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Udon handling books for Ace Attorney, Street Fighter, more
Keep an eye on Udon Entertainment if you're looking to expand your gaming-related comic or physical art book collection: the publisher detailed plans for upcoming prints during a panel at Comic-Con San Diego, which involves material from several notable series. Though release dates for this pair were unspecified, art enthusiasts can safely begin anticipating English versions of The Art of Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Dual Destinies and Professor Layton Official Fanbook. Gungnir Official Art Chronicle is on its way as well, which celebrates the universe of PSP RPG Gungnir. Udon is continuing work with hardcover editions of the Street Fighter comic series as well, with the publisher describing volume 2 as "almost complete." Alex Culang and Raynato Castro's Katamari comic has been rolled into Udon's Manga Classics line, with a Volume 1 collection coming in December 2014. Also, anyone that's trying to track down a copy of the Street Fighter: World Warrior Encyclopedia can rest easy: Udon will distribute an oversized "special hardcover edition" next year, which will feature new artwork and updated information related to Ultra Street Fighter 4. [Image: Udon]
New Art of Capcom collection to debut at San Diego Comic-Con
UDON Entertainment has unveiled the Art of Capcom: Complete Edition art book, a massive, 600-plus page hardcover tome dedicated to UDON's frequent collaborations with the House of Street Fighter. Not only will Art of Capcom: Complete Edition include all content found in UDON's two previous Art of Capcom books, it will also add an additional 75 pages, packed full of comic art, character sprites, tribute art and even toy designs. Unlike the 30th Anniversary Capcom Character Encyclopedia, which covered the full gamut of Capcom's offerings, UDON's work has long been focused on the publisher's many fighting games. As such, Art of Capcom: Complete Edition primarily showcases art from Street Fighter, Rival Schools, Darkstalkers, Tatsunoko Vs Capcom, Marvel Vs Capcom and even the almost totally forgotten Capcom Fighting Evolution. That said, you might see a few pieces devoted to Mega Man and Strider, just for good measure. Art of Capcom: Complete Edition will make its debut at the San Diego Comic-Con this July, where it will be available for purchase alongside an exclusive dustcover. Keep in mind, the book won't be released to the public for "months" after Comic-Con, so those clamoring for this massive collection of UDON art may want to book a flight to San Diego. [Image: UDON]
Darkstalkers art tome sinks its fangs into North America
The monstrous pugilists of the Darkstalkers universe remain entombed in Capcom's fighting character vaults, awaiting the day that they might be revived for a sequel. While that wait seems interminable, fans can now delve into the series' gorgeous artwork thanks to a new release from Udon Entertainment. First revealed at Comic-Con 2013, Darkstalkers: Official Complete Works is a softback, 224-page compendium packed to the gills with official concept art, rare design documents, series' tributes and interviews with the Japanese developers who created the cult-favorite yet largely forgotten fighting game franchise. As with all Udon products, you can likely find Darkstalkers: Official Complete Works at your local comic book shop, though, depending on where you live, it may be easier to simply order the book online. Udon's website lists a $40 price point for Darkstalkers: Official Complete Works, while Amazon has it at just under $29, with free shipping if you're an Amazon Prime member. For more details, and a 10-page, full-color preview, visit the Darkstalkers: Official Complete Works website. [Image: Udon Entertainment]
Dark Souls art book wreaks beautiful havoc in October
If you survived long enough to appreciate the twisted, melancholy beauty of Dark Souls, maybe prepare to buy Udon's art book. After releasing Dark Souls: Design Works in Japan last year, the comic book studio is bringing an English version to North America in October. The 128 pages of the 8.25"x11.75" hardcover book span the game's worlds, characters, weapons, and monsters, including concept art and sketches. Design Works also features interviews with director Hidetaka Miyazaki and various From Software artists. If you're looking for something to tide you over until March 2014, Dark Souls: Design Works has a list price of $40, although at the time of publishing Amazon is selling it for $29. %Gallery-190281%
Blizzard talks Shadows of the Horde, other projects at NYCC
Blizzard took the opportunity at the New York Comic-Con this week to announce a slew of projects including the eagerly anticipated novel Shadows of the Horde by Michael A. Stackpole, featuring Vol'jin, chief of the Darkspear trolls and unofficial Horde 'loyal opposition' to Warchief Garrosh Hellscream. Now we have details on the various projects from the official site, and they're pretty tantalizing. In addition to learning more about Shadows of the Horde (bad stuff happens to Vol'jin, I can say that much without spoilers) we also learned more about other upcoming books and eBooks, such as the World of Warcraft Tribute: Art Book, produced by UDON, the collected Diablo III: Heroes Rise, Darkness Falls eBook that gathers all the class short stories from the Diablo III website (the Barbarian one was really good), and Richard Knaak's upcoming Dawn of the Aspects eBook dealing with the history of the Dragonflights and their fate in the post-Cataclysm world. Definitely go check it out. Mists of Pandaria is here! The level cap has been raised to 90, many players have returned to Azeroth, and pet battles are taking the world by storm. Keep an eye out for all of the latest news, and check out our comprehensive guide to Mists of Pandaria for everything you'll ever need to know.
New Firefall dev blog introduces super-secret surprise mystery writer!
Mark Kern, CEO of Red 5 Studios, sits down with players today for a nice fireside chat in the not-quite-June Firefall developer diary. The focus of the dev diary is on the story Red 5's upcoming MMOTPS. Mr. Kern explains that the Firefall team really wants players to be invested in the game's story, and he goes on to discuss how the folks at Red 5 intend to make them give a darn. So how exactly are they going to do that? Well, as Mr. Kern points out, a large part of a good story is a good writer. And contributing to Firefall's story will be none other than the esteemed Orson Scott Card. That's right, the creator of the legendary Ender's Game series -- alongside his daughter, Emily Janice Card -- will be contributing to a free upcoming Firefall manga that will help to set up the story prior to the game. Udon Entertainment (of Street Fighter comic fame) will be providing the artwork for the manga, so it's sure to be a must-read for any Firefall fans. To see the whole dev diary, which includes some words from Mr. Card himself, head on past the cut.
The Art of Resident Evil 5 book coming in July
Click for a closer look Some people would have you believe that the printed word is on the way out, but it turns out the medium is undead after all. No, you're not i-Majini-ng things, there really is a Resident Evil 5 art book, and it's shambling to shelves this July. Entitled The Art of Resident Evil 5, the book is being released by Udon and contains loads of content from the game, including "3D models, character designs, environments, storyboards, and promotional art." It also includes "never before seen concept art and unused designs," creator commentary and interviews with the development staff. You can pre-order the 204 page book from Amazon, where it's currently selling for $26.39 (34 percent off the usual $39.99 price tag). %Gallery-91142% [Via Capcom-Unity]
Capcom and Udon creating Street Fighter encyclopedia
click for full size Put down that Street Fighter-themed pen, pick up your Street Fighter-themed mouse, and get on with the Amazon pre-ordering, as Capcom and Udon have just revealed details on the upcoming "Street Fighter: World Warrior Encyclopedia." Rather than hitting the internet for reference points during your hours of painstaking fanfic writing, you'll soon be able crossreference the 136-page strong paperback for the decently low entry fee of $10. Since the book won't be dragon-kicking its way into retailers (or mailboxes) until this June, all we've got to abate your thirst for knowledge immediately is Udon artists Alvin Lee, Jo Chen, Arnold Tsang, Jeffrey Cruz, Joe Ng, Gonzalo Ordonez, Omar Dogan, "and more," will be working on the book. Oh, also, if you ever wanted to know where Ryu got that sweet headband, it's totally in there.
Udon adding new endings to Tatsunoko vs. Capcom
After a successful partnership on XBLA/PSN release Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (breath), Udon Entertainment and Capcom are once again working together, though this time the Street Fighter comic book artists are adding endings to upcoming Wii fighter Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars. Despite Udon's pedigree, the announcement post remains overwhelmingly humble, saying, "Everyone at Udon is very proud to have contributed to such an epic piece of video game and anime history." We haven't gotten our hands on any screens of the endings just yet, but we'll be sure to give you a gander as soon as we do. [Via Capcom-Unity] %Gallery-82031%
Phoenix Wright artbook is Exhibit A in the case of Udon vs. our wallets
Udon Entertainment has announced its next Capcom artbook, following collections of Street Fighter, Darkstalkers, and Mega Man art: The Art of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, featuring 240 pages of improbably dramatic images of lawyers and their teenage friends. The book features covers, promotional art, and character designs and profiles from the three Phoenix Wright graphical text adventures, as well as "the complete artwork" from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney. Udon plans to release this in October -- the same month in which it will release the Mega Man Official Complete Works, potentially causing a problem for people with only enough money in their artbook budget for one book about a blue-clad Capcom character per month. [Via Kotaku]
Udon releasing Street Fighter art book this September
Capcom didn't have to tease Udon Entertainment's new SF20 art book with an Akiman image of Chun-Li and King of Fighters' Mai Shiranui almost kissing and almost punching each other. In fact, we really wanted to post about this art book, which features work from Capcom artists like Shinkiro, Kinu Nishimura, and others, but we hesitated because of that preview image, which would have made us look like total pervs instead of Capcom art aficionados.We were pleased, then, to see this less make-outy Chun Li image among Udon's preview pages. The book contains art from Street Fighter all the way through Tatsunoko vs. Capcom.
Street Fighter II HD surpasses 250K sold
Capcom has announced via the Capcom-Unity forums that Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix has sold 250,000 copies since its debut on November 25 (PS3) and 26 (360), and is on track to bring in more money than any previous downloadable game."HD Remix has shattered both day one and week one sales records and will most likely break 30 day sales records as well," associate product manager, John Diamonon, said. "It's on its way to becoming the highest grossing digital title ever." Calling the game "a labor of love for everyone involved," Diamonon thanked ... everyone involved. Oh, and like truly classy end credits, he thanked you, the player.
Box heart: Capcom's Street Fighter HD press kits, for the non-press
We sense a trend developing here. Following its offering of the retro-inspired Mega Man 9 press kit to the general public via its online store – albeit in extremely limited quantities – Capcom is about to do the same with its promotional materials for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, which hits PSN tomorrow and XBLA on Wednesday, Nov. 26.The kit – which, apart from its box art featuring The Incredible Hulk as Ryu – is replete with SSFIITHDR goodies, including "Ryu's headband," an art disc, a special game tie-in comic by Udon, character magnets, and a Chun-LI figurine that's limited to 1,000 pieces. Capcom is planning to make around 300 of the kits available to those not in the gaming press, so keep its internet storefont bookmarked and refresh often. %Gallery-37863%
PS3 Street Fighter II HD priced at $14.99
Capcom popped onto the PlayStation Blog to plug the imminent arrival of Super Street Fighter II HD Remix on PSN next Tuesday, Nov. 25, and reveal the cost of admission: $14.99. Given this news, it's pretty safe to bet on the XBLA version – which arrives Wednesday, Nov. 26 – coming in at 1200 ($15), although neither Capcom nor Microsoft have announced official pricing.As we reported yesterday, those who purchase the PS3 version of the game will gain free access to the Street Fighter Underground Remix Soundtrack, a digital album download featuring Street Fighter-inspired hip-hop tracks by artists Redman, Hieroglyphics, DJ Qbert, DJ Toure, Zion I, Mistah F.A.B. and Oh No.
Collectibles cast Street Fighter in plastic, ink
If there's one thing we enjoy as much as playing games, it's collecting various odds and ends that reflect our passion for the hobby. Whether it's a Lunar Ghaleon puppet on the mantel or the Varia Suit statue on the coffee table, there is never any question where our loyalties lie. Now UDON Entertainment has added another collectible to our radar in the form of a limited edition art book dedicated to the numerous brawlers who have thrown down in Capcom's storied Street Fighter franchise. The hardcover will feature the artistic styling of such artists as Penny Arcade's Gabe and pin-up style comic cover artist Adam Hughes, among several others. The book is available for pre-order now, with orders placed today dropping you in the running for Capcom's IGN-branded Okami for the Wii. At $80, the book isn't cheap, but really, when it comes to the things we adore, what price can do love justice?And while we have Street Fighter on the brain, we'd be remiss not to mention an interesting blog post over at Camp Capcom, as the company is apparently entertaining the idea of creating a collection of figurines based on the upcoming Street Fighter IV, and as such are looking for input on which characters deserve to make the cut. So, of the faces we know, both old and new, who would we most like to see make the leap from polygons to plastic? E. Honda? Vega? El Fuerte? Hit up the poll on Capcom's blog and let your voice, albeit anonymously, be heard.%Gallery-22939%
First in-game Super Street Fighter II HD screenshots
After teasing us with tons of sprite art from the game, the very first screenshots of the HD Remix of Street Fighter II have been revealed to the public. As expected, it's absolutely gorgeous. Featuring the hand-drawn art of the fine folks at Udon, this fully redrawn game looks brand-spankin' new. Will Street Fighter IV be able to beat this?%Gallery-9057%
First SSF2THDR stage unveiled: Vegas, baby
[Update: Capcom has posted a revised image of this stage.]Capcom has released the first glimpse of a turbo-high-def-remixed Super Street Fighter II stage, Mike Bison's Balrog's Las Vegas strip, now saturated with bright purples. Background historians will also notice that the crowd has been scaled back from the original version, apparently to cut down on animations, in turn, decreasing the game size. Other modernization efforts bring bigger busts and an Escalade limo (thankfully, a pimp hat is still just a pimp hat). Most noticeably, the old Golden Nugget casino has been bulldozed, making way for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix's Crazy Buffalo; named in honor of one of Balrog's signatures.Producer Rey Jimenez also fills us in on a new game mode, call it "re-balanced mode" for now. The optional mode is being designed with input from tourney players, but Jimenez doesn't elaborate further. Expect it to make the final version of the game as long as it doesn't "totally break" the gameplay.
PS3 Fanboy interviews UDON about Super Street Fighter II HD Remix
If you've caught yourself staring, mouth agape, at UDON's gorgeous re-imaginings of classic Street Fighter II characters, being prepared for the XBLA and PSN release of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, know that you're not alone. Our buds at PS3 Fanboy spoke with Jim Zubkavich, Artist and Project Manager at UDON, about their pixelicious collaboration with Capcom. A snippet: "The game is an exact port of SSF2T, so the hit boxes and poses must be identical, even while the detail and resolution are increased to approximately 4.5 times the original. Along with character sprite designs, we're redrawing and painting each stage background to match the enhanced resolution."
PS3 Fanboy interview: Udon Comics and Street Fighter
Everything old is new again. The internet has been abuzz ever since the first sprites from Capcom's upcoming HD Remix of Super Street Fighter II were publicly released. The art, created by Udon, looks absolutely spectacular. We interviewed Jim Zubkavich, Artist and Project Manager at Udon, about their collaboration with Capcom.How did Udon and Capcom first team up?UDON began in 2000 as a team creating illustration/design artwork for comic book or toy manufacturing clients. After a couple years getting established, we decided to publish our own comic books. One of the first ideas that came to mind was creating comics based on licenses that all of us enjoyed growing up. At the top of that list was Capcom's Street Fighter property. After some negotiation and art samples sent back and forth, Capcom allowed UDON to create a new full color comic series that debuted in the summer of 2003. When the comic series began we would just send Capcom the script and artwork for approval each month. Eventually our relationship with Capcom grew stronger and they started communicating with us more frequently about the franchise and the strength of our artists.In 2004, after the debut of our Darkstalkers comic series and translation of the Eternal Challenge Street Fighter artbook were well received, Capcom approached us about contributing artwork to their Fighting Jam video game. In turn, that strengthened the bond between the two companies even more. At each step we've strived to show Capcom how much we respect their properties and how much we enjoy being a part of their creative process.With the 20th anniversary of Street Fighter coming in 2008, Capcom wanted us to be a part of the festivities. The high definition re-release of Super Street Fighter II Turbo is something we're very proud to be contributing to.
UDON's Art of Capcom: 300+ page artbook available this summer
If you're going to find yourself at this weekend's Anime Expo, you best hightail it over to UDON's corner and get a look at their 300+ page artbook titled, simply, UDON's Art of Capcom. Not going to be at Anime Expo but would kill a loved one (preferably with a brutal combo) to get your murderous mitts on one? They'll only be available "at conventions throughout the summer." No word on what those other conventions might be, but we doubt you'll find UDON at your annual holistic podiatry convention.The rest of you, you'll just have to wait until the fall when they'll be available at your favorite stores, far from the cosplaying crowds of Anime Expo. Be sure to peep the back cover after the break or hit up the Read link for the high-res wallpaper-worthy version.[Thanks, Jim!]
