VIZ Media Llc. has announced a partnership with the World Bank to present 1 WORLD MANGA, an original new series that will use the universal appeal of the graphic novel to address key global issues, such as poverty, HIV/AIDS and the environment. As part of its depositary library program, the World Bank will donate copies of the manga to 300 libraries around the world. VIZ Media’s proceeds from the sales of 1 WORLD MANGA will go to several noteworthy charities.

Scholastic announced that it has acquired AMULET, a two-book deal won at auction. Written by 27-year-old graphic novelist Kazu Kibuishi, the first title will be released in spring 2007 under Scholastic's Graphix imprint.

3Dtotal is set to release DIGITAL ART MASTERS VOLUME I. The book is a collection of 3D and 2D artwork, which has been featured in the gallery of 3Dtotal.com. Sections of the book include scenes, characters, fantasy, sci-fi and cartoon section spread over 192 pages. Each piece has a breakdown and overview of how it was made written by the artist. These are not simple step by step tutorials but more the thought process behind the artwork. The book will sell for $59.

As comics studies have become much more complex and sophisticated, a wealth of resources has been compiled into a new, provocative anthology, THE EDUCATION OF A COMICS ARTIST, edited by Michael Dooley and Steven Heller and published by Allworth Press. This portable comics convention offers insights from pros into the booming changing comics field.

Tor Books has teamed up with SCI FI Channel to bring readers the finest new voices in science fiction and fantasy. Each month, one Tor title will receive the SCI FI Essential stamp of approval, which will appear on the spine and cover of the book. Tor and SCI Fi will partner on live author chats on SCIFI.COM, and sample chapters and sneak peeks of upcoming books in the program on the site www.scifimonthlypick.com.

VIBE Magazine and POW! Ent. have announced an exclusive partnership to create an urban superhero. The relationship will be the first of its kind for VIBE, which is aiming to increase its brand beyond print while still leveraging the magazine.

John Libbey Publishing will release in June a new book titled, YURI NORSTEIN AND TALE OF TALES: AN ANIMATOR'S JOURNEY, written by Clare Kitson. The book looks at how Norstein was able to make his famed TALE OF TALES under Soviet rule. The film fuses Norstein's memories of his past and hopes and fears for the future, his post-war childhood and remnants of the personal tragedies of war. The 168-page book will sell for £17.50. For more information, visit www.johnlibbey.com.

Jim Smith, co-creator of REN AND STIMPY, THE RIPPING FRIENDS and many other Spumco cartoons has inked a deal with Asylum Press to publish a series of sketchbooks. The first DEADLY ARE THE NAKED ships July 2005.

Charles River Media announces new book, STORY TELLING THROUGH ANIMATION. This book provides an in-depth guide to the process of conceiving, planning and producing an animated or live-action media production. It covers specific information for many forms of visuals, including traditional cel, stop motion, Flash or CG with a focus on the most critical aspect of any production — the story.

Ballistic Publishing has begun shipping the first book in its CG Challenge series, MACHINEFLESH, featuring artwork and techniques of digital artists working in both 3D and 2D.

Ninety-six pages are packed with surreal and opulent computer imagery. In addition, MACHINEFLESH delves in-depth into eight of the winning entries from the CG Challenge contest.

Detailed intros are written by the following award-winning CG Challenge artists as:

* Krishnamurti M. Costa
* Daryl Mandryk
* Greg Petchkovsky
* Jeff Rey