VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES THE NEW ULTRAMAN MANGA SERIES

Kinetic Superhero Action Series Updates The Iconic Japanese
Sci-Fi Property For A Whole New Generation Of Manga Fans; Series To Launch In Print And Digitally

From Viz Media



VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, announces the brand new ULTRAMAN sci-fi superhero action manga (graphic novel) series, which is set to debut in print and digitally on August 18th.

The series, written by Eiichi Shimizu with artwork by Tomohiro Shimoguchi, is inspired by the original classic Japanese superhero TV show that ran in the late 1960s and remains hugely popular in Japan as well as with international audiences. ULTRAMAN Vol. 1 is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry a print MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN. The series also launches digitally the same day via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. Future editions of ULTRAMAN will be published quarterly under the VIZ Signature imprint. In Japan, the series currently appears in Hero’s magazine.

Decades ago, a being known as the Giant of Light joined together with Shin Hayata of the Science Special Search Party to save Earth from an invasion of terrifying monsters called Kaiju. Now, many years later, those dark days are fading into memory, and the world is at peace. But in the shadows a new threat is growing, a danger that can only be faced by a new kind of hero – a new kind of ULTRAMAN… Shinjiro is an ordinary teenager, but his father is the legendary Shin Hayata. When he learns that his father passed on the “Ultraman Factor” to him and that he possesses incredible powers, nothing will ever be the same again.

VIZ Media recently welcomed Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi for their first-ever professional appearance in the U.S. as official Guests of Honor at the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.

“In Japan, Ultraman is something of a national symbol, an iconic superhero that is instantly recognizable and universally loved, and we’re excited to bring the brand new manga to a new generation of fans,” says Mike Montesa, Editor. “The series wonderfully updates the classic sci-fi property with cinematic action sequences and sleek character designs. Catch the exciting return of this legendary hero this summer!”

Eiichi Shimizu worked on the story, script and mechanical design for ULTRAMAN. Tomohiro Shimoguchi provided character design and art. Together, the two have formed a creative dream team to produce a number of works including ULTRAMAN (Hero’s) and Kurogane no Rainbareru (Linebarrels of Iron, Akita Shoten). In addition to comics, they have expanded their field of interest to include character designs for video games and action figures.

For more information on ULTRAMAN or manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

See Also: Terror of Godzilla #6, January Issue - Dark Horse Comics - Grade NM

Macross #1, December 1984 Issue - Comico - Grade Fine

Shogun Warriors #14, April 1980 Issue - Marvel Comics - Grade VF

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES GENDER-BENDING SHOJO MANGA SO CUTE IT HURTS!!

From Media Lab

High School Romantic Comedy About Identity-Swapping Twins That Get More Than They Bargained For Launches In Print And Digitally In June

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivers a brand new shojo manga (graphic novel) series with the launch of SO CUTE IT HURTS!! on June 2nd.

The gender-bending comedy about a twin brother and sister who switch identities was created by Go Ikeyamada and will be rated ‘T’ for Teens. SO CUTE IT HURTS!! will be published in print under the Shojo Beat imprint and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The series also launches digitally on June 2nd via VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and GooglePlay stores. Future volumes will be published on a bi-monthly basis.

SO CUTE IT HURTS!! introduces readers to the Kobayashi twins, Megumu and Mitsuru, who were named after historical figures. But only Megumu has grown up with a taste for history. So when Mitsuru is in danger of losing his weekends to extra history classes, he convinces his sister to swap clothes with him and ace his tests! After all, how hard can it be for them to play each other?

In the opening volume, Megumu can’t rely on just her book smarts in Mitsuru’s all-boys, delinquents’ paradise of a high school. And Mitsuru finds life as a high school girl to be much more complicated than he expected!

“Go Ikeyamada’s hilarious comedy SO CUTE IT HURTS!! has become a major hit in Japan due to its charming ensemble cast and cheeky, fun story,” says Editor Pancha Diaz. “Revel in Megumu’s and Mitsuru’s struggle to navigate the complexities of high school life and the nuances of teenage romance while trying to keep their true identities secret. We can’t wait to for fans to fall in love with this hilarious new series in English this summer!”

Manga creator Go Ikeyamada's debut manga, Get Love!!, appeared in Japan in Shojo Comic magazine in 2002. Her current series, SO CUTE IT HURTS!!, is now published in English by VIZ Media.

For additional information on SO CUTE IT HURTS or other manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

Viz Brings The World’s First Virtual Pop Singer Hatsune Miku And SUPERCELL To The US

Source: Media Lab

Japanese pop group Supercell sees the digital release of its self-titled full-length major label debut in North America tomorrow – Tuesday, June 21^st – from Sony Music Direct (Japan), Inc., a division of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Inc. Supercell Featuring Hatsune Miku will be available exclusively on iTunes and Amazon.

Supercell blends catchy pop melodies and technology-inspired vocals with captivating anime-influenced imagery and notably features the world’s first virtual pop star, Hatsune Miku. The group’s new record features 12 upbeat tracks, driven by the singer’s bright vocals and backed by lush electronic, pop and rock-inspired melodies.

Supercell is a group of multimedia creators and artists led by composer/lyricist Ryo. Hatsune Miku, whose name means, “first sound of the future,” is a digital female avatar and the most popular of the Vocaloid Character Series software originally created by Crypton Future Media using Yamaha’s Vocaloid 2 engine to create synthesized vocal tracks.

The record’s first single, “THE WORLD IS MINE,” was released in North America on May 10^th on iTunes and Amazon and placed as high as Number 4 on the iTunes World Music charts.

In Japan, Hatsune Miku is a major national phenomenon appearing in many popular video games and music videos. She’s also played several sellout “concerts,” where she performed on stage as a 3D hologram backed by a live band. Her international notoriety is spreading to North America, where she’s currently featured in a new commercial for the 2011 Toyota Corolla. Hatsune Miku is also scheduled to perform her first U.S. concert, “MIKUNOPOLIS in LOS ANGELES,” at the 2011 Anime Expo in Los Angeles, CA July 1-4. Information on the concert is available at: http://mikunopolis.com.

More information on Supercell is available at: http://www.facebook.com/supercell.JPN.

Japanese SciFi Epic GANTZ To Hit Theaters Nationwide In January

Source: Media Lab

GANTZ, a live-action Japanese feature event, is making its world premiere in 325 movie theaters in an exclusive one-night Fathom event on Thursday, January 20th, 2011 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. MT / 8:30 p.m. PT (tape delayed). Following the feature, GANTZ’s two leading actors, Kazunari Ninomiya (Letters from Iwo Jima) and Kenichi Matsuyama (Death Note, Detroit Metal City) will participate in an exclusive live interview that can only be seen at this event.

Tickets are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, please visit the web site (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Presented by NCM Fathom and NEW PEOPLE, in association with Dark Horse Comics, GANTZ (English dubbed) tells the story of childhood friends Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato who are accidentally killed while trying to save another man’s life. Rather than find themselves in the hereafter, however, they awaken in a strange apartment in which they find a mysterious black orb they come to know as “GANTZ.” Along with similar abductees, they are provided with equipment and weaponry and manipulated into playing a kind of game in which they are sent back out to the greater world to do battle with alien beings, all while never quite knowing whether this game is an illusion or their new reality.

Ninomiya and Matsuyama are two of Japan’s biggest stars. Ninomiya, best known in America for his role in Clint Eastwood’s 2006 blockbuster, Letters from Iwo Jima, is both an actor and a singer. He is world-renowned as a member of the Japanese boy band “Arashi,” which topped Japan’s music charts in 2009 with the three best-selling singles. Matsuyama has been one of the most sought-after actors in Japanese film and has won several awards including Japanese Academy Awards Best New Actor (2007) and Most Popular Actor (2009). Matsuyama is recognized for his part as L in Death Note (2006), Death Note II: the Last Name (2006) and Death Note: L, change the WorLd (2008).

“GANTZ is the kind of kinetic action film that pushes the boundaries of the sci-fi genre,” said Seiji Horibuchi, founder of NEW PEOPLE. “We’re very excited to work with NCM Fathom and Dark Horse Comics to organize this special event and look forward to the property’s domestic popularity growing even more following this new release.”

GANTZ will appear in 325 theaters, including AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA Inc., Clearview Cinemas, Cobb Theatres, Goodrich Quality Theatres, Hollywood Theaters, Marcus Theatres, National Amusements, Rave Motion Pictures, R/C Theatres and Regal Entertainment Group movie theaters, as well as The Beacon Cinema (Pittsfield, MA), The Carolina Theatre (Asheville, NC) and Palace Cinema 9 (South Burlington, VT), through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network —North America’s largest cinema broadcast network.

“GANTZ offers a thrilling world that nobody has ever seen in live-action,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom. “Incredibly popular in Japan as well as among American manga and anime enthusiasts, this new GANTZ rendition is sure to thrill audiences in local movie theaters around the country.”

THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU - A Young Girl’s Rise In Japan's Imperial Court

Source: Media Lab

VIZ Media delivers shojo-styled drama with the release of THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, written by Sai Yukino with artwork by Kairi Yura, available now in stores. The new manga (graphic novel) series will be published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern.

“THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU will draw readers in with its beautiful artwork and smart, courageous heroine who dedicates herself to serving her country, rising in the ranks to become the emperor’s trusted advisor,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Editor. “This historical fantasy also inspired the popular anime series produced by Madhouse Studios. THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU is an exciting new addition to the Shojo Beat imprint, especially for those readers who love romance and political intrigue!”

Kairi Yura is the illustrator of both the manga and the light novels for THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU. She is also the creator of the Angelique series. Sai Yukino is author of the popular series of young adult novels, THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, and its manga counterpart. She also received an honorable mention and the Readers' Award for Kadokawa's Beans Novel Taisho Awards.

For more information on THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU manga and to read free previews online please visit www.ShojoBeat.com.

Viz Announces It's First Blu-Ray Release - DEATH NOTE COLLECTION

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Pictures will debut the Blu-ray Death Note Collection on August 24th, 2010. The 3-disc set includes 2 feature films – Death Note and Death Note II: the Last name – as well as a bonus disc containing more than two hours of all new behind-the-scenes footage. Both films feature Japanese audio with English subtitles as well as an English dubbed dialogue track. MSRP for the Death Note Collection is $39.98 U.S. / $57.99 CAN.

To celebrate the new release, VIZ Pictures will hold a special screening of both films at VIZ Cinema, located inside NEW PEOPLE in San Francisco’s Japantown (1746 Post St., San Francisco, CA 94115) on Saturday, September 4th. Death Note plays at 12:00 noon and Death Note II screens at 2:30pm. Special combo tickets are available for $35.00 and include passes for the screenings, the Blu-ray release and a poster. Regular combo tickets are $15.00 for tickets for both shows (no Blu-ray or poster), while general admission for one screening is $10.00. Tickets and information are available at http://www.vizcinema.com/.

As a special offer to U.S. and Canadian Death Note fans, VIZ Pictures will award three lucky winners posters for Death Note and Death Note II along with an autograph from one of the three lead actors – Tatsuya Fujiwara (who played Light), Erika Toda (Misa) and actor Kenichi Matusyama (L/Ryuzaki), one of the most promising actors in Japan, who can also be seen in films such as NANA (2006), Linda Linda Linda (2005) and Detroit Metal City (2008). The campaign runs until September 24th. For more details about the campaign, visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/.



“Death Note is an intense psychological crime thriller and we’re very proud to debut both films in a special new collection on Blu-ray,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Death Note established a new benchmark for Japanese anime, manga, and film and we invite domestic fans to savor all the tension and imaginative supernatural drama of this exciting new release from VIZ Pictures!”

Death Note is a battle of wits based on the acclaimed manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata (published in North America by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). Law student Light is upset with the justice system and when he finds the Death Note dropped by a Shinigami death god, he vows to rid the world of evil. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies. As criminals all over the world begin to perish mysteriously, a world-renowned detective known only as ‘L’ is put on the case to stop this serial killer that the public calls ‘Kira.” The battle between Light and L continues in Death Note II: the Last name as Light joins the investigation team. L suspects Light of being Kira while Light attempts to learn L’s real name. Time becomes even more crucial with the appearance of a second Kira. Whose name will be the last written in the Death Note?

For more information on Death Note or other VIZ Pictures titles, please visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/.

See Also: Viz Brings Death Note L Change The World To US Theaters / Viz Brings Death Note II The Last Name To DVD In The US / Viz And NCM Fathon Bring Death Note 2 To Theaters In The US This October / The Surprise Hit Detroit Metal City May Be Heading To The US / Viz And NCM Fathom Partner To Bring Death Note 2 The Last Name To US Theaters / Viz To Screen Death Note In Canadian Theaters Eh / Viz To Release New Death Note, Bleach, And Naruto DVDs This Fall / Viz Showcases New Anime At The Licensing International Expo / Viz Pictures Brings Death Note To US Theaters For A Special Two Night Event / Viz Brings Manga To Australia And New Zealand /

Viz Brings 'Mobile Suit Gundam UC' And Other Japanese Movies To New People In San Francisco

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Cinema, the nation’s only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, has announced a variety of notable film screenings, festivals, lectures and other special events to be held throughout the month of March.

Tokyo Scope: The Wild and Crazy World of Japanese Cult Films:

Vol.1 YAKUZA NIGHT FEVER!

New activities kick off on March 5th with Tokyo Scope: The Wild and Crazy World of Japanese Cult Films. Come celebrate the launch of Japanese pop culture critic and Otaku USA Editor-in-Chief Patrick Macias’s new film/lecture series. Also sponsored by SEGA of America, the evening’s events begin at 6:00pm and will include a lecture on the history of Japanese yakuza (gangster) cinema and the debut of SEGA’s highly anticipated new video game, Yakuza 3, for the PlayStation 3. Tickets are only $10.00.

NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Festival

VIZ Cinema will present the NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Festival, a special collection of six insightful documentaries each profiling a unique Japanese contemporary artist. The 4-day festival runs March 6th – 9th and features the U.S. theatrical premieres of several films featuring the Neo-Japanese “Hip-Hop-Samurai” painter Hisashi Tenmyouya, the cynical artistic genius of Makoto Aida, and the life and work of master sculptor Katsura Funakoshi. By popular demand, the festival has announced encore showings of three documentaries on artists Yoshitomo Nara, Yayoi Kusama, and photographer Daido Moriyama. Summaries of each film and a list of screening times are available at: www.vizcinema.com. Special festival passes are available for $30.00 offer access to ANY screening at ANY time during the festival! General admission tickets for individual films are available for $10.00 each, Senior (+62) and Children (under 12) are $8.

NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Festival Films Include:

Hisashi Tenmyouya : Samurai Nouveau: 3/6 Sat, 1:00pm & 3/7 Sun, 3:00pm
Makoto Aida : Cynic in the Playground: 3/6 Sat, 3:00pm & 3/7 Sun, 5:00pm
Katsura Funakoshi: Whispering Gaze: 3/6 Sat, 5:00pm & 3/8 Mon, 7:00pm
Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara: 3/7 Sun, 7:00pm & 3/9 Tue, 5:00pm
Yayoi Kusama: I Love ME: 3/7 Sun, 1:00pm & 3/9 Tue, 7:00pm
Daido Moriyama: Stray Dog of Tokyo: 3/6 Sat, 7:00pm & 3/8 Mon, 5:00pm

The Allure of Hayao Miyazaki

Don’t miss a rare chance to attend a lecture given Fred Schodt and Beth Cary, the translators of Starting Point: 1979-1996, an autobiography written by Academy Award winning film director and anime visionary, Hayao Miyazaki! Hear some interesting stories of these two recognized experts on anime and manga who spent time with Miyazaki and glean deeper insights into his world of incredible imagination. The Allure of Hayao Miyazaki will be held on March 10th at 7:00pm; tickets are $8.00.

San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival

VIZ Cinema also partners with the 28th San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival to present Dear Doctor, by award-winning director Miwa Nishikawa (Sway and Wild Berries). Dear Doctor is a drama centering on a physician that goes missing after moving to his post in a remote village with no other doctors. Notable for exposing the complicated human psyche, this touching film plays for one night only on Wednesday, March 17th at 9:15pm. Information and advance tickets ($12.00) are available at the festival website http://festival.asianamericanmedia.org/2010/.

U.S. Premiere Of Mobile Suit Gundam UC

Anime fans won’t want to miss VIZ Cinema’s just-added week long screening of the Mobile Suit Gundam UC feature film (58 min) running March 19th – 25th. Gundam has been popular for more than 30 years and this brand new story is based on a bestseller written by acclaimed science fiction author Harutoshi Fukui. The film makes a special U.S. debut only one month after its original premiere in Japan and was made possible via a special arrangement with Studio Sunrise.

In the year U.C. 0096, a colony called Industrial 7 is the stage for a young boy named Banagher's encounter with destiny: the white Mobile Suit called the Unicorn Gundam. A mysterious Laplace's Box becomes the basis for a galactic scale battle. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch the U.S. theatrical of the latest Gundam movie! Tickets are $8.00; no discounts apply.

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com

See Also: It's Namie Amuro vs Gundam In The Music Video For 'Defend Love' / Yoshiyuki Tomino Celebrates 30 Years Of Gundam With 'Ring Of Gundam' / Gundam 00 GN-X 1:144 Scale Model Kit / Gundam SDCC 2008 Exclusive Clear Gundam RX-78 2 Figure / Life Size Gundam Statue Set To Be Erected In Tokyo Park / Japanese Teen Model Akina Minami Appears In A Gundam Costume At Premiere / Could The Japanese Anime Series Gundam Shape Our Future? / Nothing Perks Up A Train Station Like A 3 Meter Tall Gundam Statue / Masamitsu Hidaka To Appear At Anime Expo / Bandai To Replace Defective Gundam DVDs / Gackt To Release A Mobile Suit Gundam Tribute CD

Viz Brings Naoki Urasawa’s 'Monster' To SyFy

Source: Viz Media

VIZ Media has announced the debut of the animated Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER featured by Starz Media’s Manga Entertainment on Syfy beginning on October 12th as part of the latest season of the network’s Ani-Monday programming block. MONSTER is based on the critically acclaimed manga series by Naoki Urasawa that is published in North America by VIZ Media.

New episodes of Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER, rated TV-MA will air each Monday night on the Syfy Ani-Monday block and will be re-broadcast on SyFy’s sister channel, Chiller the week thereafter. Chiller airs a variety of horror and suspense-themed programs. Check local listings for specific airtimes.

What would you do if a child you saved grew up to be a monster? An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy named Johan. When the boy, now a coldhearted and charismatic young man, reappears nine years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders, Tenma must go on the run from the police, who suspect him to be the killer, to find Johan and stop the monster he set loose upon the world. Conspiracies, serial murders, and secret government experiments set against the grim backdrop of the formerly communist Eastern Europe are masterfully woven together in this compelling work of suspense.

“Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER weaves an engrossing story of politics, psychological intrigue and murder,” says William Germain, VIZ Media’s Director of Programming Sales. “The multi-layered plot and mysterious characters that make Naoki Urasawa’s manga a smash hit are adapted wonderfully for the animated series, which remains true to the original story. We invite anime and manga as well as mystery and suspense fans to tune in each Monday this fall for an exciting chase as Dr. Tenma tries to catch the Monster!”

“We are very pleased to add MONSTER to the robust anime lineup found on the Ani-Mondays blocks on Syfy and Chiller,” says Marc DeBevoise, Starz Media senior vice president, digital media, business development and strategy. “We believe that this addition will give anime fans a lot to look forward to during the season.”

For more information on Naoki Urasawa’s MONSTER manga series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) please visit www.vizsignature.com/monster.

Viz Media Adds Inuyasha, Nana And Honey & Clover Episodes To Hulu

Source: Media Lab

VIZ Media has announced the availability of the INUYSAHA anime episodes (English subtitled) on Hulu.com beginning today. Hulu is an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and video clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites, anytime in the U.S. The first 32 episodes of INUYASHA will launch today, with new episodes launching every week. To view INUYASHA please visit Hulu.com.

The launch of the INUYASHA episodes on Hulu is the latest expansion of VIZ Media’s ongoing plan to make available a variety of hit animated series through some of the most innovative web-based video streaming outlets. Hulu provides convenient 24/7 accessibility and offer users the freedom to legally share full-length episodes or clips via e-mail or embed them on other web sites, blogs and social networking pages.

About INUYASHA: Pulled back in time to Japan's ancient past, Japanese high school girl Kagome finds her destiny linked to a dog-like half-demon named Inuyasha, who remembers Kagome's previous incarnation as the woman who killed him - and to the Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four Souls," which can fulfill the greatest dreams of any man or monster. Now Kagome and Inuyasha must work together to search for the scattered shards of the jewel before everyone's nightmares are given the power they need to come true.

“We’re very excited to launch INUYASHA, which has been a well loved series for many years, on Hulu,” says Ken Sasaki, Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “The availability of these episodes will undoubtedly help continue to grow the online audience for INUYASHA as well as attract many new viewers. INUYSHA joins the many other popular anime series now available on Hulu. We invite fans to visit each week for a new exciting adventure of INUYASHA!”

INUYASHA a hit TV anime series based on the manga is by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi, who won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for INUYASHA in 2002. Many of the Takahashi titles have been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. Takahashi’s manga, as well as the other formats her work has been adapted into, have continued to delight generations of fans around the world. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi’s work adeptly incorporates a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga. Please visit the new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information is located at www.TheRumicWorld.com.

VIZ Media publishes many titles by Rumiko Takahashi including the INUYASHA manga (rated ‘T+’ for older teens), ani-manga (rated ‘T+’ for older teens) and THE ART OF INUYASHA. For more information on the INUYASHA anime (rated ‘T’ for teens) please visit Inuyasha.viz.com. For more information on VIZ Media please visit www.viz.com.

VIZ Media has also announced the availability of the latest in great shojo anime from VIZ Media – NANA and HONEY & CLOVER on Hulu in the US beginning on 7/21/2009. Hulu is an online video service that offers hit TV shows, movies and clips at Hulu.com and other online destination sites, anytime in the U.S. The first 11 episodes of NANA and the first 12 episodes of HONEY & CLOVER will be included in the Hulu debut.

Based on the popular manga by Chica Umino, HONEY AND CLOVER is a romantic comedy about a group of art school students who try to find their way. But when an innocent and talented 19-year-old girl enters their lives, things get a lot more complicated as love triangles result. For more information on HONEY AND CLOVER please visit dedicated website at HoneyandClover.viz.com.

The NANA anime is based on the popular manga by Ai Yazawa, which has sold over 43 million copies in Japan, and is published in North America by VIZ Media under its SHOJO BEAT imprint. It is considered an all-time best selling shojo title from Japanese publishing giant Shueisha, and was the recipient of the Shogakukan Manga Award in the Girls' category. Its tremendous success further inspired two live-action feature films which are available on DVD in North America from VIZ Pictures

NANA follows the adventures of two girls, both named Nana. While they share the same name, they couldn't be more different. Nana "Hachi" Komatsu follows her boyfriend to Tokyo in the hopes of making a new start, while Nana Osaki, who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk rock beauty who has the ambition of making it big in the world of rock and roll. Although these two young women come from different backgrounds, they quickly become best friends while chasing their happiness and dreams. For more information on NANA please visit the dedicated website at Nana.viz.com.

To view NANA (anime is rated ‘M’ for mature) and HONEY AND CLOVER (anime is rated ‘T+’ for older teens) episodes, please visit Hulu.com.

For more information on NANA please visit Nana.viz.com. For more information on HONEY AND CLOVER please visit Honeyandclover.viz.com. For general information on all VIZ Media properties please visit www.viz.com.

Viz Cinema To Celebrate Grand Opening With 20th Century Boys Premiere

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Pictures, a Japanese live-action film distributor and producer of the J-Pop Center Project, will launch the nation’s first movie theatre, VIZ Cinema, devoted exclusively to Japanese films and anime, which will open its doors on August 15th at NEW PEOPLE, located in the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown. The 143-seat subterranean theatre features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.

NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination, brings the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores expressed through film, art, fashion, a variety of specialty boutiques from Japan and ongoing monthly events. As a grand feature of the building, VIZ Cinema is designed to give audiences a theatrical experience not available at any other venue in the country.

On August 15th, VIZ Cinema will celebrate its grand opening with a very special regional premiere screening of the first chapter of the 20th Century Boys live-action trilogy, directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi, and presented in partnership with Nippon Television. Advance tickets go on-sale on Friday, July 31st, and more information is available at www.vizcinema.com.

The first 20th Century Boys film will continue playing at the theatre for the next week, followed by a week-long showing of the second chapter of the trilogy. As an unprecedented event in the Japanese film world, VIZ Cinema will host the world premiere of the third and final chapter of 20th Century Boys on August 28th, presented simultaneously with the national release in Japan.

The 20th Century Boys trilogy is based on the critically-acclaimed manga series created by Naoki Urasawa and was a national phenomenon in Japan, selling over 24 million copies.

VIZ Cinema will schedule a dynamic range of programming based on a new theme each month across a variety of genres. Individual films will change weekly to bi-weekly. The theme for August is "MANGA ATTACK!" and will screen live-action and animated (anime) feature movies based on manga (Japanese comics).

The first anime event will be the U.S. premiere of Bleach The Movie: The Diamond Dust Rebellion for two nights only, August 18th and 19th. Tickets and screening information are available at www.vizcinema.com beginning Friday, July 31st.

The September theme will be "LIFE ≈ ART" with feature films focusing on the pain and passion of an artist’s lifestyle as well as documentaries of world-renowned Japanese pop artists. More details of the September program will be announced early August.

The initial VIZ Cinema roster emphasizes fresh and contemporary films from Japan, a classic film series is forthcoming, and individual theatrical events for several films currently licensed by VIZ Pictures are also planned.

Audiences will have a wide selection of concession snacks to choose from including San Francisco's favorite gourmet coffee brand, Blue Bottle Coffee, and an organic Japanese deli-menu by DELICA complemented with Ito En's artisan Japanese tea selection. A Japanese snack line-up with candy and other unique confections will also be available.

“We will have a variety of really fun events at VIZ Cinema, from DVD release parties and raffles and giveaways, to Q&A sessions and discussion panels to complement screenings, and possibly even some personal appearances by various creators, directors and actors,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder/CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of VIZ Media as well as the J-pop Center Project. “We want VIZ Cinema to foster a community interested in Japanese popular culture in a variety of forms and film plays an essential part in that mission.”

NEW PEOPLE is a 20,000 square foot contemporary building located at 1746 Post Street in San Francisco’s Japantown (one of only three remaining in the country), an area steeped in more than a century of history. The structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that evokes a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. NEW PEOPLE will offer the latest films, art, and retail brands from Japan. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.

Viz To Screen K-20: The Fiend With Twenty Faces At The New York Asian Film Festival

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Pictures, has licensed the new action film, K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces, and announced two special theatrical screenings at the New York Asian Film Festival 2009, which takes place June 19-July 2 at the IFC Center (323 Sixth Avenue, at West 4th Street, New York, NY).

The New York premiere of K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces (The Japanese title: K-20: Legend of the Mask) will take place on Saturday June 20, at 8:15pm, with a second showing scheduled for 1:45pm on Tuesday, June 30. More information on this film and the New York Asian Film Festival is available at www.subwaycinema.com. VIZ Pictures will be releasing the DVD of K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces in 2010 through their distributor, VIZ Media.

Director Shimako Sato brought together a strong cast and cutting edge special effects to bring K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces to life. Set in the fictional city of Teito in the late 1940s, it is a world where World War II never happened and the nobility system established in the Meiji Era still exists. An extreme divide exists between the upper and lower classes, with 90 percent of the country’s wealth being held by the upper class. The capital of Teito is in crisis with the emergence of a menacing phantom thief known as "The Fiend (Kaijin) with Twenty Faces" or simply "K-20." The film is based on The Story of Nijyumenso, a novel written by Soh Kitamura, and also features the mesmerizing rock theme song, Shock of the Lightning, by the British band OASIS.

Heikichi Endo (played by Japanese leading man Takeshi Kaneshiro) is a circus acrobat who is deceived by K-20 and is framed to take the fall for the phantom thief. Using his incredible physical dexterity, Heikichi wages war against K-20 in order to clear his name and fights alongside K-20's next wealthy target, Duchess Yoko Hashiba (Takako Matsu) and her fiancée, the brilliant detective Kogoro Akechi (Toru Nakamura). But what is the ultimate decision Heikichi has to make?

Actor Takeshi Kaneshiro is internationally renowned and made his screen debut in the film Executioners (1993) followed by the critically acclaimed Wong Kar-Wai film Chungking Express (1994). More recently he has starred in films including House of Flying Daggers (2004) and The Battle of Red Cliff (2008).

“There is great familiarity and love in Japan for the story of K-20,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “The character of K-20 originated in the best-selling 26-volume Boy Detectives series written by Japanese literary master Rampo Edogawa in the 1930s and has been read by more than 100 million people. The film, which we are proud to present at this year’s New York Asian Film Festival, is filled with breakneck action and speed as Director Shimako Sato uses extreme camera angles, computerized effects. For fans of historical drama as well as action cinema, K-20: The Fiend with Twenty Faces is a definite must-see on this year’s festival roster!”

Viz Releases The Japanese Dark Comedy Heppily Ever After On US DVD

Source: Viz Media

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the DVD release of the live-action feature film - HAPPILY EVER AFTER on May 12th. The DVD will also include the original theatrical trailers, director and cast profiles, and insightful tips on Japanese culture. The DVD will carry a suggested retail price of $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN and will be distributed in North America by VIZ Media.



To complement the release, VIZ Pictures has launched a HAPPILY EVER AFTER giveaway contest for a prize package that includes the DVD, film poster, a premium Japanese cotton towel, and an Anime Sampler Pack courtesy of The Right Stuf / Nozomi Entertainment. Fans are encouraged to visit www.shojobeat.com/moviepack47 for contest details and online entry forms.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER is a visually striking romantic comedy from celebrated director, Yukihiko Tsutsumi (Memories of Tomorrow, 20th Century Boys) and based on a popular manga (graphic novel) series created by Yoshiie Gouda that has sold more than half a million copies in Japan. The film stars popular comedic leading man Hiroshi Abe and actress Miki Nakatani, who drew international acclaim for her role in TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO (also available on DVD from VIZ Pictures).

In this heart-warming film, Yukie (Miki Nakatani) works hard at a noodle shop and struggles to make ends meet, while her husband Isao (Hiroshi Abe) hangs around all day gambling and getting into trouble. On top of everything, Isao's uncontrollable temper often results in the dinner table getting overturned and their meal on the floor. Everyone advises Yukie to leave Isao, but her love for him is unconditional because he was the one who initially saved her from misery with his unconditional love. Miki Nakatani won the 31st Japanese Academy Awards for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Yukie.

“Director Yukihiko Tsutsumi’s unflinching camera style captures the drama of the strife this couple encounters, as well as the many comedic moments that will incite laughs and tears with equal measure,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Despite the many struggles this couple faces, they always manage to face adversity with laughter and ultimately remain in each other’s hearts. We look forward to this unique film resonating with domestic audiences.”

See Also: Viz Brings Happily Ever After To The US Film Festival Circuit

Viz Announces The Annual Art Issue Of Shojo Beat Magazine

Source: MediaLab

April 2009 Issue Covers Visual Arts And Techniques Taught By Leading Manga Creators Well As Fashion, Crafts And More

VIZ Media has announced an exciting issue for its annual Art Issue of SHOJO BEAT magazine, expected to hit newsstands nationwide on March 17th. In addition to the next installments of the currently serialized shojo manga series HONEY AND CLOVER, HONEY HUNT, CRIMSON HERO, SAND CHRONICLES, HARUKA: BEYOND THE STREAM OF TIME and VAMPIRE KNIGHT, this special issue will allow readers to explore the latest trends in Japanese kawaii artwork, evaluate the approaches of top shojo manga creators and more!

The special April 2009 Art Issue of SHOJO BEAT, a continual favorite with readers takes a broad approach to art, focusing not only on visual arts but also fashion, crafts, and cooking. “The Fine Art of Kawaii” spotlights five key Japanese artists who have captured the often elusive cutting-edge of cute. "Manga Art Schooled” analyzes the varied and distinctive art styles of five master shojo manga creators including Matsuri Hino (VAMPIRE KNIGHT), Arina Tanemura (The Gentlemen's Alliance †, FULL MOON), and the talented female artists who compose CLAMP (X/1999). Readers and budding artists can gain tremendous insight into each of these artists’ styles and understand and apply these unique techniques to their own work. Finally, “Cooking: Feast for Your Eyes" will offer up 10 easy and creative tips for artistic food plating.

“We are excited to present SHOJO BEAT’s annual Art Issue knowing the tremendous interest it generates among our very creative readers,” says Narasu Rebbapragada, Senior Editor, Shojo Beat Magazine. “Research has shown that SHOJO BEAT readers draw regularly or are similarly creatively inclined, so we‘re confident that this year’s issue combining fun and savvy articles will again be a huge success!”

The issue also contains an exclusive preview of Rinko Ueda’s TAIL OF THE MOON PREQUEL: THE OTHER HANZO(U), whose story is a prelude to the popular romantic ninja comedy TAIL OF THE MOON.

For more information on Shojo Beat magazine, which is rated ‘T+’ for older teens, please visit www.ShojoBeat.com.

See Also: Viz Media Scares Up Some Spooky Manga For Halloween / Viz To Release 20th Century Boys Plus Several Other New Manga Titles In 2009 / Viz Ready To Debut Nine New Manga Titles / Viz Brings Manga To Australia And New Zealand / Vote For Your Favorite J-Pop Stars In The February SHOJO BEAT / Viz Media To Unleash A Unique Variety Of Anime Titles At NATPE / Ohzora Publishing Releases Sexy Manga In The US

Viz Brings Death Note L Change The World To US Theaters

Source: MediaLab

Riveting Unwritten Chapter Of Edgy DEATH NOTE Psychological Crime Drama on the Big Screen on April 29th and 30th in More Than 400 Theatres Nationwide

VIZ Pictures has announced that it will team with NCM FATHOM to present DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd, a live-action two-night, multi-city event on April 29th and 30th at 7:30 pm local time. By popular demand, a subtitled version will be presented on April 29th and an English-dubbed version on April 30th with L’s voice played by Alessandro Juliani from the anime series.

Tickets for this special event are available at presenting theatre box offices and online. For a complete list of theatre locations and prices, please visit www.FathomEvents.com (theatres are subject to change). Advance tickets will be available to SHONEN JUMP e-subscribers beginning March 20 (sign-up is available at www.shonenjump.com) and tickets to the general public go on sale on March 23.

DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd is inspired by the immensely popular DEATH NOTE features, which are based on the best-selling supernatural action manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, but this spin-off follows a new original storyline. DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd was directed by Hideo Nakata, who also directed the U.S. #1 hit horror movie The Ring 2, which was remade from his own smash hit Japanese horror trilogy, Ringu.

DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd introduces the unwritten chapter of DEATH NOTE and reveals how the legendary detective “L” (Kenichi Matsuyama) spends the final 23 days of his life. The story begins as L takes on the “Kira” case, in which countless criminals are dying under mysterious circumstances. L successfully solves the case and stops Kira, but only after sacrificing his life, leaving himself with only 23 days left to live. For his final case L faces down a bio-terrorist group trying to wipe out humanity with a deadly virus ten times more potent than Ebola. As L tries to formulate an antidote with a scientist, he must also save the lives of two children who have no one else to turn to. DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd features what happened before and after the two earlier DEATH NOTE events and shows DEATH NOTE fans the more human side of L that could not be seen previously.

“Fathom’s ongoing relationship with VIZ Pictures has brought the best in live-action manga events to Fathom-networked theatres and will bring the anxiously awaited third event in the Death Note series to select theatres in April,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of Fathom.

“DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd stars Kenichi Matsuyama, an up-and-coming Japanese actor who has also appeared in acclaimed films such as DEATH NOTE, LINDA LINDA LINDA, NANA and DETROIT METAL CITY,” says Seiji Horibuchi, president and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “He reprises his role as the ace detective L and audiences will be riveted to their seats as his character once again works to save society from a monstrous new threat.”

The DEATH NOTE manga and animated series have become extremely popular domestically. The 37-episode animated series is seen by millions each week on cable broadcast and the series is also distributed on DVD by VIZ Media (rated T+ for Older Teens). On the print side, DEATH NOTE 13: HOW TO READ, a companion volume to the successful manga series, is also published domestically by VIZ Media and was ranked in USA Today's Top 150 list of America's best-selling books.

For more information on the DEATH NOTE live action events and other VIZ Pictures films please visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.deathnotefilms.com. For more information on the DEATH NOTE manga and animation, please visit deathnote.viz.com.

See Also: Viz Brings Death Note II The Last Name To DVD In The US / Viz And NCM Fathon Bring Death Note 2 To Theaters In The US This October / The Surprise Hit Detroit Metal City May Be Heading To The US / Viz And NCM Fathom Partner To Bring Death Note 2 The Last Name To US Theaters / Viz To Screen Death Note In Canadian Theaters Eh / Viz To Release New Death Note, Bleach, And Naruto DVDs This Fall / Viz Showcases New Anime At The Licensing International Expo / Viz Pictures Brings Death Note To US Theaters For A Special Two Night Event / Viz Brings Manga To Australia And New Zealand /

Viz To Release New Titles Based On The Dragonball Movie

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Media has announced a fun array of DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION books, including a Junior Novel, a Sticker Book and a trio of Chapter Books in support of the debut of the action-packed 20th Century Fox film, opening nationwide on April 8th.

The new DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION books are based on the upcoming live action adventure film. Directed by James Wong, the movie and the books center on a team of warriors, each of whom possess special abilities. Together, they protect Earth from a force bent on dominating the universe by controlling the mystical objects from which the film takes its name. DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION features Justin Chatwin as Goku, Emmy Rossum as Bulma, and Chow Yun-Fat as Master Roshi. Each of the books include glossy color pages with photos from the movie. DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION the movie is based on the popular Japanese manga series created by Akira Toriyama (also published in North America by VIZ Media).

”VIZ Media is very excited to celebrate the upcoming release of the live-action feature film DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION with a variety of fun, kid-friendly books,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “The DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION Junior Novel and Chapter Books are published under our popular VIZKIDS imprint, and are an ideal way to introduce the mystical world of DRAGON BALL to younger fans and help them develop a lifelong love of reading.”

DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION JUNIOR NOVEL · Recommended for Ages 9-12

MSRP: $5.99 US / $6.99 CAN · Available Now!

Goku thought he was just a normal high school kid until his whole world turned upside down and he found out he's actually a martial-arts whiz with all kinds of special powers. It was bad enough that his grandpa just died. But now he must save the whole world from a madman named Piccolo who is looking for the seven fabled Dragon Balls. Whoever finds them all will have any wish come true instantly! Can a regular guy like Goku become the strongest fighter in time to stop the end of the world? The Junior Novel is aimed at readers ages 9 through 12 and also features 8-pages of full-color glossy photos from the live-action film.

DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION CHAPTER BOOKS · Recommended for Ages 7-10 ·
MSRP: $4.99 US / $5.99 CAN · Available Now!

The DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION Chapter Books is a series composed of 3 volumes designed for younger readers, ages 7 through 10. Based on the upcoming feature film, the Chapter Books depict the adventures of Goku as he tries to save the world from a madman that is looking for the seven Dragon Balls. Whoever finds them all can have any wish come true! Can a regular guy like Goku become the strongest fighter of all in time to stop the end of the world? Find out in these fun new Chapter Books from VIZ Media.


DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION STICKER BOOK · Rated “A” for All Ages ·

MSRP: $6.99 US / $7.99 CAN · March 24, 2009

All the excitement of the DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION movie is featured in over 100 stickers. The book collects 8 pages of stickers and 8 pages of full-color backgrounds to bring the fun of DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION to fans of all ages. The stickers are reusable and adhere to just about anything to give a fun DRAGON BALL flair to any item.

DRAGON BALL has become a global pop culture and entertainment phenomenon that has generated more than $3 billion in worldwide sales of a vast array of manga, DVDs, video games, toys, apparel and other collectibles. Over 1.6 million copies of the manga series have been sold in North America while the animated counterpart remains the most successful domestic anime series ever with over 500 episodes and 17 animated movies broadcast or released on DVD to date. Over 30 DRAGON BALL video game titles are also available for the PS2, PS3, Wii and Xbox 360 platforms, and have sold a total of more than 11 million units worldwide.

See Also: Viz Makes Blue Dragon Available On iTunes / Ayumi Hamasaki Scores Dragonball Movie Theme Song / Viz Media Scares Up Some Spooky Manga For Halloween / Viz To Release Special Collectors Issues Of Shonen Jump For 40th Anniversary / Viz Showcases New Anime At The Licensing International Expo / New Manga Titles Showcased At BookExpo America / Blue Dragon Finds A Home On Cartoon Network / Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 For PlayStation Ships To Retailers

Viz Makes Blue Dragon Available On iTunes

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Media has announced today the availability of its popular animated series BLUE DRAGON on the iTunes® Store (www.iTunes.com) in US and Canada. As a special launch promotion, the first episode of BLUE DRAGON will be available for download for free on the iTunes Store until March 10th and can be found at www.itunes.com/tv/bluedragon.

BLUE DRAGON animated series, based on the popular Xbox 360 role playing game (RPG), is a classic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism! Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them. Journey with them into the world of BLUE DRAGON!

The Xbox 360 game “BLUE DRAGON” was developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy). The game and animated series feature memorable characters designed by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (also published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine). The animated series debuted in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 7, 2007 and is produced by Studio Pierrot, which is well known for its work on NARUTO and BLEACH, also licensed by VIZ Media and available on iTunes.

"We are excited to add the beloved BLUE DRAGON animation to the growing library of VIZ Media titles now available on the iTunes store.” says Ken Sasaki, Sr. Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “VIZ Media is committed to giving fans the best in animated entertainment and we are thrilled to provide the best options in delivering exciting animated content in a high quality digital way.”

For more information on BLUE DRAGON please visit the dedicated website at Bluedragon.viz.com, which currently features anime series trailers, character descriptions, artwork from the animation, and a news section that will be updated regularly with announcements regarding the anime series.

See Also: Viz Showcases New Anime At The Licensing International Expo / Blue Dragon Finds A Home On Cartoon Network / Viz Media To Unleash A Unique Variety Of Anime Titles At NATPE

Viz To Publish Rumiko Takahashi's Latest Manga

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Media and one of its parent companies, Japanese publishing giant Shogakukan, have announced a BRAND NEW series set to debut from Rumiko Takahashi, one of today’s greatest manga creators.

This is the first new original manga series from Takahashi sensei since her epic INUYASHA series ended in 2008. Shogakukan’s popular WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY manga magazine, which has featured Takahashi’s work since the early 1980’s, will be debuting the new series and VIZ Media will be publishing the manga series later in 2009!With over 170 million copies sold in Japan alone, Rumiko Takahashi's various works continue to be loved by a multitude of readers, regardless of their age or gender. Takahashi's works, full of wonderfully endearing characters that readers are drawn to, combine the various elements of comedy, love, fantasy, and martial arts, and continue to create truly unique worlds. Her works cannot be categorized by standard genres, and the signature style she has created has come to be known as the "Rumic World." It would not be an overstatement to call the "Rumic World" a genre of its own.

In addition to INUYASHA, which spanned more than 500 chapters and 50 individual volumes, some of Rumiko Takahashi’s other notable works include RANMA ½, MAISON IKKOKU, MERMAID SAGA, ONE POUND GOSPEL and, URUSEI YATSURA (THE RETURN OF LUM). All of these titles are published in North America by VIZ Media. Several of these series, including URUSEI YATSURA, MAISON IKKOKU, RANMA ½ and INUYASHA have also been adapted into highly successful animated television series and feature film releases. Rumiko Takahashi has won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award twice, first for URUSEI YATSURA in 1981 and again in 2002 for INUYASHA.

VIZ Media is so excited to be publishing Rumiko Takahashi’s next great series and to bring you this news, but…. they don’t want to give it all away just yet. Be sure to keep an eye out and ear open for more details, which we will be sharing with you soon!

Viz Dominates Top Graphic Novels Of 2008 List

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Media, has announced that hit manga (graphic novel) properties including NARUTO, DEATH NOTE, BLEACH and VAMPIRE KNIGHT dominated 15 of the Top 20 spots on the recently released list of Top 20 Graphic Novels for 2008. Nielsen BookScan, one of the publishing industry’s leading sales indicators, publishes the list annually.

NARUTO was the top VIZ Media manga title on the list, placing highest at Number 2 overall with nine volumes of the internationally popular series placing in the Top 20 at #’s 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 15, 16 and 18. This is the first time so many volumes of a single series have dominated this particular list. Three other VIZ Media manga titles made the top 20 as well: DEATH NOTE (with three spots at #9, 12 and 19), BLEACH (at #17), and the gothic melodrama VAMPIRE KNIGHT (securing two spots at #14 and 20) joined NARUTO in the Top 20.

“It’s very gratifying to see such continued strong sales of these top titles throughout 2008,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “Six of the Top 10 graphic novels featured on the 2007 list were also NARUTO volumes, and with the launch of the new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN story arc last year we’re very pleased to see the series continuing to dominate the list. Likewise, we are also very excited to see other unique manga titles like DEATH NOTE, BLEACH and VAMPIRE KNIGHT featured among the Top 20. Each of these series is critically acclaimed and holds a wide appeal that transcends multiple reader demographics. As we begin 2009, we look forward to a variety of VIZ Media manga continuing to find such a loyal and sizable domestic audience.”

Please visit http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/14161.html for the full list of Top 20 BookScan Graphic Novels.

I"s A Zany Comedy About A High School Boy And Two Sexy Classmates

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Media will expand its library of animated properties with the eagerly awaited debut of I”s as a special two-disc DVD box set with an estimated street date of March 24th.

I”s is based on a popular manga series (Rated ‘M” for mature audiences) by Masakazu Katsura, published domestically by VIZ Media under its Shonen Jump Advanced imprint. The original I”s animated series, as well as a six-episode follow-up called I”s PURE, will be included this new DVD box set (rated “M” for Mature audiences) and carries an SRP of $29.98 US/$39.99 CAN.

Iori Hazuki is a beautiful high school girl with ambitions of becoming a model and actress. Ichitaka Seto is an indecisive sixteen year-old boy with a mad crush on Iori. Things become more complicated for Ichitaka when a childhood friend named Itsuki returns from living in the United States and ends up living at his house – and Itsuki is far from the shy and homely young girl Ichitaka remembers. Ichitaka must now reconcile his feelings for each girl and work hard to make sure that his angst-riddled personal life doesn't become any more dramatic. Put all three “I”s together and you have a tale of love, comedy, and dreams!

In I”s PURE, hapless Ichitaka continues to face endless obstacles that include pranks, misunderstandings, stalkers, and a romantic intervention as he continues to try and win the heart of his classmate and budding actress Iori. But most of all, Ichitaka tries to remain true to his feelings. Are these two "I"s destined to find happiness together, or does fate have other ideas?

Widely known in anime circles as the character designer for IRIA: ZEIRAM THE ANIMATION, a Science Fiction series about a sexy female bounty hunter, I”s creator Masakazu Katsura is also a popular manga artist celebrated for the buxom beauties and madcap stories that are a focal point of his work. His best-selling series VIDEO GIRL AI is also published domestically by VIZ Media.

“This zany and often unexpectedly sweet romantic comedy, understandably celebrated by fans of the original I”s manga, plays out wonderfully in this special 2-disc DVD box set,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing. “Creator Masakazu Katsura's quirky sense of humor and penchant for drawing appealing young ladies will make I”s a unique favorite. We look forward to fans of the manga exploring this new DVD box set and encourage audiences that have yet to discover the humor and fun of I”s to check out both the manga and the anime series from VIZ Media!”

Viz Brings Death Note II The Last Name To DVD In The US

Source: MediaLab

VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the highly anticipated DVD release of DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME, based on the hit supernatural action mystery manga (graphic novel) and animated series. The DVD will feature both the original Japanese dialogue with English subtitles and the English dubbed version by the outstanding voice cast of the animated series. The Red Hot Chili Peppers again contribute the theme song. Bonus features include a special segment, “Making of DEATH NOTE II” and the original Japanese theatrical trailer. The DVD will carry a suggested retail price of $24.92 and will be distributed in North America by VIZ Media. The estimated street date for DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is February 10, 2009.



DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME is the sequel to the phenomenal hit live-action movie DEATH NOTE, based on the hit manga series written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata. The DEATH NOTE live-action DVD, released in September 2008, was ranked as #1 in Japanese Films in North America and #34 in the Live-Action category. As the sequel of DEATH NOTE and once again directed by the renowned monster filmmaker Shusuke Kaneko, DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME concludes the titanic battle between the two geniuses Light and L.

The story picks up with Light Yagami (Tatsuya Fujiwara) joining the investigation team in pursuit of the serial killer known as ‘Kira’. While L (Kenichi Matsuyama) still strongly suspects that Light is ‘Kira’, Light continues to seek out the real name of L so that he can kill him with his Death Note. Making things even more unpredictable is the 'Eyes of Death' that the second Kira possesses, enabling the owner to know the true identity and lifespan of any person. Light Yagami soon learns the identity of the other Kira and wants to join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch "Kira" before he gets killed? Who will be the last name written in the Death Note?

“We’re very excited to announce the highly anticipated DVD release of DEATH NOTE II: THE LAST NAME,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “Is Light Yagami a crazed serial killer or merely society’s self-appointed solution to crime? DEATH NOTE is the latest manga and anime series to gain widespread international popularity, and the success of the first live-action film has primed audiences for this edgy sequel. As interest in DEATH NOTE continues to grow, we invite fans to delve into the psychological drama of this newest release from VIZ Pictures.”

VIZ Pictures has also announced 2 special giveaway promotions to coincide with the DVD release. Fans are encouraged to go to http://www.viz-pictures.com/ and answer the quick survey before February 28. 10 random winners will be selected to receive a special DEATH NOTE II poster.

Readers of SHONEN JUMP magazine are encouraged to enter the exclusive DEATH NOTE II contest where 10 lucky fans will each win a copy of the DEATH NOTE II DVD, and 3 very lucky fans will each win a copy of the DVD and an autograph from one of the lead actors (Kenichi Matsuyama, Tatsuya Fujiwara and Erika Toda). Contest details will be in the March 2009 issue of Shonen Jump magazine, which will hit newsstands on February 3.

The DEATH NOTE manga and animated series have become extremely popular domestically. The 37-episode animated series is seen by millions each week on cable broadcast and the series is also distributed on DVD by VIZ Media (rated T+ for Older Teens). On the print side, DEATH NOTE 13: HOW TO READ, a companion volume to the successful manga series, also published domestically by VIZ Media, was recently ranked in USA Today's Top 150 list of America's best-selling books.

For more information on the DEATH NOTE live action films and other VIZ Pictures films please visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/ or www.deathnotefilms.com. For more information on the DEATH NOTE manga and animation, please visit deathnote.viz.com.

See Also: Viz And NCM Fathon Bring Death Note 2 To Theaters In The US This October / The Surprise Hit Detroit Metal City May Be Heading To The US / Viz And NCM Fathom Partner To Bring Death Note 2 The Last Name To US Theaters / Viz To Screen Death Note In Canadian Theaters Eh / Viz To Release New Death Note, Bleach, And Naruto DVDs This Fall / Viz Showcases New Anime At The Licensing International Expo / Viz Pictures Brings Death Note To US Theaters For A Special Two Night Event / Viz Brings Manga To Australia And New Zealand /