The trailer for the upcoming Speed Racer film from the Wachowski Bros. (the Matrix people) has been posted online as America’s possible attempt to out-camp Hideaki Anno’s Cutie Honey film. Go Mach GoGoGo so very far away because it’s way too early in the morning to see something this colorful.
Dec. 10, 2007
Wii-kly Update: Photo Feature, Gifting Abilities and Three Classic Games Added
to Wii Shop Channel
Get ready to celebrate the arrival of a bunch of fun new features on the Wii™
Shop Channel. This week marks the debut of the first Pokémon® game for the
Virtual Console: Pokémon Snap™, which originally was a hit on Nintendo® 64.
This Pokémon photographic adventure comes with a special Wii bonus: It now
includes a special feature that allows players to post pictures they take in
the game to their Wii Message Board and send them to friends with whom they’ve
traded Friends Codes.
And let’s not ignore the other sure-to-please titles: Ghosts’n Goblins and
BASEBALL STARS 2. These three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific
time. But wait – there’s more!
Later in the day on Monday, Nintendo will make your holiday shopping just a
little bit easier. If some people on your gift list have visions of classic
video games dancing in their heads, you’re in luck. Starting this week, Wii
Shop Channel patrons can use a new Gifting feature to send games to other Wii
owners with whom they’ve traded Friend Codes. It’s an easy and inexpensive way
to give your fellow Nintendo buffs the gift of a classic game—no wrapping
paper required. And don’t worry about duplication. If your friend already has
the game you’re trying to give, you’ll get a simple message and be bumped back
into the catalog to continue shopping.
Nintendo adds new games to the Wii Shop Channel every Monday. Wii™ owners with
a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points™ to download the games.
Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This
week’s new games are:
Pokémon Snap (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points):
As one of the most unique games in a renowned series, Pokémon Snap was the
first truly 3-D Pokémon game and introduced the phenomenon to the Nintendo 64.
Travel to Pokémon Island and meet Professor Oak to begin a safari, taking the
best possible photographs of 63 different Pokémon as they exist in the wild,
undisturbed by humans. This is not as easy as it sounds—the island has many
types of climates and environments to explore, along with secret activities
and hidden passages to discover. Plus, some of the Pokémon can be a little shy
and won’t pose for the camera unless you tease them with special items. After
you’re done, submit one picture of each Pokémon to Professor Oak, and he’ll
judge it based on size, pose, technique and number of Pokémon captured.
Ghosts’n Goblins (NES®, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone—Mild Animated
Violence, 500 Wii Points): Ghosts’n Goblins was a popular arcade game before
it made the leap to the NES in 1986. Like later games in the series, Ghosts’n
Goblins presents quite a challenge to players brave enough to take on the role
of Arthur and delve into the realm of demons and monsters to rescue the
kidnapped princess. Choose your weapons wisely and take advantage of their
strengths to deal with the situation at hand. Pass through the six gates that
stand between you and Astaroth, and teach him a lesson in chivalry he’ll never
forget. Demonstrating a high level of technical prowess for a game of its era,
Ghosts’n Goblins presents a unique and unforgettable universe. The stage for
adventure is set. Are you up to the test?
BASEBALL STARS 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points):
Lace up your cleats and step onto the diamond with the pros of BASEBALL STARS
2. You’ll find everything you’d expect in a classic game of baseball, but with
an arcade feel and intense action that distinguish it from the pack. Pick one
of six unique teams from cities around the world, then get ready for nine
innings of excitement, whether you’re taking on the computer in a 15-game
tournament or squaring off against a friend. There are two modes of game play,
so even the most inexperienced player can compete at the major-league level
(with a little computer-aided fielding). Watch as the game develops through
split-screen views and close-up shots worthy of any highlight film, and see if
you can catch the numerous over-the-top animations of the large and detailed
player models. Think you have what it takes to win the pennant?
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIZ PICTURES TO SCREEN SIX LIVE ACTION FILMS AT 2007 NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL
Diverse Selection Of Anime-Inspired Live Action Feature Films To Be Shown Include LOVE*COM, HONEY & CLOVER, NANA, PING PONG, KAMIKAZE GIRLS And GACKT: THE GREATEST FILMOGRAPHY RED
New York, NY, DECEMBER 6, 2007 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced that six of its award-winning live action feature films will screen at the debut of the New York Anime Festival (NYAF), taking place December 7-9, 2007 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. The VIZ Pictures screenings will occur in the convention’s Live Action Screening Room (1A12) and are scheduled to include the U.S. premiere of LOVE*COM THE MOVIE on Friday, December 7, at 5:00 p.m., KAMIKAZE GIRLS on Saturday, December 8 at 1:00 p.m., PING PONG on Saturday, December 8 at 3:00 p.m., and GACKT: THE GREATEST FILMOGRAPHY RED also on Saturday, December 8 at 6:00pm. Sunday screenings will include the U.S. premiere of NANA at 1:00 p. m. and the U.S., premiere HONEY AND CLOVER at 3:00pm.
KAMIKAZE GIRLS, GACKT and PING PONG are currently available on DVD from VIZ Pictures and are distributed by VIZ Media, the leading U.S. publisher of Japanese animation and comics. HONEY AND CLOVER will be released theatrically in select cities beginning in January 2008. LOVE*COM THE MOVIE will be released straight to DVD in February 2008 and will also be distributed by VIZ Media, while NANA will be released theatrically in early 2008.
HONEY AND CLOVER
Based on the bestselling shôjo manga by Chica Umino, HONEY AND CLOVER is a romantic comedy that focuses on five college students and the art school they attend. When talented painter Hagumi Hanamoto enrolls in the program, her presence and unique approach to art affects the entire school and her new friends.
-more-
The plot thickens as Hagumi becomes embroiled in a complicated love triangle as she struggles to find her artistic voice. HONEY AND CLOVER showcases the journey that everyone must take to transform from adolescence into adulthood and the long and challenging road these five young people must navigate to balance the demands of school, work, and love. The English version of the HONEY AND CLOVER manga is currently serialized in VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT magazine. VIZ Media is set to publish the title as a self-contained manga in March 2008, rated ‘T+’ for older teens.
LOVE*COM THE MOVIE
Based on the bestselling comic by Aya Nakahara, LOVE*COM THE MOVIE is a high-school romantic comedy centering on two students. 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. But as their friendship develops so do Risa’s feelings toward Ôtani. The English version of the manga series is currently available under VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT imprint and is rated ‘T’ for teens.
NANA
Based on the popular manga by Ai Yazawa, NANA follows the adventures of two girls both named Nana. While they share the same name, they couldn’t be more different. Nana “Hachi” Komatsu hopes that moving to Tokyo will help her make a clean start and leave her capricious love life behind, while Nana Osaki, who arrives in the city at the same time, is a punk rock beauty who has plans to score big in the world of rock and roll. Although these two young women come from different backgrounds, they quickly become best friends. NANA performed well at the Japanese box office upon its release in 2006, grossing more than 4 billion yen and stayed in the Top 10 for several weeks. The English version of the manga is published under VIZ Media’s SHOJO BEAT imprint and is rated ‘M’ for Mature.
PING PONG
PING PONG centers on two friends devoted to the sport of table tennis, and is based on a popular 5-volume comic by bestselling artist Taiyo Matsumoto, who also created several acclaimed youth-driven manga titles like BLACK & WHITE, NO.5, BLUE SPRING (all published in North America by VIZ Media). PING PONG follows two friends, their two mentors, and three players they face at various high school tournaments. It explores the different motivations and philosophies towards table tennis and wonderfully portrays the excitement and subtleties of the sport. Director Fumiko Sori, who also notably worked as an effects supervisor for the movie, TITANIC, went to great lengths to preserve the visual style of the original manga in the film, which ultimately was nominated for eight Japanese Academy Awards in 2003.
KAMIKAZE GIRLS
KAMIKAZE GIRLS depicts the seemingly odd friendship between a frustrated and bored country girl fixated on the lifestyle of 18th Century France inclusive of frilly dresses and parasols, and a spunky member of an all female biker gang. Inspired by the novel Shimotsuma Story by popular Japanese author Novala Takemoto, KAMIKAZE GIRLS takes plenty of influences from iconic examples of pop culture cinema ranging from Tank Girl and the Outsiders to Kill Bill, combines it with some homegrown Japanese eccentricities, and presents a film that gets inside the heart of any dedicated indie film lover. Manga and novel are both published by VIZ Media.
GACKT: THE GREATEST FILMOGRAPHY RED
Gackt Camui is a Japanese musician, songwriter and actor, most notable for composing the theme songs for several popular anime and video game titles including New Fist of the North Star, Texhnolyze, and Bujingai and Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII. These contributions have made the artist very popular among anime fans both in Japan and North America. The screening will offer a presentation 12 music videos by the talented rock star from the DVD “Gackt: The Greatest Filmography RED”.
“There is a strong tradition in Japan of manga comics serving as the inspiration for live action films and we are excited to offer such an extensive and diverse selection at the first New York Anime Festival,” says Manami IIboshi, Director, Marketing, VIZ Pictures. “This is the first time that some of these films have been shown domestically and we expect the screenings to be packed events. These films will also provide convention goers with a rare opportunity to see some of the best examples of kawaii, (cute) and cool J-pop culture, and Visual-Kei or Visual Rock, which are developing a strong domestic fan base. We look forward to these unique genres being represented at New York Anime Festival and to audiences discovering a whole new collection of live action films from VIZ Pictures.”
About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese “kawaii” (cute) and cool J-pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan’s point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include DEATH NOTE, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA and THE TASTE OF TEA. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular “NARUTO” animated TV series.
© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc
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 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
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ADV ANNOUNCES
DEVIL MAY CRY: THE ANIMATED SERIES
DVD Launch Corresponds With New Capcom Release
Special Collectors Edition Includes Game & Anime
North American Premiere of Anime, Video Game at
New York Anime Festival
HOUSTON, December 5, 2007 —ADV Films, the number one producer-distributor of anime outside of Japan, is pleased to announce the anime event of 2008. Volume one of Devil May Cry: The Animated Series will hit store shelves on February 5, the same day that Capcom’s much-anticipated Devil May Cry 4 video game is released for the Playstation and Xbox 360 game systems.
Capcom is also releasing a special Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition on February 5, including both Capcom’s new video game and the first volume of ADV’s anime series. The Collectors Edition sports an attractive Steelbook case holding the game, the anime DVD, and a bonus DVD including a “making of” feature on the new game and many other cool game-related extras. Fans purchasing the Devil May Cry 4 Collector’s Edition will be able to enter their address at the ADV website to receive a volume 1 DVD case plus a coupon for $5 off volume 2 with the limited edition anime Collectors Box.
“This is an unprecedented cross-promotion,” said ADV co-founder and President John Ledford. “Anime and video games intersect on so many levels, but this is the first time a game publisher and an anime studio have combined forces in this way. Capcom isn’t just delivering a preview episode but the full DVD –
they’ve provided an incredible value to the consumer and a great way to spread anime in game circles.”
Devil May Cry promises to be the anime and video game event of 2008, so it is only appropriate that both will be unveiled at the biggest event to close 2007. North American consumers will have their first opportunity to play Devil May Cry 4 at the New York Anime Festival, taking place December 7-9 at Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Center. Devil May Cry 4 game kiosks will be up and running all weekend at the ADV Films booth.
The North American premiere of The Animated Series takes place Saturday 11am at the Devil May Cry panel, where representatives from Capcom and ADV Films will join moderator Chris Carle from IGN.com to discuss the franchise and share behind-the-scenes clips from both the making of the game and the anime.
About the Anime
When the first Devil May Cry game was released on the PlayStation 2 in 2001, a legend was born. Selling over 4 million copies, the dark hero Dante took a nation of gamers by storm with his relentless quest to rid the world of darkness. Two sequels only added to the series’ success, and with a new version on both the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3 coming, Devil May Cry remains one of the hottest franchises in gaming.
From the acclaimed production team at Madhouse Studios (Death Note, Ninja Scroll) in conjunction with the original creators at CAPCOM (Street Fighter II, Megaman), Devil May Cry is the must-see title of 2008 – not just for gamers, but anyone who enjoys a healthy dose of monsters, mayhem, guns, girls, swords and slayings. Fans can now re-live the excitement of the games with crisp, clean animation that makes for one spectacular thrill-ride.
Synopsis: His name is Dante. Half demon and half human, he is charged with ridding the world of the demons that plague it…for the right price. The doors to his business, Devil May Cry, are always open to those with money in pocket, and occasionally to some without. Dante is approached by a man named Morrison to deliver a young heiress Patty to her inheritance. He thinks it’s a job not worthy of his time – that is, until a group of demons intent on killing Patty crash the party. With guns drawn and sword ready by his side, Dante will have to mow down the opposition to delivery the mark and discover just who is behind the series of attacks. It’s only the beginning for this iconic character, as familiar faces and foes test their mettle against the crew of the Devil May Cry.
Devil May Cry: The Animated Series volume 1 (SRP $26.96 DVD) is a DVD-only anamorphic release including the first four episodes, presented in both English 5.1 and Japanese 5.1 with English subtitles. Video extras include an interview with Japanese voice actor Toshiyuki Morikawa (Dante), cut scenes from the Devil May Cry 4 videogame, various promos of the new game, and game previews, plus clean opening animation, clean closing animation and previews of upcoming ADV Films releases.
DVD Product Details
Volume: 1 of 3
Running Time: 100 minutes
Age Rating: TV MA (V)
CAT: DDMC/001
UPC: 702727171925
Pre-Book Date: 1/8/2008
Street Date: 2/5/2008
Format: DVD
SRP: $26.96
Product specifications and content configuration subject to change.
About ADV Films:
In the 15 years since its inception, ADV Films has become the #1 producer-distributor of Japanese animation (“anime”) outside of Japan and has the largest English-language anime library in the world. With best-selling titles such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, RahXephon, Robotech, Full Metal Panic, Hello Kitty and Azumanga Daioh, ADV Films’ extensive catalog is fueling the popularity of anime around the globe. Always on the forefront, ADV is introducing North America to bold new anime franchises such as the new Guyver, Le Chevalier D’Eon, Gantz, and Elfen Lied. ADV Films’ library also includes popular live-action science fiction programs such as The Jim Henson Company’s Farscape, the nationally syndicated Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and the Saturn Award-nominated Mutant X. In 2005 ADV Films was voted “Best Anime Company” in the SPJA awards, presented at Anime Expo, North America’s largest anime convention. The readers of Anime News Network designated ADV Films “Overall Favorite Anime Company” in both 2004 and 2005.
Parent company A.D. Vision, Inc. encompasses a variety of complementary media divisions, spanning publishing, television, licensing and merchandising and continues to expand into new areas. Its Anime Network™ is “America’s #1 Anime Channel,” reaching more than 40 million households. Anime Network is the nation’s top video-on-demand (VOD) offering as well as a 24/7 linear cable channel and is the first television network dedicated to bringing anime and anime-related programming to consumers nationwide. The company has two publishing arms: Newtype USA, North America’s top-selling anime and manga monthly magazine, and ADV Manga™, dedicated to publishing graphic novels. Headquartered in Houston, the company has offices in Europe and Japan. For more information, visit www.advfilms.com.
NINJA NONSENSE Art Box & Goodies: More in the Pipeline! Now Taking Additional Orders!
Weren’t able to get your copy of the NINJA NONSENSE Art Box & Goodies the last time? You’re in luck. (But hurry!)
* This applies if you ordered during the first round, too
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIZ MEDIA TO PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF EXCITING EVENTS AT 2007 NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL
Industry Leader In Anime And Manga To Sponsor Manga Lounge In Booth 454 And Participate In Key Industry Panel Discussions At Highly Anticipated Convention
New York, NY, December 4, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced its participation and sponsorship of a variety of events at the inaugural 2007 New York Anime Festival (NYAF), taking place December 7-9, 2007 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City. The New York Anime Festival is organized by Reed Exhibitions, the creators of the popular New York Comic-Con, and brings together more than 120 exhibitors, featuring the latest in anime, manga, Japanese cinema, music, and games, as well as the best of anime-influenced comics, animation, and film from around the world. The Festival is expected to be a packed event drawing thousands of fans from across the country.
VIZ Media will kick off the show as a key sponsor and participant in the ICv2 Conference on Anime and Manga, taking place on Thursday, December 6 from 1-5pm, the day before the Anime Festival opens. The conference will be a key industry event presenting a variety of panel discussions on important topics impacting the anime and manga markets in North America and beyond. Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President of Marketing for VIZ Media, will be featured in “Marketing to the Otaku Generation,” which will discuss how new anime and manga properties enter the U.S., reach the fan community, and achieve mass popularity. Elizabeth Kawasaki, Editorial Director at VIZ Media, will participate in “Girls – The Other Half of the Otaku Generation,” a panel that will examine the popularity of shojo anime and manga and the increasing impact female consumers have on the market. Finally, Daniel Marks,¬¬ VIZ Media’s Sr. VP of Strategy and Business Development, will c ontribute to a discussion on the ways technology impacts the delivery of content in “Technology and the Otaku – the New Media Frontier.” These panels should foster healthy debate and provide insights on how companies like VIZ Media are adapting to a continually changing market landscape.On the main show floor for The New York Anime Festival, VIZ Media will have a spacious Manga Lounge where visitors can decompress, meet fellow fans, and read a variety of free manga samplers highlighting upcoming and existing VIZ Media manga releases. Another highlight will be the VIZ Media Anime and Manga Panel, scheduled for December 8 at 3:00pm in Room 1A24. Wendy Shimamura and Manny Hronides of VIZ Media will be joined by Simon & Schuster’s Nichole Beaulieu, to discuss a variety of current and upcoming releases, answer questions, and give a preview of what fans may expect from the company in 2008.
VIZ Media’s popular animation and manga property BLEACH will figure prominently throughout the Festival with characters appearing on a variety of posters and event signage. Episodes 1 and 2 of the supernatural action series will screen in the Anime Screening Room, Saturday December 8 from 2:00-3:00pm. The first two episodes of the psychological crime drama DEATH NOTE, which recently debuted on DVD, will screen Sunday, December 9, also in the Anime Screening Room.
“The tremendous popularity of anime and manga at the New York Comic-Con spurred the launch of the New York Anime Festival, and we are pleased to sponsor and support the event in several events,” says Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, VIZ Media “There will be plenty for fans to feast on from anime screenings and panel discussions to VIZ Media-sponsored prizes and the opportunity to preview forthcoming releases in our Manga Lounge. As the holiday season begins, we anticipate the NYAF becoming a very successful and well-attended event.”
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 and 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; P hone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT TO PREVIEW ADVENTURES IN VOICE ACTING DOCUMENTARY AT
NEW YORK ANIME FESTIVAL
Unique New Film Explores The Behind-The-Mic World Of Anime Voice Actors
Headquartered in
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
VIZ MEDIA JUMPS INTO 2008 WITH COMPELLING CONTENT FOR
JANUARY ISSUE OF SHONEN JUMP MAGAZINE
Issue Hits In Time For The Holidays And Features A Newer, Older NARUTO, Rare Yu-Gi-Oh! Card,
Special ONE PIECE Video Game Coverage and More!
San Francisco, CA, December 3, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced exciting content for its January 2008 issue of SHONEN JUMP Magazine. The issue is expected to hit retail outlets nationwide tomorrow, December 4th, in plenty of time for the holidays, and offers a host of new surprises and exciting editorial content sure to delight even the most discriminating fan. This issue also marks the 5th anniversary of SHONEN JUMP Magazine, the most popular English-language comics anthology.The January issue of SHONEN JUMP, rated T for Teens, marks an important turn in the development of anime and manga’s most popular series, the ninja epic, NARUTO! The serialized NARUTO returns to the magazine after a two-month hiatus with a whole new story arc that picks up two full years after the disappearance of one of the manga’s central characters. Everyone is older, stronger and different in many ways from the earlier chapters of the series and readers will delight in noting the developments. A hotshot Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf Village from training with his new mentor, Jiraiya, to find that everything back home has changed and readers will get to see a side of the character they’ve never seen before.
SHONEN JUMP recently introduced the BLEACH manga to its lineup, and it’s quickly become one of the magazine’s most popular. This issue features three full manga chapters, plus news on the related animation, which airs on Cartoon Network, and the card game.
The January issue of SHONEN JUMP has always included an extra-powerful Yu-Gi-Oh! TCG card, and this one is no exception: newsstand and subscriber copies alike come with the exclusive “The Wicked Dreadroot” card, and two pages of tips from experts.
The issue also delivers an exclusive first look at the new One Piece: Unlimited Adventure video game for the Nintendo Wii from NAMCO BANDAI Games America. Captain Monkey D. Luffy and the rest of the Straw Hat Pirates embark on wild adventures in this all new original game, set to be released in early 2008. SHONEN JUMP further expands on the pirate theme with a rundown of some of history’s most notorious pirates and a special interview with the directors of the long-running ONE PIECE animated series.
“The dramatic break in NARUTO has been one of the most exciting things to happen in SHONEN JUMP,” says Marc Weidenbaum, the magazine’s Editor-in-Chief. “It capped the SJ Evolution that’s been going on throughout 2007. Now everyone in the manga is older and they’ve changed in many ways. Part of the fun of reading this month’s NARUTO chapter is discovering these differences, combined with learning more about new looming threats to our favorite ninja. That together with the recently introduced BLEACH manga, and the pirate adventures of ONE PIECE make this issue a great way to close 2007 and start 2008 — and the fact that it also debuts in plenty of time for the holidays makes SHONEN JUMP an ideal stocking stuffer!” From video game advertisers such as Namco Bandai and Sega, to non-endemic partners such as Sara Lee’s Ball Park Franks and the ONDCP anti-drug campaign — advertisers also agree that this January issue is going to be a must-read for hard-to-reach male teens — almost 2 million total readers in all!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 and 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.
For Immediate Release
MEDIA ALERT
ROMANTIC FANTASY SERIES—KANON—TO MAKE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED PREMIERE DECEMBER 28 ON
ANIME NETWORK
HOUSTON, TX — December 3, 2007 — Kanon, a highly anticipated romantic fantasy series from the creators of Air TV, will make its North American television debut December 28, on America’s #1 Anime Channel—Anime Network!
WHAT: U.S. VOD Television Premiere of Kanon
Animated by Kyoto Animation (Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya), Kanon first aired on Japanese television in 2006. Its whimsical plot follows the story of a boy who returns to finish high school in a town he called home seven years ago. While he realizes that much about the place is a blur, his memories are awakened bit by bit through his connections with five mysterious girls. Their antics take him back through the past, unraveling both the town’s supernatural undertones and his own buried feelings.
WHEN: Episode 1 available beginning December 28, 2007
WHERE: Anime Network, America’s #1 Anime Channel
HOW: Don’t have VOD? Don’t worry! Catch Volume 1 of Kanon on DVD, available New Year’s Day!
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