eigoMANGA and Visionary Comics Studio Publish "The Frog Princess" Graphic Novel

(San Francisco, CA) -- eigoMANGA LLC and Visionary Comics Studio proudly announce the forthcoming publication of "The Frog Princess" (Diamond Order Code JAN094212), an original hardcover graphic novel from writer Jeff Loew (finalist in the "Be a Visionary" contest co-sponsored by VCS and AAM/Markosia) and artist Rie Ikaza (aka "Fitri," one of Indonesia's hottest manga artists).

Inspired by true events, "The Frog Princess" tells the story of amphibian biologist Larissa Talcott, as she fights to save her research pond from real estate developers... while her new lawyer boyfriend Liam secretly helps the developers turn the pond into a golf course. Can their romance survive? Can Larissa hold on to her ideals while Liam tries to find his own true voice? And what about the frogs? Loew and Ikaza's graphic novel combines romantic comedy, action, drama, and fantasy, all wrapped up in a socially-conscious eco-fable -- in a formula destined to prove irresistible to shojo manga fans and all fans of character-driven storytelling.

"The concept for 'The Frog Princess' came about when I learned that a local university was scrambling to save its biology labs after a change in the water supply threatened every amphibian on campus," explains writer Loew, whose work has been featured in the Judge Dredd Megazine, Arcana's Dark Horrors, eigoMANGA’s Sakura Pakk, and in a weekly column for comics news website Broken Frontier. "Starting from this basic conflict, the characters and situations just sprang to life."

Along with the fictionalized conflict of saving Larissa's research pond, "The Frog Princess" deals with the real, broader issue of the drastic decline in the world’s amphibian populations.

"When Jeff brought 'The Frog Princess' to us, I knew it was something eigoMANGA wanted to be a part of," says Austin Osueke, eigoMANGA’s CEO and publisher. "Larissa and Liam face conflicts we all can relate to. They're rekindling a relationship while realizing they may share different values. They're each facing the clash between their ideals and the pragmatic pursuit of success. You can't help but read on to find out how it's all going to end. Or to see what ridiculous situation they'll stumble into next."

Visionary Comics Studios head C. Edward Sellner shares Osueke's excitement. "We've been fans of Jeff and his work ever since he entered and became a finalist in our 'Be a Visionary' talent contest. We're thrilled to be working with eigoMANGA to bring the work of Jeff and Ms. Ikaza to a wider audience in a story that has a message we all need to hear."

The complete Frog Princess hardcover also includes two backup short stories by Loew and world-renowned Argentinean master Oscar "Sensei" Capristo (Heavy Metal): "Goatspell" (featuring Grynn & Barrett, Dark Arts Detectives) and "I Married Ghost Girl"; along with a third short story by Loew and Spanish sensation Esdras, "Night and Day." The Frog Princess Hardcover is available for pre-order now and ships on March 25, 2008, 160 pages, with a $14.95 cover price.

The Frog Princess can be previewed online at http://www.eigoMANGA.com or http://www.drunkduck.com/frog_princess

PRODUCT INFORMATION

The Frog Princess
Intended Audience: 13+
Genre: Manga, Romance, Comedy
Format: Hard Cover Digest, 160 pgs, B&W, 6x9, Perfect Bound
Suggest Retail Price: $14.95
Release Date: 03/25/09
Distributor: Diamond Distributors
Diamond Item Code: JAN094212

About eigoMANGA: Established in 2000 and based in San Francisco, California, eigoMANGA publishes original English language (OEL) manga, develops business and marketing projects relating to and inspired by the manga and anime industries, and promotes Japanese manga, anime, music and pop culture throughout North America.

For more information, check out our web site: http://www.eigoMANGA.com/

About Visionary Comics Studio: Founded in 2006, VCS is the world’s first Teaching Studio for aspiring comics creators. Working with creators on series they own, VCS paves the way for those creators to bring their works to the mainstream market. With a line of creator-owned books, its own studio line, licensed work and other special projects, Visionary is all about bringing something new to the comics industry.

For more information, check out our web site: http://www.visionarycomics.com