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.
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Thursday, April 23, 2009
First time ever for a Rumiko Takahashi manga series- - - Simultaneous East/West online publishing of her newest manga series RIN-NE
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
(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
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.
Thursday, April 16, 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 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, 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
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
“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
###
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Monday, April 13, 2009
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NARUTO ENGLISH DUBBED UNCUT EPISODES ON JOOST AND HULU
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.
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VIZ MEDIA NOMINATED IN MULTIPLE CATEGORIES FOR THE 2009 WILL EISNER COMIC INDUSTRY AWARDS
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.
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Tuesday, April 7, 2009
VIZ MEDIA OPENS A FUN NEW VIRTUAL STORE ON LEADING ONLINE 3D SOCIAL NETWORKING DESTINATION SITE THERE.COM
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.
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