A-Channel Episodes 1-12

A-Channel Episodes 1-12 Directed by Manabu Ono, Produced by Studio Gokumi

Tooru passes her entrance exams to enter a new school but when she goes to the house of her childhood friend, Run, she has an awkward first encounter with Run’s new friends. Thus begins a new daily life for Tooru.

Based on a 4-panel comic that’s currently running in a seinen (men’s) comic anthology, A-Channel suffers from the same problems many of the titles in its genre suffer from: relatively little character development and virtually zero plot to speak of even by comedy entertainment’s standards. The show has the occasional serious moment but they are few and far between. The show is also largely forgettable; for the most part it falls into the realm of disposable entertainment.

 A-Channel has a few positive points: for fans of yuri there’s enough content here to ease the boredom. The show is also largely unobjectionable,  though there are a few moments uncomfortable moments. There’s a direct to dvd show called A-Channel + Smile though it presently available legally in North America to my knowledge. In conclusion A-Channel may be a decent show to stave off boredom though frankly there’s much better content available.

Rating: 6/10

A-Channel is currently streaming on the Anime Network and is available on home video in North America from Sentai Filmworks.

GLOBAL YAOI MANGA PUBLISHER SuBLime RELEASES TETUZOH OKADAYA’S DANCE-FLAVORED LOVE STORY, THE MAN OF TANGO

GLOBAL YAOI MANGA PUBLISHER SuBLime RELEASES TETUZOH OKADAYA’S DANCE-FLAVORED

LOVE STORY, THE MAN OF TANGO

“Life Is Like Tango; There Are Infinite Steps.” A Hot Dancer Is Drawn To A Handsome But Reluctant Salaryman In This Fiery Manga Set To The Moves Of The Sultry Argentine Dance

SuBLime, the global yaoi manga (graphic novel) publishing initiative between VIZ Media and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate), turns on the passion and heats up the dance floor Latin-style with the release of Tetuzoh Okadaya’s, THE MAN OF TANGO. This new single-volume edition is now available, is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers, and carries a print MSRP of $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN. The digital version is available simultaneously at an MSRP of USD $5.99 and offers fans digital access to two versions of each manga volume on www.SuBLimeManga.com – a DRM-free downloadable PDF that is viewable on any enabled eReader device and computer, and via the online manga viewer found on the web site.

Although hailed as “The Man of Tango,” Angie has never truly felt the deep, fiery passion of the dance until he met Hiro, a half-Latin, half-Japanese office worker who’s in no way interested in men. Slowly, Hiro finds himself drawn to the Latin dancer and the seductive beat of the tango, opening his body and soul to their smoldering heat. This revised special edition of Tetuzoh Okadaya's debut volume also includes previously unpublished content.

“We’re very excited to release the eagerly anticipated THE MAN OF TANGO in a complete edition, including previously unpublished content, bringing this passionate love story to a satisfying conclusion,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor, SuBLime. “The celebrated Argentine Tango was originally called ‘the Tango of the Compadron’ and was danced by two men, whose flamboyant and masculine style expressed a symbolic mortal combat. The confident and smooth Angie and the beautiful but reluctant Hiro become locked in a battle of hearts in this sultry story yaoi fans and dance aficionados won’t want to miss!”

Tetuzoh Okadaya made her debut in 2007 with THE MAN OF TANGO, which quickly became a critical and fan favorite. She has gone on to produce several volumes of manga, independent comics, and illustrations. You can find out more about Tetuzoh Okadaya at her website, http://okdy.sakura.ne.jp/, or follow her on Twitter, @_OKDY.

For up-to-date news and release information, please visit the SuBLime website at www.SuBLimeManga.com, or follow SuBLime on Twitter at @SuBLimeManga and Facebook at facebook.com/SuBLimeManga.

About SuBLime

SuBLime is a global yaoi/boys’ love manga publisher, and is a partnership between VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, and Japan’s Animate, Ltd. (Animate). This bold, global publishing initiative will present English-speaking fans everywhere with a broad selection of high quality titles. SuBLime will offer titles digitally worldwide available at www.SuBLimeManga.com, with many available in Download-to-Own format, and selections in print also available in English-language editions worldwide.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE CLASSIC SERIES RANMA ½ TO NORTH AMERICA

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE CLASSIC SERIES RANMA ½ TO NORTH AMERICA

Legendary Martial Arts-Action-Adventure-Comedy Manga Created By Rumiko Takahashi Debuts In 2-in-1 Editions Spring 2014; Anime Launches Today On VIZAnime.com; Neon Alley, Blu-ray And DVD Debuts Coming Soon

San Francisco, CA, September 11, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has announced the return of one of the genre’s most celebrated manga and anime properties – RANMA ½.

RANMA ½ is a renowned martial arts action-adventure manga (graphic novel) series created by Rumiko Takahashi. The manga series was a staple of the VIZ Media catalog for over 14 years and remains one of the company’s longest-running titles and one of the longest-running manga series in North America. VIZ Media plans to begin publishing the RANMA ½ manga series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) in new 2-in-1 omnibus editions featuring the original right-to-left reading format for the first time ever in early 2014.

VIZ Media today also launches the smash-hit RANMA ½ (subtitled, rated TV-14) anime series on its VIZAnime.com streaming service as well as on Hulu. The series will debut on its Neon Alley anime channel this fall (dubbed), and will be available on DVD and, for the first time ever, Blu-ray box set editions next year.

To celebrate the return of RANMA ½, VIZ Media is planning a variety of booth activities and special programming scheduled for the 2013 New York Comic-Con, taking place October 10-13 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. More details will be announced shortly.

Ranma Saotome never thought a martial arts training mission to China would turn out like this! Due to an unfortunate accident at the cursed Chinese training ground Jusenkyo, when Ranma and his father get splashed with cold water, papa turns into a giant panda and male Ranma becomes a buxom young woman! Hot water reverses the effect, but only until the next time! Constantly chased by battle-happy martial artists and lovesick suitors of both sexes, what's a half-boy, half-girl martial artist to do?

“A groundbreaking story with eccentric characters, martial arts mayhem, and quirky romantic subplots, RANMA ½ is a zany adventure that has thrilled generations of fans with its colorful mix of action, romance and screwball comedy,” says Leyla Aker, Vice President, Publishing. “We’re delighted to deliver this classic manga series to a new legion of North American fans this spring in 2-in-1 editions presented in right-to-left format for the first time.”

“RANMA ½ also introduced many influential artists to manga and anime fandom, and it remains a celebrated piece of the genre’s history,” adds Brian Ige, VIZ Media Vice President of Animation. “The addition of the anime series to our extensive digital catalog will present these acclaimed episodes in an entirely new way and allow fans to take advantage of the convenience and flexibility that VIZAnime and Neon Alley offer. Fans can also look forward to the hi-definition Blu-ray and DVD release this spring!”

Rumiko Takahashi is one of Japan’s most prolific and respected manga artists and is the creator of several long running series including MAISON IKKOKU, RANMA 1/2, and INUYASHA – all published in North America by VIZ Media. The spotlight on her prolific 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 also spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular. 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, ONE-POUND GOSPEL, and RIN-NE (all also published in North America by VIZ Media).

For more information on Rumiko Takahashi titles by 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’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT ANNOUNCES A HUGO AWARD WIN FOR AUTHOR KEN LIU’S SHORT STORY “MONO NO AWARE,” FEATURED IN THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT ANNOUNCES A HUGO AWARD WIN FOR AUTHOR KEN LIU’S SHORT STORY “MONO NO AWARE,” FEATURED IN

THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE

Author Wins Science Fiction Literature’s Most Prestigious Honor For Story About A Japanese Astronaut Contemplating His Childhood

San Francisco, CA, September 6, 2013 – VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint is proud to announce that author Ken Liu’s short story, "Mono no Aware,” appearing in the acclaimed anthology THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE, has won the 2013 Hugo Award for Best Short Story. The Haikasoru imprint offers some of the most compelling contemporary science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

The Hugo Awards, presented annually since 1955, are one of science fiction’s most prestigious honors and are voted on by members of the World Science Fiction Convention (WorldCon), which is also responsible for administering them. The 2013 Hugo Awards Ceremony recently place at LoneStarCon 3, in San Antonio, Texas.

THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE, edited by Nick Mamatas and Masumi Washington, is an anthology collecting science fiction from, and about, Japan, by some of the world’s best genre writers. Ken Liu’s short story, "Mono no Aware,” tells the tale of the last Japanese survivor aboard an American space habitat after an asteroid has destroyed the Earth. This is the second story for which Ken Liu has won a Hugo Award.

THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE carries an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN and is available from most major North American book retailers. An eBook edition is also available for the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, the Barnes & Noble’s Nook Books Store, and the Sony Reader™ Store.

"I'm very, very grateful to the voters who have conferred this honor on me,” says author Ken Liu. “I wrote 'Mono no aware' because I loved the characters and the ideas that motivated them, and I'm glad to see these resonated with readers."

“We are thrilled Ken Liu’s story, Mono no Aware, won the Hugo Award,” says Masumi Washington, Haikasoru Editor-in-Chief. “Succinctly illustrating the Japanese concept of mono no aware through the eyes of Hiroto, a man who was just a child when the world ended, the story is a wonderful introduction to the work of this talented author. We invite readers to explore it along with a dozen other fantastic science fiction, fantasy and cyberpunk tales that are contained in THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE.”

Ken Liu is a Chinese-American science fiction writer, poet, lawyer and computer programmer. His short stories have appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, Asimov's Analog, Lightspeed, Clarkesworld, and other magazines, as well as several anthologies, including the Year's Best SF. He is also a translator of science fiction and literary stories from Chinese into English. Liu’s short story "The Paper Menagerie" is the first work of fiction, of any length, to have swept the Nebula, Hugo, and World Fantasy Awards. His novella, "The Man Who Ended History: A Documentary,” was also nominated for a 2012 Hugo Award.

For more information on THE FUTURE IS JAPANESE and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit the dedicated website at www.haikasoru.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 anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA 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’s Perfect Square Imprint Delivers New All Ages Adventures Featuring Japan’s Irresistibly Cute Sensations

MAGIC IS IN THE AIR, AS MAMESHIBA RETURN FOR THEIR LATEST SPELLBINDING ADVENTURE IN MAMESHIBA: ENCHANTED!

VIZ Media’s Perfect Square Imprint Delivers New All Ages Adventures Featuring Japan’s Irresistibly Cute Sensations

San Francisco, CA, September 3, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, announces the return of the whimsical Japanese character sensations – MAMESHIBA – for a brand new original graphic novel adventure in MAMESHIBA: ENCHANTED!, featuring stories by James Turner and artwork by Jorge Monlongo.

MAMESHIBA: ENCHANTED! is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and debuts today from VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint with an MSRP of $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN. A digital version of MAMESHIBA: ENCHANTED for the Apple iPad® and iPad® Mini is also available for download from the Perfect Square App for $4.99 U.S. / CAN.

In ENCHANTED--the third graphic novel featuring the cute bean-dogs from Japan--there's magic in the air! Cranberry Bean is under a spell, Edamame's kitchen is haunted, and Sword Bean is protecting the newest members of the Mameshiba family: Babyshiba! It’s all fun and games until someone upsets a magic tortoise! 

“We’re going out with a bang in our last MAMESHIBA volume! We've got ghost hunters, tributes to comic great Jack Kirby and author Jane Austen, and...a tutu,” says Traci Todd, Senior Editor, Children's Publishing. “The story and art team of James Turner and Jorge Monlongo have really raised the bar this time, and we're so thrilled with the results."

Perfect Square is VIZ Media’s new comprehensive publishing imprint aimed at kids and kids at heart with a focus on delivering comics, manga, graphic novels and other children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.

MAMESHIBA writer James Turner started making comics as soon as he was able to hold a pencil, and he has been spouting a nonsensical whirlwind of monsters, robots and talking vegetables ever since. His acclaimed web comic 'The Unfeasible Adventures of Beaver and Steve' won tens of thousands of followers online, and his anthropomorphic crime fighting team, “The Super Animal Adventure Squad,” appeared weekly in the pages of the children's comic, DFC.

Jorge Monlongo is a renowned comics and book illustrator and game designer who blends traditional and digital techniques. His work has been featured in several prominent magazines, including Rolling Stone.

 

Additional details on Perfect Square are available at www.PerfectSquare.com.

For more information on MAMESHIBA 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, Australia, New Zealand 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.