VIZ MEDIA SHOWCASES WORLD’S HOTTEST ANIME TITLES AT 2013 LICENSING EXPO

VISIT VIZ MEDIA AT LICENSING EXPO BOOTH #A137

VIZ MEDIA SHOWCASES WORLD’S HOTTEST ANIME TITLES AT 2013 LICENSING EXPO

ACCEL WORLD, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC TRILOGY, ‘K’ And NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, Among The New Titles To Be Showcased

San Francisco, CA, June 17, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, returns to Las Vegas for the 2013 Licensing Expo with a robust catalog of some of the world’s top anime properties. The 2013 Licensing Expo is the world’s largest and most influential licensing industry event and takes place June 18th-20th at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. VIZ Media will be located in Booth # A137.

The annual Licensing Expo (www.licensingexpo.com) is the licensing industry's premier trade event for leveraging properties and brand equity to develop merchandise, Licensing Expo attracts more than 400 exhibitors representing more than 5,000 brands and properties in entertainment; sports; fashion and apparel; publishing; art and design; automotive; animation/anime; home and housewares; and lifestyle. Attendees from more than 80 countries represent the world's leading retailers, licensees, manufacturers, distributors and licensing agents.

Anime properties VIZ Media will highlight at 2013 Licensing Expo include:

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)

NARUTO has become the hottest animated series across North America and is one of VIZ Media’s most successful manga and animated properties in terms of sales. NARUTO has aired on TV since 2005, and is currently the most watched anime program on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block. On HULU, the 500+ subtitled episodes have reached over 200 million views. In addition, digital downloads are available on all major platforms including iTunes, Xbox, Amazon, Google and Xbox. NARUTO’s continuous popularity has brought more than 1000 consumer products to the U.S. market, including video games  from Namco Bandai (7 million copies sold), graphic novels from VIZ Media (127 million copies sold), and trading card games from Bandai America (10 million packs sold).  

In May 2013, the first official fan-designed t-shirt contest took place. The contest’s success resulted the immediate interest from numerous retail buyers. VIZ Media continues to secure new licensees and expand to new product lines, ranging from digital products to food and beverage items.

More information is available on the official website at VIZ.com/naruto.

BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE TRILOGY (Rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences)

Based on the bestselling medieval dark fantasy manga (graphic novel) series created by Kentaro Miura, the BERSERK animation is beloved by not only anime and manga fans, but also holds a large following in the action-fantasy world. To date, 31 million BERSERK graphic novels have been sold worldwide. The trilogy has been nominated for multiple international movie awards for its extreme precision, and dynamic graphics.

The first two movies screened at a special premiere event in San Francisco in Spring 2013, and the third film will debut Summer 2014. Figures and accessories made in Japan are currently available in the U.S. High-end collectors figures are scheduled for released in early 2014.

For more information on the BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC film trilogy, please visit the official Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BerserkFilm.

ACCEL WORLD (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens)

Based on award winning novel (3.5 million copies sold in Japan), ACCEL WORLD takes place in the year 2046 when the virtual world becomes reality. All 24 subtitled episodes are available on Hulu and the series is top rated in the Science Fiction Anime category. In addition, 100,000 copies of Namco Bandai’s Accel World PSP and PS3 games have sold in Japan.  Currently apparel, accessories, and figures are available in the US market.  ACCEL WORLD continues to venture into new item categories in 2013.

For more information on ACCEL WORLD, please visit: VIZAnime.com/accel-world.

K (Rated ‘T’ for Teens)

From GoHands, the studio that brought you the cyberpunk anime film series Mardock Scramble, and the enigmatic writers’ collective GoRA Project comes K. The highly anticipated series revealed little information on the plot until the its simultaneous debut in 54 countries in 2012. Upon its release, K instantly attracted the attention of a wide fan base. The first K publicity event in Japan resulted in attendance exceeding 250% of capacity, and sold out of 5000 event tickets in 15 minutes. All 13 episodes are currently streamed on Hulu and are top ranking in the Action Adventure Anime category.

For more information about K, please visit VIZAnime.com/k.

Additional VIZ Media anime properties available for license include:

• BLEACH
• DEATH NOTE
• INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT
• LAGRANGE: THE FLOWER OF RIN-NE
• NARUTO
• NARUTO SPINOFF: ROCK LEE AND HIS NINJA PALS
• TIGER & BUNNY
• VAMPIRE KNIGHT
• ZETMAN

For more information on other VIZ Media anime properties, please visit: www.viz.com/anime.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES THE SAMURAI MANGA ACTION OF RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES THE SAMURAI MANGA ACTION OF RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION

RUROUNI KENSHIN Creator Nobuhiro Watsuki Offers A Twist On His Original Smash Hit Samurai Story in a New Manga

San Francisco, CA, June 6, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, celebrates the return of one of manga’s most iconic samurai – Rurouni Kenshin – with the release of RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION. This new series is published under the Shonen Jump imprint, rated ‘T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. A digital edition is also available on VIZ Manga and the VIZ Manga App for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN).

Nobuhiro Watsuki, the creator of the original RUROUNI KENSHIN series (also published by VIZ Media in North America; rated ‘T’ for Teens) revisits his classic manga story. Action, romance, and historical intrigue abound in RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION, a tale of a wandering swordsman during Japan’s chaotic Meiji Restoration.

During the violent upheaval of the Bakumatsu era (1853-1968), Hitokiri Battosai was a feared and ruthless assassin. But now that the Meiji Restoration has begun to heal the wounds of civil war, Battosai has taken up a new name and calling! He is now Rurouni Kenshin, a ronin (masterless) wanderer who has vowed only to draw his sword to protect those in need. But not everyone is pleased with Kenshin’s new direction, and enemies from his dark past have vowed to bring him down!

“Rurouni Kenshin, a slight and mild-mannered young man who once served as an assassin for anti-Shogunate forces, returns with his reverse-bladed katana and his deadly skills in this fast-paced new treatment from creator Nobuhiro Watsuki,” says Pancha Diaz, Editor. “Watsuki’s artwork, particularly his kinetic action sequences, shine in this new edition and fans of the original RUORINI KENSHIN series, as well as those interested in adventure, romance, Japanese history, and samurai culture are invited to join Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and others as they take up their swords once again!”

Manga creator Nobuhiro Watsuki earned international accolades for his first major series, RUROUNI KENSHIN, about a wandering swordsman in Meiji Era Japan. Serialized in Japan's Weekly Shonen Jump from 1994 to 1999, it quickly became an international sensation, selling more than 57 million copies and inspiring a spin-off short story, an animated TV series, and several successful animated feature films. The RUROUNI KENSHIN series is published in North America by VIZ Media under its Shonen Jump imprint and is also available as a VIZBIG omnibus edition. Watsuki's other series, BUSO RENKIN is also available in English from VIZ Media (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and also digitally through VIZ Manga and the VIZ Manga App.

For more information on RUROUNI KENSHIN or other titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.viz.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA INVITES MANGA FANS TO KICK OFF SUMMER READING WITH NEW SERIES DEBUTS ON VIZMANGA.COM AND THE VIZ MANGA APP

VIZ MEDIA INVITES MANGA FANS TO KICK OFF SUMMER READING WITH NEW SERIES DEBUTS ON VIZMANGA.COM AND THE VIZ MANGA APP

Brand New Sports Series CROSS MANAGE Joins Acclaimed Manga Titles For The First-Half Of June Including LOVE*COM, RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION And SAND LAND

VIZ Media kicks off summer 2013 with a super-hot dose of exciting new digital manga (graphic novel) series available now with others set to launch throughout the first-half of June adding to the company’s extensive digital library at VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App.

Making its exclusive North American digital debut comes – CROSS MANAGE – creator Kaito’s tense sports drama about the male manager of women's lacrosse team. The series is also presently featured in VIZ Media’s Weekly Shonen Jump digital manga magazine. Fans are further invited to dive into the action, historical drama, shojo romance, and sci-fi fantasy contained in additional digital debuts that include GABA KAWA (manga one-shot), GUN BLAZE WEST, LOVE*COM, RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION, and SAND LAND.

VIZ Media’s innovative digital manga platform allows users to access and read manga from the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, and supported Android-powered smart phones and tablets (including the Kindle Fire), with VIZManga.com for desktop and laptop computers. Manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume.

Available Now!

CROSS MANAGE · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages · Available Now!

Talented but aimless Sakurai just can’t find a place to belong. After trying (and failing at) one extracurricular activity after another, his life changes thanks to a chance encounter with lacrosse fanatic Toyoguchi, who thinks Sakurai has just what it takes to propel her girls’ lacrosse team to victory!  Despite Sakurai’s multiple refusals, Toyoguchi won’t take no for an answer when it comes to recruiting him to manage the girls’ lacrosse team. What’s more, her boundless enthusiasm is starting to win Sakurai over… 

LOVE*COM · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

In this shojo gem created by Aya Nakaharam, middle school student Risa Koizumi is the tallest girl in class, and the last thing she wants is the humiliation of standing next to Atsushi Ôtani, the shortest guy. Fate and the whole school have other ideas, and the two find themselves cast as the unwilling stars of a bizarre romantic comedy duo.

RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

RUROUNI KENSHIN creator Nobohiro Watsuki reprises his most acclaimed manga swordsman in a brand new version of his classic story set during the violent upheaval of the Bakumatsu era. Hitokiri Battosai was once a feared and ruthless assassin, but now that the Meiji Restoration has begun to heal the wounds of civil war, he has taken up a new name… and a new calling! He is now Himura Kenshin, a “rurouni” wanderer who has vowed to only draw his sword to protect those in need. But not everyone is pleased with Kenshin’s new direction, and enemies from his dark past have vowed to bring him down!

SAND LAND · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

Fans won’t want to miss this travel adventure and tank action story by Akira Toriyama, the creator of DRAGON BALL! In the far future, war has destroyed the entire Earth, leaving only a barren wasteland where the supply of water is controlled by the greedy king. In search of a long-lost lake, Sheriff Rao asked the king of the demons for help...and got the king's son, Beelzebub, and his assistant, Thief. Together the unlikely trio sets off across the desert, facing dragons, bandits and the deadliest foe of all... the King's army itself!

Digital Manga Titles Launching June 11th

GABA KAWA · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

In this hilarious shojo manga one-shot by Rie Takada, demons like Rara are supposed to cause mischief in the mortal world and draw humans to darkness. They're certainly not supposed to help mortals and they're definitely not supposed to fall in love with them! But that's just what happens when Rara enters high school, where a hot guy named Retsu Aku calls her "Gaba Kawa!”

GUN BLAZE WEST · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

From the Shonen Jump imprint comes this action series by Nobuhiro Watsuki (creator of RUROUNI KENSHIN and BUSO RENKIN). In the Old West only the strong survive. Viu Bannes is a boy on a mission to be the best gunfighter in the West. When Viu meets a vagabond gunslinger named Marcus Homer, his desire to be the best becomes even stronger. He knows it's his destiny to travel to the legendary land known as Gun Blaze West--where only the toughest gunmen dare set foot!

The free VIZ Manga App is the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular manga series in the world. The platform includes a rapidly growing catalog of the most popular manga series, with over 1,300 volumes across more than 125 different series currently available. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday and readers can explore all titles with free Chapter 1 previews of most series.

Download the free VIZ Manga App for your Android and iOS devices at VIZ.com/apps.

For more information on VIZ Manga digital titles, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.