Tag Archives: manga

VIZ Kids Debuts New Summer Mameshiba Releases

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VIZ Media, LLC  has decided to delight younger fans and readers with the announcement of the release of a new activity book and the latest graphic novel volume for Mameshiba, the whimsical Japanese character sensations that have taken North America by storm.

The Mameshiba: We Could Be Heroes graphic novel, with story by James Turner and art by Jorge Monlongo, is now available, and will be followed by the Mameshiba: How to Be the Best Friend Ever activity book, on August 7th. Both editions will be published under the VIZ Kids imprint.

MAMESHIBA: WE COULD BE HEROES· Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN · Available Now!    

Mameshiba are back for more laughs, more trivia, and more adventure! This time, the intrepid legumes travel to a magical land, combine to form a giant robot, and help a friend in love. Plus, Tiger Bean stars in three adorable shorts created by Lark Pien (Long Tail Kitty, Mr. Elephanter)!

MAMESHIBA: HOW TO BE THE BEST FRIEND EVER· Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN · Available August 7th     

Even more creative fun is in store this summer with a colorful little guide to friendship from MAMESHIBA! Full of crafts, notes, stickers and good advice, this book is for anyone who wants to be the best friend ever!

VIZ Manga Digital Schedule Synchronizes Day-And-Date With Print

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VIZ Media continues to refine its VIZ Manga digital platform with a newly announced general release schedule that will synchronize future manga titles to coincide with the domestic debut of their print counterparts, closing the gap between print and digital manga formats. Beginning yesterday, all VIZ Manga releases will debut on Tuesdays. In addition, digital volumes of current releases will debut on the same day as its print debut. This will also include future VIZ Media titles available from the NOOK Store™ for the Barnes & Noble NOOK Color and NOOK Tablet.

The VIZ Manga App is available for free through the iTunes Store and the Google Play Store, and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for about $4.99. More than 80 series and 700 volumes are currently available for download.

VIZ Media’s digital manga platform allows for universal access for fans to read manga from their Apple iPad®, iPhone®, iPod® touch, and Android-enabled smartphones, as well as VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers. With one account, registered users are able to view their purchases across even more devices than ever.

Lots of News from Gen Manga

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GEN Manga Entertainment, Inc. has announced a new publishing deal with Editora Abril for distribution in Brazil. Under the guidance of GEN Manga’s exclusive publishing and licensing agent in Brazil, Angelotti Licensing, Portuguese language versions of GEN Manga’s titles will start hitting the shelves in Brazil this summer. GEN Manga bills itself as, “America’s #1 source for original underground Japanese manga!” The stories are created by elusive doujin creators in Japan’s secret underground circles and are published by nobody else in the world.

The Editora Abril deal covers all of GEN Manga’s stories to-date, including Wolf; Vs. Aliens; Kamen; Souls; Sorako, Alive; Good-Bye Geist; Let’s Eat Ramen; Anomal; Stones of Power; One Is Enough; and Android Angels.

Wolf a 448 pages, black and white manga for $4.99) is now available along with GEN 13. GEN is giving away a short preview version of the GEN 13 for free this month! So any visitor to genmanga.com can download something for free, too. Yay, free manga!

The thirteenth issue debuts a new story, Psycho.

In a post-apocalyptic future, after nuclear war has destroyed much of the world, Japan has once again closed its borders to the outside world. Again living in isolation, the Japanese people have begun to develop strange mutations. These mutations became commonly known as moryo, a name once given to the grotesque goblins of ancient Japan. These moryo at first were harmless, but they became worse, eventually developing into man-eating beasts and other monstrous forms. Hunters known as exterminators roam the land ridding humanity of these foul mutants. This is the story of one of these killers, a man known only as Psycho.

Android Angels (new story arc), One is Enough (Boy’s Love), Stones of Power (new story arc), Anomal (yokai), and Alive are also continued in GEN 13!

SDCC 2012 – The Scoop on Archaia’s Cyborg 009 With a First Look Found Nowhere Else

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Comic book publisher Archaia had numerous announcements coming out of San Diego Comic-Con. The one that caught my eye was their bringing Cyborg 009 to western audiences in a new series guided and written by F.J. DeSanto, co-written by Bradley Cramp, and illustrated by artist Marcus To. Trevor Hairsine was originally attached to the series but had to bow out at which point Marcus came on board.

I got a chance to talk to DeSanto on the floor of the convention. Not much knowing much about the series I got some inside scoops on what to expect in the series as well as a preview you won’t find anywhere else. But first, some background.

Cyborg 009 follows nine normal humans kidnapped from around the world to become unwilling test subjects by The Black Ghost Organization, a secret society that provides weapons of mass destruction to the highest bidder. The nine victims are put through a series of extreme experiments that transform each one into a unique super-powered weapon. With the help of a compassionate project scientist, these living weapons rebel from their captors and set off on a mission to stop Black Ghost from plunging the world into a perpetual state of war.

Created in 1964, Cyborg 009 was Japan’s first and most popular super-team, quickly becoming one of the most influential manga series of all time. The original manga has been published in over 250,000,000 copies of weekly comics and comic books worldwide. Being around since 1964 puts the series as a contemporary of other popular comics like Spider-Man, the Avengers, Fantastic Four and X-Men, but unlike those books, the series remains relatively unknown to western readers.

But Desanto wants to change that by introducing the series and characters to those outside of Japan. A long time fan of the series, he decided to reach out to the rights holders, Ishimori Productions and work with them to bring the series he loved as a good to a new audience. Archaia was part of the reason we’re seeing this actually happen. Desanto explained the quality of product they produce is partially what sold Ishimori Productions and helped lead to the deal and in their eyes, it matched the quality of the original product.

With co-writer Bradley Cramp, Desanto is on a mission to figure out how to introduce the heroes to a modern audience.  Desanto explained that growing up he was a fan of manga and anime and living in New York City he was able to get copies of the comics. The “positivity” and “stressing of teamwork” is what stood out to the writer. Something he plans to keep and emphasize in the comic. Though they may be weapons of war, they’re working to do good, a theme and plot he feels resonates in today’s world, just as it did then.

With a launch in the 1960’s the series was published during the height of the Cold War, the world feared destruction at the tip of nuclear annihilation. Much like then, today we’re also presented with a sense of unease from unknown terrorists threats to the dread of an economic meltdown. Situations are similar, allowing for an easy modernization of the series and a “good franchise for today’s audience.” Much like Marvel did with their relaunch of Iron Man, DeSanto plans to keep the feel of the original, but update the surroundings of the series without losing it’s core spirit.

The plan is to have the new series ready to launch for San Diego Comic-Con 2013 as well as bring the original work to the digital realm on comiXology.

DeSanto hopes today’s modern audience will dig the series and is making sure that fans of the original will enjoy the winks, nods and Easter eggs he’s included throughout it.

A new 3D CGI animated theatrical feature film, 009 RE:CYBORG, produced by Production I.G, will be released in Japan this October. DeSanto is currently attached to produce a live-action feature film version of the property.

Hairsine original sketches:

Marcus To Design:

Old Team Vs. New Team:

Original series art:

 

VIZ Media Unveils Neon Alley. Coming to Game Consoles This Fall.

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VIZ Media unveiled plans for Neon Alley, a 24-hour anime channel featuring the world’s best titles set to debut on game consoles this fall. The service will be available in the United States and Canada.

Neon Alley’s schedule will include a mix of action, adventure, science fiction, supernatural, fantasy, and horror anime, all uncut and dubbed in English, and presented in HD (when available). Programming will include blockbuster anime titles like Naruto Shippuden, Inuyasha: The Final Act and Death Note. There will also be newer titles like Tiger & Bunny, Beserk: The Golden Age Arc, Zetman and Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan. There will also be original content showing news and behind-the-scenes access for anime and manga fans.

Neon Alley will be a subscription-based service, subsidized with limited commercial advertising, to keep the launch price to consumers at a low $6.99 per month. Anime fans can register online at NeonAlley.com for news, updates on the service’s launch, and to find out how to get a sneak preview of the series debuting during the first season. Neon Alley is the first platform designed to be studio agnostic, featuring titles from other anime producers and distributors, and will unveil its programming lineup, special introductory offers, new acquisitions and other partnerships throughout the next several months.

For more information on Neon Alley, please visit www.NeonAlley.com.

VIZ Manga Announces Bleach Print Manga ‘Speed Up’

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VIZ Media has announced it’s speading up the print editions of Tite Kubo‘s action manga graphic novel series Bleach. Beginning this month and continuing through December 2012, two new Bleach manga editions will debut every month.

Bleach is published by VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The accelerated schedule is designed to synchronize the series with its digital counterpart on VIZManga.com by the end of the year.

Ichigo Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts – he was born with the gift. When his family is attacked by a Hollow – a malevolent lost soul—Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper, dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured spirits themselves find peace. Find out why Tite Kubo’s BLEACH has become an international manga smash-hit!

BLEACH Volume 40 – Available Now!

While the Soul Reaper captains deal with Aizen’s forces in Karakura Town, Ichigo faces Ulquiorra in Hueco Mundo. To match the powerful Espada, Ichigo will have to rely on his Hollow powers. But will the darkness overwhelm him…?

BLEACH Volume 41 – Available Now!

Pushed to the verge of death by Ulquiorra, Ichigo releases his Hollow powers. But can Ichigo control his powers long enough to claim victory against his rival, or will he lose everything he’s been fighting for…?

BLEACH Volume 42 – Available July 3rd!

The battle between the Soul Reaper Captains and Aizen’s Espadas continues with the fate of Karakura Town in the balance. And just as things take a turn for the worse, some surprising allies make their grand entrance!

BLEACH Volume 43 – Available July 3rd!

The battle against Aizen’s Espadas continues as the Soul Reapers search for a way to defeat Barragan’s terrifying abilities. Meanwhile, Shunsui will need every trick in his bag to compete against Stark!

VIZ Manga Expands To Android

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VIZ Media, has announced plans to expand its VIZ Manga digital platform to include Android Smart Phones. Manga fans running Android 2.2 or higher on their phones will be able to download the free VIZ Manga app from the Google Play Store. VIZ Manga for Android phones debuts today with 80 series with additional series added every week.

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

SDCC 2012 – New Cyborg 009 Graphic Novel From Archaia

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Archaia has announced a partnership with Ishimori Production Inc. to produce CYBORG 009, a modern adaptation of the classic manga series created by the legendary Shotaro Ishinomori. This deluxe hardcover graphic novel will feature the classic characters and origin story from the original series, re-imagined for a new worldwide audience. The new edition will be written by F.J. DeSanto and Bradley Cramp, and illustrated by artist Marcus To.

The story follows nine normal humans kidnapped from around the world to become unwilling test subjects by The Black Ghost Organization, a secret society that provides weapons of mass destruction to the highest bidder. The nine victims are put through a series of extreme experiments that transform each one into a unique super-powered weapon. With the help of a compassionate project scientist, these living weapons rebel from their captors and set off on a mission to stop Black Ghost from plunging the world into a perpetual state of war.

Created in 1964, CYBORG 009 was Japan’s first and most popular super-team, quickly becoming one of the most influential manga series of all time. The original manga has been published in over 250,000,000 copies of weekly comics and comic books worldwide.

The original graphic novel will debut both digitally and in print in 2013 as part of an ongoing campaign of CYBORG 009 offerings being produced by Ishimori Productions around the world. A new 3D CGI animated theatrical feature film, 009 RE:CYBORG, produced by Production I.G, will be released in Japan this October. DeSanto is currently attached to produce a live-action feature film version of the property.

SDCC 2012 – VIZ Media Invites Young Fans to Kids Day at San Diego Comic-Con

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VIZ Media welcomes younger fans and the young-at–heart on Sunday, July 15th for Kids Day at the company’s expansive booth 2813 at the San Diego Comic-Con. The day will celebrate the company’s VIZ Kids imprint with a free graphic novel sampler, Voltron Force and Winx Club lanyards, and special guest appearances to delight visitors of all ages.

Fans are invited to meet artist Ray-Anthony Height, from VIZ Media’s new original graphic novel series, Redakai, who will make an in-booth personal appearance at 12:30pm. This will be immediately followed with an appearance by fellow Redakai artist Dan Ciurczak at 1:30pm.

Visitors are also invited to meet Voltron Force Vol. 1 graphic novel artist Jacob Chabot, who will be on-hand to meet fans of the series at 2:30pm.

Voltron Force fans are encouraged to come learn the fun new Voltron Dance at 11am and 3:30pm. The first 30 fans who attend each session receive a free copy of the Voltron Force Vol. 1 graphic novel.

Winx Club fans will also want to catch a special appearance by the Winx fairies. Come and meet Bloom, Aisha and Stella at 11:30am and 4pm.

SDCC 2012 – VIZ Media Heads to San Diego Comic-Con

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VIZ Media is heading to San Diego Comic-Con 2012 with an exciting and expansive roster of special personal appearances, exciting panels, anime feature film premieres, and fun giveaways and convention exclusives. They’ll be located in booth #2813.

On Friday July 13th catch a rare personal appearance by Eiko Tanaka, Founder and CEO of Studio 4ºC, which produced the new dark fantasy epic Berserk: The Golden Age Arc film trilogy. VIZ Media will release the first movie on Neon Alley this fall. Ms. Tanaka will make an in-person appearance at the VIZ Media booth for a signing session at 3PM. She will also be a special guest at the Berserk Panel, 5:30PM in Room 32AB, where fans can find out what it really takes to transform the stark manga into an animated feature. Finally, Ms. Tanaka will make introductory remarks at the exclusive Comic-Con screening of Beserk: The Golden Age Arc I – The Egg of the King, 8:30PM in Room 32AB.

The recently announced Neon Alley will be featured at Comic-Con. A brand new 24-hour digital anime channel launching on a major game platform this fall, Neon Alley will feature the world’s best anime titles, including blockbusters Blue Exorcist, Naruto Shippuden, Tiger & Bunny and more. Get the scoop straight from Brian Ige, VIZ Media’s VP of Animation, at the Neon Alley Panel on Friday July 13th, 1PM, Room 32AB. At the VIZ Media booth, fans can sign up for the mailing list and get the first-ever Neon Alley collectible tote bag. Fans will have a chance to be featured on Neon Alley, as VIZ Media will be filming clips at the company’s booth throughout the show. Check the daily schedule for filming times.

Digital manga will also be a highlight of the VIZ Media booth this year. The fun starts on Comic-Con Preview Night – Wednesday, July 11th – with commemorative tote bags given to the first 500 attendees that stop by the booth featuring Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. The totes will be available at other times throughout the weekend to visitors that complete a round of “passport” activities stationed around the VIZ Media booth.

During Comic-Con, fans that purchase an annual membership to Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha will receive a limited edition YU-GI-OH! Slifer The Sky Dragon trading card (limited quantities available – please visit the booth at show opening for a ticket).

Also be on the lookout for a special photo activity with a life-size 3D Luffy from the hit pirate manga adventure, One Piece. Collectable digital photos will be emailed to participants after the event. Fans can take part in this activity at the VIZ Media booth, or at the Shonen Jump Alpha Jump Truck fan meet-up on Saturday, July 14th at 3PM at the 5th Avenue Landing, behind Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center. Meet up visitors will also receive free ice-cream (while supplies last) and have the opportunity to take part in cosplay & fan art contests to win other cool SJ ALPHA prizes!

Attend the Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha Panel on Saturday July 14th, 12PM in Room 7AB, and get the latest news, expert opinions and a behind-the-scenes look into the manga world from special guests from Japan Yoshihisa Heishi (Editor-in-Chief of Weekly Shonen Jump, founding editor of YU-GI-OH!), Kouji Yoshida (editor of DEATH NOTE), and Kengo Monji (editor of BAKUMAN｡). The guests will also have a heated Q&A showdown with the SJ Alpha editors!

The VIZ Media booth will buzz with a variety of fun activities and giveaways. Don’t miss other fun free VIZ Media product giveaways including VIZ Kids manga and graphic novel samplers, the Haikasoru science fiction imprint samplers, special show lanyards, and an array of assorted anime and manga patches, posters and more (while supplies last)!

Gamers will want to be sure to check out playable demos for Namco Bandai’s latest Naruto Shippuden video game. Stop by and play the demo and also get free Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations tchotchkes.

Streaming content provider Hulu also joins in the fun at the VIZ Media booth. Get your show badge scanned to enter to win one of 4 Xbox 360 systems and a 3-month gift card for Hulu Plus. The first 1,000 attendees scanned will receive a limited edition promotional card, featuring Naruto Shippuden, with a free 30-day trial to check out the Hulu Plus subscription service.

Don’t miss the annual VIZ Media Panel, Thursday July 12th, 3PM in Room 7AB, for all the latest updates and exciting news from VIZ Media staff on your favorite manga and anime! Also get the scoop on new acquisitions, upcoming releases, and upcoming projects. Be in line early and get a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes!

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