Kuroda_Shun

NARUTO MANGA SERIES REACHES MILESTONE

2011-01-27T10:47:00.003-06:00

VIZ Media Set To Release Volume 50 Of Hit Series In February

VIZ Media will release the 50^th volume of the NARUTO manga (graphic novel) series on February 1^st. The newest adventure of the bestselling series – Water Prison Death Match – will be published under the company’s Shonen Jump imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 / $12.99 CAN.

Killer Bee vs. Kisame! Plus, the realization of Naruto's worst nightmare seems inevitable as the war he's tried to stop for so long looms on the horizon. And Sakura corners Naruto with a reveal that's going knock him for a serious loop. Then, a truth behind the modern ninja world sheds new light on Naruto's true role in the fate of his universe.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85 million copies to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for Teens, and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) are among VIZ Media’s most successful properties and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime episodes are also currently available for free at www.Naruto.com and through a variety of other web-based, video streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes, Joost and Hulu.

For more information on NARUTO please visit the official website at www.Naruto.com.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LATEST NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPIRE KNIGHT AND POKÉMON ANIME RELEASES

2011-01-26T08:01:00.002-06:00

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LATEST NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPIRE KNIGHT AND POKÉMON ANIME RELEASES

San Francisco, CA, January 25, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced a trio of upcoming anime DVD releases set for release today that expand some of the company’s most potent properties including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPIRE KNIGHT and POKÉMON.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET, Volume 5 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN · Available Now!

Naruto is troubled by nightmares after his second failed attempt to bring Sasuke home. Kakashi, recovering in the hospital, suggests a new training regimen for Naruto that puts him in touch with his wind chakra nature. Naruto seeks advice from another wind type, the Leaf Jonin Asuma. Then, when Tsunade sends Team Kakashi on a mission to the Fire Temple, the truth about a shocking event involving Asuma and the Guardian Shinobi Twelve begins to unfold.
This latest NARUTO Box Set features Episodes 54-65.

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, please visit www.Naruto.com

VAMPIRE KNIGHT THE COMPLETE SERIES · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN · Available Now!

Ten years earlier, a Pureblood vampire, Kaname Kuran, saved Yuki Cross from another vampire’s attack. Now, Yuki is a Guardian at Cross Academy, where the Night Class and Day Class students live side by side in relative harmony—despite the fact that the Night Class students are all vampires! Yuki and her partner Zero keep watch over the Day Class and protect the Night Class’s secret. With Kaname’s help, a peaceful coexistence has been maintained so far, but a looming shadow is about to be cast over their world…

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, please visit: www.ShojoBeat.com

POKEMON ELEMENTS BOX SET, Volume 2 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $29.92 U.S. / $42.99 CAN · Available Now!

The POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the wide variety of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a specific Pokémon type in three all-time favorite episodes. This latest Box Set bundles POKÉMON ELEMENTS Vols. 6-10.

For more information POKÉMON and other VIZ Kids titles please visit www.VIZKids.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and website at www.VIZ.com.

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ABCmouse, Launched by the makers of folks who made Neopets

2011-01-24T08:01:00.004-06:00

As far as I know, pictures were the way to tell stories. Hieroglyphs on tombs, the drawings of animals on cave walls. Before actual language we use to draw what we saw to relay our story.

We all know animation is a great way to tell an epic story, a short story to show exaggerated emotions and feats.

Well Animation is also a great way to teach our children about reading.

For years now I have been setting my daughter down in front of the computer and letting her play with a online kids teaching tool. She has excelled in learning two things in particular that I have noticed. 1. Her dexterity with her hand eye coordination and 2. her skills at reading.

The site we went to was short flash animation that was cute but not as educational as I would have liked. Now there is a whole new rich animation oriented learning tool online called ABCmouse.com

ABCmouse.com is a global education initiative of Age of Learning, Inc. Our goal is to help children build a strong foundation for future academic success by providing a comprehensive and engaging online curriculum to greatly assist early learners to succeed in pre-k, kindergarten, and early elementary school programs.

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES CAPTIVE HEARTS, CLAYMORE, D.GRAY-MAN AND TORIKO MANGA DOWNLOADS FOR THE VIZ MANGA APP FOR iPad

2011-01-20T10:15:00.002-06:00

Four Acclaimed New Series Join The Latest Updates Of More Than Ten Other Titles

VIZ Media continues to rapidly expand its digital library of manga (graphic novel) titles available for the VIZ MANGA APP on the Apple^®iPad™ mobile device. Just launched is the dark, armored action of CLAYMORE and the supernatural adventure D.GRAY-MAN, and set to launch on Tuesday, January 25^th is the shojo fantasy of CAPTIVE HEARTS and the zany culinary adventure of TORIKO. The latest updates also features new additions to more than ten other popular VIZ Media manga series already available to iPad users.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume.

CAPTIVE HEARTS, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Available January 25^th

Carefree Megumi Kuroishi was living a life of luxury until the day a girl named Suzuka Kogami walked into his life. All of a sudden, Megumi finds himself kneeling at Suzuka's feet and prostrating himself like a servant! What Megumi doesn't know (until that very moment anyway) is that his family is cursed to follow the orders of the Kogami family.

CLAYMORE, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available Now!

In a world where monsters called Yoma prey on humans and live among them in disguise, humanity's only hope is a new breed of warrior known as Claymores. Half human, half monster, these silver-eyed slayers possess supernatural strength but are condemned to fight their savage impulses or lose their humanity completely.

D.GRAY-MAN, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available Now!

Set in a fictional 19th century England, D.Gray-man is the story of Allen Walker, a 15-year-old boy who roams the earth in search of Innocence. Washed away to unknown parts of the world after The Great Flood, Innocence is the mysterious substance used to create weapons that obliterate demons known as akuma.

TORIKO, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Available January 25^th

In a savage world ruled by the pursuit of the most delicious foods, it's either eat or be eaten! While searching for the tastiest foods imaginable, Gourmet Hunter Toriko travels the world with his bottomless stomach, facing every beast in his way.

Additional new manga volumes available by the end of the month include:

BAKUMAN｡ Vol. 2

BLEACH Vol. 6

D. GRAY MAN, Vol. 2

DEATH NOTE Vol. 5

DRAGON BALL Vol. 9

NARUTO Vol. 10

ONE PIECE Vol. 10

OTOMEN Vol. 2

OURON HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 2

RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 5

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vol. 2

The recently launched VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad are featured.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS MÄR ON VIZANIME.COM AND HULU

2011-01-18T07:07:00.001-06:00

An Ordinary Boy Becomes A Hero In The Land Of His Dreams In This Spectacular Adventure

VIZ Media announces the launch of MÄR (rated ‘T’ for Teens) available on VIZAnime.com, the company’s premier website for anime, as well as the streaming content provider HULU (www.Hulu.com), starting on Monday January 17^th.

VIZAnime.com and HULU will stream for FREE episodes 1-5 of MÄR (subtitled). Two additional FREE new episodes will launch each Monday.

MÄR is based on the hit manga series by Nobuyuki Anzai (creator also of FLAME OF RECCA), published in North America by VIZ Media. An ordinary middle-school boy with an overactive imagination, Ginta Toramizu dreams about fairy tales and make-believe lands. One day at school, a gate appears and he enters the World of MÄR, the world of his dreams. Within the World of MÄR exist ÄRM: accessories with unique powers. Soon, Ginta stumbles upon Babbo, an ÄRM that can speak, and learns that he has been summoned to this mythical world to stop the Chess Pieces, a group of rogue soldiers, from destroying the World of MÄR. Now part of Team MÄR, Ginta and Babbo fight in War Games against the Chess Pieces to save the MÄR World. But will Ginta’s mission be compromised by his ally’s secrets?

To learn more about MÄR anime and manga series, please visit VIZAnime.com or ShonenSunday.com (free Chapter 1 manga preview available).

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THE STRUGGLE FOR TIME AND SPACE CONTINUES IN POKÉMON: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE, ON DVD AND IN ADAPTED MANGA FROM VIZ MEDIA

2011-01-13T07:10:00.001-06:00

The Latest POKÉMON Feature Film Delivers Another Action-Packed Adventure With Ash And His Friends!

San Francisco, CA, January 12, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, is proud to announce the release of POKÉMON™: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE on DVD and in a manga adaption on February 1^st (both under the VIZ Kids imprint). The feature film DVD is rated ‘A’ for All Ages with a MSRP of $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN; the manga adaptation is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, with a MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

Long ago, Arceus created the Jewel of Life from fragments of its awesome power. Humans used the Jewel of Life to turn Michina Town from a barren wasteland to a lush and thriving city. But when it was time for the Jewel of Life to be returned, Arceus was betrayed, and vowed to one day get revenge.

Now Arceus has returned– enraged, vengeful, and seemingly unstoppable! Not even the combined might of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina can stop Arceus from devastating the land.

But there’s hope. Ash, Pikachu and their new friend Sheena may have discovered the only way to make things right. Their journey will be both dangerous and uncertain: will there be time to return the Jewel of Life before Arceus enacts vengeance on the world?

“POKÉMON is a timeless favorite that continues to capture the imagination of fans of all ages,” says Brian Ige, Senior Director, Animation. “This latest adventure concludes the struggle between Dialga, Palkia and Giratina for the balance between time, space, and beyond. With a dynamic blend of action, emotional themes, new characters and familiar faces, POKÉMON: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE movie and manga are sure to become hits!”

For more information on POKÉMON: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE, please visit www.PokemonArceus.com. For more information on VIZ Media’s POKÉMON manga and anime titles, please visit www.VIZ.com/Pokemon/.

About VIZ Media, LLC

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VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES 2011 WITH A NEW iTunes ANIME PROMOTION FOR BUSO RENKIN AND VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY

2011-01-12T07:03:00.002-06:00

VIZ Media rings in 2011 and expands its current anime promotion on iTunes in the U.S. (www.iTunes.com) to include the premieres of BUSO RENKIN and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY. To celebrate the debuts, you can download the first full episode of both series for FREE from now thru February 1^st. All subsequent episodes are available to rent for only $0.99 each, or to own for only $1.99 each.

Please visit http://www.itunes.com/anime for complete details.

BUSO RENKIN (rated TV-14) is based on a popular 10-volume manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki (RUROUNI KENSHIN) and introduces audiences to Kazuki Muto, a high school student who thinks he's saving a girl from a monster, but it turns out that he's the one who needs saving! Kazuki is stabbed and killed while fighting a homunculus, a malevolent creature that feeds on humans. A girl, Tokiko Tsumura, revives him by replacing his heart with an alchemical device called a kakugane. With this device, Kazuki can create his own Buso Renkin, a powerful alchemical weapon in the form of a huge lance, capable of destroying homunculi. With his new weapon, Kazuki decides to join forces with Tokiko to eliminate the evil homunculi and destroy their master, the strange and eccentric Papillon Masked Creator!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY (rated TV-14), is the second season of the hit gothic romance based on the bestselling manga series about a high school populated by a class of vampires. Yuki is torn between the two people she cares for most when Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio’s murder and Kaname refuses to attest to his innocence. Drawn deeper into the world of vampires, Yuki struggles to recall the events of ten years earlier but fails time and again. Kaname evades Yuki’s questions about the past, but when her visions of blood grow more frequent and intense, the past may come to light whether she wants it to or not!

For more information on these and other animated titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZAnime.com.

VIZ CINEMA BEGINS 2011 WITH SCREENINGS OF EVANGELION 1.0: YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE AND EVANGELION 2.0: YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE

2011-01-04T15:45:00.004-06:00

Director Hideki Anno’s Feature Film Adaptations Of One Of The Most Celebrated Anime Properties Of All Time To Screen In January

San Francisco, CA, January 4, 2010 – VIZ Cinema, the nation’s only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, opens 2011 with just-announced screenings of director Hideki Anno’s EVANGELION 1.0 YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE, playing Tuesday, January 18^th thru Wednesday, January 19^th, and EVANGELION 2.0 YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE, playing Friday, January 21^st thru Thursday January 27^th. Screenings times and ticket information are also available at www.vizcinema.com.

EVANGELION 1.0: YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE Monday, 1/17 – Thursday, 1/20

Tickets: $10.00

(Directed by Hideaki Anno, Japan, 2009, 98mins, Digital, Japanese with English subtitles)

There was no foreseeable warning before it happened – a catastrophe of unparalleled scale and magnitude overwhelmed the entire globe. This event, recorded in history as “The Second Impact,” caused half the population of the Earth to perish and devastated the world. All that remains of Japan is Tokyo-3, a city that is now being attacked by giant creatures that seek to destroy mankind. These creatures are called Angels.

Fourteen year old Shinji Ikari is called to Tokyo-3 by his father who he hasn’t seen in more than eight years. He is asked to come to the NERV headquarters to meet his father. His father reveals to him a gigantic humanoid weapons system that the special governmental agency has secretly developed to fight the Angels and then orders Shinji to pilot the giant artificial human Evangelion Unit One. With the fate of the world resting on his shoulders, how will the 14 year old boy Shinji fight? What is the truth behind “The Human Instrumentality Project,” an operation somehow related to the “Second Impact?” And who is the true enemy? The Angels, NERV, the mysterious SEELE, or the demons held within the hearts of the people involved? Gendō Ikari, a man who holds many answers to these questions, watches silently and attentively as his son fights a desperate battle…

EVANGELION 2.0: YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE Friday 1/21 – Thursday, 1/27

Tickets: $12.00

The landmark anime property evolves, reaching new heights of intensity in the new feature film, EVANGELION 2.0. In an explosive new story full of brutal action and primal emotion, a group of young pilots maneuver their towering, cyborg Eva Units into combat against a deadly and disturbing enemy. In the battle to prevent the apocalyptic Third Impact, Shinji and Rei were forced to carry humanity’s hopes on their shoulders. Now, as the onslaught of the bizarre, monstrous Angels escalates, they find their burden shared by two new Eva pilots: the fiery Asuka and the mysterious Mari. In this thrilling new experience for fans of giant robot action, the young pilots fight desperately to save mankind – and struggle to save themselves.

Animation and film director Hideki Anno is best-known for his work on the hugely popular anime television series Neon Genesis Evangelion, which ran on TV Tokyo in the mid 1990’s. Anno had been involved in the production of amateur films from his days in high school and began his film career as an animator in numerous commercial projects including Hayao Miyazaki’s landmark 1984 film Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind. Later that year, Anno helped found the animation production studio Gainax – a group that rose from the independent film production company Daicon Film – with others he had met while enrolled in Osaka University of Arts. In 2006, he established the film development and production company, Studio Khara. Anno is currently involved in the production of a new series of Evangelion films, the latest of which is EVANGELION 2.0: YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE.

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.

About NEW PEOPLE

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 21^st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.

one pice

2010-12-27T15:19:00.000-06:00

just wanted to say I'm watching it.

NEW PEOPLE ANNOUNCES ONE OF THE NATION’S BIGGEST POP CULTURE EVENTS OF THE YEAR WITH THE 2010 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

2010-06-22T15:16:00.001-05:00

One Of A Kind All-Day Event Showcases The Best In Modern Japanese Film, Fashion, Music, Art, Retail Design And Popular Culture In September

San Francisco, CA, June 22, 2010 – NEW PEOPLE, a dynamic entertainment destination bringing the latest examples of Japanese popular culture to North American shores, has announced the date for the 2010 J-Pop Summit Festival – Saturday, September 18th. The venue has also launched a web site at www.J-Pop.com to serve as a central information hub for updates on related events, film premieres and celebrity appearances planned for the day-long extravaganza that will take place in San Francisco’s Japantown.

Additional news alerts over the coming weeks will detail specific events and appearances.

A variety of fun Japanese pop-inspired attractions including fashion shows, a theatrical film premiere, live art performances, and mini-concerts by some of Japan’s hottest bands are planned for the 2010 Summit Festival both inside NEW PEOPLE, and also at the adjacent Peace Plaza and areas in between. Innovative artists and companies from the Bay area and Japan will join in with an array of products for sale in open air displays on both sides of Post Street and a food court highlighting Japanese cuisine will further complement the celebration.

Last year, more than 35,000 people attended the first J-Pop Summit Festival, which marked the Grand Opening of the NEW PEOPLE complex. The day-long event featured a trio of bands as part of the Japan Nite Special: Girls Rock Explosion as well as a rare appearance by famed artist and anime character designer Yoshitaka Amano, a Gothic And Lolita Extravaganza, a Harajuku Fashion Makeover, and the U.S. theatrical premiere of 20th Century Boys inside NEW PEOPLE’s VIZ Cinema, the country’s first theatre with a dedicated Japanese film program.

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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 in San Francisco 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.

The NEW PEOPLE complex at 1746 Post St in San Francisco’s Japantown

More than 35,000 people turned out to celebrate the opening of NEW PEOPLE in August 2009

LATEST EPISODES AIRED IN JAPAN OF POPULAR BLEACH ANIME SERIES TO START STREAMING ON VIZANIME.COM

2010-06-22T14:49:00.002-05:00

LATEST EPISODES AIRED IN JAPAN OF POPULAR BLEACH ANIME SERIES TO START STREAMING ON VIZANIME.COM

Fans Are Invited To View New Episodes On VIZAnime.com
Beginning Today For FREE!

San Francisco, CA, June 22, 2010– VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, continues to generate tremendous momentum for its popular BLEACH series with the announcement that English-subtitled episodes from the most current story arc will begin streaming for free in the U.S. via the company’s premier website for anime, VIZAnime.com. Starting today with Episode 275, VIZAnime.com will stream a new BLEACH episode one week after it has aired in Japan.

BLEACH is one of the most popular Japanese anime and manga properties in the world and this near simulcast schedule is part of VIZ Anime’s ongoing strategy to bring hit animated properties to a national audience via the web.

BLEACH is a popular manga and animated series (both rated ‘T’ for Teens), distributed domestically by VIZ Media, that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace. Episode 275, from the newest story arc in Japan, marks the start of a thrilling storyline and guarantees a series of face-offs that are sure to excite old and new BLEACH fans!

VIZAnime.com is the official online home to some of VIZ Media’s best-loved animated series, and a burgeoning social network for fans to connect and form an interactive community. Over 1,000 episodes are currently available, and new content is added on a weekly basis.

“BLEACH remains one of the most successful and popular anime series in North America, and VIZ Media continues to break down time and distance barriers by making new episodes available within days of their original airing in Japan,” says Ken Sasaki, Sr. Vice President & General Manager, VIZ Media. “VIZAnime.com is the ultimate destination for the many popular VIZ Media animated titles, and currently contains an extensive catalog of hundreds of episodes from popular shows like BLEACH, INUYASHA, NARUTO, THE PRINCE OF TENNIS and more, all offered with accurate, high-quality streaming video that is completely free for viewers!”

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga has been licensed in numerous countries around the world and has sold over 2 million copies in the US. In North America, the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed weekly by millions. This success also includes an array of related video games, apparel, action figures and other merchandise.

BLEACH animation can be viewed on Adult Swim and through a variety of other web-based video download and streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes®, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Amazon, and HULU. For more information on BLEACH, please visit bleach.viz.com. To view subtitled BLEACH animated episodes, please visit VIZAnime.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

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GIANT MONSTERS INVADE SAN FRANCICSO

2010-05-27T18:00:00.002-05:00

THE BIGGEST CELEBRITY FROM JAPAN – GODZILLA – CRASHES VIZ CINEMA FOR SPECIAL FILM AND DISCUSSION EVENTS IN MAY

VIZ Cinema Hosts Kaiju Shakedown! Godzillathon! And TokyoScope Talk Vol. 3 Features War Of The Giant Monsters Discussion And Prize Raffle Of New Gamera DVD

San Francisco, CA, April 26, 2010 – NEW PEOPLE and VIZ Cinema welcome the 3rd and latest installment of TokyoScope Talk – War of the Giant Monsters – on Friday, May 7th at 7:00pm. Join Otaku USA Editor-in-Chief Patrick Macias, Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters author August Ragone, and Japanese film critic Tomohiro Machiyama at the Bay Area’s hottest film venue for a fun and lively discussion on the “kaiju” (monster) movies featuring rare images and clips of Godzilla, Mothra, Gamera and other iconic creatures from classic Japanese sci-fi cinema. General admission tickets are $10.00.

VIZ Cinema invites Bay Area monster fans to a 5-day Kaiju Shakedown: Godzillathon!, running Saturday, May 8th thru Thursday, May 13th. Featured will be rare screenings of the Big G’s 4 most-loved films including Godzilla vs. Hedora (1971), Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973), and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974). Details and screening times at: www.vizcinema.com.

Don’t miss a rare chance to see the beauty and enormity of Godzilla in stunning 35mm prints with English subtitles and a premium THX®-certified sound system! These events may sell-out. Ticket prices: General Admission: $10.00; Senior & Child: $8.00. Advance tickets on sale at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/films/films-5-2010/#godzillathon

TokyoScope Talk – War of the Giant Monsters will feature a special raffle giveaway of premium monster collectables including the brand new DVD release from Shout! Factory of Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965). The revered classic features the original Japanese version of the film presented with fresh English subtitles and anamorphic widescreen produced from an all-new HD master created from original vault elements.

VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first 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.

About NEW PEOPLE
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.

Action-Packed New Series Created By Two Legends Of Comics And Manga debuting in SHONEN JUMP magazine

2009-08-06T11:01:00.002-05:00

Featuring Stan Lee and SHAMAN KING manga creator Hiroyuki Takei’s groundbreaking collaborative project –
ULTIMO!

Do not miss the July issue of VIZ Media's SHONEN JUMP magazine - available now featuring the debut of the serialization of the ULTIMO series

Originally announced to a packed house at a Press Conference at New York Comic Con in 2008, the serialization begins in the July issue of SHONEN JUMP magazine, ULTIMO represents a historic collaboration between comics legend Stan Lee, co-creator of many iconic superheroes including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and unconventional author/artist Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular multicultural adventure manga series SHAMAN KING, published in Japan by Shueisha and in North America by VIZ Media.

A press release is attached with all the details, I have also included the cover art.

Please feel free to let me know if you would like a copy of the magazine - or need additional information.

Erik Jansen

MediaLab

(714) 620-5017 / erik@medialab-pr.com

Press Release Is Attached And Also Follows Below:

VIZ MEDIA’S SHONEN JUMP MAGAZINE JULY ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE

FEATURING STAN LEE AND SHAMAN KING MANGA CREATOR HIROYUKI TAKEI’S

GROUNDBREAKING COLLABORATIVE PROJECT – ULTIMO

Running Action-Packed New Series Created By Two Legends Of Comics And Manga Begins With July Issue Of Monthly Manga Anthology

San Francisco, CA, JUNE 17, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the debut of the serialization of the ULTIMO series (KARAKURIDÔJI ULTIMO) in SHONEN JUMP magazine. Originally announced to a packed house at a Press Conference at New York Comic Con in 2008, the serialization begins in the July issue of SHONEN JUMP magazine, which is on sale now at retailers and newsstands nationwide.

ULTIMO represents a historic collaboration between comics legend Stan Lee, co-creator of many iconic superheroes including Spider-Man™, the Fantastic Four™, and the X-Men™, and Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular SHAMAN KING manga series, published in Japan by Shueisha and in North America by VIZ Media.

The ULTIMO back-story: High above Farmless City, citizens are stunned by the sudden appearance of two floating figures. Are they human boys, monolithic robots, or something much more strange? As the battle ensues between them, destruction and devastation falls on the hapless city. One figure is Vice, and seems to be as evil as his name implies. The other is Ultimo, intent on trying to stop Vice from wreaking more havoc. But who are Vice and Ultimo really? Where did they come from? Find out in the first chapter of ULTIMO!

“The addition of ULTIMO to SHONEN JUMP magazine marks this as a great time for both manga and comics, and we are very excited to be able to deliver this bold new story to fans every month,” says Grant Lowery, Editor-In-Chief of SHONEN JUMP. “The captivating character designs and action-packed story blend the best aspects of Western and Asian comic book traditions and will delight fans of both genres. We invite fans of both comics and manga to seize the opportunity to explore this groundbreaking new series!”

For over half a century, Stan Lee has been synonymous with superhero comics. In addition to co-creating countless memorable series and characters, including Spider-Man™, the Incredible Hulk™, and Daredevil™, he served as the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics. Lee remains a hugely respected and dynamic figure in the entertainment industry and continues to develop a variety of film, television and video game properties.

Unconventional author/artist Hiroyuki Takei began his career by winning the coveted Hop Step Award (for new manga artists) and the Osamu Tezuka Award. After working as an assistant to famed artist Nobuhiro Watsuki (RUROUNI KENSHIN), Takei debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1997 with Butsu Zone, an action series based on Buddhist mythology. His multicultural adventure manga series SHAMAN KING debuted in Japan in 1998 and has been adapted into a popular animated television series The SHAMAN KING manga series is published in North America by VIZ Media and to-date has sold more than 400,000 copies in the U.S.; for many years it was also serialized in English in VIZ Media’s SHONEN JUMP magazine.

Lee’s own company, POW! Entertainment (Pinksheets:POWN.PK), worked with Jump SQ. parent company Shueisha and with JEA and Dream Ranch to facilitate the development of ULTIMO.

For more information on ULTIMO, SHONEN JUMP and VIZ Media please visit www.shonenjump.com or www.viz.com.

About POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc.

POW! (Purveyors of Wonder) Entertainment, Inc. (Pinksheets:POWN.PK), an advanced media and entertainment company, was founded by world-famous comic book and motion picture icon Stan Lee, together with award-winning producer Gill Champion and intellectual property specialist Arthur Lieberman, Esq. POW!’s principals have extensive backgrounds in the entertainment industry encompassing the creation, production and licensing of original intellectual properties, including some of the most successful entertainment franchises of all time. POW!, capitalizing on this combined expertise, specializes in franchises for the entertainment industry, including animation and live-action feature films, plus television, DVDs, video games, merchandising and related ancillary markets, all of which contribute to global expansion. POW! partners with other individuals and entities of entertainment’s top echelon, including studios and networks, in the creation, licensing and distribution of new POW! character franchises.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

AVANT GARDE JAPANESE STREET FASHION LABELS OPEN BOUTIQUES AT NEW PEOPLE IN SAN FRANCISCO THIS SUMMER!

2009-08-06T09:47:00.003-05:00

New Japanese Pop Culture Attraction Welcomes Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, Black Peace Now, and 6%DOKIDOKI Offering Edgy Clothing, Shoes And Accessories From Tokyo’s Hippest Fashion District, And SOU •SOU, A Kyoto Brand Introducing Cool “Tabi” Sneakers

San Francisco’s newest pop culture attraction welcomes four edgy Japanese fashion labels to – NEW PEOPLE – opening August 15th in the city’s historic Japantown at 1746 Post Street. A web site with full details is available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com

NEW PEOPLE brings creations from a new vanguard of Japanese designers inspired by everything from anime and science fiction to punk rock and Gothic Horror to Victorian England and 18th Century France.

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright leads the fashion scene as the ultimate “Lolita” brand, which is a modern interpretation of classic Victorian and Rococo apparel.

Black Peace Now has become one of the top rock and roll fashion brands for punk/gothic crossover in Japan.

6%DOKIDOKI presents a vivid, fabulously strange and colorful boutique that continues the label’s penchant for avant-garde and kitsch style that’s the essence of Harajuku girl culture.

SOU • SOU from Kyoto introduces Japanese classic “Tabi” work shoes with vibrant graphic patterns.

A press release with details on each of these exciting new labels making their U.S. debut and artwork for each label is also attached.

NEW PEOPLE is a striking 20,000 square foot structure that epitomizes the latest examples Japanese popular culture expressed though film, art, fashion, and a variety of specialty boutiques and ongoing monthly events.

The project, three and a half years in the making, celebrates its Grand Opening August.15th!

Please contact me for more information on these labels and the NEW PEOPLE opening gala that will be an amazing and memorable event!

Erik Jansen

MediaLab

(714) 620-5017 / erik@medialab-pr.com

Press Release Is Attached And Also Follows Below:

FIRST TIME EVER IN THE U.S.
AVANT GARDE JAPANESE STREET FASHION LABELS OPEN BOUTIQUES AT NEW PEOPLE IN SAN FRANCISCO THIS SUMMER

New Japanese Pop Culture Attraction Welcomes Baby, The Stars Shine Bright, Black Peace Now, and 6%DOKIDOKI That Offer Edgy Clothing, Shoes And Accessories From Tokyo’s Hippest Fashion District, And SOU •SOU, A Kyoto Brand Introducing Cool “Tabi” Sneakers

San Francisco, CA, June 9, 2009 – VIZ Pictures, a Japanese live-action film distributor and producer of the J-Pop Center Project, welcomes four edgy fashion labels to San Francisco’s newest permanent Japanese pop culture attraction – NEW PEOPLE – opening August 15th in the city’s historic Japantown.

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright and Black Peace Now will open their first U.S. boutiques at NEW PEOPLE on the second floor of the 20,000 square foot structure located at 1746 Post Street. In addition to the permanent attractions, a part of the short-term rotating retail program will include 6%DOKIDOKI and SOU • SOU.

Harajuku is a district of Tokyo which holds the attention of top designers as a trend-setters’ Mecca of the world, and birthplace to many urban fashion sub-genres such as Cyberpunk, Gothic Lolita, Visual Kei and anime-inspired Cosplay. NEW PEOPLE brings creations from a new vanguard of Japanese designers inspired by everything from anime and science fiction to punk rock and Gothic Horror to Victorian England and 18th Century France.

“Fashion is the latest medium to play a significant role in the ongoing evolution of Japanese popular culture that has captivated the world,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of VIZ Media as well as the J-Pop Center Project. “Anime, manga and Japanese film are internationally known and loved. With NEW PEOPLE, we celebrate all of those genres and we’ll also transcend them by giving the U.S. a look at entirely new sides of contents from Japan including these innovators of Harajuku fashion.”

Baby, The Stars Shine Bright leads the fashion scene as the ultimate “Lolita” brand, which is a modern interpretation of classic Victorian and Rococo apparel. BABY showcases its absolutely adorable clothing obsessed with frills, ribbons and colorful prints, along with its more androgynous and mystic line of attire, ALICE and the PIRATES. Baby, The Stars Shine Bright apparel was heavily featured in the critically acclaimed film Kamikaze Girls (also available on DVD from VIZ Pictures), which was based on the best-selling novel by Novala Takemoto. The label also has a store in Paris and makes its U.S. debut at NEW PEOPLE.

“There was no such thing as ‘Lolita-inspired fashion’ when I started this company,” says Fumiyo Isobe, Co-Founder and Designer of Baby, The Stars Shine Bright. “I like cute things like frill, lace, round collars, and delicate colors with a very princess-like look. Historical decorative styles like Rococo or Victorian influence my designs as well as music and fashion from the 70s and 80s and shojo manga (comics for girls).”

Black Peace Now has become one of the top rock and roll fashion brands for punk/gothic crossover in Japan. The designs incorporate punk and gothic themes to evoke powerful and exquisite silhouettes that can range from mild to truly wild. The company’s second line, Peace Now, offers a more casual, everyday look that still retains a cute, edgy style. Widely known, worn and celebrated in Japan, clothing by Black Peace Now has appeared in numerous music videos, films and TV dramas.

“We’re thrilled to have a new U.S. home-base in San Francisco,” says Kiyoshi Igai, a founder and CEO of Black Peace Now. “We look forward to meeting our U.S. customers, hearing their feedback on our designs, and seeing how Japanese pop culture will influence customers and also how they will share their inspirations with us.”

6%DOKIDOKI welcomes NEW PEOPLE visitors to a vivid, fabulously strange and colorful boutique that continues the label’s penchant for avant-garde and kitsch style and brings genuine Harajuku girl culture to the United States for the first time. 6%DOKIDOKI is a Technicolor array of crazy fun, crazy colors and bright designs that invites shoppers to join their happy-punk-rebellion

Sebastian Masuda, 6%DOKIDOKI’s Founder and Designer, looks forward to his two-month endeavor. “I’m very excited to see how this culture will be perceived, infused, and accepted in the US. This is also a great opportunity to communicate with American teens and expand this fashion movement and create new culture.

SOU • SOU from Kyoto introduces Japanese classic “Tabi” work shoes with vibrant graphic patterns. SOU • SOU’s combination of form-fitting soles and striking modern looks has a huge following, from dancers to the sneaker-obsessed. While new and fun, each shoe is crafted by hand, preserving the best traditional techniques.

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 invokes a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination for the 21st Century.

A dedicated NEW PEOPLE web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.:

Based in San Francisco, California, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan's point of view to serve the manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include DEATH NOTE, NANA, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, LINDA LINDA LINDA, PING PONG, THE TASTE OF TEA, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO and others. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series.

For more information please visit www.viz-pictures.com or www.viz.com

© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc

About The J-pop Center Project:

Launched by creative visionary Seiji Horibuchi, the founder and CEO of VIZ Pictures and the founder of VIZ Media, The J-pop Center Project develops and extends innovative creative alliances and collaborations across different media: film, animation, music, art and retail products. For more information please visit www.NewPeopleWorld.com.

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS A SELECTION OF INTRIGUING NEW MANGA SERIES FOR RELEASE THROUGHOUT THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2009

2009-08-06T09:43:00.002-05:00

San Francisco, CA, JUNE 4, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, is previewing nine new manga series covering a variety of genres set to debut throughout the Third Quarter of 2009.

The upcoming releases feature titles that will appeal to a wide range of readers ranging from mature adult fans to adolescents, tweens and kids. New romantic debuts from the popular SHOJO BEAT imprint include Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, and BLACK BIRD, while new science fiction/fantasy manga releases will feature Ôoku: THE INNER CHAMBERS, Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee, WāqWāq and CHILDREN OF THE SEA. A special trio of all-ages titles includes CHOCO MIMI, the first VIZ Kids manga series aimed specifically at young female readers, fun reptilian adventures with DINOSAUR KING, and the official film comic from the forthcoming Studio Ghibli film, PONYO, set to debut later this summer from famed director Hayao Miyazaki.

New Science Fiction/Fantasy Titles Include:

Ôoku: The Inner ChamberS, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences · MSRP: $12.99 US / $15.00 CAN · Available August 18

In Edo period Japan, a strange new disease called the Redface Pox has begun to prey on the country’s men. Within eighty years of the first outbreak, the male population has fallen to a quarter of the total female population. Women have taken on all the roles traditionally granted to men, even that of the Shogun. The men, precious providers of life, are carefully protected, and the most beautiful of the men are sent to serve in the Shogun’s Inner Chambers.

Ôoku: THE INNER CHAMBERS was created by Fumi Yoshinaga and won a special prize at the Japanese Association of Feminist Science Fiction and Fantasy’s 5th Sense of Gender Awards in 2005. Yoshinaga has won numerous other prestigious awards for her work, including the 2002 Kodansha Manga Award for her series ANTIQUE BAKERY and the 2006 Japan Media Arts Festival Excellence Award for Ôoku. She was also was nominated for the 11th and a winner of the 12th Osamu Tezuka Award also for Ôoku, and also nominated as Best Writer/Artist for the 2008 Eisner Awards.

Announced at 2009 Book Expo last week, ÔOKU: THE INNER CHAMBERS was chosen as one of the Hot Fall Graphic Novels for Libraries.

children of the sea, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $14.99 US / $17.50 CAN · Available July 21

When Ruka was young, she once saw a ghost in the water at the aquarium where her dad works. Now she feels inexplicably drawn toward the aquarium and the two mysterious boys she meets there, Umi and Sora, who both have the ability to breathe underwater. They were raised by dugongs and hear the same strange calls from the sea that she does. Ruka’s dad and the other adults who work at the aquarium are only distantly aware of what the children are experiencing as they get caught up in the mystery of the worldwide disappearance of the ocean’s fish.

CHILDREN OF THE SEA was created by award-winning artist Daisuke Igarashi. His series, WITCHES received the Excellence Prize at the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival while LITTLE FOREST was nominated for the 2005 Ozamu Tezuka Cultural Award. CHILDREN OF THE SEA is currently serialized in IKKI magazine, which has established itself as the home of some of the most innovative, bold, and compelling series in the world of contemporary manga. VIZ Media’s VIZ Signature imprint and IKKI magazine have partnered to bring free previews of CHILDREN OF THE SEA and other stories to North American fans via a new web site at www.sigikki.com.

WāqWāq, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.50 CAN · Available August 4

Living in constant fear of attack from machines, mankind depends on the cyborg Protector corps known as the Guardians to keep them from harm as they await the arrival of the Kami, a godlike savior with mythical red blood. One day, Shio, who is the son of a Guardian, finds a red-blooded girl! Could she be the Kami they've been waiting for?

WāqWāq is a new science fiction series by Ryu Fujisaki, who also created the mythology-based manga series HOSHIN ENGI. WāqWāq and HOSHIN ENGI both originally debuted in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine and Fujisaki has also been nominated for the prestigious Osamu Tezuka Manga Award.

Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $7.95 US / $9.50 CAN · Available September 1

In Amberground, a dangerous terrain where a man-made star casts a permanent twilight, young Lag Seeing aspires to become a Letter Bee, a postman entrusted to deliver the hearts of people separated from the ones they love.

Tegami Bachi: THE LETTER BEE features detailed and lush artwork by creator Hiroyuki Asada that brings to life a fantastic alternate world filled with innovative “steampunk” technology and imagery. The new series will further be highlighted in VIZ Media’s SHONEN JUMP magazine this summer.

Announced at 2009 Book Expo last week, TEGAMI BACHI: LETTER BEE was recently chosen as one of the Hot Fall Graphic Novels for Libraries.

New SHOJO BEAT Titles Include:

Kimi ni Todoke: From Me to You, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens ·

MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available August 4

Sawako Kuronuma is the perfect heroine – for a horror movie! With her jet-black hair, sinister smile and silent demeanor, she’s often mistaken for the haunting movie character Sadako. But behind her scary façade is a very misunderstood teenager. Too shy to fit in, all she wants to do is make some friends. But when the most popular boy in class befriends her, she's sure to make more than just that--she's about to make some enemies too!

KIMI NI TODOKE: FROM ME TO YOU was created by Karuho Shiina who was born and raised in Hokkaido, Japan. Though KIMI NI TODOKE is only her second series following many one-shot stories, it has already racked up accolades from various "Best Manga of the Year" lists. Winner of the 2008 Kodansha Manga Award for the shojo category, KIMI NI TODOKE also placed fifth in the first-ever Manga Taisho (Cartoon Grand Prize) contest in 2008. An animated series is also in production in Japan. Bonus stickers are included in limited editions of Vol. 1.

Announced at 2009 Book Expo last week, KIMI NI TODOKE: FROM ME TO YOU was recently chosen as one of the Hot Fall Graphic Novels for Libraries.

BLACK BIRD, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available August 4

There is a world of myth and magic that intersects ours, and only a special few can see it. Misao Harada is one such person, but she wants nothing to do with magical realms and just wants to have a normal high school life and maybe get a boyfriend. But all that changes one day when Misao is attacked by a demon. Her childhood friend Kyo suddenly returns to save her and tend to her cuts – with his tongue! It turns out Misao is the bride of prophecy, whose blood gives power to the demon clan who claims her. But most demons want to keep her power for themselves – by eating her! Now Misao is just trying to stay alive and trying to decide if she likes it when Kyo licks her wounds.

BLACK BIRD, winner of the Shogakukan Manga Award (2009) for Shojo, is the latest shojo series from Kanoko Sakurakoji. Sakurakoji’s debut title, Raibu ga Hanetara, was serialized in Bessatsu Shojo Comic magazine (currently called Betsucomi) in 2000. Her other shojo series, BACKSTAGE PRINCE, is also published domestically by VIZ Media.

New STUDIO GHIBLI Release:

PONYO FILM COMIC, Vols. 1-2 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $9.99 US / $11.50 CAN · Available August 4 ·

Vols. 3-4 Available September 1

From the Academy Award®-winning director and world-renowned Japanese animation legend Hayao Miyazaki comes PONYO, a story inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” Already a box-office success in Japan, the story of a young and overeager goldfish named Ponyo (voiced by NOAH CYRUS) and her quest to become human features an outstanding roster of voice talent, including CATE BLANCHETT, MATT DAMON, TINA FEY, CLORIS LEACHMAN, LIAM NEESON, LILY TOMLIN, BETTY WHITE and FRANKIE JONAS as Sosuke, a young boy who befriends Ponyo.

The film from Walt Disney Studios will release on August 14, 2009. The official 4-volume film comics of PONYO re-tells the film’s story with vivid full-color frames.

New VIZ Kids Titles Include:

CHOCOMIMI, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.50 CAN · Available July 7

Meet Choco and Mimi, best friends in eighth grade. Choco is serious and reliable, while Mimi is silly and spoiled rotten--but they both have a flair for fashion! A new boy transfers into the girls' class, and he just might be Choco's type! Will a crush damage the girls' friendship?! Or will Mimi's crazy antics scare him away?

DINOSAUR KING, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $7.99 US / $9.99 CAN · Available September 1

Max Taylor is obsessed with dinosaurs. He knows his Tapejara from his Pteradon and can find fossils better than a trained paleontologist. When he discovers a stone tablet that transports him to the age of dinosaurs, it’s a dream come true—until it becomes a nightmare. An evil genius named Dr. Z has enslaved the dinosaurs so he can use their hidden powers to take over the world! Now Max has to defeat Dr. Z and his Alpha Gang to save the ancient beasts and life as we know it.

DINOSAUR KING is the official manga tie-in for the top rated animated series seen on 4KIDS TV. The DINOSAUR KING property captivates millions of kids across North America and has spawned a variety of related video games and trading cards.

For a limited time Volume 1 will include an Upper Deck Dinosaur King trading card.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Get those air guitars poised and ready as VIZ Media unleashes the wildest, shockingly funny manga - DETROIT METAL CITY!!!

2009-08-06T09:42:00.000-05:00

Johannes Krauser II Is The Outrageous Demonic Front Man Of The Heaviest Death Metal Band In Japan But Off Stage He’s A Pop Music-Listening Wimp – Can He Ever Reconcile His Two Personas?

San Francisco, CA, MAY 26, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will delight rock and roll and manga fans nationwide with the debut of DETROIT METAL CITY on June 9th. The new manga series is rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences and carries an MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $15.00 CAN. The first print run of volume one also contains limited edition tattoos.

Prepare to have your mortal soul devoured by the demonic Johannes Krauser II, front man for Detroit Metal City, the most outrageous death metal band on the Japanese indie rock scene! Soichi Negishi dreamed of moving to Tokyo and starting a bubblegum pop band, but now he’s fronting the most scandalous and demented death metal band in Japanese rock! Deep down, Soichi still dreams of acoustic guitars and trips to Paris, but when the makeup comes on and he transforms into his alter ego, Krauser II, not even the denizens of hell are safe from his soul-devouring death metal sound. Can Soichi reconcile his sensitive inner yearnings with his wild on-stage persona – the vilest hard rocker in Japanese (and possibly world) history?

DETROIT METAL CITY takes the zany rock antics inspired by films like Spinal Tap to hilarious new extremes in this witty series created by Kiminori Wakasugi. First appearing in the pages of Japan’s Young Animal manga magazine, the manga quickly became a national sensation. The series has already sold more than 2 million copies in Japan. The DETROIT METAL CITY animated counterpart has also gained a major following across North America. A live action version of the film was recently released in Japan featuring cameos by Gene Simmons (KISS) and Marty Friedman (Megadeth).

“The hilarious on- and off-stage antics of Soichi Negishi and his swaggering alter ego Johannes Krauser II promises to make DETROIT METAL CITY the most over-the-top, profane, and funniest hard rock manga satire to ever hit North American shores.” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Marketing for VIZ Media. “We look forward to it resonating not only with manga readers but also with music fans who will relish this eccentric heavy metal adventure.”

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

You are invited to visit www.sigikki.com and test out the beta launch of a brand new collaboration to bring comics the likes of which American audienc

2009-08-06T09:40:00.002-05:00

IKKI is a monthly magazine published in Japan that has established itself as the home of some of the most innovative, bold, and compelling series in the world of contemporary manga. Since its launch in 2003 IKKI has built a catalog of titles notable for its diversity. From action to comedy to drama, from slice-of-life stories to surrealist fantasies, the one common thing these works share is an uncommon emphasis on creative quality and on pushing the boundaries of the norm.

In partnership with VIZ Media and its “VIZ Signature” line of graphic novels, IKKI is bringing the works of some of its top creators to the English-language audience via a groundbreaking online monthly manga magazine.

The first series featured in this launch is CHILDREN OF THE SEA by Daisuke Igarashi. Each month, new chapters will be offered online in their entirety, for free. After the completion of the online serialization of the first volume, CHILDREN OF THE SEA volume one will become available as a VIZ Signature graphic novel.

The list of future series to be serialized includes:

BOKURANO: OURS, by Mohiro Kitoh

HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES, by Natsume Ono

DOROHEDORO, by Q Hayashida

I'LL GIVE IT MY ALL...TOMORROW, by Shunju Aono

Also, each month, new content—such as creator interviews, feature articles, news, and giveaways—will be posted on the site.

About CHILDREN OF THE SEA by Daisuke Igarashi:

When Ruka was younger, she saw a ghost in the water at the aquarium where her dad works. Now she feels drawn toward the aquarium and the two mysterious boys she meets there, Umi and Sora. They were raised by dugongs and hear the same strange calls from the sea as she does.

Ruka's dad and the other adults who work at the aquarium are only distantly aware of what the children are experiencing as they get caught up in the mystery of the worldwide disappearance of the oceans' fish.

Daisuke Igarashi is an award-winning manga creator who began his career in 1993. His series Majo received the Excellence Prize at the 2004 Japan Media Arts Festival and was nominated for the Fauve d’Or Best Comic Book Prize at the 2007 Festival International de la Bande Dessinée d'Angoulême. Little Forest was nominated for the 2006 Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize. His current series Children of the Sea is the winner of the 38th Japan Cartoonist Award and runs in IKKI magazine.

www.sigikki.com HURRY – GO CHECK IT OUT NOW!!!

And be sure to come back for updates and to check out the new series coming soon!

As always please feel free to contact me directly with any questions, I have also attached some artwork of the home page here for you to include with your story. If you need additional artwork please let me know. Please feel free to also post this new to your interested readers!

Best Regards

Erik Jansen

MediaLab

(714) 620-5017 / erik@medialab-pr.com

P.S.

(what exactly, does “IKKI” mean? Go to sigikki.com and find out!)

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES HISTORICAL BOOK - THE CENTURY OF THE BLACK SHIPS

2009-08-06T09:33:00.001-05:00

Painstakingly Researched And Written By The Vice Governor Of Tokyo Examines How Japanese Popular Literature Shaped Public Opinion And Helped Move The Country Into The Modern Era

San Francisco, CA, May 18, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has published a notable nonfiction book that presents an unconventional view of Japanese-U.S. relations. The Century of the Black Ships is available now and was written by one of Japan’s most preeminent academics, Naoki Inose, who is also current Vice Governor of Tokyo. The Century of the Black Ships carries an MSRP of $27.99 U.S. / $32.00 CAN.

Meticulously researched, the new book offers insights from a variety of Japanese writers that gave voice to the anxieties of a nation headed towards war. Not just any war, but one that would eventually be fought against the United States. Beginning when U.S. Navy Commodore Matthew C. Perry first sailed into Tokyo Bay with his fleet of so-called “Black Ships” in 1853 and demanded Japan open itself to the West, Japanese novelists and military analysts, along with select foreign counterparts, wrote extensively of the coming conflict, creating a massive body of popular works through which Japan would debate its own passage, however violently, into the modern, globalized era. Many of these opinions have rarely been read outside Japan until now.

“Naoki Inose is one of Japan’s most acclaimed nonfiction writers and we look forward to those interested in the Second World War, Japan-U.S. relations, and Asian geo-politics discovering this insightful new edition that presents a new view of the events that led to the greatest military conflict in modern history,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media.

Naoki Inose was awarded the prestigious Ōya Prize for nonfiction in 1987 for his book about the Emperor’s image, The Mikado’s Portrait. Writing on a wide range of topics ranging from literature to the economy, Inose’s meticulously researched works have explored a variety of themes related to Japan’s quest to enter the modern age. In 1996, he won the Bungei Shunju Reader’s Prize for his book, A Study of Japan, a richly documented examination of Japan’s public corporations that urged the need for structural reforms.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English-speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Starz Digital Media Launches ABEToons.com, Unveils ABE Toons Animation Talent Search

2009-06-25T08:09:00.000-05:00

New York, NY – June 23, 2009 – Starz Digital Media, an operating division of Starz Media, today announced the launch of ABE Toons (www.abetoons.com), a new online video site for top independent animators and a consumer destination for animated shorts. In celebration of the launch, the new site is announcing the “ABE Toons Talent Search,” seeking the next great animator. The ABE Toons Talent Search contest will award the grand prize winner $4,000 in cash and the opportunity to direct the production of an animated series based upon the grand prize-winning entry and with a series production value of up to $25,000. Cash prizes of $1,000 and $500 will be awarded to the top two runners-up respectively, with an additional $500 awarded to the most popular video (based on number of views).

Artists whose videos are currently featured on ABEToons.com include Tad Stones, director of the “Hellboy Animated” series and a longtime animation veteran with stints at Disney and Universal Cartoon Studios; Jennifer Shiman, creator and producer/animator for the popular and award-winning “Starz Bunnies” (“30-Second Bunnies Theater”) videos; and Sweeney & Laney, head writers on “Tripping the Rift,” a production of Starz Media’s Film Roman.

Videos on ABEToons.com are classified by genre, with featured channels including “American Manga,” “Comic Classics,” “Sick & Twisted,” “The Underground” and “Wisecrackers.”

Starz Digital Media will continue to add new content to the site in the months ahead, including video from the ABE Toons Talent Search winners. The Talent Search runs through August 31, 2009, with contest entries submitted online at ABEToons.com. Videos should be two to six minutes in length and follow guidelines detailed on the contest entry page. The grand prize winner will have the opportunity for the entry to be distributed across other sites with which Starz Digital Media partners.

“ABE Toons is a natural addition to Starz Media’s growing number of digital initiatives,” said Marc DeBevoise, senior vice president, digital media, business development and strategy for Starz Media. “Combined with our other ad-supported broadband channels built around large niches, including Manga.com and StarzBunnies.com, we are looking to take advantage of our large library across multiple media platforms and genres with professionally produced content – some of which will come from yet-to-be-discovered and alternative talent submitting entries in our search for the next animation star.”

The contest grand prize winner will also have the opportunity to work with some of the top animation producers in the industry via Starz Digital Media’s relationship with Starz Media’s two animation studios, Film Roman and Starz Animation Toronto. Film Roman’s work includes “The Simpsons,” “The Goode Family” and two new series for Marvel Entertainment, as well as Starz Media’s “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!,” an animated preschool series that airs on Nick Jr. in the U.S. and in more than 50 other markets around the world. Starz Animation Toronto recently completed Focus Features’ upcoming Tim Burton-produced movie 9 and is currently animating two more major theatrical features – including Gnomeo & Juliet, for Miramax Films and Elton John’s Rocket Pictures – as well as a broadcast network primetime holiday special.

Contest judges include DeBevoise, Film Roman Head of Studio Jay Fukuto, Starz Animation Toronto Head of Studio David Steinberg and animation producer (9, Finding Nemo) Jinko Gotoh.

About Starz Digital Media
Starz Digital Media, an operating division of Starz Media, LLC, is responsible for all digital and on-demand distribution of library content from Overture Films, Anchor Bay Entertainment, Starz Originals from Starz Entertainment, and Manga Entertainment. Through a range of distribution and marketing partnerships with multichannel video providers, Internet distributors and wireless operators worldwide, Starz Digital Media makes its content available under numerous business models including download-to-own/electronic sell-through, video-on-demand, pay-per-view, subscription video-on-demand and ad-supported streaming. The division also programs and supports numerous ad-supported broadband channels and develops games and gaming-related content from many of its properties for distribution worldwide.

About Starz Media
Starz Media, LLC, is a programming production and distribution company operating worldwide. It includes the Film Roman, Anchor Bay Entertainment and Manga Entertainment brands. Its units create animated and live-action programming – including theatrical films – and programming created under contract for other media companies. It distributes that programming, and programming acquired from outside producers, through home video retailers, theaters, broadcasters, ad-supported and premium television channels, and Internet and wireless video distributors in the U.S. and internationally. Starz Media (www.starzmedia.com) is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Capital Group.

###

Contacts:

Eric Becker Matt Biscuiti
Starz Entertainment & Starz Digital Media The Lippin Group for Starz Digital Media
(720) 852-4065 (212) 986-7080
eric.becker@starz.com matt@lippingroup.com

Eric W. Becker
Executive Director of Corporate Communications
Starz Entertainment and Starz Digital Media
8900 Liberty Circle
Englewood, CO 80112
(720) 852-4065 (direct)
(720) 852-8555 (fax)
(303) 638-3469 (cell)
(720) 852-7700 (switchboard)
eric.becker@starz.com
www.starz.com

VIZ MEDIA’S RELEASE OF NEW MANGA – IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT WILL BRING ABOUT QUESTIONS OF JUSTICE, SOCIETY AND THE BEST WAY TO REALLY APPRECIATE LI

2009-05-14T06:52:00.001-05:00

“Depending on how a person lives their last day, the ikigami can be a death sentence, or an invitation to really live.”

San Francisco, CA, May 14, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, sends a chill down the spines of readers this month with the North American debut of Motoro Mase’s harrowing and suspenseful manga series – IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT – available now! IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT is rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences and carries an MSRP of $12.99 US / $15.00 CAN.

In a futuristic dystopian Japan there is new slant on crime deterrence with a sinister policy with an ironic twist. Each day a randomly-selected person is put to death to remind the population of the very value of life. Those who are condemned to die receive an official government notice the day before, called an ikigami, alerting them of impending doom in 24 hours.

“Dear Citizen: You’ve no doubt noticed that the world is a troubled place. People are apathetic, lazy, unmotivated. You’ve probably asked yourself: Why isn’t anything being done to stop this systematic decline? Well, you’ll be happy to know that measures have been taken. We, your government, have decided society needs a wake-up call. So beginning today, we will randomly select a different citizen who will be killed within 24 hours of notification. We believe this will help remind all people how precious life is, and how important it is to be productive, active members of society… CONGRATULATIONS! YOU HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT…TO DIE IN 24 HOURS!”

“IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT presents a stark vision of the future echoed in George Orwell’s 1984 and in films such as The Matrix and Soylent Green. It asks tough questions about the real value of life, crime and deterrence and what’s best for the majority,” says Joel Enos, Senior Editor, VIZ Media. “Readers will undoubtedly reflect upon their own lives and what they hold dear as they witness how each of the persons that receive an ikigami react to their sentence. Is there an urge to retaliate and become angry or simply accept one’s fate for the betterment of larger society? Readers will surely ponder their own answers in this intense new series.”

IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT originally debuted in Young Sunday and the manga has sold more than one million copies in Japan. Its popularity further inspired a live-action film that was released in 2008 in Japan starring the popular young actor, Shota Matsuda. Acclaimed artist and manga creator, Motoro Mase was also nominated for Shogakukan’s 43rd Grand Prize for best comic by a new artist.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Full Metal Alchemist 2 Brotherhood

2009-05-04T07:50:00.001-05:00

Today, we introduce the popular Full Metal Alchemist 2 Brotherhood to the Hulu service. Episodes of Full Metal Alchemist 2 Brotherhood will stream on Hulu two weeks after they air in Japan. You can also find a number of other Anime shows on Hulu including current episodes of Naruto Shippuden, Naruto, Bleach and Death Note to name a few.

Please let me know if you have any questions and make sure to visit www.hulu.com/anime for a more in-depth look at Hulu?s Anime Channel. Also, for the latest updates on everything Hulu, follow us at www.twitter.com/hulu_headlines. Enjoy!

VIZ MEDIA TO DAZZLE MANGA AND SUPERHERO FANS WITH A SPECIAL SHONEN JUMP MANGA SAMPLER FEATURING ULTIMO FOR 2009 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

2009-05-04T06:47:00.002-05:00

VIZ MEDIA TO DAZZLE MANGA AND SUPERHERO FANS WITH A SPECIAL SHONEN JUMP MANGA SAMPLER FEATURING ULTIMO FOR 2009 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

32-Page Sampler Of Best Selling Monthly Manga Anthology Features Groundbreaking Adventure

Created By Stan Lee And Hiroyuki Takei

San Francisco, CA, April 30, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will participate in the annual 2009 Free Comic Book Day – Saturday, May 2nd – with a special 32-page SHONEN JUMP sampler (rated ‘T’ for Teens) featuring a chapter of Ultimo, one of the newest serialized manga adventures in the best-selling monthly manga anthology. Free Comic Book Day is held annually on the first Saturday in May when thousands of comic book stores, publishers and retailers give away select comic titles for free. The event is designed to reach out to those not yet familiar with comics and manga and also to preview exciting new titles to existing fans.

Ultimo is the historic collaboration between comic book legend Stan Lee, creator of many iconic superheroes, including Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men, and Hiroyuki Takei, the creator of the popular Shaman King manga series. The new series, which is serialized in SHONEN JUMP, represents a unique East-meets-West partnership between a creative titan of the manga genre with the man who is synonymous with superhero comics. Also included in the Sampler is a special look at every single SHONEN JUMP manga series, an Ultimo pinup (of a character that may look familiar to Stan Lee fans), and an insightful interview with both Stan Lee and Hiroyuki Takei.

“We’re very pleased to announce SHONEN JUMP's participation in Free Comic Book Day,” says Grant Lowery, Editor-In-Chief, SHONEN JUMP Magazine. “SHONEN JUMP is the nation’s top selling manga anthology combining chapters from some of the most popular action manga in the world with informative game, entertainment and cultural editorial, creating a unique destination for readers looking to broaden their shonen experience. Our special Sampler for the 2009 Free Comic Book Day will interest both superhero fans and readers of Western comics as well as manga fans and also those brand new to the comic book genre. We invite everyone to visit their local participating comic book shop or retailer on Saturday to pick up this special copy!”

For more information on SHONEN JUMP please visit www.shonenjump.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES A CAPTIVATING LINE UP OF NEW ANIMATED AND LIVE-ACTION DVD RELEASES FOR SECOND QUARTER 2009

2009-05-04T06:44:00.002-05:00

San Francisco, CA, JULY 29, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced a diverse collection of new animated and live-action titles scheduled for release throughout the Second Quarter of 2009.

The new releases include DEATH NOTE RELIGHT: VISIONS OF A GOD, which retells the groundbreaking DEATH NOTE psychological crime drama from an entirely new perspective. Also set for release is the concluding DVD Box Set of the DEATH NOTE animated series. New BLEACH episodic and NARUTO box set editions are also scheduled for release, along with the next Box Set compilation of HUNTER X HUNTER. INUYASHA fans will delight in the debut of the final Season 7 Box Set edition containing the series’ cliffhanger finale, while younger fans can look forward to four new Pokémon DVDs that highlight their favorite characters.

Many of these releases are also available as Special Editions featuring collectible figurines. In the Live Action realm, VIZ Pictures will debut the live-action comedy/drama HAPPILY EVER AFTER. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

New DEATH NOTE Releases Include:

DEATH NOTE RELIGHT: VISIONS OF A GOD · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 23

Light and L have battled to the bitter end over the Death Note — but what does the DEATH NOTE saga look like from Ryuk’s point of view? When rogue shinigami Ryuk deliberately drops his Death Note in the human world out of boredom, he has no idea how far the human who picks it up will take his newfound power. With the Death Note in hand, brilliant high school student Light Yagami vows to rid the world of evil, and when criminals begin dropping dead one by one, genius detective L steps in to track down the elusive killer known as Kira. An epic battle of wits pitting one brilliant mind against another unfolds — with the very future of humanity at stake! Ryuk’s not bored anymore!

DEATH NOTE DVD Box Set Volume 2 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available Now!

In the concluding DVD Box Set of this edgy crime thriller, Light Yagami is close to creating a world in which he holds ultimate authority over right and wrong through the power of the Death Note. But many obstacles remain, including a second Death Note user who has his own nefarious goals, and the two brilliant protégés of L, the genius detective who once vowed to expose the identity of the Death Note’s owner. Light is confident that he can prevail, but as the surviving players in the game converge for a final showdown, whose name will be the last one written in the Death Note? This is the final installment in the series, covering the last 17 episodes. A special bonus disc also includes 90 minutes of extra content.

New NARUTO Releases Include:

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 13 Special Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available Now!

Naruto summons a couple of old amphibious pals – Gamakichi and Gamatatsu – to help him solve a mystery surrounding a mysterious Cursed Warrior. Back at home, there's nothing more motivating for Choji and Naruto than a bowl of steaming hot Ichiraku ramen, and they're really going to have to sing for their supper when the owner's daughter is kidnapped! Can they get her back and save the restaurant's secret recipes in time for dinner? Then, Anko must face the darkness in her past when she's called to lead a mission to a place she once visited with her former sensei, Orochimaru! Will facing the truth save the mission – or break her forever? Special Edition Box Set features 14 episodes on 3 discs and includes a collectible Mininja figurine of Kakashi.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 13 Standard Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available Now!

Standard Edition set features the same episodes as Special Edition but no collectible Kakashi Mininja is included.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 14 Special Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN · Available May 26

The ninja of the Hidden Leaf Village are summoned on a new mission to the Land of Stars, where a meteorite with incredible powers has been stolen! Naruto and the others begin to suspect it was an inside job when they learn that the ninja who stole the star used a special ninjutsu known only to the Star Village. Then, Choji, Hinata and Naruto set out for the Land of Greens to protect a group of merchants, one of whom turns out to be a princess! When Hinata is threatened by an evil ninja to reveal the princess's whereabouts or Naruto will be hurt, will she choose to save a princess or the boy she loves? Special Edition Box Set features 14 episodes on 3 discs and includes a collectible Mininja figurine of Neji.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 14 Standard Edition · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available May 26

Standard Edition set features the same episodes as Special Edition but no collectible Neji Mininja is included.

New BLEACH Releases Include:

BLEACH Volume 16 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 12

The latest BLEACH edition sees Ichigo and friends finally resuming their regular lives at home and school after their adventures in the Soul Society. But strange disappearances keep occurring and no culprit is in sight. Something strange has followed them home and it will put their faith and trust in each other to the test. Single Disc Edition features 4 original uncut episodes.

BLEACH Volume 17 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available June 16

A powerful new enemy has appeared in Karakura Town. Known as Bounts, these creatures literally suck the souls from humans. Rukia, Yoruichi and Soi Fon are sent from the Soul Society to investigate, and Urahara enlists the help of three mod souls to assist Ichigo and friends in preventing the deadly attacks. Single Disc Edition features 4 original and uncut episodes.

New HUNTER X HUNTER Releases Include:

HUNTER X HUNTER Box Set Volume 2 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN · Available Now!

The second of four complete DVD box sets of the HUNTER X HUNTER action/adventure fantasy series from Yoshihiro Togashi the creator of YUYU HAKUSHO. Gon and his friends have passed the first two stages of the Hunter Exam, but they still have three more grueling phases to complete. In the latest episodes, the hopeful candidates must escape the maze-like Trick Tower and survive a free-for-all on an isolated island before they can battle it out in the final tournament. As the wild adventures with treasure hunting, magical beasts, and bounty hunters continue, will Gon and his friends prove their worth and earn the right to call themselves Hunters? Find out in this new Box Set that features 15 episodes on 3 discs.

New INUYASHA Releases Include:

INUYASHA Season 7 DVD Box Set Special Edition · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $119.89 US / $169.99 CAN · Available April 28

This set is the final installment of the legendary INUYASHA series inspired by Rumiko Takahashi’s smash-hit manga series. The story of the priestess Kikyo and half-demon Inuyasha ended in tragedy. As the series reaches its exciting finale, will Inuyasha and Kagome's story have a happier ending? Each battle draws the group closer to their ultimate goal – the border of the afterlife and the final shard of the sacred Shikon Jewel. But the last stage of the journey is the most difficult of all. In their final battle with Naraku, will the bond between Kagome and Inuyasha prove strong enough to vanquish him at last? The Box Set features 21 episodes on 4 discs. Special Edition also includes a collectible figure of Inuyasha wielding his powerful Tetsusaiga sword.

INUYASHA Season 7 DVD Box Set Standard Edition · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $99.94 US / $142.99 CAN · Available April 28

Standard Edition set features the same episodes as Special Edition but no collectible Inuyasha figure is included.

New POKÉMON Releases Include:

POKÉMON ALL STARS Volume 19 Torchic · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN · Available Now!

POKÉMON ALL STARS Volume 20 Onix · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN · Available Now!

Following the Pokémon 10th Anniversary celebration set, the Pokémon All Stars series consist of DVD releases commemorating top Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a single character with three all-time favorite episodes featuring their adventures. Collect them all!

Volume 19 Includes 3 Torchic episodes:

1. In The Knicker Of Time

2. Having A Wailord Of A Time

3. A Shroomish Skirmish

Volume 20 Includes 3 Onix episodes:

1. Showdown In Pewter City

2. To Master The Onixpected

3. Hooked On Onix

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 1: Grass · Rated 'A' for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 each US / $14.99 each CAN · Available July 28

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 2: Fire · Rated 'A' for All Ages · MSRP: $9.98 each US / $14.99 each CAN · Available July 28

Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes. Collect them all!

Volume 1 Includes 3 Grass-type episodes:

1. Grass Hysteria!

2. The Grass Root

3. Now That’s Flower Power!

Volume 2 Includes 3 Fire-type episodes:

1. The Flame Pokémon-athon!

2. Good ‘Quil Hunting

3. All Torkoal, No Play

New VIZ Pictures Releases Include:

HAPPILY EVER AFTER · NOT RATED · MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN · Available May 12

In this new live-action release, Yukie Morita (Miki Nakatani) works hard to make ends meet while her husband Isao (Hiroshi Abe) hangs around all day gambling away their savings and getting into trouble. 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 their unconditional love keeps them together through happiness and through hard times.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER was a box-office hit in Japan and based on a best-selling manga. This bittersweet comedy combines a visually-striking cinematography, a heartwarming storyline with love and friendship and a top cast of actors and will be enjoyed by all members of the family.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

JAPAN’S WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY MAGAZINE AND VIZ MEDIA TRANSPORT READERS TO THE RUMIC WORLD WITH THE SIMULTANEOUS EAST-WEST DEBUT OF RUMIKO TAKAHASHI’S N

2009-04-23T07:23:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JAPAN’S WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY MAGAZINE AND VIZ MEDIA TRANSPORT READERS TO THE RUMIC WORLD WITH THE SIMULTANEOUS EAST-WEST DEBUT OF RUMIKO TAKAHASHI’S NEWEST MANGA SERIES RIN-NE

Visit The Official Rumiko Takahashi English Language Web Site - TheRumicWorld.com
On April 22nd For The Latest Work
From One Of The Greatest Creative Forces In Manga

San Francisco, CA, Date April 15th, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announces the debut of a new manga series from legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi. The series, titled RIN-NE, will be launching simultaneously April 22nd exclusively in Japan in WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY magazine and online for North American audiences on www.TheRumicWorld.com, the brand new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information. Through this unprecedented collaboration, a new chapter of RIN-NE will be released each week for English-speaking manga fans to enjoy at the same time as their Japanese peers.

As a child Sakura Mamiya mysteriously disappeared in the woods behind her grandma’s home. She returned whole and healthy, but since then she has had the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! At school, the desk next to Sakura’s has been empty since the start of the school year, then one day her always-absent classmate shows up, and he’s far more than what he seems!

RIN-NE is the first new manga from Takahashi since her epic INUYASHA (published domestically by VIZ Media) ended in 2008 in Japan. Shogakukan’s popular WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY manga magazine has featured Takahashi’s work since the early 1980’s. With over 170 million copies sold in Japan alone, Takahashi’s substantial catalog of work continues to be loved by legions of devoted readers.

“Rumiko Takahashi is an artist without equal and her creative contribution to the manga genre is immeasurable. We’re extremely honored to present her long-awaited new series RIN-NE simultaneously with SHONEN SUNDAY” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media. “Rumiko Takahashi’s talent for creating endearing and memorable characters combined with comedy, love, fantasy, and action shines wonderfully in RIN-NE. Her signature style has come to be known as the ‘Rumic World,’ and it would not be an overstatement to call it a genre all its own. We invite fans across North America to visit her official web site on April 22nd for the English debut of RIN-NE and encourage them to check back regularly for the latest chapters in this groundbreaking series.”

The spotlight on Rumiko Takahashi's career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan’s annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another—Maison Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987, Ranma ½ from 1987 to 1996, and Inuyasha from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, and One-Pound Gospel. Takahashi won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award twice in her career, once for Urusei Yatsura in 1981 and the second time for Inuyasha in 2002. A majority of the Takahashi canon has 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. While her series are difficult to pin down into one simple genre, the signature style she has created has come to be known as the “Rumic World.” Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

###

First time ever for a Rumiko Takahashi manga series- - - Simultaneous East/West online publishing of her newest manga series RIN-NE

2009-04-23T07:22:00.000-05:00

REMINDER ! Don't miss the first chapter of Rumiko Takahashi's new manga - RIN-NE - online NOW at www.TheRumicWorld.Com

(I have attached a copy of the Press Relase that went out last week - in case you missed it)

RIN-NE is the first new manga from Takahashi since her epic INUYASHA (published domestically by VIZ Media) ended in 2008 in Japan.

As a child Sakura Mamiya mysteriously disappeared in the woods behind her grandma’s home. She returned whole and healthy, but since then she has had the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! At school, the desk next to Sakura’s has been empty since the start of the school year, then one day her always-absent classmate shows up, and he’s far more than what he seems!

AND....More news!

NEW RELEASES - INUYASHA comes out in a new VIZBIG edition!
VIZ Media will publish Rumiko Takahashi's Inuyasha in a VIZBIG edition, collecting three volumes in one, in the right-to-left reading orientation, in an oversized format on quality paper with select color pages, for $17.99. The first volume will release in November 2009 and subsequent volumes will release quarterly.

Regular volumes of INUYASHA will be released monthly in their original right-to-left reading orientation starting with Volume 38 in July 2009. We have been releasing the series quarterly until now.

Feel free to request copies if you’re interested to review Inuyasha!

Erik Jansen

MediaLab

(714) 620-5017 / erik@medialab-pr.com

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES NARUTO SHIPPUDEN PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN WITH TRANS WORLD ENTERTAINMENT FOR FYE AND SUNCOAST STORES NATIONWIDE

2009-04-23T07:20:00.001-05:00

FYE And Suncoast Customers Who Purchase $20.00 Of NARUTO Merchandise Will Receive A Special Free NARUTO Shippuden Sampler DVD

San Francisco, CA, April 22, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has launched a special NARUTO Shippuden promotional campaign with Trans World Entertainment, a leading specialty retailer of entertainment software, including music, video and video games and related products. Beginning today Trans World customers who purchase $20.00 worth of NARUTO Shippuden merchandise at any of the company’s more than 500 participating FYE and Suncoast stores will receive a free NARUTO Shippuden Sampler DVD, while supplies last.

The special Sampler DVD features the entire first episode of the new NARUTO Shippuden story arc, along with a video game trailer for Namco Bandai's NARUTO Shippuden Ultimate Ninja 4 and a variety of colorful downloadable NARUTO Shippuden wallpaper designs that allow fans to customize their computer desktops.

“We are very excited to launch this special NARUTO Shippuden promotional campaign with Trans World Entertainment,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “The free-with purchase Sampler disc, which includes the entire first episode of NARUTO Shippuden, is an ideal introduction to the newest story arc. NARUTO has captivated millions in print, on the web, on TV and DVD and its continued international popularity has transformed the property into a true pop culture phenomenon. We invite new and existing fans alike to visit their local FYE or Suncoast store and pick up this fun new Sampler DVD as a free bonus to complement their next NARUTO Shippuden purchase!”

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85 million copies to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for teens, and NARUTO Shippuden rated ‘T+’ for older teens), is one of VIZ Media’s most successful properties and has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America. NARUTO is a co-production of TV TOKYO, VIZ Media parent company Shueisha Inc., and Pierrot Co., Ltd.

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja in training, wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO Shippuden begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks—except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi… well, he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily about becoming a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

Earlier NARUTO Shippuden episodes are currently available for free at www.Naruto.com and through a variety of other web-based, video streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including Joost and Hulu.

More information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.

About Trans World Entertainment

Trans World Entertainment is a leading specialty retailer of entertainment software, including music, video and video games and related products. The Company operates retail stores in the United States, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, primarily under the names f.y.e. for your entertainment and Suncoast and on the web at www.fye.com, www.wherehouse.com, www.secondspin.com, www.samgoody.com and www.suncoast.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

JAPAN'S WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY MAGAZINE AND VIZ MEDIA TRANSPORT READERS TO THE RUMIC WORLD WITH THE SIMULTANEOUS EAST-WEST DEBUT OF RUMIKO TAKAHASHI'S NEWEST MANGA SERIES RIN-NE

2009-04-16T07:02:00.002-05:00

Visit The Official Rumiko Takahashi English Language Web Site - TheRumicWorld.com

On April 22^nd For The Latest Work

From One Of The Greatest Creative Forces In Manga

San Francisco, CA, April 15^th, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announces the debut of a new manga series from legendary creator Rumiko Takahashi. The series, titled RIN-NE, will be launching simultaneously April 22^nd exclusively in Japan in WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY magazine and online for North American audiences on www.TheRumicWorld.com, the brand new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information. Through this unprecedented collaboration, a new chapter of RIN-NE will be released each week for English-speaking manga fans to enjoy at the same time as their Japanese peers.

As a child Sakura Mamiya mysteriously disappeared in the woods behind her grandma’s home. She returned whole and healthy, but since then she has had the power to see ghosts. Now a teenager, she just wishes the ghosts would leave her alone! At school, the desk next to Sakura’s has been empty since the start of the school year, then one day her always-absent classmate shows up, and he’s far more than what he seems!

RIN-NE is the first new manga from Takahashi since her epic INUYASHA (published domestically by VIZ Media) ended in 2008 in Japan. Shogakukan’s popular WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY manga magazine has featured Takahashi’s work since the early 1980’s. With over 170 million copies sold in Japan alone, Takahashi’s substantial catalog of work continues to be loved by legions of devoted readers.

“Rumiko Takahashi is an artist without equal and her creative contribution to the manga genre is immeasurable. We’re extremely honored to present her long-awaited new series RIN-NE simultaneously with SHONEN SUNDAY” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media. “Rumiko Takahashi’s talent for creating endearing and memorable characters combined with comedy, love, fantasy, and action shines wonderfully in RIN-NE. Her signature style has come to be known as the ‘Rumic World,’ and it would not be an overstatement to call it a genre all its own. We invite fans across North America to visit her official web site on April 22^ndfor the English debut of RIN-NE and encourage them to check back regularly for the latest chapters in this groundbreaking series.”

The spotlight on Rumiko Takahashi's career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan’s annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular in their own right. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another—Maison Ikkoku ran from 1980 to 1987, Ranma ½ from 1987 to 1996, and Inuyasha from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include Mermaid Saga, Rumic Theater, and One-Pound Gospel. Takahashi won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award twice in her career, once for Urusei Yatsura in 1981 and the second time for Inuyasha in 2002. A majority of the Takahashi canon has 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. While her series are difficult to pin down into one simple genre, the signature style she has created has come to be known as the “Rumic World.” Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

###

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VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NARUTO ENGLISH DUBBED UNCUT EPISODES ON JOOST AND HULU

2009-04-13T15:27:00.001-05:00

Innovative Online Video Streaming Services To Now Carry English Dubbed Uncut Episodes in North America

San Francisco, CA, April 13, 2009 — VIZ Media, LLC., one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies has announced the availability of English dubbed uncut episodes of NARUTO anime on Joost.com and Hulu.com beginning on April 15th. Joost and Hulu are both online video services that offer hit TV shows, movies and clips — all for free. The first five episodes of NARUTO (English dubbed) will launch on April 15th with a new English dubbed episode launching every Wednesday thereafter. Each episode will stream on both Joost (US and Canada) and Hulu (US) for approximately 5 weeks then rotate off the site making room for the next new episodes.

Joost is a global service with more than 48,000 program elements from more than 300 content partners, including more than 400 television series, 1,200 movie and short film titles and 15,000 music videos. Hulu has more than 41,000 video assets from more than 140 content partners and offers nearly 1,300 show and movie titles, including 300 full-length feature films and 550 television series, with hundreds of videos added to the service each week. NARUTO subtitled versions launched on both Joost and Hulu in September 2008.

The launch of the NARUTO English dubbed episodes 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. Joost and Hulu both provide 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.

NARUTO has emerged as one of the world's most popular Japanese animated series, attracting millions of devoted viewers with a blend of stylish animation, multi-faceted characters and riveting story lines. This animation is based on the popular manga series and enjoys tremendous international popularity. In North America, NARUTO (rated TV-14) has become the hottest animated series and is one of VIZ Media’s most successful manga and animated properties in terms of sales.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO depicts the adventures of a young boy named Uzumaki Naruto who trains to become a ninja. The boy is cursed with the spirit of a nine-tailed fox demon and is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. Naruto is resilient and undaunted in his quest to become a master ninja and his determination often inspires those around him. Through amazing adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right vs. wrong. Dedicated website at www.naruto.com.

“We’re very excited to launch uncut dubbed NARUTO episodes on both Joost and Hulu and offer fans the opportunity to watch their favorite ninja online for free anytime,” says Ken Sasaki, Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “The availability of these episodes, uncut and featuring a very talented English voice cast, will undoubtedly help grow the online audience for NARUTO and also attract many new viewers. Joost and Hulu both offer dedicated anime channels with a variety of VIZ Media offerings, and we invite fans to visit each Wednesday for a fun new adventure featuring the world’s most popular ninja!”

To view NARUTO English dubbed uncut episodes, please visit Joost.com and/or Hulu.com beginning April 15th.

For more information on NARUTO and to view free episodes of NARUTO Shippuden animation (English Subtitled) please visit www.Naruto.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

###

VIZ MEDIA NOMINATED IN MULTIPLE CATEGORIES FOR THE 2009 WILL EISNER COMIC INDUSTRY AWARDS

2009-04-13T06:52:00.001-05:00

NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER, SOLANIN, CAT EYED BOY And COWA! Among The Titles Nominated

San Francisco, CA, April 9, 2006 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announced today that four of their manga titles have been nominated in several categories for the 2009 Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards, as unveiled by Comic-Con International on April 7, 2009.

Named for pioneering writer and comic artist Will Eisner, the awards recognize exemplary comics, graphic novels and other pop writings, and are given each year as part of the annual Comic-Con International convention. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on the evening of Friday July 24th during Comic-Con, at which VIZ Media will be a major exhibitor and participant in the programs offered. VIZ Media took home the 2008 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material – Japan for its release TEKKONKINKREET: BLACK & WHITE, by acclaimed creator Taiyo Matsumoto.

The nominated titles from VIZ Media are:

CAT EYED BOY, by Kazuo Umezu
• Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Japan

COWA!, by Akira Toriyama
• Best Publication for Kids

NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER, by Naoki Urasawa
• Best Continuing Series
• Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Japan

SOLANIN, by Inio Asano
• Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Japan

“We are absolutely thrilled that some of the more sophisticated titles from our VIZ Signature imprint have been recognized as well as the recent hit title for young readers -COWA!,” states Elizabeth Kawasaki, Sr. Editorial Director, VIZ Media. "These awards recognize excellence in the comics industry, and we are honored to be considered among such a diverse group of nominees.”

CAT EYED BOY • by Kazuo Umezu • VIZ Signature • Rated “T+” for Older Teens
CAT EYED BOY is a chilling concoction of dark vignettes dripping with the macabre, the grotesque and the absurd. Cat Eyed Boy is a half-human, half-monster child whose mostly human appearance bans him from the demon world. He lives hidden in the shadows of the human world, hated by humans and demons alike. Wherever he goes, awful events occur as the humans and demons interact. In 11 stories of revenge and retribution full of disturbing images, Cat Eyed Boy acts as a trickster, saving the innocent and helping the wicked receive the punishment that fate metes out. CAT EYED BOY was created by Kazuo Umezu, the undisputed master of Japanese horror manga and creator of the critically acclaimed THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM (also published by VIZ Media).

COWA! • by Akira Toriyama • SHONEN JUMP • Rated “A” for All Ages
COWA!, is a spooktacular manga for kids! Paifu, a half-vampire half-werekoala, is always getting into trouble with his best buddy, José the ghost. But when the Monster Flu sweeps through town, the fun and games are over. If the monsters don't get the medicine soon, everyone will die! With all the adults sick, it's up to the kids to save the day! Akira Toriyama is also the creator of the much-beloved DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z (also published by VIZ Media under the SHONEN JUMP imprint).

NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER • by Naoki Urasawa • VIZ Signature • Rated “T+” for Older Teens (NOMINATED IN TWO CATEGORIES)
The award-winning NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER weaves the riveting story of brilliant Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a famous surgeon with a promising career at a leading hospital. Tenma risks his reputation and promising career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy. Unbeknownst to him, this child is destined for a terrible fate. A string of strange and mysterious murders begin to occur soon afterward, ones that professionally benefit Dr. Tenma, and he emerges as the primary suspect. Conspiracies, serial murders, and a scathing depiction of the underbelly of hospital politics are all masterfully woven together in this compelling manga thriller. VIZ Media has recently started releasing the first volumes of Naoki Urasawa’s two newest series, NAOKI URASAWA’S 20TH CENTURY BOYS and PLUTO: URASAWA X TEZUKA.

SOLANIN • by Inio Asano • VIZ Signature • Rated “T+” for Older Teens
Critically acclaimed SOLANIN tells the story of Meiko Inoue, a recent college grad working as an office lady in a job she hates. Her boyfriend Naruo is permanently crashing at her apartment because his job as a freelance illustrator doesn't pay enough for rent. And her parents in the country keep sending her boxes of veggies that just rot in her fridge. Straddling the line between her years as a student and the rest of her life, Meiko struggles with the feeling that she's just not cut out to be a part of the real world. In addition to SOLANIN, VIZ Media will also be releasing Inio Asano’s two-volume WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD! later this year.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. .Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

###

VIZ MEDIA OPENS A FUN NEW VIRTUAL STORE ON LEADING ONLINE 3D SOCIAL NETWORKING DESTINATION SITE THERE.COM

2009-04-07T12:53:00.001-05:00

Store Offers Creative Options To Customize Avatar Characters With An Array Of Clothing Inspired By Smash-Hit Anime Series BLEACH

April 8th Party in There.com’s 3D Virtual World At Tropical Adventures To Celebrate Grand Opening

San Francisco, CA, April 7, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has teamed with Makena Technologies, creator of the 3D social virtual world There.com, to launch a special new VIZ Media store within the popular 3D social networking destination. The store opened on March 26th and initially will carry a variety of virtual apparel inspired by the smash-hit animated property BLEACH, which There.com members can purchase to further customize the appearance of their avatars. Additional items inspired by other popular animated properties will be added in the near future. A complete catalog of the VIZ Media BLEACH items is available at www.There.com.

Makena Technologies developed There.com as an online social network that offers a multitude of vibrant places to hang out with friends and meet up with people. It has become one of the most popular destinations of its type. The VIZ Media store will offer a wide variety of BLEACH-themed t-shirts, pants and other apparel that users can purchase or rent with Therebucks, the virtual currency accepted on the There.com site.

A special virtual BLEACH party is planned for April 8th, 8 PM to 9 PM EST/ 5 PM to 6 PM PST. Fans are encouraged to visit There.com (www.There.com/vizmedia) and go to Tropical Adventures for a chance to win a free BLEACH t-shirt for their avatar and also meet other fans.

“We are very excited to continue working with social networks to launch the first VIZ Media virtual store which offers more options to add a creative flair to avatars with a variety of BLEACH-inspired apparel," says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Product Marketing. "There.com supports individuality, diversity and self-expression and we recognize and embrace the dramatic ways the internet and virtual worlds such as There.com have allowed people to connect, socialize and share common interests and hobbies. With the new VIZ Media store offerings, fans can use some expressive ways to show their love of anime.”

There.com gives users (PC only) plenty of ways to participate in fun activities such as racing vehicles, playing cards, flying, playing paintball, hover-boarding and even training virtual pets. Users can custom design nearly everything about their environments ranging from individual homes and vehicles to furniture. There.com also offers special interest groups devoted to varied topics, including anime and manga.

"There.com offers our members so many ways to express their diverse interests and we’re happy that the VIZ media store will allow people to share their passions for Japanese manga and anime,” said Michael Wilson, CEO of Makena Technologies. “In addition, There.com is an ideal fit with the demographics of BLEACH fans since we are a PG-13 world where members of all ages can socialize without being exposed to mature content.”

BLEACH is a popular manga and animated series (both rated ‘T’ for Teens), distributed domestically by VIZ Media, that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace. The pair encounters plenty of action as they investigate an intriguing range of spiritual mysteries and frequently run into all manner of malevolent and usually violent spirits and demons that are reluctant to return to their own world peacefully.

BLEACH is also a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America, the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed weekly by millions in the United States and Canada on cable broadcast. This success has further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.

BLEACH animation can be viewed through a variety of other web-based, video streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes®, HULU and JOOST. For more information on BLEACH please visit www.bleach.viz.com.

About Makena Technologies, Inc.

Makena Technologies is the parent company of There.com, a fully interactive, 3D online virtual world where members can customize and create their own 3D character, meet and hang out with friends in real-time using voice and text chat, build their own virtual homes, participate in events ranging from car races to paintball to fashion shows and even create and sell their own virtual items. There.com is a safe and exciting "PG-13" environment for ages 13 and up that has something to offer nearly anyone. Makena Technologies has offices in San Mateo, CA and Laguna Beach, CA. For more information, visit http://www.there.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

120-PAGE PREVIEW OF NARUTO MANGA VOLUME 45 ONLINE FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY ON SHONENJUMP.COM

2009-03-31T11:46:00.001-06:00

Leading Monthly Manga Anthology In North America Offers
7 Chapters From NARUTO Volume 45 For Free With Special Password Available Only In May Issue

March 31, 2009 - VIZ Media announced today that SHONEN JUMP magazine has a special treat for readers—an invitation to read a free preview of the upcoming NARUTO manga Volume 45 (rated ‘T’ For Teens)— online at www.shonenjump.com, for a limited time only. These chapters will not run in the magazine and will not be available in graphic novel form until July 2009.

The 120-page preview will be available online beginning today through May 5th exclusively at www.shonenjump.com. A preview link appears on the homepage. Visitors must type in the password that appears on page 20 of the May issue of SHONEN JUMP to access the chapters.

NARUTO is one of the hottest series from Japan and continues to be one of VIZ Media’s most successful manga and animated properties. Back in February, VIZ Media unveiled an accelerated publishing schedule for upcoming editions of the best-selling NARUTO manga series. Between February and April 2009, 11 volumes have been scheduled for publication, moving the series from Volume 34 (February 2009) to Volume 44 (April 2009) before returning to a quarterly release schedule beginning with Volume 45 (July 2009).

NARUTO depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja, and through his exciting adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right versus wrong. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens, and more than 85 million copies to date have been printed. The manga series has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America. More information on NARUTO is available at www.naruto.com.

In NARUTO Volume 45, Sasuke and Naruto find that their powers are ever increasing. Sasuke can now use the Mangekyo Sharingan in multiple ways, and Naruto may have become even more powerful than his fallen sensei Jiraiya! But is anyone powerful enough to stop the ultimate attack as the Pains of the Akatsuki launch their deadly strike against Naruto's home village?

NARUTO animated episodes are also currently available for free on NARUTO.com and through a variety of web-based, video streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including HULU and JOOST. More information on NARUTO is available at www.naruto.com.

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES SPECIAL NARUTO SHIPPUDEN WATCH-AND-WIN CONTEST ON OFFICIAL NARUTO WEB SITE NARUTO.COM

2009-03-25T06:33:00.001-06:00

Fans Can Watch The Newest NARUTO Shippuden Animated Episode Each Week At NARUTO.com Then Test Their Knowledge To Win Exciting Prizes Including NARUTO Video Games And
A Game Console!

San Francisco, CA, March 25, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has launched a new watch-and-win contest on its official NARUTO web site at www.NARUTO.com beginning March 27th. Every week, a new NARUTO Shippuden episode (English subtitled) will stream for free on the site and fans are invited to watch and take part in the contest by answering a trivia question about each new installment. The contest runs through September 2009.

Winners will be announced weekly and are eligible for a variety of exciting prizes, from action figures and apparel to video games. Leading video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. sponsors the first 4 weeks of the contest and will award each lucky winner a copy of Ultimate Ninja® 4: NARUTO™ Shippuden, the first video game released in North America based on the NARUTO Shippuden animated series. On the fourth week the company will award one lucky fan a copy of the video game and a PlayStation®2 game console.

Ultimate Ninja® 4: NARUTO Shippuden features several unique game modes allowing players to experience perspectives as different characters in this immersive world of the ninja. The video game combines role-playing and action-platforming elements, telling the story of how Naruto returned to the Hidden Leaf Village after his training with Jiraiya - an original narrative arc that fans won’t find anywhere else. Packed with new NARUTO Shippuden characters, as well as updated versions of fan favorites, the game offers a total of 52 playable characters to take into battle and also features the series’ trademark one-on-one ninja battles for one or two players.

“This NARUTO Shippuden watch-and-win contest is a unique and fun way for fans to flex their knowledge of each week’s new episode to win special NARUTO prizes,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “We invite fans to visit the official NARUTO web site, NARUTO.com, regularly over the coming months for more chances to win and updates on future prize sponsors.”

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 80 million copies to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for teens, and NARUTO Shippuden rated ‘T+’ for older teens), is one of VIZ Media’s most successful properties and has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO Shippuden begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks—except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

Earlier NARUTO episodes are also currently available for free through a variety of other web-based, video streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes®, HULU and JOOST.

More information on NARUTO is available at www.NARUTO.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

###

BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS UNIQUE VOICE ACTING WORKSHOP TO SAN FRANCISCO FOR TWO SPECIAL EVENTS

2009-03-24T08:54:00.000-06:00

Renowned Audio Post Facility Will Give Insights On Voice Acting For Video Games At The 2009 Game Developers Conference And Present A Separate All-Day Session On Character Development And Voice Acting Skills At Pyramind Studios

Burbank, CA, March 23, 2009 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, will bring its popular voice acting workshop to San Francisco on Saturday, March 28th 2009 at Pyramind Studios (832 Folsom St. San Francisco, CA). The session will be led by well-known voice actor and director Tony Oliver and will give in-depth instruction on every major component of voice acting as it applies to anime and video games. The Bang Zoom! Workshop is $299.00 and space is very limited. Details and reservations to attend are available at: http://www.adventuresinvoiceacting.com/splash001

Bang Zoom’s Tony Oliver will also be featured in a special session at the 2009 Game Developers Conference® (GDC), being held March 23-27, 2009 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Adventures in Voice Acting: Raising the Bar on Voice Acting for Video Games takes place on Friday, March 27th from 4:00pm–5:00pm. This interactive discussion will present ways to increase creative synergy and communication between game producers and the voice talent in the studio to improve storytelling, raise the overall quality of the performances, and create a more efficient workflow for recording audio and sound design for video games. More information on the 2009 GDC is available at: http://www.gdconf.com.

“Voice acting for video game applications presents some major differences and challenges when compared to anime or traditional animation and I’m looking forward to exploring both topics in detail this weekend.” says Oliver, who was the ADR (Automated Dialogue Recording) director for the hit anime series Gurren Lagann, which was dubbed by Bang Zoom! and seen on Sci Fi Channel. He has, over the last two decades, also portrayed lead roles on many iconic animated series such as Robotech, Gungrave and Lupin III and also served as the ADR director for video games such as .hack//G.U. and Eureka 7 for NAMCO BANDAI Games America.

The Bang Zoom! Voice Acting Workshop at Pyramind Studios will explore a range of important topics critical for those looking to enter the voice acting arena, including an informative overview of the entire dubbing process and the technology used in recording, as well as character development, basic acting skills, and how to use and project the voice with a variety of emotions. Developing a compelling demo, studio etiquette and protocol for auditions will also be presented with an insider’s view of voice acting business as it relates to the anime and video game industries.

“We’re very excited to present these voice acting workshops for a pair of special engagements in San Francisco,” says Eric P. Sherman, President of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “Anime and video game titles each have a unique set of needs and challenges when it comes to the type and complexity of the recording, sound design, mixing and delivery. Several talented individuals have taken the workshops and have gone on to enjoy great success as voice actors for many popular anime and video game titles, and this is a rare opportunity for anyone seriously considering voice acting as a career to be tutored by one of the best in the business!”

Bang Zoom! also encourages those not able to attend the workshop to explore the critically acclaimed ADVENTURES IN VOICE ACTING™- Volume One DVD. The documentary spotlights the behind-the-mic world of the talented and diverse personalities that bring animated and video game characters to life. Bang Zoom! Entertainment produced the film, having completed English language dubs and audio post production for more than 2,000 anime episodes for a wide variety of anime series in addition to working on other animated features, live action productions and video games. ADVENTURES IN VOICE ACTING™- Volume One is also available online for $29.95 at http://www.adventuresinvoiceacting.com/purchasethedvd/

I think a turning poin tin online entertainment is right around the corner.

2009-03-20T06:12:00.002-06:00

This is pretty cool. I think it is a brilliant idea that should catch on and I'll keep my fingers crossed that they will do it on every airing.

SPUNKY NINJA RIDES DIGITAL CONVERGENCE WAVE WHEN THE LATEST EPISODE OF NARUTO SHIPPUDEN STREAMS ON OFFICIAL U.S. NARUTO WEBSITE
SIMULTANEOUS TO AIRING IN JAPAN

Fans Are Invited To View The Simulcast At NARUTO.com On March 26th And Watch The Newest NARUTO Shippuden Episode For FREE!

San Francisco, CA, MARCH 19, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, continues to generate tremendous interest in its animated NARUTO series and the property’s latest story arc – NARUTO Shippuden – with a special announcement that the newest Shippuden installment, Episode 101 (English subtitled), will stream for free in the U.S. on March 26th on the company’s official NARUTO web site, www.naruto.com, the same day the episode is scheduled to air in Japan. This episode of NARUTO Shippuden can be viewed in Canada on March 26th on www.Joost.com.

This is the first time that the official U.S. NARUTO web site will simulcast an episode with the broadcast in Japan. NARUTO is one of the most popular Japanese anime and manga properties in the world and this special simulcast is part of VIZ Media’s ongoing plan to bring hit animated properties and the latest content to its audience via the web. NARUTO is a co-production of TV TOKYO, VIZ Media parent company Shueisha Inc., and Pierrot Co., Ltd.

“We invite NARUTO fans across the U.S. to visit NARUTO.com on March 26th for this very special presentation,” says Ken Sasaki, Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “The web site is the ultimate destination for anything NARUTO and currently contains nearly 100 full-length NARUTO episodes, all offered in high quality streaming video, and is completely free for viewers. For those who have yet to check out the newest NARUTO Shippuden story arc, there’s still plenty of time to get up to speed before the latest episode debuts later this month!”

On the manga (graphic novel) side, VIZ Media is complementing the interest in NARUTO Shippuden with an accelerated publishing schedule for upcoming editions of the best-selling NARUTO manga series, making them available to North American audiences sooner than ever before. Between February and April, eleven new volumes of NARUTO manga will be released, moving the series from Volume 34 to Volume 44 before returning to a quarterly release schedule beginning with Volume 45 (July 2009). First print-run editions of the volumes released in March and April also will include a special promotional bookmark or sticker.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 80 million copies to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for teens, and NARUTO Shippuden rated ‘T’+ for older teens), is one of VIZ Media’s most successful properties and has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja in training, wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO Shippuden begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks—except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well, he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily about becoming a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

Earlier NARUTO episodes are also currently available for free on a variety of web-based, video streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including HULU and JOOST. Earlier episodes of NARUTO Shippuden are available for free on www.Naruto.com.

More information on NARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

###

TV.COM ANNOUNCES CONTENT AGREEMENTS WITH NCAA® AND THOUGHT EQUITY MOTION, STARZ MEDIA AND MORE

2009-03-18T10:34:00.002-06:00

Looks like Hulu will have a contender in the online TV game..

Adds to Existing Line-Up of Premium Content Providers, Bringing TV.com's total Video Library to More than 2,000 Hours of Content

SAN FRANCISCO, March 17 — TV.com, the place where television lives online, today announced content deals with NCAA and Thought Equity Motion, and Starz Media, along with niche content providers like Smithsonian Channel, Comedy Time, Howcast and WatchMojo. This adds to its line-up of existing agreements with premium content companies, including Endemol USA, Metro Goldwin Mayer Studios Inc., PBS, SHOWTIME, Sony Pictures Television and CBS. The addition of this content brings TV.com's total video library to more than 2,000 hours of content, spanning everything from today's most popular shows to coveted classics.

"TV.com already benefits from a massive online community, and our job from here on out is to layer more content on top of this great community to further engage and expand our audience," said Anthony Soohoo, Senior Vice President and General Manager, TV.com. "We continue to see massive growth in video viewers and streams as more and more people turn to TV.com for information and content around their favorite television shows. We create a highly complementary experience to television, one that uses content to fuel active discussions among our community of TV fans."

Through a deal with CBS, the NCAA, and NCAA content library rightsholder Thought Equity Motion, all available semifinal and final games from the Men's Final Four between 1982-2008 are available for viewers to watch in either a full-length format or a condensed two-minute highlight package at TV.com. Additionally, viewers also can watch NCAA highlight packages set to music, including classic footage from NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championships including the 1979 Final Four championship game featuring Larry Bird and Magic Johnson, and many other great games and players from the past.

Starz Media's Manga Entertainment content available on TV.com will include full episodes of Astro Boy and Virus, as well as short-form videos from titles, including Ninja Scroll, Kai Doh Maru, Street Fighter Alpha, and Hellboy: Blood and Iron, with many more to come.

"Starz Media's Manga Entertainment library has proven very popular with anime enthusiasts and we are very pleased to make some of our best content available to TV.com users," said Marc DeBevoise, senior vice president, digital media, business development and strategy for Starz Media. "We look forward to expanding this content lineup in the future and building our partnership with TV.com."

(More)

TV.com…2

Smithsonian Channel will offer shows including "Stories from the Vaults" hosted by Tom Cavanagh, "Remembering Vietnam: The wall at 25," and the Emmy® winning Nature Tech. Comedy Time, which offers stand-up comedy and original episodic programming known as "Funnysodes"® from today's best comedic talent, will offer content from its brands including "Comedy Time," "Comedy Time Latino" and "Comedy Time Urban." The TV.com audience will also have access to videos from Howcast, the best source for fun, free, and useful how-to videos, and WatchMojo.com, one of the largest producers of original, professionally-produced, evergreen, ad-friendly high-quality video content, will provide profiles and interviews with musicians and filmmakers, scripted entertainment comedy skits, and fashion shows from runways around the world.

TV.com's content providers have their videos viewed by one of the most active and largest community of TV fans online. People come to the site for its rich content and dedicated community, posting an average of 6 social contributions per second – things like forum posts and poll votes – for a total of more than 18 million social contributions per month on the site. In addition, as the site continues to layer more premium video content on top if its community and information features, TV.com posted a 184% increase in unique viewers, 844% increase in streams, and 3101% increase in minutes year-over-year (Nielsen VideoCensus February 2009).

About TV.com

TV.com is one of the leading unbiased destinations for premium entertainment and community around TV. The site features video content such as full episode streams, video-clips, live-event coverage and behind-the-scenes footage, plus expert editorial content like entertaining features and weekly podcasts. The site also provides in-depth show summaries, episode guides and downloads, bios, photos, news, and more on over 19,000 TV series. This content is greatly enriched by one of the largest and most vocal communities of TV fans who express themselves via show summaries, reviews, ratings, blogs, forums, polls, and videos.

About the NCAA

The NCAA is a membership-led nonprofit association of colleges and universities committed to supporting academic and athletic opportunities for more than 400,000 student-athletes at more than 1,000 member colleges and universities. Each year, more than 54,000 student-athletes compete in NCAA championships in Divisions I, II and III sports. Visit www.ncaa.org and www.ncaa.com for more details about the Association, its goals and members and corporate partnerships that help support programs for student-athletes. The NCAA is proud to have the following elite companies as official Corporate Champions—AT&T, Coca-Cola and Pontiac—and the following elite companies as official Corporate Partners—Enterprise, The Hartford, Hershey's, Lowe's, Sheraton and State Farm.

About Thought Equity Motion

Thought Equity Motion is the world leader in providing access to high quality film, video and music content. The company's forward-thinking approach to digital video has produced an array of products and services to meet the exploding demand of emerging media. Widely recognized for its expertise in licensing rights, Thought Equity Motion is the licensing agent for renowned media companies including Paramount Pictures, MGM, NBC News, HBO, National Geographic, Sony Pictures, the NCAA and hundreds of others. With offices located around the world, Thought Equity Motion offers the broadest, deepest content collection available. This vast collection, combined with leading-edge technology, makes Thought Equity Motion the preferred destination for multimedia professionals. To learn more, go to www.thoughtequity.com.

About Starz Media

Starz Media, LLC, is a programming production and distribution company operating worldwide. It includes the Film Roman, Anchor Bay Entertainment, and Manga Entertainment brands. Its units create animated and live-action programming – including theatrical films – and programming created under contract for other media companies. It distributes that programming, and programming acquired from outside producers, through home video retailers, theaters, broadcasters, ad supported and premium television channels, and Internet and wireless video distributors in the US and internationally. Starz Media (www.starzmedia.com) is a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Capital Group.

VIZ MEDIA SWEEPS ALL TOP 10 SPOTS ON THE NEWEST NEW YORK TIMES MANGA BEST SELLER LIST

2009-03-18T10:24:00.002-06:00

San Francisco, CA, MARCH 17, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced that its titles dominated the entire Manga category in the most recent listing of the New York Times Graphic Books Best Seller List for the week ending March 7, 2009. The massively popular NARUTO occupied 7 of the Top 10 spots, with other widely read VIZ Media manga titles BLEACH, BLACK CAT and shojo manga THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE † impressively rounding out the list.

The complete Graphic Books Best Seller List (Manga) follows below:

1. NARUTO, Vol. 40, by Masashi Kishimoto
2. NARUTO, Vol. 41, by Masashi Kishimoto
3. NARUTO, Vol. 38, by Masashi Kishimoto
4. NARUTO, Vol. 39, by Masashi Kishimoto
5. BLEACH, Vol. 26, by Tite Kubo
6. NARUTO, Vol. 37, by Masashi Kishimoto
7. NARUTO, Vol. 35, by Masashi Kishimoto
8. THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE †, Vol. 9, by Arina Tanemura
9. BLACK CAT, Vol. 19, by Kentaro Yabuki
10. NARUTO, Vol. 36, by Masashi Kishimoto

The List is also viewable on the New York Times web site at:
http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/13/graphic-books-best-seller-lists/

“It’s extremely gratifying to see the continued strong performance of BLEACH and NARUTO alongside other unique properties like BLACK CAT and GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE † which all have been recognized by the New York Times on its Manga Best Seller List,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President, Sales & Product Marketing VIZ Media. “BLACK CAT, BLEACH and NARUTO feature the captivating art, multi-layered character-driven storylines and plenty of edge-of-your-seat action that epitomizes the best attributes of the manga genre. The popularity of THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE † continues to show the momentum behind the shojo category (comics for girls), which offers romantically tinged titles aimed at a sizeable segment of female readers.”

BLACK CAT (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) Train Heartnet, also known as "Black Cat," was an infamous assassin for a secret organization called Chronos...until he abandoned that cold-blooded existence to live on his own terms as an easygoing bounty hunter. But is Train's past as far behind him as he thinks? Find out in this action-packed series created by Kentaro Yabuki.

BLEACH (Rated ‘T’ for Teens)
Creator Tite Kubo’s massively popular supernatural action-adventure manga series centers on Ichigo Kurosaki, a fifteen-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. His fate takes an extraordinary turn when he meets Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper who shows up at Ichigo's house on the trail of a Hollow, a malevolent lost soul. Drawn to Ichigo's high level of spiritual energy, the Hollow attacks Ichigo and his family, and Rukia steps in to help but is injured and unable to fight. As a last resort, Rukia transfers part of her Soul Reaper powers to Ichigo. Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper, he joins Ruika to face the challenges that lie ahead. More information on BLEACH is available at: http://bleach.viz.com.

THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE † (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)
Renowned manga artist Arina Tanemura created this acclaimed series that exemplifies the shojo manga style with highly stylized artwork and romantic plot twists presented with a swirl of billowing ribbons, romance and heartbreak. In return for a business loan of 50 million yen, the prestigious Kamiya family gave their daughter Haine away to the wealthy Otomiya family. Haine, now an Otomiya, is appointed to the student council of the exclusive Imperial Academy, a private school for the aristocracy. Even though Haine is of proper lineage to be on the council, she finds herself struggling to find her place among the many secrets of its elite members, especially those of the president who holds her heart – Shizumasa Togu, aka "the Emperor." More information on THE GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE † is available at: http://www.shojobeat.com/manga/sb_vols.php

NARUTO (Rated ‘T’ for Teens)
NARUTO depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja, and through his exciting adventures, the young ninja learn the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right versus wrong. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and tees and more than 85 million copies to-date have been printed. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America. More information on NARUTO is available at www.naruto.com.

The latest volumes of NARUTO (Shippuden) pick up two years after Naruto left to train with Jiraiya. Now a teenager, he reunites with his old friends to find out everyone is stronger than before – and maybe even stronger than he is!

In response to the strong fan interest in NARUTO Shippuden, VIZ Media has launched an accelerated publishing campaign for upcoming editions of the series, making them available to North American audiences sooner than ever before. Between February and April, eleven new volumes of NARUTO manga will be released, moving the series from Volume 34 to Volume 44 before returning to a quarterly release schedule beginning with Volume 45 (July 2009). First print-run editions of the volumes released in March and April also will include a special promotional bookmark or sticker.

VIZ Media manga titles continue to captivate millions of readers across North America and are regularly featured on a variety of nationally syndicated Graphic Novel and Manga Best Seller lists, some of which include: 9 VIZ Media titles on the Bookscan Top 20 Graphic Novels for 2008 list, assorted VIZ Media titles featured on the USA Today Top 150 Bestseller List on multiple occasions, and more. Retail industry watchdog ICV2 recently included BLACK CAT, BLEACH, NARUTO and GENTLEMEN’S ALLIANCE † among its Top 25 Manga Properties for 2008. NARUTO was also noted as the Number 7 most-searched term in 2008, as reported by the Yahoo! 2008 Year In Review Top 10 Search list.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Hulu Anime Update Origin Spirits of the past**

2009-03-18T06:55:00.006-06:00

I finally got my first Anime Press Release from Hulu. I am pretty excited to watch it. I know I have a LOT of Hulu Anime Reviews to get up here so I'll start on them later this week. Please watch Hulu and let me know what you think about it.

Today, we introduce the popular Origins: Spirits of the Past as the first Anime film on the Hulu service.

Since we started adding Anime to the Hulu service a little less than six months ago, our users have asked that we continue to add more content as it becomes available. Understanding that it can be difficult to find legal ways to watch high-quality Anime online, we’ve committed to bringing the best Anime to Hulu. You can also find a number of other Anime shows on Hulu including current episodes of Naruto Shippuden, Naruto, Bleach and Death Note to name a few.

Please let me know if you have any questions and make sure to visit www.hulu.com/anime for a more in-depth look at Hulu’s Anime Channel. Thanks.

Brandon Boone

brandon@hulu.com

BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCES SPECIAL STREET FIGHTER EPISODE OF “MANGA MINUTES”

2009-03-16T11:06:00.001-06:00

New Episode Coincides With Debut Of Capcom’s Street Fighter IV Video Game And Spotlights Related Manga And Anime On Popular Manga.com Web Site

Burbank, Calif. and New York, NY, March 16, 2009 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, has produced a special new episode of “Manga Minutes” focusing on the popular Street Fighter® video game, manga, and anime properties. Video game manufacturer Capcom recently released the highly anticipated Street Fighter IV, the next iteration of the genre-establishing fighting game series. This marks the first new video game entry announced for the property in nearly eight years, following the acclaimed Street Fighter III Third Strike. The Street Fighter episode is available at: www.manga.com/channels/manga-minutes.

“Manga Minutes” is a fun, new web-based series that complements Manga Entertainment’s destination site, Manga.com. “Manga Minutes,” which has been nominated for a 2009 Webby Award, features a unique blend of video, product-related information and other editorial content and offers fans a customized way to experience a wide range of manga and anime. “Manga Minutes” is hosted by Yoko and Rogue, a duo of lively, animated hosts and showcases reviews of anime, manga, and video games from a variety of publishers. Manga.Com is the official site of Manga Entertainment, a leading publisher of anime titles such as Ghost in the Shell, Astro Boy, Ninja Scroll, Blood: The Last Vampire, and many more.

Street Fighter revolutionized the fighting genre and created a global legacy since its debut over 20 years ago. Street Fighter started a phenomenon in arcades in 1987 and went on to spawn several successful sequels that continue to be played. The massive popularity of the game further inspired a feature-length anime film, a live-action movie starring Jean Claude Van Damme, a manga series, and an array of trading cards and other collectables.

“The massive international fan base for Street Fighter epitomizes the synergy between video games, anime, manga and film and the special feature on Manga Minutes gives a fun and informative look at how this unique game has impacted all these genres,” says Grant Luke, Capcom Sr. Product Marketing Manager.

“Licensed content from throughout the “Street Fighter” franchise has been amongst of the most successful in the broader Manga Entertainment library of content,” said David Katz, Executive Director, Digital Media for Starz Media’s Manga Entertainment. “We celebrate the release of Capcom’s ‘Street Fighter IV’ with this special ‘Manga Minutes,’ as well as special promotions we have on Facebook (“Street Fighter” wallpaper), YouTube (Street Fighter playlist on Manga Entertainment’s YouTube channel), and more at Manga.com.”

Street Fighter IV is the latest in the wildly popular franchise and promises to deliver an extraordinary experience that will re-introduce the world to the fast-paced action of virtual martial arts. Capcom brings 25 fighters, including the return of the original 12 World Warriors, Ryu, Chun-Li, and more. The characters and environments are rendered in stylized 3D computer graphics (CG), while the game is played in the classic Street Fighter 2D perspective with additional 3D camera flourishes. Mixing tried-and-true classic moves and techniques with all-new game play systems, Street Fighter IV brings a brand new fighting game to eager fans around the world.

“Street Fighter has captivated millions of players around the world for more than two decades and the enduring popularity of the related anime and manga have prepped nearly two generations of fans for the debut of Street Fighter IV,” says Eric P. Sherman, President of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “With plenty in store for the new game and lots of other related genres to explore there is plenty to get excited about in this latest Manga Minutes episode!”

About Capcom
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world-renowned franchises including Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man®, Breath of Fire®, Devil May Cry® and the Onimusha® series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo, Korea and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company’s web site at www.capcom.com.

About Manga Entertainment

Manga Entertainment Ltd. is an entertainment company specializing in the production, marketing and distribution of Japanese animation for theatrical, television, Internet, DVD and home video release worldwide. The Manga film library is marketed and distributed in the U.S. through Anchor Bay Entertainment. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in London and Tokyo. Manga Entertainment is a division of Starz Media LLC (www.starzmedia.com), a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, attributed to Liberty Capital Group.

About Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc.

Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading and award winning full service audio post production studio working in the fields of feature films, television, electronic entertainment, anime and direct to home entertainment projects. Founded in 1993, Bang Zoom! Entertainment maintains operations in the U.S. with three buildings, six recording/mixing stages and a staff of just under 200 actors, writers, directors and technicians. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is committed to carrying out innovative projects that contribute to the promotion of global cultural awareness. More information about Bang Zoom! Entertainment and its products can be found on the company’s web site, which is located at www.bangzoomentertainment.com.

VIZ MEDIA CONTINUES THE CELEBRATION WITH A SPECIAL SHONEN JUMP DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION POSTERZINE

2009-03-16T11:05:00.001-06:00

New Posterzine to Feature Exciting Action And Main Character Shots From Upcoming Live-Action Feature Film

San Francisco, CA, March 13, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the upcoming release of a special SHONEN JUMP DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION posterzine, based on the upcoming live-action film from 20th Century Fox starring Justin Chatwin as Goku, Emmy Rossum as Bulma, Jamie Chung as Chi Chi, and Chow Yun-Fat as Master Roshi. Dragonball: Evolution opens nationwide on April 8th and is inspired by Akira Toriyama’s smash hit DRAGON BALL manga (graphic novel) series, also published domestically by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP magazine.

The new SHONEN JUMP DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION posterzine celebrates the upcoming live-action adventure feature film Dragonball: Evolution. Both the movie, directed by James Wong, and the DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION posterzine, published by VIZ Media, bring to life the action and the characters from the eagerly awaited film. Look for the posterzine on newsstands wherever SHONEN JUMP magazine is sold and online at store.viz.com beginning March 31st. The SHONEN JUMP DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION posterzine carries an MSRP of $9.99 and is rated T for Teens. The posterzine features 11 full-color posters that fold out to 16” x 22” and depict a variety of vivid action shots and all the film’s main characters.

“We're very excited to announce our first live-action Hollywood posterzine product to support the highly anticipated release of the Dragonball: Evolution movie,” says Christopher Boily, VIZ Media Sr. Director, Newsstand. “It's great to see our hugely popular DRAGON BALL manga get the full Hollywood treatment for the big screen – and the high quality glossy images will help bring everyone’s favorite characters to life and offer a fun way for fans to pay homage to this incredible new movie.”

Dragonball: Evolution, the live-action feature film (rated PG) centers 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, Jamie Chung as Chi Chi, and Chow Yun-Fat as Master Roshi. Dragonball: Evolution the movie is based on the popular Japanese manga series created by Akira Toriyama (also published in North America by VIZ Media). For more information on the DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION books, or DRAGON BALL manga series please visit www.viz.com.

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 products including manga, DVDs, video games, toys, apparel and other collectibles. Over 1.6 million copies of the manga series have been sold in North America to date, 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.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ANNUAL ART ISSUE OF SHOJO BEAT MAGAZINE

2009-03-12T09:28:00.002-06:00

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

San Francisco, CA, March 11, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, 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.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

VIZ PICTURES AND NCM FATHOM PRESENT LIVE-ACTION DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd IN SPECIAL TWO-NIGHT EVENT

2009-03-09T10:00:00.001-06:00

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

San Francisco, CA, March 6, 2009 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, 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.

About National CineMedia

National CineMedia (NCM) LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America through long-term agreements with its founding members, AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest theatre operators in the U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre operators. NCM LLC produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature program; cinema, lobby and online advertising products; comprehensive meeting and event services and other entertainment programming content. NCM LLC’s national network includes over 17,000 screens of which approximately 15,000 are part of the company’s Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC’s network covers 176 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50). During 2007, approximately 689 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres currently included in the network (excluding Consolidated Theatres and Star Theatres). National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 42.3% interest in and is the managing member of NCM LLC. To learn more about National CineMedia Inc., visit the company’s website at www.ncm.com.

VIZ MEDIA CELEBRATES THE EVOLUTION OF DRAGON BALL

2009-03-05T09:31:00.003-06:00

WITH NEW DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION TITLES

Three-Part Chapter Book Series, A Junior Novel And A Collectible Sticker Book Offer Unique Ways To Enjoy Books Based On The New Feature Film DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION

San Francisco, CA, March 3, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, 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.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

###

BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT CREATES FRESH ENGLISH DUB FOR SPECIAL WEB PRESENTATION OF ACCLAIMED ANIME FILM 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND ON CRUNCHYROLL

2009-03-02T07:17:00.000-06:00

Film Is One Of Three By Renowned Anime Auteur Makoto Shinkai To Be Streamed This Weekend On Leading Video Distribution Website

Burbank, CA, February 26, 2009 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, has announced a new English dub it completed for Makoto Shinkai’s critically acclaimed animated film, 5 Centimeters Per Second, which debuts this coming Saturday, February 28th on the Crunchyroll video distribution website. The film will stream for 24 hours to commemorate Global Shinkai Day, which celebrates the work of this innovative anime auteur.

Crunchyroll arranged this special presentation with CoMix Wave Films, the producers of Shinkai's works in Japan, and will offer a trio of Shinkai’s films this weekend including Voices of a Distant Star and The Place Promised in Our Early Days, in addition to 5 Centimeters Per Second. Visit www.crunchyroll.com for more details.

Set in Japan beginning in 1990s and ending in the present day, 5 Centimeters Per Second is a collection of romantically tinged short stories centering on a boy named Takaki Tono. The film depicts the impacts of time and distance on Takaki and his relationship with a childhood friend named Akari Shinohara for whom he has feelings. After their families move away from each other the pair tries to remain in contact – during a time before cell phones and email. But as the years pass it becomes harder to stay connected and a rift between Takaki and Akari begins to grow. As he reflects on the experiences he once shared with his friend, Takaki wonders if he will ever get the chance to meet Akari again.

For the new dub, Bang Zoom! assembled a cast of talented, veteran anime voice actors that included Johnny Yong Bosch (Bleach, Lucky Star, Gurren Lagann) as Takaki, Erika Weinstein (Ergo Proxy, Rozen Maiden) as Akari, and Kira Buckland (AIKa R-16, Xombie) as Kanae, another girl in Takaki’s class that has a crush on him but is afraid to confess her feelings.

Bang Zoom! was tapped by CoMix Wave Films to develop a fresh English dub after it heard of the company’s vast experience with anime, having dubbed thousands of episodes. “We paid special attention to Makoto Shinkai’s original artistic vision for this film and the way the characters were portrayed,” says Eric P. Sherman, President of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “We stuck to the translated script religiously and agonized over every subtle nuance in the actors’ performances to make sure they sounded as compelling as possible. Casting Director Kaeko Sakamoto had extremely high standards for this production and everyone worked very hard to remain true to the original artistic vision of this poignant film. We invite fans to check out Crunchyroll this Saturday for this very special presentation!”

About Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc.

Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading and award winning full service audio post production studio working in the fields of feature films, television, electronic entertainment, anime and direct to home entertainment projects. Founded in 1993, Bang Zoom! Entertainment maintains operations in the U.S. with three buildings, six recording/mixing stages and a staff of just under 200 actors, writers, directors and technicians. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is committed to carrying out innovative projects that contribute to the promotion of global cultural awareness. More information about Bang Zoom! Entertainment and its products can be found on the company’s web site, which is located at www.bangzoomentertainment.com.

VIZ Media's BLUE DRAGON ANIME NOW AVAILABLE ON THE iTunes STORE

2009-02-24T14:09:00.002-06:00

Special Launch Promotion Includes Free Download Of The First Episode of BLUE DRAGON on iTunes Through March 10, 2009

San Francisco, CA, February 24, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, 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.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Saving to outlook calendar.

2009-02-23T10:35:00.000-06:00

Try clearing your Outlook Forms cache:

Click Tools > Options > Other > Advanced Options > Custom Forms > Manage Forms > Clear Cache. Whew!

Also make sure there aren't any disabled items:

Click Help > About Microsoft Office Outlook > Disabled Items > click on the disabled item, then click Enable.

RIGHT STUF Proclaims 2009-2010 the “Year of the OTAKU”

2009-02-12T07:04:00.001-06:00

otaku.rightstuf.com
Kicks off celebration of anime fans with downloads, contest for RightStuf.com gift certificates & more!

GRIMES, IA, February 11, 2009 – Anime producer, distributor and online retailer Right Stuf, Inc. asks anime fans “What kinds of Otaku are you?” as it kicks off the “Year of the OTAKU,” a new, ongoing program that celebrates what it means to be an anime fan with contests, downloads and more at otaku.rightstuf.com (http://otaku.rightstuf.com).

“Inside every fan, you’ll find many different Otaku: likes and differences that make us individuals,
plus a love of anime and manga that brings us together.
We don’t fit a single mold – We break it! What kinds of Otaku are you?"

Anime and manga fans are distinctive, as a fanbase, said Right Stuf President and C.E.O. Shawne Kleckner. “While you’re part of a larger group – people who enjoy and admire Japanese animation – there is also a tremendous amount of diversity and individuality. No two anime fans are exactly alike, and we think this is something that should be embraced and celebrated. In this sense, a single fan can be an ‘action-romance-mecha-comedy Otaku’ -- or whatever other individually-specific mix reflects his or her unique interests.”

The launch page includes a contest, with a $100 gift certificate to RightStuf.com as its grand prize, as well as the first two “featured Otaku” – the Ninja Otaku and the Kawaii Otaku. New Otaku (and more content and contests) will be added to the page throughout the year.

Visit otaku.rightstuf.com for more information, plus the first round of contests and downloads.

ABOUT RIGHT STUF, INC.
Currently celebrating its 21st year in business, Right Stuf, Inc. was one of the first players in the U.S. Japanese Animation ("anime") industry, as both an anime producer/distributor and a retailer. Right Stuf works to promote knowledge of its own products, as well as the anime and manga industry, in general, through its online storefront at RightStuf.com and a variety of media including podcasts and special publications.

Nozomi Entertainment, Right Stuf’s production division, is dedicated to the highest quality releases. True to the Japanese word that inspired its name, Nozomi’s focus is on “what fans want.” By focusing on a limited number of anime properties each year, the Nozomi production team ensures each release receives the care and attention to detail it deserves.

From anime classics like Astro Boy, Kimba and Gigantor to modern comedies, dramas and favorites such as The Irresponsible Captain Tylor, His and Her Circumstances, Gravitation, Shingu: Secret of the Stellar Wars, Ninja Nonsense, To Heart, The Third: The Girl With the Blue Eye, Emma: A Victorian Romance, Maria Watches Over Us and ARIA, Right Stuf and Nozomi Entertainment produce quality programming for fans of all ages and interests. For more information, visit www.rightstuf.com and www.nozomient.com.

###
CONTACT:
Alison L. Roberts, Marketing & PR Manager
p: 515-986-1028, ext. 7229 | e: alisonr@rightstuf.com

COMING SOON -------------------- NEW MANGA SERIES FROM RUMIKO TAKAHASHI!

2009-02-09T11:51:00.001-06:00

YES, YOU HEARD RIGHT…. If you did not attend New York Comic-Con this past week – then you might have missed this exciting announcement that was made at the VIZ Media Panel on Sunday…

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…. we don’t want to give it all away just yet, we just wanted to share a tidbit of exciting news for 2009 – so be sure to keep an eye out and ear open for more details, which we will be sharing with you soon!

In the meantime please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to explore any of Rumiko Takahashi’s other series mentioned here …you know…to get you prepped of this upcoming New Series!

Erik Jansen

MediaLab

(714) 620-5017 / erik@medialab-pr.com

VIZ MEDIA DOMINATES 2008 BOOKSCAN TOP 20 GRAPHIC NOVEL LIST

2009-02-04T15:32:00.001-06:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VIZ MEDIA DOMINATES 2008 BOOKSCAN TOP 20 GRAPHIC NOVEL LIST

Leading Publishing Sales Indicator Summarizes Last Year’s Top Selling Titles And Features Multiple VIZ Media Titles Occupying 15 Of The Top 20 Spots

San Francisco, CA, February 4, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, 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.

Source: Nielsen BookScan 1/2009
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

cannot view embedded images in Outlook 2003?

2009-02-04T07:30:00.002-06:00

There is a registry key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Office\11.0\Outlook\Security. It contains a key called "OutlookSecureTempFolder "
Follow that string with windows explorer inside that folder is all the images. delete the contents of the folder.

PRESS RELEASE: VIZ MEDIA TO RELEASE NEW I"s ANIME BOX SET

2009-02-03T15:38:00.001-06:00

IT’S BOY MEETS GIRL – AND ANOTHER GIRL – IN VIZ MEDIA DEBUT OF I”s DVD BOX SET

Zany Comedy About A High School Boy And Two Sexy Classmates Inspired By A Popular Manga Series

San Francisco, CA, FEBRUARY 3, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, 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 PICTURES ANNOUNCES DVD RELEASE OF LIVE-ACTION DEATH NOTE

2009-01-30T14:15:00.002-06:00

Highly Anticipated Sequel To Supernatural Action Mystery Based On Popular Manga And Animated Series
San Francisco, CA, January 30, 2009 – 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 http://www.deathnotefilms.com/. For more information on the DEATH NOTE manga and animation, please visit deathnote.viz.com.
About VIZ Pictures, Inc.Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan's point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include DEATH NOTE, KAMIKAZE GIRLS, LINDA LINDA LINDA, PING PONG, THE TASTE OF TEA, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO and others. The company will continue to offer the hottest visual entertainment straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series. For more information please visit http://www.viz-pictures.com/. © 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc
About VIZ Media, LLC Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/.

Moderator Needed

2009-01-30T10:55:00.002-06:00

I have decided to start a forum to go hand and hand with this blog. What I would like to do is set it up with a couple of mods and then spam the hell out of every other forum I can think of to see how fast we can get traffic to it. If everything starts to grow and spread out then I will purchase a domain name to promote out cause ;)

The Latest NARUTO Shippuden Episodes - Streaming for FREE!

2009-01-29T07:54:00.001-06:00

As much as I rave about Hulu (even got the office guys hooked on it) I am willing to wipe cable/satellite off my budget and try my new setup as full time entertainment. Of course I plan on hooking up a set of rabbit ears to my HDTV. But I am willing to bet we'll do ok. In fact I am willing to bet we will do even better since we will be saving an extra 45 to 50 dollars a month. And we are all about saving money. Did you know in England you have to PAY for a TV licenses? that’s absurd.
Anyway to get back to Hulu. Naruto.com is hosting every new release of Naruto Shippuden on Thursdays in SUB. Brought to you by the people at hulu.

Tear down your cable payment.

2009-01-29T07:39:00.004-06:00

As much as I rave about Hulu (even got the office guys hooked on it) I am willing to wipe cable/satellite off my budget and try my new setup as full time entertainment. Of course I plan on hooking up a set of rabbit ears to my HDTV. But I am willing to bet we'll do OK. In fact I am willing to bet we will do even better since we will be saving an extra 45 to 50 dollars a month. And we are all about saving money. Did you know in England you have to PAY for a TV licenses? that's absurd.

Anyway to get back to Hulu. Naruto.com is hosting every new release of Naruto Shippuden on Thursdays in SUB. Brought to you by the people at hulu.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ANIMATED DVD RELEASES FOR APRIL 2009

2009-01-29T06:57:00.001-06:00

San Francisco, CA, January 28, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their DVD lineup for April 2009, which include animated favorites such as HUNTER X HUNTER, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO, INUYASHA and POKÉMON. VIZ Media’s April releases include many hefty box set editions as well as some featuring special premium collectibles. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

HUNTER X HUNTER DVD Box Set Volume 2 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $64.99 CAN · Available April 7
Gon and his friends have passed the first two stages of the Hunter Exam, but they still have three more grueling phases to complete. The applicants must escape the maze-like Trick Tower and survive a free-for-all on an isolated island before they can battle it out in the final tournament. Will Gon and his friends prove their worth and earn the right to call themselves Hunters? Find out in this exciting new Box Set inspired by the popular HUNTER X HUNTER manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 13 Special Edition · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $89.99 CAN · Available April 7
Naruto summons a couple of old amphibious pals – Gamakichi and Gamatatsu – to help him solve a mystery surrounding a mysterious Cursed Warrior. But back at home, there's nothing more motivating for Choji and Naruto than a bowl of steaming hot Ichiraku ramen, and they're really going to have to sing for their supper when the owner's daughter is kidnapped! Can they get her back and save the restaurant's secret recipes in time for dinner? Then, Anko must face the darkness in her past when she's called to lead a mission to a place she once visited with her former sensei, Orochimaru! Will facing the truth save the mission – or break her forever? Special Edition Box Set includes Naruto playing cards plus a collectible Kakashi ninja figure.

NARUTO UNCUT DVD Box Set Volume 13 Standard Edition· Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 US / $64.99 CAN · Available April 7
DVD-only collection featuring episodes from the hit series; no cards or collectible are figure is included.

DEATH NOTE DVD Box Set Volume 2 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $69.97 US / $89.99 CAN · Available April 14
Through the power of the Death Note, Light Yagami is close to creating a world in which he holds ultimate authority over right and wrong. But many obstacles remain, including a second Death Note user who has his own nefarious goals, and the two brilliant protégés of L., the genius detective who once vowed to expose the identity of the Death Note’s owner. Light is confident that he can prevail, but as the surviving players in the game converge for a final showdown, whose name will be the last one written in the Death Note? This new Box Set features the exciting conclusion to the supernatural mystery crime thriller based on the popular DEATH NOTE manga series.

POKÉMON: ALL STARS Volume 19: Torchic ·
MSRP: $9.98 US / $12.99 CAN Each · Available April 21
POKÉMON: ALL STARS Volume 20: ONIX ·
MSRP: $9.98 US / $12.99 CAN Each · Available April 21
Following up with POKÉMON’s 10th Anniversary celebration set, the POKÉMON ALL STARS will have a total of twenty DVD releases each commemorating some of the most popular Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a single character with three classic TV episodes featuring their adventures. Gotta Catch ‘em All!

INUYASHA SEASON 7 DVD Box Set Deluxe Edition · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: 119.89 US / $149.99 CAN · Available April 28
The story of the priestess Kikyo and half-demon Inuyasha ended in tragedy. Will Inuyasha and Kagome's story have a happier ending? Each battle draws the group closer to their ultimate goal – the border of the afterlife and the final shard of the Shikon Jewel. But the last stage of their journey is the most difficult of all. In their final battle with Naraku, will the bond between Kagome and Inuyasha prove strong enough to vanquish him at last? Special Deluxe Box Set Edition comes with a Limited Edition collectible Inuyasha figure.

INUYASHA SEASON 7 DVD Box Set Standard Edition · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $99.94 US / $129.99 CAN · Available April 28
DVD-only collection featuring episodes from the hit series; no collectible figure is included.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/.

Hackers Crack Into Texas Road Sign, Warn of Zombies Ahead

2009-01-28T13:52:00.003-06:00

Transportation officials in Texas are scrambling to prevent hackers from changing messages on digital road signs after one sign in Austin was altered to read, "Zombies Ahead."
Chris Lippincott, director of media relations for the Texas Department of Transportation, confirmed that a portable traffic sign at Lamar Boulevard and West 15th Street, near the University of Texas at Austin, was hacked into during the early hours of Jan. 19.
"It was clever, kind of cute, but not what it was intended for," said Lippincott, who saw the sign during his morning commute. "Those signs are deployed for a reason — to improve traffic conditions, let folks know there's a road closure."
"It's sort of amusing, but not at all helpful," he told FOXNews.com.
Tampering with portable road signs is illegal and potentially dangerous to drivers. It is a misdemeanor in Texas, with penalties ranging from fines to potential jail time.
Lippincott said the hacked sign — manufactured by IMAGO — is owned and operated by the city of Austin. Texas Department of Transportation signs have not been affected, he said.
"It is always possible that it could occur, but we attempt to prevent hacking incidents," Lippincott wrote in an e-mail. He declined to comment on security measures to protect the state's signs from hackers.
Austin Public Works spokeswoman Sara Hartley said the incident was not initially reported to police, but will be shortly. The sign was reverted back to its original message within hours, according to Hartley, who insisted the signs are tamper-resistant and equipped with external locks.
"This sign was broken into, it was not just a 'walk up and change the sign' kind of thing," Hartley told FOXNews.com. "This is a new one for us, we've never had it happen before."
RELATED STORIES
She said she did not know whether any other signs in the area had been altered.
According to the blog i-hacked.com, some commercial road signs, including those manufactured by IMAGO's ADDCO division, can be easily altered because their instrument panels are frequently left unlocked and their default passwords are not changed.
"Programming is as simple as scrolling down the menu selection," i-hacked.com reports. "Type whatever you want to display … In all likelihood, the crew will not have changed [the password]."
I-hacked.com warns readers not to try to alter the signs, which cost roughly $15,000.
ADDCO Chief Operating Officer Brian Nicholson told FOXNews.com that the company is sending out notices to customers on the potentially dangerous security flaw.
"It's incumbent upon users to change the default password and secure the sign with a padlock," Nicholson said. "We're having our engineers review this information."
In the meantime, if you're driving in Austin, you can rest assured: There are no zombies ahead.

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES LANDMARK IMPRINT ‘HAIKASORU’ TO PUBLISH ACCLAIMEDJAPANESE SCIENCE FICTION NOVELS

2009-01-28T10:42:00.002-06:00

First-Of-Its-Kind Imprint Launches This Summer To Publish The Best In Contemporary Japanese Science Fiction Novels

San Francisco, CA, January 27, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of a brand-new imprint called Haikasoru, which will publish an array of contemporary Japanese science fiction (SF) and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences. This is the first time an imprint with a dedicated focus on Japanese SF has launched in North America.

Haikasoru is scheduled to publish twelve books a year and launches in the summer of 2009 with four titles: The Lord of the Sands of Time by Issui Ogawa, All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, ZOO by Otsuichi, and Usurper of the Sun by Housuke Nojiri.

Haikasoru will be helmed by Nick Mamatas, a respected author of science fiction as well as an editor at VIZ Media. Mamatas is the author of two novels, which have been nominated for the Bram Stoker Award and Germany's Kurd Lasswitz Prize.

"I'm thrilled to be a part of this new imprint,” says Mamatas. “Haikasoru is making history with the future. Finally, SF is going global."

The Lord of the Sands of Time by Issui Ogawa – Price: $13.99 U.S./CAN $16.00
Sixty-two years after human life on earth was annihilated by rampaging aliens, the enigmatic cyborg Messenger O is sent back in time with the mission to unite the humanity of past eras—during World War II and in ancient Japan, even back at the dawn of humanity—in order to defeat the alien invasion before it begins. But amidst a future shredded by war, love also waits for O. Will O save humanity only to doom himself? The Lord of the Sands of Time was nominated for the prestigious Seiun Award, the leading award for Japanese science fiction, the winners of which are selected each year by members of the Japanese National Science Fiction Convention. Available in July 2009.

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL by Hiroshi Sakurazaka – Price: $13.99 U.S./CAN $16.00
When the alien Gitai invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again. On his 158th iteration, he finally sees something different, something out of place—a female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji’s escape or his final death? Available in July 2009.

ZOO by Otsuichi – Price: $13.99 U.S./CAN $16.00
ZOO presents eleven stories of dark fantasy and science fiction by one of Japan’s hottest authors. "The White Hut In The Forest" is the story of a man with a hole in his head and a charming home made from some strange materials. "Song of the Sunny Spot" is a rendition of the classic story of the Earth's last man...and his charming companion. And in the book’s eponymous tale, a man sees his dead girlfriend’s corpse decompose, one gristly Polaroid snapshot at a time. ZOO sold over 740,000 copies in Japan and was also turned into a successful Japanese film. Available in September 2009.

USURPER OF THE SUN by Housuke Nojiri - Price: $15.99 U.S./CAN $18.99
When a ring appears around the sun, humanity seems doomed. One woman, a brave scientist named Aki Shiraishi, travels to the core of the solar system in a last-ditch attempt to save the world. A compelling new hard SF novel, Usurper of the Sun won a coveted Seiun Award in 2002 for Best Science Fiction Novel of the Year. Available in September 2009.

"Japan has long had a love affair with science fiction. In the wake of the massive international popularity of manga and anime, this is an ideal time to offer some of the best in contemporary Japanese science fiction to a sizeable domestic audience," says Masumi Washington, Editor-In-Chief, Haikasoru Imprint, VIZ Media. “VIZ Media has been publishing fiction for a while, and now with the formation of Haikasoru it’s like finding a missing piece in a jigsaw puzzle. We are pleased to introduce this unique imprint and look forward to VIZ Media fans and science fiction readers in general enjoying these books.”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation, and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English-speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA SATISFIES HUNGRY MANGA FANS WITH THE RELEASE OF OISHINBO

2009-01-26T07:29:00.006-06:00

The Fascinating World Of Japanese Cuisine Is Explored In Best-Selling Manga That Has Sold More Than 100 Million Copies And Helped Define The Popular Food Genre

San Francisco, CA, January 23, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will delight fans of Japanese cuisine and culture with the debut of the critically acclaimed OISHINBO available now, under the VIZ Signature imprint, the company’s dynamic outlet for classic and literary manga titles aimed at more mature and sophisticated readers.

Written by Tetsu Kariya and illustrated by Akira Hanasaki, OISHINBO is considered to be the epitome of food manga and defined the genre while selling more than 100 million copies in Japan since its debut in 1983. OISHINBO is rated “T” for teens and carries an SRP of $12.99 U.S./$15.00 CDN.

OISHINBO (or “The Gourmet") depicts the adventures of journalist Shiro Yamaoka, who writes for the fictional newspaper Tozai News. When the paper’s top executives decide to create “The Ultimate Menu” to celebrate the paper’s 100th anniversary, Yamaoka, known for his reputation as a foodie with culinary skills to match, is given the daunting assignment. With the help of his coworker Kurita, Yamaoka begins an epic saga to find unique and tasty dishes that will compose this ultimate bill of fare. The subject of the debut volume is classical Japanese cuisine, and features delicious stories on subjects like how to prepare a proper dashi (the broth that is one of the building blocks of Japanese cooking), green tea, and red snapper sashimi. Each subsequent volume of OISHINBO focuses on specific foods and culinary trends such as sake, sushi, vegetables, rice dishes, ramen, and izakaya (pub) food.

“OISHINBO is a series where cuisine is put front and center and food is the star,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “Each volume introduces readers to the proper preparation and presentation of a variety of Japanese dishes, while also detailing their history and cultural significance. We’re serving up selected highlights from this epic 100+ volume series and compiled them into seven a la carte editions that can be enjoyed individually or as a series. Each volume also features full-color instructions on how to prepare the unique dishes presented. It might even inspire some to begin culinary adventures of their own!”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/.

Bang Zoom Entertainment brings us Manga Minutes

2009-01-22T07:10:00.003-06:00

BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT TEAMS WITH STARZ MEDIA’S MANGA ENTERTAINMENT TO DEVELOP “MANGA MINUTES”

24-Episode Original Web Series Showcases and Reviews the Latest Anime, Manga and Video Games for Popular Manga.com Web Site

Burbank, Calif. and New York, NY, January 21, 2009 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, was tapped recently to develop and produce a fun, new web-based show, “Manga Minutes” for Manga.com.

Manga.Com is the official site of Manga Entertainment, a leading publisher of anime titles such as Astro Boy, Ghost in the Shell, Ninja Scroll, Blood: The Last Vampire, and many more. Bang Zoom! will produce 24 episodes of the show in total, which recently was ranked as high as #5 on the iTunes “Arts & Entertainment” chart.

Fifteen episodes are now available on Manga.com at www.manga.com/channels/manga-minutes

“Manga Minutes” features a duo of lively, animated hosts named Yoko and Rogue and showcases reviews of anime, manga, and video games from a variety of publishers. “Manga Minutes” complements Manga Entertainment’s destination site, Manga.com, which features a unique blend of video, product-related information and other editorial content and offers fans a customized way to experience a wide range of manga and anime.

Bang Zoom! was given creative and critical license to select which titles to review and to develop a look for the show. “We did a lot of research as far as deciding what titles to feature,” says Bang Zoom! associate producer, Kevin Chu. “Considering the style of the Manga.com website and its users, we focused on finding unique properties that appealed to a core demographic of ardent fans. To-date we’ve focused on several cool action titles like Gurren Lagaan, Kite Liberator, Claymore, Gantz, Ghost Slayers, Afro Samurai, xxxHolic and Dead Space. We make a point to stay in-tune with what titles people are talking about and fan feedback plays a big role in giving us ideas for future episodes.”
“We were very excited to have the opportunity to work with Starz Media and Manga Entertainment on ‘Manga Minutes,’” says Eric P. Sherman, president of Bang Zoom! Entertainment. “Each episode is a snapshot of what’s cool in the latest anime, manga and game titles and we look forward to continuing to develop the show.”

“We developed Manga.com as a place where fans could watch free anime clips, discuss anime culture, and find out about new video games and manga,” says David Katz, executive director, digital media of Starz Media’s Manga Entertainment, which produces the site. “‘Manga Minutes’ gives our fans their dose of what's cool in anime, games and manga – all in two minutes. This unique and novel short-form programming fills a need in the marketplace and is one that we can easily distribute and syndicate to our distribution partners and reach an even wider audience.”

About Manga Entertainment
Manga Entertainment Ltd. is an entertainment company specializing in the production, marketing and distribution of Japanese animation for theatrical, television, Internet, DVD and home video release worldwide. The Manga film library is marketed and distributed in the U.S. through Anchor Bay Entertainment. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in London and Tokyo. Manga Entertainment is a division of Starz Media LLC (http://www.starzmedia.com/), a controlled subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation, attributed to Liberty Capital Group.

About Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc.
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading and award winning full service audio post production studio working in the fields of feature films, television, electronic entertainment, anime and direct to home entertainment projects. Founded in 1993, Bang Zoom! Entertainment maintains operations in the U.S. with three buildings, six recording/mixing stages and a staff of just under 200 actors, writers, directors and technicians. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is committed to carrying out innovative projects that contribute to the promotion of global cultural awareness. More information about Bang Zoom! Entertainment and its products can be found on the company’s web site, which is located at http://www.bangzoomentertainment.com/.

###
Contact Info: info@bangzoomentertainment.comorEric BeckerStarz Digital Media(720) 852-4065eric.becker@starz.com

bleachexile.com

2009-01-21T12:46:00.002-06:00

I have been a big fan of bleachexile.com for a couple of years. Thats where I went to find new episodes of Naruto and Bleach. I also watched many of their archive animes they have in their list.
I had sent many of people there to find this or that.
But now I am dissapointed. I will be removing them from all my links. They have blocked access to their servers unless you donate them $5.00us to keep the servers going.
I would donate to them but I still argue the fact thats why we have fan subs. Fans who volunteer to record and sub translations for animes. I spent years doing it for mangas. Got the most heart felt thank yous for it too. I encourage fans to put their talents to good use for the rest of us to enjoy them too.
Anyway My point is if you know of a good site to add animes to your collection or to keep up on new releases please let me know here. The only other place I know for Bleach is http://4bleach.com/ I prefer the direct downloads. I haven't done the torrent thing in a long time.

EXCITING NEW SHOJO MANGA FROM VIZ MEDIA

2009-01-19T18:57:00.000-06:00

EXCITING NEW SHOJO MANGA FROM VIZ MEDIA
TO KICK OFF 2009
San Francisco, CA, January 16, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced several eagerly awaited new shojo manga series (graphic novel) series, scheduled for release during the First Quarter of 2009.
Published under the company’s popular Shojo Beat imprint, the new series will include HEAVEN’S WILL, THE MAGIC TOUCH and OTOMEN as well as VIZBIG editions of FUSHIGI YUGI and HOT GIMMICK. The VIZBIG titles will offer omnibus volumes in a 5-3/4 x 8-5/8 size (larger than the standard 5 x 7½ manga size) with special premium presentations including new cover art and added content such as author interviews, updated text and character art.
"We’re very excited to kick off 2009 with several new manga series from some of the most talented creators in the shojo genre," says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing for VIZ Media. "These stories are filled with zany antics of love-struck high school kids in THE MAGIC TOUCH and OTOMEN to the supernatural fun of HEAVEN’s WILL. Readers also won’t want to miss the first VIZBIG treatments of two popular shojo manga series – FUSHIGI YUGI and HOT GIMMICK. The hefty editions are a great new way to have these two classic titles presented to new fans as well as seasoned readers. "
FUSHIGI YUGI VIZBIG · Rated "T+" for Older Teens · MSRP: $17.99 US / $21.99 CAN · Available Now!
FUSHIGI YÛGI is a beloved fantasy from Yu Watase, one of Japan's top manga creators. The new omnibus VIZBIG edition is wonderfully exciting, funny, and heartfelt tale of a normal junior-high-school girl who is transported into a fictional version of ancient China after reading a strange book called The Universe of the Four Gods. While there she becomes a High Priestess and encounters an array of villains and dashing heroes but yet she still manages to worry about her grades and her next school banquet. Each VIZBIG edition of FUSHIGI YÛGI contains three volumes, bonus color content, and updated text.

An acclaimed manga artist for nearly 20 years, Yu Watase first gained acclaim in 1989 when her short story, An Intrusion in Pajamas, appeared in the monthly manga anthology Shôjo Comic. She has since gone one to create many long-running and renowned series including ALICE 19th, FUSHIGI YÛGI and its sequel, FUSHIGI YUGI: GENBU KAIDAN, as well as Ceres Celestial Legend, and Absolute Boyfriend (all published by VIZ Media). FUSHIGI YÛGI has sold more than 13 million copies in Japan and over 1.1 million copies in North America and spawned two animated television series, an OVA series, anime soundtrack CDs, and a string of related novels.
HOT GIMMICK VIZBIG · Rated "T+" for Older Teens · MSRP: $17.99 US / $21.00 CAN · Available March 17, 2009
In tiny, company-owned rabbit-hutch apartments live tenants who can't afford to live anywhere else. This apartment complex, in which high-school girl Hatsumi Narita lives, is ruled over by the rumor-mongering, self-righteous Mrs. Tachibana. Get on her bad side and life becomes hell. One day Hatsumi buys a pregnancy test for her popular but flirty sister Akane. Mrs. Tachibana's son, Ryoki, who used to bully Hatsumi as a kid, promises not to tell the world about Hatsumi's secret, only if she will become his slave. Soon after a boy named Azusa, who was Hatsumi's protector in their youth, reappears to save her again! He's moving back into the neighborhood, and despite a budding romance between Hatsumi and Azusa, Ryoki continues to have control over her through the secret pact that could ruin the lives of everyone in Hatsumi's family. Usually a sensible and mild-mannered young girl, Hatsumi suddenly finds herself in a swirl of drama that threatens to drive her totally crazy.
HOT GIMMICK creator Miki Aihara turned the manga world upside down with this salacious, outrageous, and funny hit series. If you think being a teenager in America is hard, wait until you read HOT GIMMICK! Aihara made her debut in 1991 with Lip Conscious!, which was published in the Bessatsu Shojo Comic anthology and she remains a major contributor to the magazine. In addition to HOT GIMMICK, Aihara also created TOKYO BOYS AND GIRLS (available from VIZ Media), TEACHER’S PET, THE CLEAR WIDE BLUE SKY, SO BAD! and AS LONG AS THERE IS A SUN IN THE SKY, among others.
HEAVEN’S WILL · Rated "T" for Teens · MSRP: 8.99 US / $10.99 CAN
· Available Now!
Sudou Mikuzu has a very special talent/power – she can see ghosts. And because of this, she's become a magnet for all sorts of unwelcome spirits and monsters. Lucky for her she's just met Seto, a friendly, cross-dressing young exorcist. Sudou needs protection from all the creepy phantoms bugging her and Seto needs to practice his exorcism skills. Consequently, the pair decides to team up and help each other. In return for Seto’s help, Sudou promises to bake him a cake every time a ghost gets zapped!
Created by Satoru Takamiya, HEAVEN’S WILL first appeared as a short story in Chu Chu magazine, a popular Japanese shojo manga anthology for teen girls published by Shogakukan. HEAVEN’S WILL offers a premise similar to popular supernatural sagas like BLEACH but introduces a romantically-tinged plot element combined with stylized gothic appeal. Fans of popular supernatural television series such as Medium, Journeyman, Ghost Whisperer, and Pushing Daisies won’t want to miss HEAVEN’S WILL.
THE MAGIC TOUCH · Rated "T+" for Older Teens · MSRP: 8.99 US / $10.50 CAN · Available February 3, 2009
Aside from being the star of her high school's Massage Research Society club, Chiaki Togu is a normal, quiet girl—until she falls head over heels in love with a gorgeous back, which happens to belong to Yosuke, the hottest guy at her school! Unfortunately, Chiaki's attraction to Yosuke is thwarted by her own insecurity and the scheming of other girls, especially those of her twin sister Sayaka! Although Yosuke seems out of Chiaki's league, she will do almost anything to give him a massage. The two eventually strike a deal where she will be allowed to touch his back if she can make him fall in love with her. What Chiaki doesn't know is the real reason Yosuke wants to hang around her: to avenge his younger brother, who was allegedly deceived and dumped by somebody named Chiaki Togu! Is this a simple case of mistaken identity or the beginning of a tragedy?
THE MAGIC TOUCH was created by Izumi Tsubaki, who began drawing manga during her first year of high school. She was soon selected to be among the Top 10 artists selected by popular manga anthology Hana to Yume (Flowers And Dreams) and went on to win the publication’s Big Challenge manga contest. THE MAGIC TOUCH was a best seller in Japan (where it was originally known as Oyayubi kara Romance, or Romance from the Thumbs), and fan buzz across North America has created great anticipation for the series debut. In addition to THE MAGIC TOUCH, Tsubaki is currently working on the manga series, I’M THE TEACHER.
OTOMEN· Rated "T" for Teens · MSRP: 8.99 US / $10.50 CAN
· Available February 3, 2009
Asuka Masamune is a guy who loves girly things–sewing, knitting, making cute stuffed animals and reading shojo manga. But in a world where boys are expected to act manly, Asuka must hide his beloved hobbies and instead play the part of a masculine jock. Ryo Miyakozuka, on the other hand, is a girl who can't sew or bake a cake to save her life. Asuka finds himself attracted to Ryo, but she likes only the manliest of men! Can Asuka ever show his true self to anyone, much less to the girl that he's falling for?
OTOMEN, created by Aya Kanno, is currently being serialized in Japan's BetsuHana magazine. OTOMEN is a best seller in Japan, with each new volume appearing in the Top 15 of Japan’s Tohan rankings that chart manga popularity and sales. Aya Kanno’s other series, BLANK SLATE, is also published by VIZ Media recently debuted across North America.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at http://www.viz.com/.

Review: Bakugan Battle Brawlers

2009-01-19T15:55:00.000-06:00

Bakugan Battle Brawlers: The Battle Begins is an OEL manga/graphic novel. The graphics are made by still shots of the animated show. The colors are rich and the format flows.

Manga Description: One day cards fell from the sky to be collected by children all around the world. Each card contains a creature called a Battling Beast that comes to life and battles the opponent cards Battle Beast.. The children created a game out of them called Bakugan. The main character in the story is Dan Kuso, he soon realizes that the Bakugan game is more than it appears. The Cards have a deeper magic of their own.

Manga Review:
Content: (This section may contain spoilers.) ; I thought that the story line flowed well for a fight scene. The stills were rich and clear. The downside was that it’s target audience is meant to be such a young genre.

Bleach 202 "Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Who's the Strongest"

2009-01-15T08:57:00.002-06:00

I liked this episode. Of course Kubo Tite can put Kenpachi in all the episodes and I would still like them.
Most all the episode was Kenpachi Zaraki and Nnoitra Jiruga fight it out to the death. Checking on the Bleach Wiki it says next to Nnoitra Jiruga deceased by Kenpachi Zaraki. As if there was any question about that would have turned out.
Anyway I was impressed that Kenpachi was pushed to the point he actually had to hold his sword the Kendo style. Two Hands. Wicked 
7 out of 10

Black Blood Brothers - anime review.

2009-01-12T15:05:00.001-06:00

Mochizuki Jirou, the Silver Blade, is an Old Blood. Ten years ago he fought the Kowloon Children, beings who were a threat to mankind and to vampires, in the Holy War. In the present, Jirou is trying to get to the Special Zone, a place where vampires and humans live alongside each other, with his brother; their guide is Mimiko Katsuragi, mediator for humans and vampires. But the brothers soon discover that the surviving Kowloon Children can also gain access to the Special Zone – if they receive an invite from a Royal within it. Who invited the Kowloon Children, and will Jirou be able to defeat them once more?
The first episode was a little hard to follow. I couldn’t tell if the first episode ended as a flash back or not. But after that the story went smoothly. It’s easy to follow the plot. A Short series of only 12 eps you are sure to enjoy the story.
You can find them on Hulu.com

HDTV build for my Livingroom.

2009-01-12T14:50:00.001-06:00

So I spent the weekend building a computer that would look better on my 720p HDTV. I use to have it connected via S-video cable and an audio cable. It was quite messy behind the TV with cables for this and cables for that.
I wanted to stream down my cables and use a HDMI cable for both my HD video and my digital audio. I bought a reasonable motherboard with a HDMI port built in.
It was nothing to put in. Took me some troubleshooting before I realized to move a set of jumpers over in order to activate the port.
I was very pleased about the video. The movies I watched with the DVD player were smooth and crisp. The movies I streamed from http://HULU.com were a lot better quality than some of the others. That makes me happy because when I miss an episode of what ever I am watching at the moment (Legend of the Seeker and Heroes) I can find it on there and in great HD quality.

WEP and home security

2009-01-12T09:34:00.000-06:00

WEP and home security You should think of home security as often as you think about company network securities. WEP cracking has literally become a new craze for not just hackers but children who opted for the new laptop last Christmas instead of the new Wii or PS3.Now, I have done it and it's quite fun to play around with. With new distribution's coming out like Whax or Back Track 3 or the utilities used like the aircrack suite. Anyone can learn how to use them in a matter of hours. And that makes for a dangerous opening to your network.I belong to several hacker forums to stay up to date on new vulnerabilities for applications and systems. Most of the time I learn of them first at the forums instead of places like National Vulnerability Database. WEP cracking is going to be a major issue in the next year or so to come.As easily as it is to get on your wireless network (don't be fooled by hiding your ssid). It's easier to poison your ARP whilst I am on there. What that does is fool your computer into thinking my computer is the router and routs all traffic through my pc before it moves out to the internet. I can capture all traffic and even obtain your personal information whilst I am doing it. If identity theft is so important these days, why are so many people allowing others access to their private networks.Out of the 21 different wireless ssid's I can gather from my house, only 3 of them are properly secured from these kind of local attacks. The rest of them I have sniffed. I'll have to say that learning about my neighbors that way is not a pleasant experience at all. I would prefer them lieing to my face and making up some story at the mail box about how they are doing then what I have learned by snooping. I know it's wrong but it's what I do. I am just pointing out the severity of this new craze.I would like to go around strip malls and sniff some business wireless signals. Gather as much data as I can then go to them with it all. Alas, Between work and pen-testing networks I have literally zero extra time left over.
Posted by Dallas Spohn at

What is wrong with Illinois?

2009-01-08T06:57:00.000-06:00

Seems to me like all the politicians that come out of Illinois are pompous, arrogant, big headed, idiots.
Now I am not trying to be nice about this. But I think that a more respected person should also be a humble person.
For example, B-Rock’s assurance he would be president long before the elections took place. OK, so he just so happens to be the best person we had for the job but that makes me sick to my stomach that that was all we had. His arrogance alone should have made you question the choice. <- I support the man, as I should. But still think he was elected just because of the color of his skin.
Rod Blagojevich is a major retard who is enjoying the limelight of being in the eye of the camera. Not the fact that he’s a thief and a liar and should be apologizing to people. He has absolutely zero idea that he is a moron and still thinks people love him. How delusional can you actually become in life? <- wouldn’t know what being humble was if it slapped him in the face with a trout. Another one who’s ego is on the moon.
Bobby Rush, a hater. That is obvious as the day. Why has he not been removed from office for being such a raciest? Hey Bobby, I don’t think the Black Panthers are legitimate anymore. It’s an old organization that is as popular as the KKK yet you still think it gives you some sort of political foothold and that turns my stomach. I am appalled at the people who elected someone like you to represent them in the first place. People who think like you should get off my planet. Your corrupting the youth of America with your constant segregation between black and white. Hey stupid!!! It’s not about Roland Burris being black. It’s about his competence. You, and the way you think, is what America has overcome. You are living in an old world that most of us younger guys just don’t understand.
Roland Burris, Here is a guy who can not even take a hint. It’s a shame that he was involved with Rod Blagojevich. But it’s a funny story. This guy was nominated as a Jr Senator by one of the most corrupt politicians in American history. But instead of stepping back and saying, “whoa, wait fella. I am in fact the man for the job but I will earn the seat. Not buy it. Nor do I want to be associated with someone like you.”
Look, I am picking on Illinois because you all seem to be the other line of commonsense. I think you all need to come down a couple of notches for Americas sake.
I do have issues with the far left liberals. I think they have started a nasty trend of whining about everything that does not go their way. I do not dispute that it is working in their favor but I agree that it is the wrong way. I am feeling like America has become the weird guy who is sitting in the corner booth at IHOP, with a French fry hanging out his beard and licking his quarters.”

Basic Hack Test

2009-01-07T07:16:00.000-06:00

Slackware "practice Disk" blackbox hack
Download the practice disk burn it, set it up in a lab enviroment and get to work on it. Shouldn't take you long at all.192.168.1.100 = http://heorot.net/instruction/tutorials/...00-1.1.iso192.168.1.110 = http://heorot.net/instruction/tutorials/...10-1.0.isoThe MD5 Hash Values of Each Disk:a3341316ca9860b3a0acb06bdc58bbc1 ==>de-ice.net-1.100-1.1.isoa626d884148c63bfc9df36f2743d7242 ==>de-ice.net-1.110-1.0.iso SCENARIO The scenario for this LiveCD is that a CEO of a small company has been pressured by the Board of Directors to have a penetration test done within the company. The CEO, believing his company is secure, feels this is a huge waste of money, especially since he already has a company scan their network for vulnerabilities (using nessus). To make the BoD happy, he decides to hire you for a 5-day job; and because he really doesn't believe the company is insecure, he has contracted you to look at only one server - a old system that only has a web-based list of the company's contact information. The CEO expects you to prove that the admins of the box follow all proper accepted security practices, and that you will not be able to obtain access to the box. Prove to him that a full penetration test of their entire corporation would be the best way to ensure his company is actually following best security practices. CONFIGURATION PenTest Lab Disk 1.100: This LiveCD is configured with an IP address of 192.168.1.100 - no additional configuration is necessary. Pentest Machine: Your second system will use the BackTrack (v.2) LiveCD as provided by remote-exploit.org. A copy of the LiveCD can be downloaded from remote-exploit.org. This disk is configured to obtain an IP address through DHCP - thus no additional configuration is required. All tools necessary to exploit Disk 1.100 can be found on the BackTrack Disk. No additional installations will be necessary. Router Configuration: The PenTest Lab system and the PenTest machine must connect to a router that has been configured with the following values: DHCP Server: active Pool Starting Addr.: 192.168.1.2 LAN TCP/IP: IP Address: 192.168.1.1 IP Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0:)"Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass . . . . . It's about learning to dance in the rain!"

First Blog Entry

2008-12-31T06:56:00.000-06:00

I go by Kuroda_Shun in the Hacking community and the Anime Community. I have made a news years resolution to keep up with my blog and put out as much information i can think of that would be of interest.
I expect that most of my political rants will get me in trouble but the hacking side of it will get a lot of questions. I am not sure how big the anime population is out there but would love to talk about anime at any time. I will do my best to get a post in a day.

Kuroda_Shun

NARUTO MANGA SERIES REACHES MILESTONE

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LATEST NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPIRE KNIGHT AND POKÉMON ANIME RELEASES

ABCmouse, Launched by the makers of folks who made Neopets

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES CAPTIVE HEARTS, CLAYMORE, D.GRAY-MAN AND TORIKO MANGA DOWNLOADS FOR THE VIZ MANGA APP FOR iPad

VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS MÄR ON VIZANIME.COM AND HULU

THE STRUGGLE FOR TIME AND SPACE CONTINUES IN POKÉMON: ARCEUS AND THE JEWEL OF LIFE, ON DVD AND IN ADAPTED MANGA FROM VIZ MEDIA

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES 2011 WITH A NEW iTunes ANIME PROMOTION FOR BUSO RENKIN AND VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY

VIZ CINEMA BEGINS 2011 WITH SCREENINGS OF EVANGELION 1.0: YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE AND EVANGELION 2.0: YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE

EVANGELION 1.0: YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE Monday, 1/17 – Thursday, 1/20

EVANGELION 2.0: YOU CAN (NOT) ADVANCE Friday 1/21 – Thursday, 1/27

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NEW PEOPLE ANNOUNCES ONE OF THE NATION’S BIGGEST POP CULTURE EVENTS OF THE YEAR WITH THE 2010 J-POP SUMMIT FESTIVAL

LATEST EPISODES AIRED IN JAPAN OF POPULAR BLEACH ANIME SERIES TO START STREAMING ON VIZANIME.COM

GIANT MONSTERS INVADE SAN FRANCICSO

Action-Packed New Series Created By Two Legends Of Comics And Manga debuting in SHONEN JUMP magazine

AVANT GARDE JAPANESE STREET FASHION LABELS OPEN BOUTIQUES AT NEW PEOPLE IN SAN FRANCISCO THIS SUMMER!

VIZ MEDIA OFFERS A SELECTION OF INTRIGUING NEW MANGA SERIES FOR RELEASE THROUGHOUT THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2009

Get those air guitars poised and ready as VIZ Media unleashes the wildest, shockingly funny manga - DETROIT METAL CITY!!!

You are invited to visit www.sigikki.com and test out the beta launch of a brand new collaboration to bring comics the likes of which American audienc

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES HISTORICAL BOOK - THE CENTURY OF THE BLACK SHIPS

Starz Digital Media Launches ABEToons.com, Unveils ABE Toons Animation Talent Search

VIZ MEDIA’S RELEASE OF NEW MANGA – IKIGAMI: THE ULTIMATE LIMIT WILL BRING ABOUT QUESTIONS OF JUSTICE, SOCIETY AND THE BEST WAY TO REALLY APPRECIATE LI

Full Metal Alchemist 2 Brotherhood

VIZ MEDIA TO DAZZLE MANGA AND SUPERHERO FANS WITH A SPECIAL SHONEN JUMP MANGA SAMPLER FEATURING ULTIMO FOR 2009 FREE COMIC BOOK DAY

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES A CAPTIVATING LINE UP OF NEW ANIMATED AND LIVE-ACTION DVD RELEASES FOR SECOND QUARTER 2009

JAPAN’S WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY MAGAZINE AND VIZ MEDIA TRANSPORT READERS TO THE RUMIC WORLD WITH THE SIMULTANEOUS EAST-WEST DEBUT OF RUMIKO TAKAHASHI’S N

First time ever for a Rumiko Takahashi manga series- - - Simultaneous East/West online publishing of her newest manga series RIN-NE

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES NARUTO SHIPPUDEN PROMOTIONAL CAMPAIGN WITH TRANS WORLD ENTERTAINMENT FOR FYE AND SUNCOAST STORES NATIONWIDE

JAPAN'S WEEKLY SHONEN SUNDAY MAGAZINE AND VIZ MEDIA TRANSPORT READERS TO THE RUMIC WORLD WITH THE SIMULTANEOUS EAST-WEST DEBUT OF RUMIKO TAKAHASHI'S NEWEST MANGA SERIES RIN-NE

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NARUTO ENGLISH DUBBED UNCUT EPISODES ON JOOST AND HULU

VIZ MEDIA NOMINATED IN MULTIPLE CATEGORIES FOR THE 2009 WILL EISNER COMIC INDUSTRY AWARDS

VIZ MEDIA OPENS A FUN NEW VIRTUAL STORE ON LEADING ONLINE 3D SOCIAL NETWORKING DESTINATION SITE THERE.COM

120-PAGE PREVIEW OF NARUTO MANGA VOLUME 45 ONLINE FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY ON SHONENJUMP.COM

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES SPECIAL NARUTO SHIPPUDEN WATCH-AND-WIN CONTEST ON OFFICIAL NARUTO WEB SITE NARUTO.COM

BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT BRINGS UNIQUE VOICE ACTING WORKSHOP TO SAN FRANCISCO FOR TWO SPECIAL EVENTS

I think a turning poin tin online entertainment is right around the corner.

TV.COM ANNOUNCES CONTENT AGREEMENTS WITH NCAA® AND THOUGHT EQUITY MOTION, STARZ MEDIA AND MORE

VIZ MEDIA SWEEPS ALL TOP 10 SPOTS ON THE NEWEST NEW YORK TIMES MANGA BEST SELLER LIST

Hulu Anime Update** Origin** Spirits of the past**

BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCES SPECIAL STREET FIGHTER EPISODE OF “MANGA MINUTES”

VIZ MEDIA CONTINUES THE CELEBRATION WITH A SPECIAL SHONEN JUMP DRAGONBALL: EVOLUTION POSTERZINE

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ANNUAL ART ISSUE OF SHOJO BEAT MAGAZINE

VIZ PICTURES AND NCM FATHOM PRESENT LIVE-ACTION DEATH NOTE: L, change the WorLd IN SPECIAL TWO-NIGHT EVENT

VIZ MEDIA CELEBRATES THE EVOLUTION OF DRAGON BALL

BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT CREATES FRESH ENGLISH DUB FOR SPECIAL WEB PRESENTATION OF ACCLAIMED ANIME FILM 5 CENTIMETERS PER SECOND ON CRUNCHYROLL

VIZ Media's BLUE DRAGON ANIME NOW AVAILABLE ON THE iTunes STORE

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RIGHT STUF Proclaims 2009-2010 the “Year of the OTAKU”

COMING SOON -------------------- NEW MANGA SERIES FROM RUMIKO TAKAHASHI!

VIZ MEDIA DOMINATES 2008 BOOKSCAN TOP 20 GRAPHIC NOVEL LIST

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PRESS RELEASE: VIZ MEDIA TO RELEASE NEW I"s ANIME BOX SET

VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES DVD RELEASE OF LIVE-ACTION DEATH NOTE

Moderator Needed

The Latest NARUTO Shippuden Episodes - Streaming for FREE!

Tear down your cable payment.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ANIMATED DVD RELEASES FOR APRIL 2009

Hackers Crack Into Texas Road Sign, Warn of Zombies Ahead

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES LANDMARK IMPRINT ‘HAIKASORU’ TO PUBLISH ACCLAIMEDJAPANESE SCIENCE FICTION NOVELS

VIZ MEDIA SATISFIES HUNGRY MANGA FANS WITH THE RELEASE OF OISHINBO

Bang Zoom Entertainment brings us Manga Minutes

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EXCITING NEW SHOJO MANGA FROM VIZ MEDIA

Review: Bakugan Battle Brawlers

Bleach 202 "Fierce Fighting Conclusion! Who's the Strongest"

Black Blood Brothers - anime review.

HDTV build for my Livingroom.

WEP and home security

What is wrong with Illinois?

Basic Hack Test

First Blog Entry

Hulu Anime Update Origin Spirits of the past**