://woodland-mel.deviantart.com/#/d5jdkkq The contest ends on midnight of Nov 30. Anything sent after that, even if your email fails, will NOT be accepted- so please make sure you check that I get what you send.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Entrants So Far, & Please Check Your Name Against This List If You Should Be One.

EDIT: So, here goes the lottery drawing for the prize!


BAM. Hina-ichigo it is! Congrats~ I'll be writing you soon to see what you want! ♥ I'll try to add the new entries soon, (sorry, I've been working on something.) ~and good luck to everyone else for the end of the contest, which ends at the end of November! 12 prizes and another participation prize will be given away then.

✶ ... ✶ ... ✶ ... ✶ ... ✶

If you haven't heard about the contest yet, or would like to join us in this collaborative event to make a free, downloadable, Zelda calendar for next year; please see this info thread! It has everything you should need to know. You can also look at the post I made just before this one to get a better idea of what it's about. The contest ends at the end of November.

 At this time I am only checking the contest email, not my other message centers.

Below I'm going to list the people who have gotten valid entries to me, as well as the number of entries I have from each person. If you sent something in before Oct 29, 5:00 PST, and do not see your name on this list, please re-send your email to the contest's email address: historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.com 

Besides 6 pieces that were more recently sent in, you can find all the current entries in this gallery: http://www.flickr.com/photos/historyofhyrule/sets/72157630007526131/ (I'll add the more recent entries when we get everything for the Oct 31st prize)

If you see an error, please let me know ASAP. This is also the current list of people eligible for the Oct 31 "Participation Prize":
  1. Linksliltri4ce
  2. Paper-Plate
  3. Robson B
  4. Drisana Rodriguez-Martin
  5. Hina-ichigo
  6. Poly
  7. Mizueyes777
  8. Bookwormtiff
  9. Val Toukatly
  10. KingdomTwilightXIII x2
  11. Christian H.
  12. Ryttu3k
  13. Doudet
  14. SYChunsa
  15. Kylias Darkheart
  16. Erika P.
  17. Kyle L.
  18. mrpretzel
  19. Gakoru
  20. Elizabeth R.
  21. Clara B.
  22. Karlen T.
  23. Cojirou
  24. Ashleigh
  25. Julieta
  26. Gimme x2
  27. Breana Melvin
  28. Kreus
  29. Miniktty
  30. ApplejackMan
  31. Link24656
  32. Ryuupix
  33. Kyasarin Mire
  34. Jujulica
  35. Karnella
  36. Lisa H.
  37. Kudaku
  38. Fainttos
  39. Song C.
  40. BunBun
  41. Carolyn D. x2
  42. StardustFawkes x5
  43. Nummonkee
  44. Kichisu
  45. Zelidnia x2
  46. Michel F.
  47. Lunasatomi
  48. Polina T. x2
  49. Miry x2
  50. FierceDeku
  51. Leeatard0
  52. Dagronrat
  53. Christin
  54. Ryoga
  55. Kuurankukka
  56. Leia C.
  57. AttractiveAustrianAristocrat
  58. Tawny
  59. Amber W.
  60. The Williams'
  61. Evanatt
  62. Pizza Breath the Awesome
  63. Chato Jr.
  64. Methuselah-Alchemist
  65. Aud Green
  66. Mellifera-imiya
  67. Link Fanatic

Removed from Participation Prize List Simply Because They Already Won One (still eligible for one of the 12 calendar spots though! No worries):
  1. Waffletea
  2. Ebillan x2

Out due to art issue, at least until reply is received: (Please email me back)
  1. Leah
  2. Crystal M.

In Emergencies: If you think your emails are not getting through, or you have sent something but not heard back from me by Oct 30th, please use my other email melorasworld@gmail.com and/or leave a comment (not a note! I don't often check DA notes) on this DA journal entry: http://woodland-mel.deviantart.com/#/d5jdkkq


Please go ahead and post your piece to a gallery so there is a time stamp, in case there are problems with emails.

Just one month until the Zelda Fanart Contest Ends!



CONTEST INFO! Please join us!!

PRIZES: There's ocarinas, manga, toys, figurines, DA Subscriptions, and I'm also giving away a bunch of Japanese & English copies of Hyrule Historia.

And another deadline is coming up~ The main contest doesn't end until the end of November, but if you finish your entry by midnight on October 31 you'll have a chance to win one of these things:


CHECK IT OUT!

Go read about it! Get inspired! And enter so we can make it freakn' AWESOME!

Again, this contest is really just being held to make a free 2013 calendar for everyone: so it's also kind of a collab. Even if you don't care about prizes~ consider entering just to make something that every Zelda fan can use and love.

Spread the word so it doesn't suck! :3

And, if you have any questions, just ask! (email only right now: historyofhyrule.contests@gmail.com )

~Melora

Also, I'm still mostly absent because I'm trying to put a series together for a gallery. You can really only reach me about the contest through the contest email. I will not have time to check other messages until mid-November or later.