Tag Archives: weekly shonen jump alpha

VIZ Media Offers Android Users an Ad-Supported Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha

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VIZ Media is giving Android users an easy reason to explore Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha with a new ad-supported option that allows readers to read complete issues for free.

Readers simply click on the “Free” button in the VIZ Manga app & choose from a variety of promotional offers from our advertising partners in order to get access to each week’s issue of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha with no further commitment required. The ad-supported option is available only to Android users at this time.

This is similar to the music service Free All Music which allows you to download songs in exchange for watching ads or participating in some sort of promotion. This shows the continue exploration of different business models to gain revenue from comic books.

Each digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. Starting on January 21st, all weekly Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha series will be publishing simultaneously with their release in Japan!

Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha is available through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of digital access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99. Each issue may be read on VIZManga.com/sj-weekly, and also on the VIZ Manga App for iPad®, iPhone®, iPod® touch, and Android tablets and smartphones. For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and current exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com.

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Weekly SJ Alpha Synchronizes with Japanese Releases

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VIZ Media will synchronize its Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha, a weekly serial anthology of some of the most popular manga series in the world, to Japan releases starting with the January 21, 2013 issue.

Weekly SJ Alpha, available exclusively on the VIZ Manga digital platform, will feature new installments of Bleach, Cross Manage, Naruto, Nisekoi, One Piece and Toriko on the same day as their general release in Japan. Monthly series such as Blue Exorcist, Rurouni Kenshin: Restoration and YU-GI-OH! Zexal will debut the closest Monday after the Japanese release. There are also plans for additional series to join the Weekly SJ Alpha lineup.

Weekly SJ Alpha is available through the VIZ Manga digital platform through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of digital access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99. Members also receive exclusive Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME promotional cards throughout the year, an annual collector’s yearbook and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and exclusive videos.

NYCC 2012 – VIZ Media Announces Shonen Jump Alpha Meet-Up

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VIZ Media invites manga and anime fans of all ages to join the company for a very special Shonen Jump Alpha Meet-Up, taking place Friday, October 12th from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at the Kinokuniya Bookstore, located at 1073 Avenue of the Americas (6th Avenue between 40th & 41st Streets). The meet-up is FREE to attend, and coincides with VIZ Media’s appearance at the 2012 New York Comic Con taking place October 11th-14th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 2042.

Making a special in-person appearance at Kinokuniya will be legendary creator and character designer Masakazu Katsura, who will meet fans and sign autographs from 7:00pm-8:00pm. A variety of door prizes will be given away, and visitors are also encouraged to take advantage of many Kinokuniya manga and anime products that will be specially discounted during the duration of the meet-up event.

Meet and mingle with other fans and the editors of Shonen Jump Alpha and be among the first to get the Shonen Jump Alpha Yearbook 2013. This is a very special premium, available only at New York Comic Con.

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!

SDCC 2012 – VIZ Media Invites Comic-Con Attendees To Free Ice Cream

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San Diego Comic-Con is pure chaos, so VIZ Media is inviting fans to take a break from the crowded frenzy for a sweet treat at a special Free Weekly Shonen Alpha Jump Truck Meet-Up on Saturday, July 14th at 3PM at the 5th Avenue Landing, behind Hall H of the San Diego Convention Center.

As an added attraction, Jump Truck visitors can have their picture taken 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. Free Shonen Jump and VIZ Media prizes will also be given away.

Fans that visit the VIZ Media Booth #2813 will have an opportunity to sample the latest issues of North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine on the laptop, iPad®, iPod® touch and iPhone®. Fans who purchase an annual membership will also receive a limited edition YU-GI-OH! Slifer the Sky Dragon trading card (limited quantities available – please visit the booth at show opening each morning for a ticket).

The Weekly Shonen Jump Panel on Saturday July 14th, 12PM, Room 7AB, will feature 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｡), who will reveal the latest news, expert opinions and a behind-the-scenes look into the manga. The guests will also have a heated Q&A showdown with the SJ Alpha editors!

Finally, the first ever Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha tote bag will be available at the VIZ Media booth to the first 500 attendees that stop by on Preview Night. The totes will be available at other times throughout the weekend to visitors that complete a round of “passport” activities stationed around the booth.

VIZ Media Heads to Anime Expo 2012 This Weekend

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VIZ Media is also heading to Anime Expo 2012 this weekend, taking place in Los Angeles. They’re bringing an array of booth attractions, product giveaways, special guest appearances, and panel discussions scheduled to take place throughout the unique 4-day Southern California event.  They’ll be located at booth 1401.

They’re welcoming Tiger & Bunny Executive Producer Masayuki Ozaki as its guest for a panel discussion to be held on Saturday, June 30th at 12PM in Room LP1.  Joining the panel will be voice actors Yuri Lowenthall (Barnaby Brooks Jr. / Bunny), Travis Willingham (Rock Bison), Laura Bailey (Dragon Kid), Patrick Seitz (Sky High), John Eric Bentley (Fire Emblem) and Tara Platt (Agnes). After the panel there’ll be a special signing session at the South Hall Autograph Area, at 3:30PM.

You can also join company executives on Friday, June 29th at 2:00PM in Petree Hall (Hall CD) for the “Super Secret VIZ Media Anime Project” panel.

Sneak peeks at other upcoming anime and manga series, as well as news on newly licensed properties, will be a major focus of the VIZ Media Panel, scheduled for Sunday July 1st at 1:30PM in Room 515A.

Readers that sign-up at the booth for an annual membership of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha during Anime Expo will be treated to a special free Yu-Gi-Oh! Shock Master collectable trading card. There’s limited quantities available, so get there early.

Fans are also invited to a fun Shonen Jump Alpha Fan Meet-Up scheduled for Sunday July 1st, at 5PM in Room 515A. Gift bags filled with a variety of fun collectables will be given away, while supplies last. Attendees can meet the Shonen Jump Alpha staff and other readers, and learn all about what the digital manga magazine has in-store for future issues.

VIZ Media Launches New “Barrage ” Space Battle Fantasy Manga Series

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New Series Kicks Off In North America Just Two Weeks After Japanese Debut

Leading manga publisher VIZ Media thrilled fans last weekend during its panel discussion at the FanimeCon 2012 anime convention with the announcement of the launch of the new manga (graphic novel) series – BARRAGE – in the company’s digital WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA magazine beginning Monday, June 4th. New chapters of BARRAGE will debut every week.

BARRAGE is an exciting space battle fantasy series by creator Kouhei Horikoshi that just debuted in Japan in Weekly Shonen Jump on May 21st. The series is set on a planet called Industria, which is in a state of chaos, and its fate lays in the hands of Astro, a kid from the slums!

Each new digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA is available through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of digital access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99. Single issues of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA can be read for four weeks for only $0.99. Each issue may be read on VIZManga.com/sj-weekly, and also on the updated VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, 4 Yu-Gi-Oh! cards throughout the year delivered to your door, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and exclusive videos.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com.

VIZ Media Debuts New Rurouni Kenshin Samurai Manga Reboot In Weekly SJ Alpha

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Digital Manga Updates for 2nd Half of May Include Continuation Of Monday 40% Promo on Select Volume 1 Titles, HONEY AND CLOVER Debut

VIZ Media rounds out the month of May with big news for WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members as it debuts in today’s issue the new RUROUNI KENSHIN manga (graphic novel) reboot – RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION.

RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION will be serialized once a month in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA. To celebrate the upcoming live action movie, Nobuhiro Watsuki, the original creator of RURUNI KENSHIN (published by VIZ Media in North America, rated ‘T’ for Older Teens) reinvented his classic manga with all-new twists and turns. Action, romance, and historical intrigue abound in RUROUNI KENSHIN: RESTORATION, the tale of a wandering swordsman during Japan’s chaotic Meiji Restoration. Join Kenshin, Kaoru, Yahiko and others as they take up their swords once again!

Each new digital edition of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga fans across North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA is available through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of digital access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99. Single issues of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA can be read for four weeks for only $0.99. Each issue may be read on VIZManga.com/sj-weekly, and also on the updated VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA members also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, 4 Yu-Gi-Oh! cards throughout the year delivered to your door, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and exclusive videos.

VIZ Media also continues its special May manga promotion on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, offering a 40% off discount on five select Volume 1 digital titles (Reg. MSRP: $4.99, Sale Price: $2.99) each Monday through the end of the month.

Discount Manga Titles for May 21st Include:

HIKARU NO GO Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

ROSARIO + VAMPIRE Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

RUROUNI KENSHIN Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

TEGAMI BACHI Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

Discount Manga Titles for May 28th Include:

BLEACH Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

CLAYMORE Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

DRAGON BALL Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

KEKKAISHI Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens

THE PRINCE OF TENNIS Vol. 1 · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages

 Finally, in addition to updates to 19 other series, shojo fans can look forward to the debut on May 28th of HONEY AND CLOVER (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). Created by Chica Umino. the story follows Takemoto, a sophomore art student in Tokyo, who thinks his greatest worries in life are finding ways to eat more meat and getting to class on time. But with friends like his, life is never going to be that tame.

The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free through the iTunes Store and all manga volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the application for $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) per volume. More than 55 series and 500+ volumes are currently available for download.

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop PC-enabled computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. The free VIZ Manga App is the top application for reading manga and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com.

VIZ Media Launches Shonen Jump Photo Contest

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Contest Encourages Fans To Submit Photos Showing Their Passion For SHONEN JUMP; iPad 2 With WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA Membership And Other Prizes To Be Awarded

San Francisco, CA, March 16, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, invites fans to show their love for SHONEN JUMP with a brand new contest that will award a variety of valuable prizes to several lucky winners. Contestants are encouraged to upload a photo showing their love for SHONEN JUMP to the contest page at sjalpha.com/ipad2.

Encourage friends, family and other fans to vote for your entry during the two, week-long voting periods! Prizes will be given to the fan with the most votes for that given week. A Grand Prize will also be awarded to fan with the most overall votes.

The first contest submission period is from March 16th to March 23rd, with voting from March 24th to March 31st. The second contest submission period will be from April 1st to April 8th with contest voting from April 9th to April 16th. Winners will be notified via email.

The Grand Prize for the Show Your SHONEN JUMP Love Contest will include a brand new Apple iPad 2, plus an annual membership to the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA (SJ ALPHA) digital manga magazine, along with a $100.00 credit for VIZManga.com. The runner up prize will be a SHONEN JUMP gift bag, valued at $250.00 and awarded to the fan with the most votes during each of the two submission periods.

“Has your manga collection overtaken your house? Do you have a running countdown until your next local anime convention? Want to show off your latest SJ Cosplay? Then the Show Your SHONEN JUMP Love contest is definitely for you,” says Tu Ly, Senior Digital Marketing Manager. “It’s all about our fans and their connection to the stories and characters they love.  Manga and anime fans are by far the most creative people I’ve had the chance to meet and we’re really excited to see what comes out of this contest!

Each new digital issue of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA treats manga (comics) fans in North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP magazine. Series include popular titles such as BAKUMAN｡, BLEACH, NARUTO, NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, ONE PIECE, and TORIKO.

SJ ALPHA is available on VIZManga.com through an annual membership that provides 52 weeks of access to 48 weekly issues for just $25.99; single issues can be read for four weeks for only $0.99. Annual members will also receive an annual collector’s yearbook, collectable YU-GI-OH! game cards four times a year, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and videos. From now until April 30th, all members will also receive exclusive access to a special ONE PIECE x TORIKO crossover manga as a digital gift.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA and exclusive subscriber offers, please visit SJAlpha.com or VIZManga.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 monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine 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 Productions & Warner Bros. To Develop Bleach Live Action Movie

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VIZ PRODUCTIONS & WARNER BROTHERS TO DEVELOP

BLEACH LIVE ACTION MOVIE AFTER BANNER YEAR

VIZ Media’s Mega-Hit Franchise Continues To Expand Across All Entertainment Channels, Win In Ratings, And Top Best Seller Lists

San Francisco, CA, February 23, 2012 – VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, announced today that Warner Bros. Pictures has acquired the live-action feature film rights to the hit manga and anime property BLEACH. The announcement comes after another successful year for BLEACH in print, digital publishing, cable television, streaming video, consumer products and video-on-demand.

“BLEACH has built a huge international following in its manga and anime formats, and we’re excited that Warner Bros. shares our belief that BLEACH can also become a fantastic live-action film,” said Jason Hoffs of VIZ Productions, VIZ Media’s Hollywood-based production company. “BLEACH is an exciting opportunity to mix Japanese and Hollywood storytelling to create something new for the big screen, and we’re thrilled for the opportunity to further expose its unique characters and story to film audiences everywhere.”

Peter Segal (GET SMART, THE LONGEST YARD) of Callahan Filmworks is producing with an eye toward directing. The film’s creative team also includes screenwriter Dan Mazeau, who recently penned Warner Bros.’ upcoming sequel to CLASH OF THE TITANS. Callahan Filmworks partner Michael Ewing and Masi Oka (best known for his roles on NBC’s HEROES and CBS’s HAWAII FIVE-0) will produce. From VIZ Productions, Hoffs will serve as Producer, and Branon Coluccio will be Executive Producer. Screenplay development will commence in 2012.

The popular BLEACH animated and manga series, created by Tite Kubo, follows the adventures of Ichigo, a teenager with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper tasked to hunting Hollows, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, Ichigo must dedicate his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property around the world. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has over 75 million copies in print in Japan alone. In North America, the manga (rated ‘T’ for Teens) has consistently appeared on the New York Times Best Seller list for Manga and the Neilsen BookScan Top 50 Graphic Novels list, selling more than 2.1 million copies across 36 volumes.

The BLEACH manga is also available digitally through VIZManga.com and for download through the VIZ Manga App for iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, where it has proven to be a top-seller. The series was recently sped up to bring North American readers up-to-date with the latest story arc in Japan, culminating in it being featured in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, the groundbreaking digital manga magazine that VIZ Media just launched at the end of January 2012.

The BLEACH animated series (rated TV-14) has topped the ratings on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, sold over 1.8 million DVDs and consistently ranked among Hulu’s most watched shows, This success has further spawned an array of related video games (over 820,000 sold), apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.

For more information on BLEACH and to view free streaming episodes, please visit Bleach.viz.com.

For more information on BLEACH digital manga, please visit VIZManga.com/bleach.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA, please visit SJAlpha.com.

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