Dark Horse Inherits the Rich Mythos of an Immortal Warrior in the Epic Tales of Blood+

Dark Horse is pleased to announce the addition of Blood+ to its ever-growing line of translated prose and manga. This already established work has found a new life and audience in the animated TV series airing on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim Anime Block. Blood+ will also soon make its slilver screen in a live-action theatrical film produced by William Kong (House of Flying Daggers; Hero; and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) slated for a 2009 release.

Blood+ chronicles the adventures of Saya, an amnesiac girl who discovers she is far from normal. Living with a foster family just outside an American military base in Okinawa, Japan, she soon comes upon the reality of her extraordinary past. She learns she is an immortal warrior whose lineage could even date back to Ancient Egypt or earlier. For centuries she has been locked in a battle against a race of vampiric creatures known as Chiropterans, monsters that are intent on destroying all life on Earth. In an epic tale that crisscrosses the globe, Saya battles to save the world while searching for the secret of her lost memories.

Saya has previously graced the Dark Horse catalogue in 2005 with the book Blood: The Last Vampire Night of the Beasts. The Blood+ universe will continue through Dark Horse in three spectacular manga story lines and two stimulating series of prose novels.

"Dark Horse is proud to continue championing one of the greatest-ever and most-celebrated properties ever to come from Japan: Blood the Last Vampire, as told through a host of new manga and prose novels," says Michael Gombos, Director of Asian Licensing at Dark Horse Comics. "We are honored to bring three new manga and two series of prose novels to the English-speaking world, allowing everyone to further enter the world of Saya Otonashi and compatriots!"

Blood+ Volume One manga is available February of 2008 and Blood+: First Kiss Volume One prose novel is on sale March 2008.

Dayan (Dai-On)

Akido Ikeda's international sensation Dayan is finally available in the United States! The mischievous cat Dayan has already captured the hearts and minds of Japan, spawning over thirty books, a theme park, museums, and stores dedicated entirely to the fictional world where he resides, Wachifield! Discover the phenomenon this spring with the first four books, published by Dark Horse in handsome hardcover.

Wachifield is an enchanted, anthropomorphic world conceived by author Akiko Ikeda during her childhood—a mystical universe where plants and animals talk, and with their words teach classic tales of wisdom played out in fun, heartwarming scenes and through vivid artwork. Her whimsical and timeless illustrations have garnered international recognition, and her intricate world continues to expand due to her nearly limitless imagination.

Dayan, the central character and favorite resident of the town of Tachiel, is an adventurous cat whose curiosity often leads him into fantastical adventures. Luckily, he has the support and help of his friends, who include Marcy the dependable bunny, and the hard-drinking alligator Nbah. Follow Dayan and his courageous cronies as they outwit a coven of angry witches, a devilish forest nymph, and even their own shadows! Along the way they manage to make new friends, experience the snow magic of the Eurocka festival, and make a rainy Thursday into an event to remember!

Though originally written for children, adults and fans of Japanese culture will love these stories for their deceptively complex narrative, darker undertones, and alcoholic alligators.

Dark Horse proudly presents, for the first time in English, The Dayan Collection. The first four volumes—Dayan's Birthday, Thursday Rainy Party, White Eurocka, and Chibikuro Party—will be released in the states on April 23, 2008, for a retail price of $9.95.