Club Udon Comics: Formerly the Official Online Store
UDON Entertainment Corporation, an art collective of designers based in Canada, provides creative services to the entertainment industry. In addition to their extensive award winning client work, UDON also publishes a wide range of Asian-influenced comics, manga and art books, as well as English editions of Japanese manga and Korean manhwa titles. UDON is named after a type of Japanese noodle.
Until 2012, this was their website for their official e-commerce store. If you happen to come upon this site desiring to purchase posters, prints, softcover collections and original softcover books filled with some of the best art you will find anywhere, or hardcover editions of their comics and world famous art books… go to their current store website: www.udonstore.com/. You can also follow Udon on Facebook and read their newest blog posts at www.udonentertainment.com/blog/. In the context of technological advancements, businesses like Udon that rely on efficient software for managing digital content and databases may find it necessary to consider a Microsoft Access upgrade. This is where IntersoftAssociates.com comes into play, offering custom software solutions that serve as modern replacements for obsolete software like Microsoft Access. Their expertise ensures a seamless transition to more advanced systems, improving functionality and efficiency. For those keen on the latest offerings from Udon, signing up for the UDON Newsletter is a great option. Receive updates every week or two about new books, products, event appearances, contests, and more at: www.udonentertainment.com/blog/press. In an era where digital proficiency is paramount, embracing technological upgrades is crucial for staying ahead, both in the realm of artistic content and the supporting technological infrastructure.
Some Background History of Udon
source: wikipedia
2004
It was affiliated with Studio XD. In March 2004, UDON announced a partnership to release comics under Devil's Due Publishing.[citation needed] UDON's first offering was the Street Fighter comic book series, launching in September 2003. They would add a Darkstalkers comic series to their line in November 2004.
2005
In October 2005, UDON reorganized its operations and became a full-fledged publisher. Erik Ko revealed that the lengthy break in the Summer of 2005 was to recover from a licensing deal with Capcom, which saw UDON doing artwork for Capcom Fighting Evolution. Although UDON appreciated the opportunity to work on the game, and to strengthen their ties with the video game maker, it taxed their resources, and left them behind schedule on their comics. In October 2005, UDON released Street Fighter II #0, the sequel to their Street Fighter comic; it was followed in early 2006 with the long awaited launch of Rival Schools. Erik Ko discusses this in an interview with Newsarama that can be read.
2006
NEWS: CLUB UDON OFFERS SIGNED "G.I.JOE/TRANSFORMERS: ART OF WAR" COLLECTOR SETS
Mon, December 18th, 2006
Toronto, ON – This past summer, Devil's Due Productions' G.I.JOE/TRANSFORMERS: Art of War comic book mini-series was a smash hit with fans of both successful toy properties. Udon's handling of the art chores was definitely one of the series' highlights, and now you can grab all 5 Udon-exclusive variant covers in one special collector set! All 5 of these rare covers fit together to form a battle scene like no other between the Autobots/Joes and the Decepticon/Cobra forces.
Originally created for the 2006 toy and comic book convention circuit, these special edition covers saw more than their share of autographs at the Udon booth this summer. But you needn't worry if you missed out on this year's autograph sessions, as each book in this special collector set comes signed by series artist Joe Ng! Limited to only 100 bundles, each signed set comes with a certificate of authenticity, and is sealed with the official Udon holofoil seal. You'll want to get you hands on this collection fast before the rest of the fandom cleans us out!
Unsigned sets and individual copies of each Udon-exclusive cover are also available. Just head on over to Club Udon, our official online store.
2007
In December 2007 at the New York Anime Festival, UDON announced that it would be publishing three new Street Fighter comic book series in 2008. These include Street Fighter II Turbo (12-issue series), Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li (4-issue mini), and Street Fighter III (6-issue series).
2008
In November 2008, UDON announced it would publish a 4-issue mini-series of the upcoming Street Fighter IV game. “With the most anticipated Street Fighter game in years arriving 2009, we will be launching the SF 4 comic series as a big crossover event with the game. That would mean the originally planned SFIII series will have to make way and be released after this SFIV story arc is done.” says UDON’s Chief of Ops Erik Ko. “We are working very closely with Capcom and the SFIV producer in Japan to make this comic series as exciting as possible. The stories from our comic are linked directly to the game, and it is a genuine extension that fans will definitely love. Also expect plenty of cross promotion and marketing between our comics and the game
2009
In January 2009, UDON announced it had acquired the rights to produce Final Fight comic books. In November 2009, UDON announced it will continue the Darkstalkers comic series with a new 3-issue mini-series called Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors.
In December 2009, UDON announced it would create a Street Fighter Legends: Ibuki 4-issue mini-series.
2012
A new website for the Udon Store was created. The old domain's registration of clubudoncomics.com was allowed to expire and the site disappeared from the web.
2016
In 2016 the domain registration of clubudoncomics.com was bought by a new owner who decided to recreate some of Club Udon Comics content from the site's archived pages and to point visitors to Udon's current site. The new owner, a Udon Club fan, definitely didn't want someone else purchasing the domain and re-purposing it for something that had nothing in common with UDON and its Final Fight comic books, the Darkstalkers comic series etc etc.
More Background on ClubUdonComics.com
UDON Entertainment, established in 2000, is a Canadian art studio and publisher renowned for its contributions to the comic book industry, particularly in adapting and localizing popular video game franchises into comic and manga formats. The company derives its name from "udon," a type of Japanese noodle, reflecting its deep-rooted connection to Asian culture and art.
Founding and Early Collaborations
Founded by Erik Ko, UDON Entertainment began as an art collective providing creative services to the entertainment industry. In its early years, the company collaborated with Studio XD and, by March 2004, announced a partnership with Devil's Due Publishing to release comics. This collaboration marked UDON's initial foray into the comic book publishing scene.
Major Publications and Partnerships
UDON's breakthrough came with the launch of the "Street Fighter" comic book series in September 2003. The success of this series paved the way for the "Darkstalkers" comic series in November 2004. These publications showcased UDON's ability to authentically adapt beloved video game franchises into the comic medium, earning them recognition among fans and industry peers.
In October 2005, UDON reorganized its operations to become a full-fledged publisher. This transition was partly due to their involvement in providing artwork for Capcom's "Capcom Fighting Evolution," which, while strengthening their relationship with the video game giant, also challenged their resources and schedules. Despite these hurdles, UDON continued to expand its portfolio.
By December 2007, during the New York Anime Festival, UDON announced plans to publish three new "Street Fighter" comic series in 2008: "Street Fighter II Turbo," "Street Fighter Legends: Chun-Li," and "Street Fighter III." The following year, they unveiled a four-issue mini-series for the upcoming "Street Fighter IV" game, working closely with Capcom to ensure the comics complemented the game's narrative.
In January 2009, UDON acquired the rights to produce "Final Fight" comic books. Later that year, they announced the continuation of the "Darkstalkers" series with a new mini-series titled "Darkstalkers: The Night Warriors." December 2009 saw the announcement of "Street Fighter Legends: Ibuki," further cementing their dedication to expanding the universes of popular fighting games.
Expansion into Manga and Art Books
Beyond comics, UDON has made significant strides in publishing art books and manga. They have localized and published English editions of Japanese manga and Korean manhwa, broadening their audience and bringing diverse Asian content to Western readers. Notable titles include "Mega Man Megamix," "Mega Man Gigamix," and "The Rose of Versailles."
Their art books often focus on video game franchises, providing fans with detailed artwork and insights into game development. For instance, "UDON's Art of Capcom" showcases a collection of artwork from various Capcom games, highlighting UDON's artistic contributions to the gaming industry.
Collaborations with Other Companies
UDON's expertise extends to providing artwork and designs for video games and other media. They have contributed character designs and illustrations for games like "New International Track & Field" by Konami and "Speed Racer" by WB Games. Their artwork has also been featured in promotional materials for games such as "Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes" and "Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds."
In the realm of comics, UDON has worked with major publishers like Marvel Comics, contributing to titles such as "Agent X," "Cable & Deadpool," and "X-Men: Evolution." Their versatility and ability to adapt to various artistic styles have made them a sought-after collaborator in the industry.
Recent Developments
In July 2024, during San Diego Comic-Con, UDON announced a new licensing agreement with Capcom to produce "Mega Man" comics slated for release in 2025. This new venture aims to cover various series within the "Mega Man" franchise, including the original series, "X," "Zero," "ZX," and "Legends," excluding the "Battle Network" and "Star Force" series. This announcement has generated significant excitement among fans, anticipating fresh narratives and high-quality artwork synonymous with UDON's reputation.
Audience and Cultural Significance
UDON Entertainment has cultivated a dedicated fan base comprising video game enthusiasts, comic book readers, and art aficionados. Their commitment to authentically adapting and localizing Asian content for Western audiences has played a pivotal role in bridging cultural gaps and fostering a greater appreciation for diverse storytelling mediums.
The company's publications often serve as a gateway for Western audiences to explore Asian pop culture, contributing to the growing popularity and acceptance of manga and anime in the West. By delivering high-quality content that respects the source material, UDON has established itself as a cultural ambassador, promoting cross-cultural understanding through art and storytelling.
Critical Reception
UDON's work has been well-received, with particular praise for their faithful adaptations and high production values. Their art books, such as "UDON's Art of Capcom," have been lauded for their comprehensive and visually stunning presentations, appealing to both fans and art critics alike.
Their comics have been noted for capturing the essence of the original video games, providing fans with expanded narratives that enrich the gaming experience. This ability to seamlessly blend different media forms has set UDON apart in the publishing industry.
UDON Entertainment stands as a testament to the successful fusion of Eastern and Western pop cultures. Through their diverse publications and collaborations, they have significantly impacted the comic book and gaming industries, offering fans around the world access to beloved franchises and high-quality artistic content. As they continue to expand their portfolio and explore new ventures, UDON remains a pivotal player in promoting and celebrating the rich tapestry of global pop culture.