First Guest for MangaNEXT 2008 Announced

Misako Rocks! is MangaNEXT's first confirmed guest for this year! Misako Rocks! developed a love for comics and manga at an early age and drew her first comic at the age of 13. She moved to New York in 2001 and since have had her illustrations published in The Onion, scored a two-book deal with Hyperion, a three-book deal with Henry Holt, a writing gig for Archie comics. She is currently working on Detective Jermain vol2 and David Fickling's comic magazine DFC. She has been featured in many magazines and newspapers, including *Elle Girl* and the *New York Times*. The *BBC* also featured her in a documentary about comic book creators. On top of that, she has recently received the *Venic Beach, LA Playwright* award! For more information on Misako Rocks and her upcoming events please visit her website (http://www.misakorocks.com).


MangaNEXT will be held October 31 through November 2, 2008 at the Doubletree Somerset in New Jersey. MangaNEXT hosts a variety of manga-centered programming, including fan panels, workshops and guest speakers as well as a gaming room, video gaming room, dealers, cosplay and much more. Visit our website at <www.manganext.org> for more information or talk to staff and attendees on our forums at <www.manganext.org/forum>. We look forward to seeing you there!


Universal Animation (http://www.universalanimation.org), the non-profit group that organizes MangaNEXT is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the appreciation of Anime and Manga in the United States. Founded in 2002 in NYC, Universal Animation is responsible for planning AnimeNEXT, which is held annually in the Tristate (NY/NJ/CT) area. Universal Animation is an independent organization with no affiliation to any commercial entities.