Tag Archives: viz media

VIZ Media Previews the New Video Game Release – Garden Story

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VIZ Media has announced Garden Story, a new single-player social simulator and adventure RPG scheduled to launch in Spring 2020. Garden Story is developed by Picogram, and co-published by Rose City Games, developers of VIZ Media’s The World Next Door and Cat Lady games.

In Garden Story, players take on the role of Concord, the newly appointed village guardian. There’s lots to keep this helpful adventurer busy; not only do your neighbors need assistance, but a mysterious Rot has also seeped into the foundations of the once flourishing island. Fortunately, Concord won’t be working at this alone. Help your friends with their struggles, and they’ll help you through yours. Balance caring for the environment, exploring new regions, and fostering new friendships as you solve puzzles and help restore the Grove to glory!

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VIZ Media’s Anime and Manga Releases in July 2019

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The home media debut of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Set 4: Diamond is Unbreakable will be available as a special Limited Edition Blu-ray set and DVD set; Diamond is Unbreakable continues the multigenerational tale of the Joestar family with Josuke Higashikata. In partnership with The Pokémon Company International, Pokémon The Series: Diamond and Pearl Complete Season also arrives on DVD and includes all 51 episodes of Ash’s adventures in the Sinnoh region.

New manga publishing debuts for July include the indie darling Beastars, a high school drama in which animal students grapple with the very human issues of prejudice and discrimination. The new Shojo Beat series Daytime Shooting Star centers around a love triangle that develops when a high school girl is torn between a boy in her class and her teacher.

New Home Media Releases for July:

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE SET 4: DIAMOND IS UNBREAKABLE Part 1

Limited Edition Blu-ray & Standard Edition DVD Sets
Blu-ray MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
Available July 2nd

It’s 1999, and Jotaro Kujo has just arrived in the idyllic Japanese town of Morioh—only this time, he’s not hunting DIO and his henchmen. His search for the illegitimate child of Joseph Joestar has brought him face-to-face with Josuke Higashikata, a Stand-wielding, butt-kicking high schooler who happens to be afraid of turtles. But behind Morioh’s tranquil facade is an invisible evil slowly eating away at the peace and well-being of its residents. Bizarre happenings are becoming commonplace, and the Joestar clan must rise to the occasion if they and the town of Morioh are to survive.

POKÉMON THE SERIES: DIAMOND AND PEARL COMPLETE SEASON

DVD MSRP: $44.98 U.S. / $52.99 CAN · Available July 30th

If Gary Oak is headed for the Sinnoh region, then Ash Ketchum won’t be far behind! Ready to take on the Sinnoh League, Ash brings along Pikachu and meets up with Brock in Sinnoh, where the pair of Trainers are soon joined by a third—Dawn, a novice Pokémon Coordinator determined to follow in the footsteps of her mother. Both Ash and Dawn struggle with their respective paths, but it’s easy for them to make new friends, gaining new Pokémon like Turtwig and Piplup.

New Publishing Releases for July:

BEASTARS

by Paru Itagaki
MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN / $8.99 Digital · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
Available July 16th    

At a high school where the students are literally divided into predators and prey, friendships maintain the fragile peace. Who among them will become a Beastar—a hero destined to lead in a society naturally rife with mistrust?

DAYTIME SHOOTING STAR

by Mika Yamamori
MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN / $6.99 Digital · Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Available July 2nd   

After arriving in Tokyo to live with her uncle, Suzume collapses in a nearby park when she remembers once seeing a shooting star during the day. A handsome stranger brings her to her new home and tells her they’ll meet again. Suzume starts her first day at her new high school sitting next to a boy who blushes furiously at her touch. And her homeroom teacher is none other than the handsome stranger!

DC Bounces Back in May to Challenge Marvel in Unit Share as May Improves on April

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After a brutal April, May was an improvement for the comic industry in month to month gains. DC Comics challenged Marvel in a close race for top unit share while Marvel continues to dominate the dollar share according to data Diamond Comic Distributors released today.

Comics, graphic novels, and toys all improved in double digits in May 2019 versus April 2019. Comics improved 15.6% in dollars and 14.51% in units. Graphic novels improved 50.97% in dollars and 44.63% in units. Together, they improved 24.51% in dollars and 16.35% in units. Toy sales continue to be the story of 2019. For the month, thy improved 27.91% in dollars and 46.27% in units.

Compared to the same time last year, comics and graphic novels are generally down while toys have still improved. Comics in May 2019 are down 7.81% in dollars and down 4.30% in units compared to May 2018. Graphic novels improved 5.36% in dollars but down 5.36% in units. Combined, comics and graphic novels are down 4.15% in dollars and 4.38% in units. Toys are up 40.65% in dollars and 40.25% in units compared to May 2018.

In May 2018, DC shipped 8 more comics and one more graphic novel compared to April 2018 while Marvel shipped 12 more comics and one more graphic novel. Compared to the same month in the previous year, DC shipped 14 less comics and 3 more graphic novels. Marvel shipped 26 more comics and and 6 less graphic novels. 16 comic more titles and 17 more graphic novels shipped for all publishers. in May 2019 versus May 2018.

The year to date is mixed. Comics are down 0.45% in dollars and down 5.12% in units. Graphic novels are down 1.21% in dollars and 5.94% in units. The two together are down 0.66% in dollars and 5.18% in units compared to the same point last year. Toys though are up 23.04% in dollars and 30.09% in units.

Marvel Comics was May’s top publisher with a dollar share of 40.46% (-5.05) and a unit share of 39.75% (-10.95). DC placed second with a 28.22% dollar share (+2.49) and a 38.58% unit share (+12.69). In third was Image Comics with a 6.88% dollar share (-1.05) and a 5.53% unit share (-2.07). Dark Horse Comics ranked fourth with a 3.78% dollar share (+0.87) and 2.19% unit share (+0.27), followed by IDW Publishing with a 3.61% dollar share (+0.35) and a 2.98% unit share (+0.22), then BOOM! Studios with a 2.21% dollar share (-0.25) and a 1.76% unit share (-0.99), VIZ Media with a 1.84% dollar share (+0.77) and a 0.65% unit (+0.25) share, and Dynamite Entertainment with a 1.78% dollar share (+0.07) and a 1.50% unit share (-0.03). Oni Press and Titan Comics again make the top ten list while Valiant Entertainment and Aftershock Comics fell off from previous month’s listing.

In total, DC had six titles in the top ten including the top comic of the month, DCeased #1. They also took second place with Doomsday Clock #10 and #3 with Batman: Last Knight on Earth #1. Batman focused comics made up four of DC’s six titles while the top two were “event” focused. Marvel Comics had four titles in the top ten: Gerry Duggan and Mike Deodato’s Savage Avengers #1 ranked #4, Marvel’s top comic of the month. Among the premier publishers, Image Comics‘ The Walking Dead #191 ranked #27; Dark Horse Comics‘ Stranger Things: Six #1, a prequel to the Netflix series, ranked #82; BOOM! Studios‘ Firefly #6 ranked #98; Dynamite Entertainment‘s Red Sonja and Vampirella Meet Betty & Veronica #1, a crossover with Archie Comics, ranked #107; and IDW Publishing‘s Transformers #4 ranked #156.

Lauren Myracle and Issac Goodhart’s Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale, an original graphic novel from DC’s DC Ink imprint, was May’s best-selling graphic novel. DC had two entries in the top ten with the other being DC Super Hero Girls: Spaced Out ranked #6. Dark Horse Comics had three titles in the top ten: The Umbrella Academy volumes 1 and 2 ranked #2 and #4 respectively, and The Legend of Korra Part 1: Ruins of Empire ranked #8. Image Comics had four titles in the top ten: Skottie Young and Jorge Corona’s Middlewest Book 1 ranked #3, East of West Volume 9 ranked #5, Rat Queens Volume 6 ranked #9, and Saga Deluxe Edition Volume 3 ranked #10. Marvel had one entry in the top ten, Al Ewing and Joe Bennett’s The Immortal Hulk Volume 3: Hulk in Hell ranked #7.

VIZ Media’s My Hero Academia: School Briefs Volume 1 was May’s best-selling book.

1000 Toys’ Hellboy: Standard Version 1/12-Scale Figure was May’s best-selling toy. Funko’s PREVIEWS Exclusive POP! Marvel: Spider-Punk Vinyl Figure ranked #2 for the month. Diamond Select Toys had four products in the top ten, led by the Marvel Select: Rogue Action Figure at #3. DC Collectibles had three products in the top ten; their top-selling product, the DC Cover Girls: Wonder Woman by Joëlle Jones Statue, ranked #5.

Paizo Publishing’s Starfinder RPG Beginner Box, an introductory set to the space opera role-playing game, was May’s best-selling game product. Also, Hasbro’s Dungeons & Dragons: Stranger Things Edition, the best-selling game of April, remained in the top ten at #10 for the month.

TOP COMIC BOOK PUBLISHERS

PUBLISHERDOLLARSHAREUNITSHARE
MARVEL COMICS40.46%39.75%
DC COMICS28.22%38.58%
IMAGE COMICS6.88%5.53%
DARK HORSE COMICS3.78%2.19%
IDW PUBLISHING3.61%2.98%
BOOM! STUDIOS2.21%1.76%
VIZ MEDIA1.84%0.65%
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT1.78%1.50%
ONI PRESS0.84%0.56%
TITAN COMICS0.67%0.49%
OTHER NON-TOP 109.72%9.72%

 COMPARATIVE SALES STATISTICS

 DOLLARSUNITS
MAY 2019 VS. APRIL 2019
COMICS15.60%14.51%
GRAPHIC NOVELS50.97%44.63%
TOTAL COMICS/GN24.51%16.35%
TOYS27.91%46.27%
MAY 2019 VS. MAY 2018
COMICS-7.81%-4.30%
GRAPHIC NOVELS5.36%-5.36%
TOTAL COMICS/GN-4.15%-4.38%
TOYS40.65%40.25%
YEAR TO DATE 2019 VS. YEAR TO DATE 2018
COMICS-0.45%-5.12%
GRAPHIC NOVELS-1.21%-5.94%
TOTAL COMICS/GN-0.66%-5.18%
TOYS23.04%30.09%

NEW TITLES SHIPPED

PUBLISHERCOMICS SHIPPEDGRAPHIC NOVELS SHIPPEDMAGAZINES SHIPPEDTOTALSHIPPED
MARVEL COMICS118360154
DC COMICS6033093
IMAGE COMICS3823061
IDW PUBLISHING3718055
DARK HORSE COMICS2230052
VIZ MEDIA045045
BOOM! STUDIOS2213035
DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT194023
TITAN COMICS106218
ONI PRESS95014
OTHER NON-TOP 1015119027368
TOTAL48640329918

TOP 10 COMIC BOOKS BY UNITS SHIPPED

RANKDESCRIPTIONPRICEITEM CODEVENDOR
1DCEASED #1$3.99MAR190464-MDC
2DOOMSDAY CLOCK #10$4.99JAN190585-MDC
3BATMAN: LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH #1 (MR)$5.99MAR190458-MDC
4SAVAGE AVENGERS #1$4.99MAR190757-MMAR
5THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS #5$4.99MAR190495-MDC
6AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #21$3.99MAR190831-MMAR
7THE IMMORTAL HULK #17$3.99MAR190845-MMAR
8BATMAN #70$3.99MAR190487-MDC
9BATMAN #71$3.99MAR190489-MDC
10AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #22$3.99MAR190835-MMAR

TOP 10 COMIC BOOKS BY DOLLARS INVOICED

RANKDESCRIPTIONPRICEITEM CODEVENDOR
1DCEASED #1$3.99MAR190464-MDC
2BATMAN: LAST KNIGHT ON EARTH #1 (MR)$5.99MAR190458-MDC
3DOOMSDAY CLOCK #10$4.99JAN190585-MDC
4THE BATMAN WHO LAUGHS #5$4.99MAR190495-MDC
5SAVAGE AVENGERS #1$4.99MAR190757-MMAR
6THE IMMORTAL HULK #17$3.99MAR190845-MMAR
7AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #21$3.99MAR190831-MMAR
8WAR OF REALMS #3$4.99MAR190765-MMAR
9WAR OF REALMS #4$4.99MAR190773-MMAR
10BATMAN #70$3.99MAR190487-MDC

TOP 10 GRAPHIC NOVELS & TRADE PAPERBACKS BY UNITS SHIPPED

RANKDESCRIPTIONPRICEITEM CODEVENDOR
1UNDER THE MOON: A CATWOMAN TALE TP$16.99JAN190554DC
2THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY VOL. 1: THE APOCALYPSE SUITE TP$17.99SEP108136DAR
3MIDDLEWEST BOOK 1 TP (MR)$9.99MAR190092-MIMA
4THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY VOL. 2: DALLAS TP$17.99DEC098005DAR
5EAST OF WEST VOL. 9 TP$16.99FEB190059IMA
6DC SUPER HERO GIRLS: SPACED OUT TP$9.99JAN190555DC
7THE IMMORTAL HULK VOL. 3: HULK IN HELL TP$15.99FEB190998MAR
8LEGEND OF KORRA PART 1: RUINS OF EMPIRE TP$10.99JAN190482DAR
9RAT QUEENS VOL. 6: INFERNAL PATH TP (MR)$16.99MAR190119IMA
10SAGA DELUXE EDITION VOL. 3 HC (MR)$49.99MAR190127IMA

TOP 10 GRAPHIC NOVELS & TRADE PAPERBACKS BY DOLLARS INVOICED

RANKDESCRIPTIONPRICEITEM CODEVENDOR
1AMAZING SPIDER-MAN OMNIBUS VOL. 4 HC$125.00NOV181004-MMAR
2SAGA DELUXE EDITION VOL. 3 HC (MR)$49.99MAR190127IMA
3AMAZING SPIDER-MAN BY J. MICHAEL STRACZYNSKI OMNIBUS VOL. 1  HC$125.00NOV181006MAR
4THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY VOL. 1: THE APOCALYPSE SUITE TP$17.99SEP108136DAR
5UNDER THE MOON: A CATWOMAN TALE TP DC INK$16.99JAN190554DC
6THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY VOL. 2: DALLAS TP$17.99DEC098005DAR
7EAST OF WEST VOL. 9 TP$16.99FEB190059IMA
8SIX DAYS: THE INCREDIBLE STORY OF D-DAY’S LOST CHAPTER HC$24.99FEB190468DC
9ABSOLUTE BATMAN: THE BLACK MIRROR HC$99.99AUG180594DC
10BATMAN: WHITE KNIGHT HC$29.99JAN198939DC

TOP 10 BOOKS BY UNITS SHIPPED

RANKDESCRIPTIONPRICEITEM CODEVENDOR
1MY HERO ACADEMIA: SCHOOL BRIEFS VOL. 1 SC$10.99FEB192175VIZ
2LULU IS A RHINOCEROS$16.99FEB188267WIC
3DOCTOR WHO: SCRATCHMAN HC$23.99DEC181681PEN
4OVERLORD VOLUME 10 HC (MR)$20.00MAR192224YEN
5BLOODBORNE: OFFICIAL ARTWORKS SC$44.99MAR172148UDO
6TALES OF THE LOST CITADEL PROSE ANTHOLOGY SC$15.99JAN193197GRE
7THE SHADOW DOUBLE NOVEL VOL. 141 SC$14.95FEB191942SAN
8AVENGERS ENDGAME: OFFICIAL MOVIE SPECIAL HC$19.99JAN192125TTN
9DOCTOR WHO: 13 DOCTORS 13 STORIES SC$17.99DEC181677PEN
10DOCTOR WHO: THE WOMEN WHO LIVED HC$23.99FEB188707PEN

TOP 10 TOYS BY DOLLARS INVOICED

RANKDESCRIPTIONITEM CODEVENDOR
1HELLBOY: STANDARD VERSION 1/12-SCALE FIGUREMAY189233100
2POP! MARVEL: SPIDER-PUNK VINYL FIGURESEP188215FUN
3MARVEL SELECT: ROGUE ACTION FIGURESEP182338DST
4MARVEL GALLERY: SPIDER-MAN COMIC PVC FIGURESEP182341DST
5DC COVER GIRLS: WONDER WOMAN BY JOELLE JONES STATUEOCT180633DC
6DARK KNIGHTS METAL: BATMAN THE DAWNBREAKER STATUEOCT180626DC
7MARVEL SELECT: JUGGERNAUT ACTION FIGUREJUN101512DST
8DC GALLERY METAL: THE RED DEATH PVC FIGUREOCT182228DST
9ONE-12 COLLECTIVE: MARVEL: BLADE ACTION FIGUREMAR188185MEZ
10BATMAN BLACK & WHITE STATUE: WHITE KNIGHT JOKER BY SEAN MURPHYNOV180600DC

TOP 10 GAMES BY DOLLARS INVOICED

RANKDESCRIPTIONITEM CODEVENDOR
1STARFINDER RPG BEGINNER BOXFEB193069PAI
2CRITICAL ROLE: TAL’DOREI CAMPAIGN SETTING HCJUN173357GRE
3THE EXPANSE RPG HCNOV182869GRE
4MY HERO ACADEMIA CARD GAMEJUL183082S7
5STARFINDER RPG: CORE RULEBOOK HCJUN173371PAI
6PATHFINDER PAWNS BESTIARY BOXFEB168541PAI
7TOME OF BEASTS HCJUN168476PAI
8THE EXPANSE RPG: GAME MASTERS KIT HCNOV182870GRE
9PATHFINDER RPG: CORE RULEBOOK POCKET EDITIONAPR168770PAI
10DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: STRANGER THINGS EDITIONJAN198565HAS

Shojo Creator Bisco Hatori is a Guest of Honor at Anime Expo 2019

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VIZ Media welcomes manga creator Bisco Hatori as an official Guest of Honor at this year’s Anime Expo. 

The creator of bestselling Shojo Beat manga such as Ouran High School Host Club, Millennium Snow, and her current series, Behind the Scenes!!, will have a dedicated panel and participate in an autograph session and other special fan events that are scheduled to take place during Anime Expo. Times, dates, and additional details on Bisco Hatori’s first professional appearance in North America will be announced soon.

Anime Expo is North America’s largest dedicated anime/manga fan convention and takes place July 4th–7th at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, CA. VIZ Media will be located on the main convention floor in Booth #2206.

VIZ Media Details Exciting New Anime and Manga Releases For June

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SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS PART 1 Blu-ray & DVD Sets

Limited Edition Blu-ray MSRP: $79.99 U.S. / $93.99 CAN · Standard Edition Blu-ray MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
Available June 18th

Sailor Moon and the Sailor Guardians are about to face their greatest challenge yet—high school! But as the girls take their next big step in life and Chibi-Usa prepares to return to the future, a mysterious force frees the evil Queen Nehalennia! While the struggle to contain her old enemy will be difficult, it may be Mamoru’s year of studying abroad that hurts Usagi the most. But there’s even more to take Usagi’s mind off of long-distance love with the arrival of the villainous Sailor Anima Mates and the heroic Sailor Star Lights! Who could be behind this new wave of evil? And why are the Star Lights resistant to working with Sailor Moon? Usagi has her hands full, but she’ll always make time to write a love letter to her beloved Mamo.

MEGALOBOX Blu-ray & DVD Sets

Limited Edition Blu-ray MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN · Standard Edition Blu-ray MSRP: $44.98 U.S. / $52.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
Available June 25th

Bored, resigned, and unfulfilled, a young man with neither name nor past survives by fighting in underground matches of a sport called “Megalobox,” a form of boxing that utilizes powered exoskeletons. Calling himself JNK.DOG, he feels trapped in a world of crime, poverty, and ecological collapse. All that changes when he has a chance encounter with Yuri, the reigning king of Megalobox. Now, obsessed with proving himself, JNK.DOG becomes a man driven to do whatever it takes to fight his way to the top of the rankings and take on the champion.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN DVD SET 38

DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
Available June 11th

It’s the final NARUTO SHIPPUDEN box set! The Fourth Great Ninja War is over, and now the Hidden Leaf Ninja return to their daily lives. Some tackle dangerous work—like Sasuke, who tries to uncover the truth about mysterious exploding humans. Others, like Shikamaru, face the difficulty of adjusting to a post-war life. And for Naruto and Hinata, it’s wedding bells!

EVANGELION ILLUSTRATIONS 2007 – 2017

MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN · Available June 11th  

NEON GENESIS EVANGELION is one of the most enduring and significant touchstones for anime, manga, and pop culture fans over the past two decades, thanks to the groundbreaking television series and beautifully animated movies. This book collects ten years’ worth of illustrations that showcase the wide effect NEON GENESIS EVANGELION has left on not just the animation industry, but on popular culture in general. Included are illustrations for film posters, CD albums, bullet train designs, video game collaborations, and much, much more.

EVANGELION ILLUSTRATIONS 2007 - 2017

KOMI CAN’T COMMUNICATE

by Tomohito Oda
MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN / $6.99 Digital · Rated ‘T’ for Teens 
Available June 11th  

Socially anxious high school student Shoko Komi’s greatest dream is to make some friends, but everyone at school mistakes her crippling social anxiety for cool reserve. Luckily she meets Tadano, a timid wallflower who decides to step out of his comfort zone in order to help her achieve her goal of making 100 friends.

KOMI CAN’T COMMUNICATE

DRAGON BALL COMPLETE BOX SET

by Akira Toriyama
MSRP: $139.99 U.S. / $179.99 CAN · Rated ‘T’ For Teens
Available June 4th  

The DRAGON BALL COMPLETE BOX SET contains all 16 volumes of the original manga that kicked off the global phenomenon. Also includes an exclusive double-sided poster and collector’s booklet featuring fun DRAGON BALL trivia and guides as well as an interview with its legendary creator.

DRAGON BALL Z COMPLETE BOX SET

by Akira Toriyama
MSRP: $219.99 U.S. / $279.99 CAN · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages
Available June 4th  

The DRAGON BALL Z COMPLETE BOX SET contains all 26 volumes of the manga that propelled the global phenomenon that started with DRAGON BALL into one of the world’s most recognizable and best-selling manga. Also includes an exclusive double-sided poster and collector’s booklet featuring fun DRAGON BALL Z trivia and guides as well as an interview with Akira Toriyama.

POKÉMON THE MOVIE: THE POWER OF US—ZERAORA’S STORY

by Kemon Kawamoto
MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages
Available June 11th  

Ash and Pikachu arrive in Fula City at the start of its renowned Wind Festival and meet Margo, the mayor’s daughter, and Dr. Hawthorn, a scientist. Through the magic of Dr. Hawthorn’s virtual reality technology, our friends experience the history of the city firsthand and meet Mythical Pokémon Zeraora and Legendary Pokémon Lugia. Why did one of them fly off, never to be seen again…? And will it return in the feature film, POKÉMON THE MOVIE: THE POWER OF US?!

Naruto Creator Masashi Kishimoto Returns with Samurai 8 in Weekly Shonen Jump

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Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru

VIZ Media has announced exciting new digital content for Shonen Jump with the launch of Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru. Chapter 1 is available now for the highly-anticipated series by famed Naruto creator, Masashi Kishimoto, who teams up with his longtime assistant artist Akira Okubo. Samurai 8 debuted in English with a 72-page opening chapter on May 12th, the same day it launched in Japan. New chapters will be available to English readers for FREE on a weekly basis and via the Shonen Jump app.

Additional just-added manga content now available in the Shonen Jump digital vault includes fan-favorite series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Parts 1-3 (Phantom Blood, Battle Tendency, and Stardust Crusaders), Golden Kamuy (Rated ‘M’ for Mature and web-only), and One-Punch Man. Readers can access free Shonen Jump digital chapters and unlock the Shonen Jump digital vault or with the Shonen Jump app for iPhone, iPad and Android-based devices.

The Shonen Jump app experience has been enhanced with a new “Continue Reading” row on the app’s Home screen. This added feature allows users to instantly access their latest chapter read. Now manga fans can easily keep track of where they left off reading across any given series.

A Shonen Jump Vault Membership (only $1.99 per month) grants readers seamless access to a substantial and continually updated digital archive that currently features more than 10,000 manga chapters from over 100 series – almost every ongoing and completed Shonen Jump series published in English.

The Legend of Zelda Manga Creators Appear At MCM Comic Con London

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VIZ Media has partnered with ReedPop and announced the appearance of the creators behind the smash hit The Legend of Zelda manga series, known jointly as Akira Himekawa, at the 2019 MCM Comic Con London. This marks their first-ever professional appearance in the UK.

Akira Himekawa is the penname of two women, A. Honda and S. Nagano, who have created multiple bestselling manga adventures inspired by the classic Nintendo puzzle-solving, role-playing video games. Their latest continuing series is The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, published by VIZ Media. 

Organized and presented by ReedPop, MCM London is the UK’s biggest annual pop culture event. The event will take place May 24th-26th at the London ExCel convention center.

Akira Himekawa’s MCM London Panels & Special Events Include:

Friday, May 24th

11:00am – 12:00pm Official VIZ Media Panel with Special Guests
Center Stage

Join VIZ Media for exciting announcements, exclusive first looks at upcoming new titles, and special prizes! THE LEGEND OF ZELDA manga creators, Akira Himekawa, will also make a special appearance.

Saturday, May 25th

2:00pm – 3:00pm THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Panel
Main Stage

Join Akira Himekawa for an insightful panel to discuss their groundbreaking work, as well as catch a special live drawing session!

MCM London Comic Con On-Site Akira Himekawa Autograph Sessions:

Friday, May 24that 2:00pm – limited to 100 people

Saturday, May 25that 4:30pm – limited to 100 people

Signing session attendees each will receive an exclusive THE LEGEND OF ZELDA shikishi and poster from VIZ Media for Akira Himekawa to autograph (one item per person to be signed). Official signings are ticketed prior to the event, distribution details forthcoming.

Akira Himekawa Off-Site Autograph Sessions:

Forbidden Planet London Megastore
Friday, May 24th at 6:00pm
179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London

Join VIZ Media to welcome Akira Himekawa for a special off-site appearance in London! Wristbands to attend the autograph session will be available on a first-come-first-served basis. Signing session attendees will receive an exclusive VIZ Media-supplied poster and shikishi; attendees select which one will be signed on site by the pair.

VIZ Announces New Anime and Manga Releases for May

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VIZ Media has announced three new home media and manga publishing titles scheduled for May release.

POKÉMON THE SERIES: SUN & MOON—ULTRA ADVENTURES COMPLETE COLLECTION

Blu-ray MSRP: $49.99 U.S. / $57.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $44.98 U.S. / $52.99 CAN
Available May 21st 

When Ash sees the Legendary Pokémon Solgaleo and Lunala in a dream, he makes a promise to them. But when he wakes up, he can’t remember what it was! Will the strange Pokémon called Nebby help jog his memory? Along with their new friend and the rest of the students at the Pokémon School, Ash and Pikachu explore the Aether Foundation, an organization dedicated to Pokémon conservation and care. But it may not be as innocent as it seems, and Ash and his friends will have to work together to protect the people and Pokémon they care about as they face a mysterious power like nothing they have ever seen.

POKÉMON THE SERIES: SUN & MOON—ULTRA ADVENTURES COMPLETE COLLECTION

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 4 – DIAMOND IS UNBREAKABLE

By Hirohiko Araki
MSRP: $19.99 U.S. / $26.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
Available May 7th 

In April 1999, Jotaro Kujo travels to a town in Japan called Morioh to find a young man named Josuke Higashikata, the secret love child of his grandfather, Joseph Joestar. Upon finding him, Jotaro is surprised to learn that Josuke also possesses a Stand. After their strange meeting, the pair team up to investigate the town’s proliferation of unusual Stands!

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 4 – DIAMOND IS UNBREAKABLE

SNOW WHITE WITH THE RED HAIR

By Sorata Akiduki
MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Available May 7th 

Shirayuki is an herbalist famous for her naturally bright-red hair, and the prince of Tanbarun wants her all to himself! The prince from the neighboring kingdom, Zen, rescues her from her plight, and thus begins their love story.

VIZ Media Opens Portfolio Reviews For New VIZ Originals Imprint

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VIZ Originals

VIZ Media reaches the next stage in the development of its VIZ Originals imprint! Aspiring artists and writers are invited to apply for portfolio reviews taking place at some of North America’s biggest pop culture shows. The VIZ Originals imprint will develop innovative, English-language creator-owned graphic novel content for a global market, and is committed to supporting independent artists and helping them execute their creative visions.

VIZ Originals portfolio review sessions will be led by Executive Editor, Fawn Lau, and will occur during the following 2019 shows:

  • Toronto Comics and Arts Festival – May 11-12
  • Anime Central – May 17-19
  • Anime Expo – July 4-7
  • Comic-Con – July 17-21
  • New York Comic Con – October 3-6
  • Anime NYC – November 15-17

Individuals MUST be at least 18 years old and already a registered/ticketed attendee. A VIZ Originals portfolio review appointment does not include show admittance. To be considered, complete the online form.

To give VIZ Originals the best idea of your talents and the scope of your work, please provide a portfolio that demonstrates:

Artists:

  • Samples of sequential works that best highlight your art style and storytelling
  • Best works that showcase composition, character expressions, and scene details
  • Include finished pieces, not only sketch or concept work
  • Include original character art pieces – some fan work is acceptable

Writers:

  • Samples of sequential works that highlight writing and story development
  • Samples and lists of creative writing work – prose and fan work is acceptable

VIZ Originals looks to collaborate with talented independent artists, creators and writers to develop original stories that ignite the imagination. Its titles will showcase dynamic paneling, skillful black and white artwork and compelling, diverse stories for both young adult and adult readers. 

New Anime and Manga this April from VIZ Media!

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VIZ Media has some highly anticipated new home media and publishing releases debuting this month. New titles include set 1 of the anime series Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, as well as My Hero Academia: School Briefs, a short story collection based on the hit superhero action series created by Kohei Horikoshi. Nier:Automata: Short Story Long is the second novel adaptation based on the best-selling video game. Horror master Junji Ito’s Smashed: Junji Ito Story Collection will contain thirteen manga stories and debut later in the month.

The last two titles set for release include The Art of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Nausiccaä of the Valley of the Wind Picture Book. Each book features vivid Studio Ghibli art from the legendary director Hayao Miyazaki.

New Home Media for April:

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS SET 1

Blu-ray MSRP: $44.98 U.S. / $52.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN Available April 9th

Meet Naruto’s son! His name is Boruto and he’s just like his dad – unfortunately. He’s rambunctious, rebellious, and more than a handful! He’s joined by the next generation of the Hidden Leaf Village – including Sarada, the daughter of Sasuke, and Mitsuki, a shinobi of mysterious lineage! Boruto and his friends have their hands full when they investigate a dangerous entity known as “The Ghost.” Can Boruto save the village just like dad? Dive into all of the action of Episodes 1-13 of the hit anime series in its first home media release. Special features include a BORUTO OVA, storyboards, art gallery and more!

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS SET 1

New Publishing Releases for April:

MY HERO ACADEMIA: SCHOOL BRIEFS

By Anri Yoshi; Original Story by Kohei Horikoshi

MSRP: $10.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN · Available April 2nd

The U.A. High School Hero Course teaches young hopefuls everything they need to become heroes. Between killer events like the Sports Festival and internships, there’s even Parents’ Day! That’s when all the kids get the chance to show their parents what they’re made of!

MY HERO ACADEMIA: SCHOOL BRIEFS

NIER:AUTOMATA: SHORT STORY LONG

By Jun Eishima and Yoko Taro

MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN · Available April 9th 

When alien forces invade with an army of Machines, the remnants of humanity must depend on Androids of their own design—the placid 2B and the excitable 9S—to survive.

NIER:AUTOMATA: SHORT STORY LONG

SMASHED: JUNJI ITO STORY COLLECTION

By Junji Ito

MSRP: $22.99 U.S. / $32.00 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ For Older Teens · Available April 16th

Try not to be noticed when you eat the secret nectar, otherwise you’ll get smashed… What horrific events happened to create the earthbound—people tied to a certain place for the rest of their short lives? Then, a strange haunted house comes to town, but no one expects it to lead to a real hell… Welcome to Junji Ito’s world, a world with no escape from endless nightmares.

SMASHED: JUNJI ITO STORY COLLECTION

THE ART OF NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND

By Hayao Miyazaki

MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN · Available April 16th

Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, based on his own manga, was released in 1984 and has been a cult classic ever since. In a long-ago war, humankind set off a devastating ecological disaster. The earth is slowly submerging beneath the expanding Sea of Decay, an enormous toxic forest that creates mutant insects and poisonous spores. Beyond the sea lies the Valley of the Wind, a kingdom of barely 500 citizens and home to Nausicaä, who risks everything to save her people and bring peace and health to the valley. Includes sketches, developmental water colors, cel animation, and more.

THE ART OF NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND

NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND PICTURE BOOK

By Hayao Miyazaki

MSRP: $29.99 U.S. / $39.99 CAN · Available April 30th

In a long-ago war, humankind set off a devastating ecological disaster. The earth is slowly submerging beneath the expanding Sea of Decay, an enormous toxic jungle filled with mutant insects and poisonous spores. At the edge of the sea lies the Valley of the Wind, home to Nausicaä, who risks everything to save her people and bring peace and health to her people. Studio Ghibli picture books capture the magic of the legendary studio’s animated films with easy-to-read text, full-color pictures direct from the film, and a family-friendly oversized hardcover format.

NAUSICAÄ OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND PICTURE BOOK
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