NARUTO MANGA SERIES REACHES MILESTONE

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.

Full Metal Alchemist 2 Brotherhood

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

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.

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

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.

Tear down your cable payment.

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

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/.