Category Archives: Features

Parent category for all our assorted feature narratives. Each is filed under its proper theme.

Anime NYC Launches Family Zone Presented by Scholastic

March 11, 2026 Ken Pierce Leave a comment

The Press Release:
Anime NYC, one of the fastest growing conventions in the United States, announced today the launch of the Anime NYC Family Zone presented by Scholastic. This new and dedicated space is designed for children, parents, and caregivers to experience anime and manga together. To make it even easier to join in, Anime NYC is also introducing a $15 kids ticket for Sunday, giving families a lower cost way to explore the show during a day packed with family friendly programming.

Anime NYC’s Family Zone presented by Scholastic will be open all four days of the event, with Sunday featuring the strongest concentration of family content, including age appropriate panels, hands on activities, interactive experiences and giveaways from leading publishers and community partners. Anchored by Scholastic, the Family Zone is built to help kids and caregivers start their manga journeys together, and to give longtime fans a welcoming place to bring the next generation of fans.
Continue reading Anime NYC Launches Family Zone Presented by Scholastic →

Features, PiercingMetal Says

MoCCA Arts Fest Announces 2026 Programming Schedule

March 10, 2026 Ken Pierce Leave a comment

The Society of Illustrators have announced the programming rundown for the rapidly approaching MoCCA Arts Fest and I’ve shared it down below for all of you to peruse. Have at it.

Saturday March 28 Programming:

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | SPACE ONE

Deb JJ Lee in Conversation

Deb JJ Lee; moderated by Morgan Boechner

Illustrator and comics artist Deb JJ Lee drew this year’s stunning SI MoCCA Fest poster and will sit down in a spotlight conversation with artist and writer Morgan Boecher (Chicken Heart, What’s Normal, Anyway?). Lee’s body of work includes commercial illustration for clients including Apple, BMW, Faber-Castell, and Google, and several books including their 2023 graphic memoir In Limbo, about the intersection of Korean-American diaspora and mental health.
Continue reading MoCCA Arts Fest Announces 2026 Programming Schedule →

Features, Tours and Festivals

Twisted Sister To Continue 50th Anniversary Tour with Sebastian Bach Fronting

March 3, 2026 Ken Pierce Leave a comment

Though the initially announced Twisted Sister 50th Anniversary Celebration Tour was met with a brief cancellation based on the exit of longtime member and frontman Dee Snider (seen HERE), a decision has been made by founding guitarists Eddie Ojeda and Jay Jay French about their continuing with the plan AND with Sebastian Bach fronting the lineup.

The Announcement:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Twisted Sister members Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda are thrilled to announce that iconic vocalist and front man Sebastian Bach will be fronting the band for a handful of select dates this fall. These appearances do not affect or conflict with Sebastian’s current or future solo touring schedule, which remains fully intact.

*** end of transmission ***

PiercingMetal Thoughts: Editorial rumblings are forthcoming.

Official: https://www.twistedsister.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistedsister

Features, Tours and Festivals

Metallica Announces “Life Burns Faster” Residency at Sphere for October

February 25, 2026 Ken Pierce Leave a comment

The Press Release:
Following months of relentless rumors and fever pitch speculation, it was announced today that Metallica will debut its Life Burns Faster residency at Sphere in Las Vegas. The highly-anticipated eight show run will take place on October 1 and 3, 15 and 17, 22 and 24, and 29 and 31, 2026 — and will continue the No Repeat Weekend tradition that began with the 2023 kick-off of the band’s M72 World Tour, with no songs repeated on each Thursday and Saturday throughout the course of the run.

Two-night No Repeat Weekend tickets and single-night tickets will go on sale March 6th at 10am PT. To register for tickets or for further information regarding pre-sales, enhanced experiences, travel packages and more, visit metallica.lnk.to/MetallicaSphere
Continue reading Metallica Announces “Life Burns Faster” Residency at Sphere for October →

Features, PiercingMetal Says

MoCCA Arts Fest Announces 2026 Exhibitor List

February 24, 2026 Ken Pierce Leave a comment

The Press Release:
Now in its 24th year, the SI MoCCA Arts Fest continues to expand while celebrating top comic, cartoon, illustration, and animation artists from around the world. Featuring work by talented creators, this exciting weekend includes live lectures, panels, and artist signings. As one of the season’s first independent comics festivals, the Fest showcases industry legends, emerging talents, and fan favorites!

PiercingMetal.com