Just announced in Famitsu Magazine is the return of three Street Fighter favorites in 2010’s new Super Street Fighter IV game. Last seen in the Street Fighter Alpha game series, players can look forward to the return of:

• Adon – The wild jaguar of May Thai, and Sagat’s former pupil.
• Guy – The 39th master of Bushin-Ryu ninjitsu, and one of the heroes of Final Fight’s Metro City.
• Cody – Another Metro City native, this fallen hero now spends his days in prison, occasionally breaking out to find some street fighting action!

UPDATE! Looking at the Famitsu scans, Shoryuken points to evidence that SF3′s Ibuki will also be in Super Street Fighter IV:

If you take a peek at the top right of the image featuring Guy, you will see Guy punching a kunai (ninja knife) out of the air. To further confirm that it is indeed a kunai, the text next to that image playfully asks who’s kunai Guy is punching.

After the hugely positive response to the Darkstalkers Tribute art book, fan outcry for more Darkstalkers stories became clear. Now, the ghoulish monsters and sexy seductresses of Darkstalkers are coming back to comics! This January, UDON bring fans more tales featuring creatures of the night with an all-new 3 issue miniseries titled Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors.

The new series will pick up the continuing stories of slinky succubus Morrigan, demon hunter Donovan, vampire lord Demitri, and ancient evil Pyron as they all battle for control of the Earth and beyond. Fans can also expect appearances from new creepy crawlers like insect queen Q-Bee, slumbering mummy Anakaris, noble bigfoot Sasquatch, the robotic harbinger of doom Huitzil, and more!

Returning to UDON as a cover artist is fan favorite Alvin Lee, who provides 3 connecting covers to the series featuring the entire Darkstalkers cast! Every issue will also feature a variant cover by Emily Warren, each showcasing one of the beautiful women of Darkstalkers. The series itself will be written by Ken Siu-Chong, and feature the artwork of UDON’s Joe Vriens and Eric Vedder.

Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors #1 arrives this January at comic shops everywhere.

Other Darkstalkers books available now:

Darkstalkers Vol.1: Rise of the Dark Ones
Darkstalkers Tribute
Darkstalkers Graphic File

Daily Wallpaper Update: Morrigan from UDON’s DarkStalkers Artbook:

Available in 1280×1024, 1440×900 and 1024×768

Check out the trailer, and more, after the jump.

The motion comic (or “animated comic” as the press release calls it) is based on the first Street Fighter comic from our awesome friends at UDON Studios. Naturally this means the original art is beautiful, as you can see from the trailer (to the right, as always).

The plot itself is your classic Street Fighter story. Ryu & Ken are on their path of vengeance (against Akuma fir murdering their master) as are Guile & Chun-Li (against Bison), all headed inevitably to Shadowloo.

In the first episode there’s a run-in with Birdie and the second ep introduces Sakura with appearances by Dan & Honda. All the while, Bison’s operatives — Cammy, Vega & Sagat — have been sent forth to confront our heroes.

Some people have knocked the voice acting, but I honestly think the quality of the voices is pretty good overall. Having watched the two episodes that have aired thus far on Syfy, I think the problem is more that there is a often a disconnect in the setting of the scene and the voices themselves, which are being recorded professionally in a booth or whatever. Sometimes the tone of the voice is wrong for the scene, but more often it feels like the scene is just missing some ambient background sound effects to sell it.

On the other hand, there are a few scenes where the voices and bg match up just right with the art, making for some dramatic scenes. For whatever reason, these are usually darker, more sinister moments. The surprise cliffhanger appearances at the of episodes also cone off well, whetting your appetite for the installment to follow.

My only other experience with motion comics is Marvel’s painstakingly crafted Spider-Woman and it’s the same thing there actually — when these Motion Comics work, it’s all about the MOOD.

I read the original UDON comics when they came out and I find that the format is a fun way to revisit that story. Even if you haven’t read the comics but you’re a SF fan, the motion comic offers a colorful trip through the Street Fighter universe as seen through the eyes of Udon’s fantastic artists. Recommended.

A NEW GENERATION OF FIGHTERS JOINS UDON’S STREET FIGHTER® COMIC UNIVERSE
Street Fighter® IV Comic Series Launches in February

Toronto, ON – Nov 7, 2008 – Coming from UDON in February 2009, a new cast of World Warriors takes center stage in the Street Fighter® IV comic series. Based on quite possibly the most anticipated fighting game ever, the 4-issue Street Fighter IV mini-series puts the spotlight on hot new characters like the enigmatic Crimson Viper, amnesiac brawler Abel, spicy Mexican wrestler El Fuerte, and chubby kung-fu fighter Rufus.

The series will explore a new mystery, as top fighters from all around the world begin to disappear. With the world’s focus set squarely on the Street Fighter® II Tournament, few have noticed the unexplained disappearances. But when Street Fighter mainstays like Sakura, Dan and more get mixed up in the plot, you can be sure they’ll be busting some kidnapper chops before too long! Plus fans will get an in-depth look at the back-stories of some of the new Street Fighter IV cast, including the brand new boss character Seth and his connections to Street Fighter’s big baddie M.Bison.

Written by Ken Siu-Chong with art by Joe Ng (Soul Calibur IV, Transformers) the new Street Fighter IV mini-series will delay the previously announced Street Fighter® III comic series by the same creative team. But, fans of Alex, Ibuki, Oro and the gang will still be able to get their fix, as future issues of UDON’s core series Street Fighter® II Turbo will include all-new Street Fighter III bonus stories. Turbo issues #8-10 will each feature a 4-page backup about a different Street Fighter III character. These join the already announced Street Fighter IV backup stories in Turbo #2-5.

Street Fighter IV #1 arrives in comic shops February 2009 with 2 covers by Arnold Tsang and by series artist Joe Ng. For more updates stay tuned to capcomcomics.com.

Street Fighter Remix #0

Street Fighter® is back! After a nearly two-year absence from monthly comics, UDON is bringing Capcom®’s Street Fighter video game franchise back to the four-color page. The new Street Fighter comics begin this August with Street Fighter® Remix #0, a one-shot prelude issue featuring three all-new stories, each of which leads into a new UDON comic book series.

The first of these stories is Street Fighter® II Turbo, with art by the ultra-dynamic Jeffrey “Chamba” Cruz (Sinbad: Rogue of Mars). Continuing UDON’s core Street Fighter storyline begun in the studio’s previous Street Fighter and Street Fighter II comics, Turbo brings the world’s fiercest fighters together for what might be the most important tournament of their lives. And with M. Bison running the show, you know the stakes will be high!

Next up, UDON makes its first venture into the world of Street Fighter® III in a story drawn by Joe Ng (Transformers, Red Sonja). Featuring a whole new cast of characters including burly pro-wrestler Alex, the towering giant Hugo, and sexy she-ninja Ibuki, Street Fighter III fast-forwards to several years after the Street Fighter tournament. Plus, alongside the original Street Fighter III cast, you’ll also find out what some classic Street Fighter characters are up to in this new Street Fighter era.

The final Remix story is a lead-in to the 4-issue Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li mini-series, focusing on the early exploits of Street Fighter’s loveliest female fighter. Long time UDON artist Omar Dogan (Street Fighter Legends: Sakura, Robotech) brings to life the adventures of a young Chun-Li, freshly recruited into the ranks of Interpol. The series will reveal for the first time the tragic events that sent Chun-Li on a collision course with the evil Shadaloo organization, as well as fill in the histories of several other important Street Fighter characters.

Between the upcoming live-action Street Fighter™: Legend of Chun-Li film and the new Street Fighter® IV and Super Street Fighter® II Turbo HD Remix video games, this fan-favorite fighting game property has never been hotter. Street Fighter’s 20th anniversary begins with the comics, as Street Fighter Remix #0 arrives at comic shops everywhere August 27, 2008.

STREET FIGHTER REMIX #0
Release Date: August 27, 2008
32pp Full Colour $3.95 US
Diamond #: JUN084287

The Street Fighter fans who were young players when the franchise first launched are now grown up, but their love of the game continues. This high quality art book will showcase a cross section of brand new artistic interpretations of the Street Fighter characters in a series of full size pin-up style illustrations. The book will launch at this year’s Comic-con International: San Diego as part of Capcom®’s Street Fighter Celebration content.

UDON artists and other comic, video game and freelance illustrators have been invited to interpret their favorite Street Fighter characters for inclusion in this special book. Along with these invited artists UDON is sending out a widespread open art submission call to the video game fan artist community to submit artwork for possible inclusion in the tribute volume.

You could be part of Capcom history as part of the Street Fighter Tribute art book and have your artwork showcased alongside top names in the industry! It’s time to show UDON and Capcom your unique vision of Street Fighter!

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND FULL CONTEST RULES:
http://www.udonentertainment.com/blog/?page_id=86

ABOUT UDON ENTERTAINMENT
UDON is an award-winning Canadian-based art collective formed in 2000 to provide high-quality creative services to the entertainment industry. Its client list reads like a who’s who of the business and includes Alliance/Atlantis, Capcom, DC Comics, Gamepro, Harmony Gold, Hasbro, Konami, Marvel Comics, Nintendo, Random House, Score, TDK Interactive, ToyBiz, White Wolf, Wizards of the Coast and Wiz Kids amongst others. In addition to client work, UDON also publishes official comics, manga, and artbooks based on Street Fighter®, Darkstalkers™, Rival Schools™ and Exalted. More information about UDON can be found on the company web site, www.udonentertainment.com.

ABOUT CAPCOM
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom can be found on the company web site, www.capcom.com.

Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. Capcom, Darkstalkers, Resident Evil, Rival Schools, Mega Man and Devil May Cry are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective holders.

First up, Street Fighter II Turbo will be a 12 issue maxi-series continuing the core story of UDON’s Street Fighter universe. Featuring the dynamic and energetic artwork of Chamba (Sinbad: Rogue of Mars), this latest arc pits the World Warriors against each other in an epic tournament-style slugfest.

Secondly, artist Omar Dogan (Sakura, Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles) follows up his run on the popular Sakura mini-series with Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li. This new 4 issue mini-series focuses on a young Chun-Li, revealing how she grew up to become the world’s most famous female fighter.

Finally, Joe Ng (Red Sonya: Sonya Goes East, Transformers, G.I. Joe VS Transformers) brings his skilled line work to the pages of Street Fighter III: New Generation. This 6-issue series will not only explore the new characters introduced in the Street Fighter III video games, it will also show fans for the first time what classic characters like Guile, Sakura and others are up to during the SF3 era!

Beyond Street Fighter, UDON is diving back into other publishing projects in 2008. The studio will be expanding their successful Capcom Manga line with several new titles including Onimusha: Twilight of Desire and Devil Kings Basara. Fans can also look forward to more Capcom art books including Onimusha Dawn of Dreams: Official Complete Works and the Darkstalkers Graphic File.

In addition, UDON is also kicking its Korean Manhwa line into high gear with new titles including Daring Students’ Association, Dear Waltz, Reading Club, Evyione and Chronicles of the Grim Peddler.

Release dates and more detailed information will be forthcoming in future press releases, so stay tuned to the blog section of www.udonentertainment.com for all the latest UDON news!

Created by Masahiko Nakahira
Published by UDON Entertainment

Released for the first time in the US by the fine folks at UDON Entertainment, this two-volume manga retells stories from the original Street Fighter Alpha video game. Creator Masahiko Nakahira adds a few of his own twists and turns as well, some of which were subsequently integrated into the games’ canon story line.

The series follows Ryu, a young Japanese martial artist determined to become the best fighter he can, and his quest to control the Dark Hadou, a power within him that his martial arts skills have awakened. Unfortunately for Ryu, the awakening of the Dark Hadou has also brought him to the attention of the mysterious man named Bison, who seeks to capture and brainwash Ryu for his own purposes.

That’s actually the plot in a nutshell. It’s very shounen-y. Thankfully, unlike many shounen series, Street Fighter Alpha is only two volumes. This means that Nakahira can’t spend volumes on a single fight or half a volume on some minor villian’s backstory. The result is a fast-paced read with surprisingly little of the decompression that one often associates with manga. The focus rarely shifts away from Ryu, and when it does, the episodes tend to be brief and meant to contrast friends’ and rivals’ attitudes with his own. Of course it’s not all grim and gritty and kick ‘splode; there are a few funny moments spread throughout the series. Whether using physical humor or humorous dialogue, Nakahira does a good job at keeping the story light and fun while not taking away from more serious aspects.

The only real downside is that there are a number of subplots that are never properly resolved. What does Bison intend for Cammy, for example? Will Ryu eventually have a showdown with Akuma, the man who killed his master? All of these are left hanging. There are a number of reasons Nakahira may have left these stories unfinished. He’s produced more Street Fighter manga, several of which will be published by UDON in the future, so it’s quite possible that he wraps up some of these story lines in those series. It’s also possible that Capcom wished him to leave some questions unanswered in the hopes of piquing readers’ interest in the game itself. Cammy’s story, for example, is heavily elaborated upon in the subsequent Alpha games.

Art-wise, Nakahira’s style leans towards the chunky side. The characters have a certain round, blockiness to them. I’m not sure if this is his normal style or if he tried to stick closely the Capcom design team’s style. If he was aiming for the later, then he definitely succeeded, as just about all the character designs are faithful to their original, in-game appearances. There’s a little variation here and there: Rose looks bit a more feminine here than in the games, Vega is sporting a Shadaloo uniform rather than his bullfighter’s leotard, etc. At any rate, it looks good and fits the tone of the story, allowing for some silly moments between the insane fights and occasional discussions about succumbing to the darkness within. Nakahira’s action sequences are fast-paced and over the top, featuring many of the signature special and super moves from the game series. He even manages to work in a few full page and double page spreads, all of which look great and add a nice sense of the dramatic to certain moments and reveals.

There’s no new ground being broken here, sure, but it’s still a fun, light, action-packed read that should probably appeal to action/shounen fans who want their adrenaline fix without getting sucked into another 40 volume epic.

Volumes one and two of Street Fighter Alpha are available now.

UDON’s new Korean Manhwa line launches this October with Star Project Chiro Vol.1, a romantic comedy that take a young girl through the often harsh world of pop stardom: “Eun-Yo Song has beauty, popularity – everything a girl could want! After a chance encounter with pop-singer Nan Lee, Eun-Yo finds herself getting caught up in the world of super stardom. But little does she know that Nan Lee has plans of his own for her…and she’s about to fall into his trap!”

Next, in November, a new take on a timeless classic will surprise and enchant you in the action/fantasy Dorothy of Oz Vol.1: “When Mara Shin’s dog Toto gets lost one fateful day, she follows his trail along some yellow brick road and ends up in the wonderful land of Oz! Everyone instantly starts calling her Dorothy, but these aren’t the cowardly lion, brainless scarecrow and heartless tin man adventures you remember. This fantastic fairy tale features familiar characters…but with a definite action/animated twist!”

Then in December, Magical JxR Vol.1 tells the story of two teenage wizards and the young girl they befriend: “Jay and Aru are two of the most popular students in wizardry school. However, before they can graduate, they must venture out into the REAL world and fulfill a one year magic contract with a human girl named Cho-Ah. Is Cho-Ah ready for a whole year with two enthusiastic wizards-to-be at her beck and call?”

With more titles planned for 2008, these three new ongoing series are just the beginning of UDON’s Korean Manhwa line. For all the latest news on these and future Korean Manhwa releases, head to the all-new www.KoreanManhwa.com .

But the coverage doesn’t end with comic books. CapcomComics.com will also dish out the skinny on Udon’s series of Capcom art books (spearheaded by STREET FIGHTER: ETERNAL CHALLENGE) and our new line of Capcom Manga (just launched with the ONIMUSHA: NIGHT OF GENESIS Manga). Both lines come straight from Japan, and both will be expanding very soon with gorgeous artwork and epic stories never before seen by North American readers. Plus, don’t forget to check out our poster gallery, giving visitors a look at our popular and ever-growing series of wall and door posters.

Having a tough time finding Capcom comic books in your area? CapcomComics.com will help with that as well! Just drop by the Club Udon section of the site, the only place to buy Capcom comics, posters and art books straight from the source. Club Udon also features rare variant covers, signed books and even original sketch artwork!

Everyone, everywhere is invited to come scope out the new CapcomComics.com and see what all the fuss is about!