VIZ MEDIA’S PERFECT SQUARE IMPRINT ACQUIRES POKÉMON ADVENTURES X & Y MANGA SERIES

VIZ MEDIA’S PERFECT SQUARE IMPRINT ACQUIRES POKÉMON ADVENTURES X & Y MANGA SERIES

New All-Ages Manga Adventure Inspired By The Latest Generation of Pokémon Video Games Join an Expansive Catalog Of POKÉMON Manga Titles Published In North America

San Francisco, CA, June 4, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the acquisition of the domestic publishing and digital media rights for the POKÉMON ADVENTURES X & Y manga (graphic novel) series. The manga is based on the Pokémon X and Pokémon Y video games, which launched globally for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems in October 2013.

The new release will launch the latest story arc for the popular entertainment property and joins VIZ Media’s expansive catalog of POKÉMON manga and anime titles. The POKÉMON ADVENTURES X & Y series is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will debut its first volume in print and digitally in December under the company’s Perfect Square imprint. Future volumes of the series, which is also ongoing in Japan, will be published twice yearly.

POKÉMON ADVENTURES X & Y is written by Hidenori Kusaka with artwork by Satoshi Yamamoto. As the new Champion of the Pokémon Battle Junior Tournament in the Kalos region, X is hailed as a child prodigy. But when all the media attention proves to be too much for him, he holes up in his room to hide from everyone, including his best friends. What will it take to get him to come out?! How about an attack on his hometown of Vaniville Town by the two new Legendary Pokémon, Xerneas and Yveltal, and a mysterious organization named Team Flare…?

“We are proud to expand our Perfect Square manga catalog with the acquisition of POKÉMON ADVENTURES X & Y and its positively themed story, dynamic characters and fun cast of new Pokémon that is sure to delight young as well as adult readers,” says Annette Roman, Editor. “We look forward to fans discovering the new series later this year!”

POKÉMON is one of the most successful international entertainment franchises of all time. More than 255 million POKÉMON video game titles and 20 billion Pokémon Trading Cards have been sold to-date worldwide. Pokémon the Series: XY marked the 17^th season of POKÉMON animation and launched in the U.S. on Cartoon Network in January 2014. VIZ Media and its Perfect Square imprint are the official North American publishers of a variety of popular POKÉMON manga graphic novel series such as POKÉMON ADVENTURES, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: DIAMOND & PEARL, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: HEART/GOLD SOUL/SILVER, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK & WHITE as well as a variety of POKÉMON animated feature films.

VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering original comics, manga (graphic novels) and other all ages’ 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.

Additional information on titles published by Perfect Square is available at www.PerfectSquare.com.

For more information on other manga 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.

VIZ MEDIA KICKS OFF SUMMER READING ACTION WITH A JUNE DIGITAL MANGA UPDATE

VIZ MEDIA KICKS OFF SUMMER READING ACTION WITH A JUNE DIGITAL MANGA UPDATE

Catch The Exclusive Digital-First Debut Of Takeshi Obata’s

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL, SERAPH OF THE END, And More

VIZ Media primes the summer reading season with a robust digital update for June and invites fans and readers to explore the latest collection of exciting releases available throughout the month.

New manga titles making their digital debut include today’s launch of the Shonen Jump Advanced series, SERAPH OF THE END. The BOYS OVER FLOWERS JEWELRY BOX shojo manga one-shot is scheduled for June 10^th.

Fans also won’t want to miss the exclusive digital premiere, the same day as Japan on June 19^th of Vol. 1 of the riveting manga adaptation of the sci-fi action drama – ALL YOU NEED IS KILL – by DEATH NOTE/BAKUMAN creator Takeshi Obata. This 2-volume series adapts the acclaimed Japanese novel by Hiroshi Sakurazaka (also available from VIZ Media/Haikasoru), that also inspired Edge of Tomorrow, the blockbuster summer action film starring Tom Cruise and Emily Blunt. The post apocalyptic gothic vampire series, TRINITY BLOOD, rounds out new titles for the month with its digital debut on June 24^th.

Other notable monthly updates to popular continuing manga series include DRAGON BALL Full Color (Saiyajin) (Vol. 3) on June 3^rd, DEADMAN WONDERLAND (Vol. 3) on June 10^th, to be followed by ONE-PUNCH MAN (Vol. 3) and FUTURE DIARY (Vol. 2) on June 24^th. These new volumes join additions to 13 other popular VIZ Media series that will also be updated throughout the month of June.

Readers can enjoy these new June manga updates that are available on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones and 7” tablets. The titles may also be purchased through the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. These dynamic digital platforms offer fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy a massive catalog of new and classic manga titles that spans more than 2,000 volumes across nearly 200 different series.

Titles Available Now!

SERAPH OF THE END, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available Now!

After trumpets of the apocalypse proclaim the fall of humanity, vampires arise from the shadows to rule the earth. Yuichiro wants just one thing – to get revenge by killing each and every vampire. In the opening volume, Yuichiro’s dream is near-impossible, given that vampires are seven times stronger than humans, and the only way to kill them is by mastering Cursed Gear, advanced demon-possessed weaponry. Not to mention that humanity’s most elite Vampire Extermination Unit, the Moon Demon Company, wants nothing to do with Yuichiro unless he can prove he’s willing to work in a team – which is the last thing he wants!

Manga Titles Launching Later This Month:

BOYS OVER FLOWERS JEWELRY BOX (ONE-SHOT) · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available June 10^th!

One year after the original BOYS OVER FLOWERS series ended, lives move on... Although Tsukushi Makino is from a poor family, she attends an elite school for the super rich, where her life has become intertwined with the "F4," the ruling boys of the school, in a whirlwind of love and confusion!

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens ·

MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available June 19^th!

Check out Takeshi Obata’s (DEATH NOTE, BAKUMAN) hit adaptation of the riveting sci-fi action story in a special digital release. When the alien Mimics 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 fifth iteration, he gets a message from a mysterious ally – the female soldier known as the Full Metal Bitch. Is she the key to Keiji's escape or his final death?

TRINITY BLOOD, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available June 24^th!

In a dark and distant future, Armageddon has given rise to the fabled Second Moon – and a perpetual war between the vampires and the humans! Esther is a nun in the city of Istavan.  When she crosses paths with Abel Nightroad, a priest sent from the Vatican to combat the local order of vampires, the pair forms a holy alliance to battle the most evil of threats. In this gorgeous, gothic-action series - part of the super-popular Trinity Blood franchise – the very survival of the human race is at stake!

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo ereaders, as well as in the iBooks and GooglePlay Stores.

All manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) each and readers can also explore all titles with free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

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

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

Stealth Symphony Chapters 6-12 review

Stealth Symphony Chapters 6-12  Story by Ryohgo Narita, Art by Yoichi Amano Review

                In this latest group of chapters, Stealth Symphony has started to develop a more I guess one could say plot. That being said it still feels like it is meandering quite a bit. Jig is more of a compelling character though considering he was basically a blank slate at the beginning that is not a terribly difficult task.

                We also get some world building in chapter 12 which is nice. There is also a not so subtle title drop in one of the later chapters, so that happened. There seems to be a story starting to be set into motion.  Now the big question will be whether or not it will have any payoff. Ultimately, Stealth Symphony seems to have figured out what it wants to do and has nice art so it might be worth checking out if you are in search of Shonen (boys’) comics a little off the beaten path.

Rating: 7/10

 Stealth Symphony is available digitally from Viz Media.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE HIT SHOJO MANGA SERIES MILLENNIUM SNOW

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE HIT SHOJO MANGA SERIES MILLENNIUM SNOW

Catch The Digital And Print Debut Of A Brand New Volume From Creator Bisco Hatori’s Paranormal Romance Series; New

2-In-1 Omnibus Manga Release For Earlier Volumes Also Debuts

San Francisco, CA, May 20, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, invites manga (graphic novel) fans to mark to the much-awaited digital and print debut on June 3^rd of a brand new volume from Bisco Hatori’s hit manga (graphic novel) series – MILLENNIUM SNOW – as well as the release on the same day of a new 2-in-1 omnibus print edition.

Volume 3 of the romance about a handsome young vampire and an ailing teenage girl will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The new release marks the return of the critically acclaimed series after it had been put on hiatus by the creator and has never before been released in English.

A digital version of MILLENNIUM SNOW, Vol. 3 also will debut on June 3^rd for $6.99 (USD/CAN) on VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones, as well as through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. Volumes 1-2 of MILLENNIUM SNOW are available across multiple platforms from the extensive VIZ Media digitally catalog.  

Fans also can catch the two earlier volumes of MILLENNIUM SNOW with a new 2-in-1 omnibus print version that also releases on June 3^rd and bundles Vols. 1-2 into a handy single edition. The 2-in-1 omnibus edition is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

In Bisco Hatori’s acclaimed series, seventeen-year-old Chiyuki Matsuoka was born with heart problems, and her doctors say she won’t live to see the next snow. Toya is an 18-year-old vampire who hates blood and refuses to make the traditional partnership with a human, whose life-giving blood would keep them both alive for a thousand years. 

“Manga fans internationally delighted in the news that Bisco Hatori was resuming work on MILLENNIUM SNOW and we’re very excited to celebrate the return of the landmark series in English after nearly 7 years,” says Pancha Diaz, Editor. “The new volume continues the winning mix of paranormal romantic drama and comedic fun between Chiyuki and Toya and more than a few surprising plots twists are in-store in the new release! Are they still destined to spend the millennium together?”

Bisco Hatori made her manga debut with Isshun kan no Romance (A Moment of Romance) in LaLa DX magazine. The comedy OURAN HUGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB (also published by VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat) was her breakout hit.

For more information on MILLENNIUM SNOW, or other popular shojo manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit http://www.viz.com/manga/print/shojo-beat.

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.

Summer Wars Vol. 1 & 2 review

Summer Wars Vol. 1 & 2 Story by Mamoru Hosoda, Art by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto & Igura Sugimoto Review

Math genius Kenji quickly finds himself being passed off as a fake fiancée and going to meet his friend’s family when things take a turn for the worse. A virus called Love Machine causes mass havoc in the virtual world of OZ which in turn affects the real world. It’s up to Kenji, his girlfriend (?) and her family to stop it! But will they be able to in time?

Serialized in the seinen (men’s) comic anthology Young Ace in Japan, Summer Wars adapts the film of the same name into comic format. It works surprisingly well: the characters resonate regardless of the medium and the artwork is nice enough though it may not be on the same level as the film. The manga adaptation does an excellent job of portraying the world seen in the film while still doing enough to establish itself as its own thing.

That being said the manga still has one thing that annoyed me in the film the comic relief/mascot characters do nothing beneficial but unlike other series where they’re simply superfluous they hinder the plot at crucial points. That being said, the characters are very likeable and neither book contains much in the way of offensive material. In conclusion the manga adaptation is a welcomed companion to the film and comes highly recommended!

Rating: 8.5/10

Review copy of volume 2 provided by the publisher.

Summer Wars is available in print from Vertical Inc.

Pink review

Pink Story & Art by Kyoko Okazaki Review

Living her daily life with her pet crocodile and moonlighting as a prostitute, Yumi’s life is anything but ordinary. One day, she meets a young man who turns out to be her mother’s much younger lover. As the two become entwined with one another just how will their lives change? And will it be for the better or the worse?

Pink is a rather fascinating tale riddled with intriguing characters. Perfectly paced, Pink is easy to become sucked in to. The art is probably one of the book’s weaker points though I am not sure if that is so much the fact the book is 25 years old or not. The ending alone makes the book well worth the read however the book also has a great sense of humor.

Pink’s art may not have dated well but its story has, ringing just as true today as when it was written. At one volume, this series is not a huge commitment which also works to its advantage. In conclusion, Pink is a nice read well worth the reader’s time.

Rating: 9/10

Review copy provided by the publisher.

Pink is available in print from Vertical Inc.

VIZ MEDIA’S NEON ALLEY BEGINS A NEW ERA FOR DIGITAL ANIME AND DELIVERS THE BEST IN FREE DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING

VIZ MEDIA’S NEON ALLEY BEGINS A NEW ERA FOR DIGITAL ANIME AND DELIVERS THE BEST IN FREE DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING

Online Anime Streaming Brand Offers New Free On-Demand Options Also Available With Hulu And Hulu Plus Including Episodes Of BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, RANMA ½ And More!

San Francisco, CA, March 31, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, is officially relaunching NeonAlley.com April 1^st as the new home and consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. The new NeonAlley.com will deliver the hottest in subbed and dubbed digital series, simulcast world premieres, exclusive on-demand access, and a massive legacy catalog of new as well as classic favorites (in HD when available).

The new Neon Alley streaming destination will be available on demand to U.S.-based fans for FREE at NeonAlley.com. It will also be available anytime, anywhere across many different devices, including PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Roku, Chromecast, and a variety of other mobile devices through the subscription-based Hulu Plus Video-On-Demand service. Additional details on Hulu Plus-enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices. For a limited time, fans who visit NeonAlley.com can receive a free 2-week trial to Hulu Plus – please check out the site for details.

“VIZ Media begins a new era for fans across the U.S. as we present the all new free Neon Alley online destination, focused on delivering the best in compelling digital anime content,” says Brian Ige, VIZ Media Vice President of Animation. “Supported by our media partner Hulu, Neon Alley offers a variety of rich programming combined with the ease and flexibility of on-demand access, with web and mobile device interoperability across all major platforms. We look forward to delighting new and veteran fans alike with even more exciting new programming announcements in coming months!”

VIZ Media invites anime fans to join the Neon Alley launch celebration with a special “Raven’s Watch and Win” contest running from April 1^st to April 6^th.  Sign up for a FREE NeonAlley.com membership (current members are also eligible) and watch each day’s “Raven’s Pick of the Day” episode. Just leave a comment after the show ends and be automatically entered to win fun anime prizes that include Neon Alley gift bags, DVDs, assorted collectables and other premiums. The previous day’s winners will be announced each day. For full details and rules, please visit: viz.com/na_sweepstakes.

Each month, fans can look forward to limited time, specially curated Neon Alley selections of full-length anime feature films, and April kicks off with an exciting double feature. BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING and BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC II – THE BATTLE FOR DOLDREY will be available on Sunday, April 6^th for one-week-only, until April 12^th, presented with easy-to-use selections for dubbed and/or subbed dialogue options.

Neon Alley will host over 1,200 subtitled and dubbed episodes of smash and fan-favorite shows, including BLEACH, BLUE EXORICIST, RANMA ½, MAGI, VAMPIRE KNIGHT, with new episodes added each week. Don’t miss the Neon Alley subtitled debut of GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET on April 15^th. The premiere of the dubbed version of the sci-fi action adventure anime will follow later in the year. April is also a great time to watch the subtitled versions of BLOOD LAD and COPELLION in preparation for the forthcoming dub episode debuts. The new Neon Alley will also bring fans entire seasons of dubbed series on-demand at the same time – perfect for marathoning at your leisure – starting with the April 1^st launch of Season One of both BLEACH and INUYASHA, with subbed options available as well.

Other Neon Alley Weekly Programming Highlights Include:

Tuesdays	NARUTO (dubbed) Starting April 8th, catch the original from the very beginning with a newly added episode every week
Wednesdays	BLEACH (dubbed) The fan favorite Soul Reaper adventures continue with 2 new episodes weekly RANMA ½ (subbed) Catch 4 newly re-mastered premiere episodes of the classic anime comedy action series in stunning HD.
Thursdays	NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Simulcast Premiere (subbed) Don’t miss the latest new adventures of the world’s most popular ninja to fans on the same day as the Japanese premiere! New episodes premiere each week.
Fridays:	RANMA ½ (dubbed) Dub fans can catch 2 HD episodes of the martial arts comedy each Friday
Saturdays:	NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Exclusive Dub Premiere Catch the world premiere of the newest ninja adventure presented with dubbed English dialogue!

Additional information on Neon Alley is available at: www.NeonAlley.com.

For more information on anime 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.