MangaNEXT, the first Manga convention in the United States, returns for 2010. MangaNEXT returns to the New York and New Jersey metropolitan area for 2010 bringing a vast amount of manga and art focused programming to the area's manga fans. The 2010 convention will be at the East Brunswick Hilton hotel in East Brunswick, New Jersey from October 28 to 31, 2010.

The convention organizers, the same independent organization that manges AnimeNEXT, are planning several special new programming ideas for attendees to celebrate the convention's return after taking a one year hiatus. The convention has already announced several art and comics related guests who will be present at the convention. The convention is welcoming the following guests; Manga-ka Akino Kondoh, freelance artist and Bizenghast creator M. Alice LeGrow, veteran of syndicated comic strips and creator of Sita sings the Blues Nina Paley, print and web comics artist and author Lea Hernandez, and lastly Dirk I. Tiede, the creator of the graphic novel series Paradigm Shift.

MangaNEXT will also enable attendees to take part in and influence the convention's programming by accepting applications for panels and workshops directly from the convention's attendees. The convention has had a history of hosting some of the most unique and enlightening panels, discussion groups, cultural events and workshops in the past, and it plans on continuing that tradition in 2010 with the help of its attendees.

The convention has also opened its Artist Alley application and would like to attract as many unique and skilled artists as it can. Artists can apply for MangaNEXT's artist alley tables directly on the convention's web site.

Look for more announcements from MangaNEXT on the web as it continues to differentiate itself with its unique programming and guests. Please visit the convention's web site, MangaNEXT to register and attend the convention. You can also follow MangaNEXT on Twitter, @manganext, for even more up to date news.

Press Release for September 3rd, 2010

Castle Point Anime Convention has just released its first announcement for their 2011 convention. The con will be taking place on Sunday, April 10 this year. Like before, the convention will take place at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.

As well, online pre-registration is also open. Tickets will cost $12 for pre-registration and $15 at the door. There will be a group discount for groups of five for $50. The pre-registration website can be found at http://castlepointanime2011.eventbrite.com. The staff recommends that anyone who has trouble with online registration should email [email protected].

In addition to these two pieces of news, a new Dealer's Room and Artist's Alley has also been announced. Due to the buildup of waiting lines and frequent suggestions from attendees at their 2010 convention, the convention staff has secured Canavan Arena in Stevens' Schaefer Athletic Center to house the Dealer's Room and Artist's Alley this year. Canavan Arena is larger and has a higher capacity than where the Dealer's Room/Artist's Alley was previously held.

Those interested in attending CPAC this year as a vendor or artist should email [email protected] or [email protected]. The staff recommends anyone who is planning on doing this should do so as soon as possible to avoid the waiting list that had to be implemented last year.

For more information about Castle Point Anime Convention, please visit the convention website at castlepointanime.com.

ABOUT CASTLE POINT ANIME CONVENTION:

Castle Point Anime Convention is created and organized by the members of the Stevens Anime Club and will be held on Sunday, April 10 on the campus of Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. Castle Point Anime Convention is just minutes away from New York City and is easily accessible by PATH, NJ Transit, ferry, and bus. Castle Point Anime Convention aims to promote anime, manga, and Japanese culture as well as providing a fun experience for attendees.

In the past, comedian Uncle Yo, composer Andy Brick, and musicians PEELANDER-Z, Nullsleep, BitShifter, DJ Yattabyte, Gordon Virasawmi, and DJ Gnaw have all made an appearance at CPAC. Last year, CPAC welcomed voice actors Bill Rogers, Michael Perreca, Rome Elliot, and Kenneth Robert Marlo and voice actress Michelle Knotz from various anime such as "Genhsiken," "Comic Party," Gokudo," and "Pokemon." As well, famous nerdcore hip-hop artist MC Frontalot and 8-bit artists Bit Shifter and Bubblyfish performed for the attendants of the 2009 convention. The convention drew a crowd of over 1500 people last year from the New Jersey/New York area.

Press Release for August 13th, 2010

Gareb Shamus announces today that he will produce New Jersey Comic Con Wizard World Convention this fall.

“Much of my family lives or has lived in the Garden State. All my hometown friends there were bugging me to do this for them and their kids.” said Shamus, CEO of New York-based Wizard Entertainment. “Launching this event is exciting because it gives our fans in New Jersey a show to call their own.”