Review: Adult Swim's "UZUMAKI" Miniseries: Episode 1 is Crazy, Scary and Cool

TV IN MY EYE No. 1 by Leroy Douresseaux

“Uzumaki” Episode 1 (2024)

Running time:  24 minutes; TV-MA

DIRECTOR:  Hiroshi Nagahama

WRITER:  Aki Iazmi (based upon the manga by Junji Ito)

PRODUCERS:  Jason DeMarco (executive producer) and Maki Terashima-Furuta

COMPOSER: Colin Stetson

ANIMATION/HORROR

Starring:  (English dub voices) Abby Trott, Robbie Daymond, Cristina Valenzuela, Aaron LaPlante, Mona Marshall, Doug Stone, and Max Mittelman

"Uzumaki" is a four-episode, animated, horror television miniseries from director Hiroshi Nagahama.  The series is a joint production between Cartoon Network's “Adult Swim” programming block and Production I.G USA, the American division of the Japanese animation studio, Production I.G.  The first episode of Uzumaki made its debut on Adult Swim Saturday, September 28, 2024 and became available to stream on the Max service Sunday, September 29, 2024.  There is both an English-language and Japanese-language version of this miniseries, and this review is based on the English version.

"Uzumaki" is an adaptation of the manga (Japanese comics), Uzumaki, originally published from 1998 to 1999 and created by Junji Ito.  Uzumaki the anime is set in the coastal Japanese village where a high school couple confronts the spiral pattern that seems to be haunting the village.

"Uzumaki" Episode 1 opens in Kurouzu, a small Japanese coastal village where we meet Kirie Goshima (Abby Trott), a high school girl who is traveling to Kurouzu Station.  There, she plans to meet her boyfriend, Shuichi Saito (Robbie Daymond).  Upon his arrival, Shuichi seems withdrawn, and his moodiness apparently involves his father.  It seems that Mr. Saito (Aaron LaPlante) has become obsessed with the whorled pattern known as the “spiral” (uzumaki).

Initially, Kirie laughs off Shuichi's concerns, but she eventually personally experiences Mr. Saito's weirdness.  Soon, she is noticing strange and horrifying things herself.  The most horrifying may involve her friend, the very popular teen girl, Azami Kurotani (Cristina Valenzuela).

Junji Ito's Uzumaki manga runs well over 600 pages, so the creators of its anime adaptation have streamlined the story in order to fit a narrative that won't be even one hundred minutes long.  That doesn't bother me all that much as long as they capture the existential sense of dread and cosmic horror that is Uzumaki.

Uzumaki's animation is in black and white, not color, and the character and production design mimic Ito's drawing and graphic design style as closely as they can.  In fact, the anime filmmakers' fidelity to Ito's aesthetic adds another layer of uncanny to this already uncanny series.  So I can overlook, the fact that – judging by Episode 1 – this series does not adopt the hauntingly patient, measured, drawn-out pace of Ito's manga.

Much of the body horror that this anime depicts is as disturbing as that found in live-action body horror films.  Combine that with persistently eerie sound design and it makes this one of the most chilling, scary, and troubling animated series every broadcast on American cable television.

The English voice performances are, quite frankly, superb – from the leads to the supporting players.  They make it seem as if all the freaky things they are seeing are real, even surreal, but never fake and contrived.  I won't spoil "Uzumaki" Episode 1 for those who have not yet seen it, but it ends with some body horror that had me pressed against the back of my couch.

8 of 10

A

★★★★ out of 4 stars

Sunday, September 29, 2024

The text is copyright © 2024 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this blog or site for reprint and syndication rights and fees.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from August 27th to 31st, 2023 - Update #9

by Leroy Douresseaux a.k.a. "I Reads You"

You can support Leroy via Paypal or on Patreon:

ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURE NEWS:

MOVIES - From Variety:  Meg Ryan returns to movie theaters as director, writer, and co-star of the romantic-comedy, "What Happens Later," co-starring David Duchovny. The film is due Oct. 13th.

STREAMING - From Deadline:  Hulu has cancelled the Elle Fanning-Nicholas Hoult drama, "The Great," after three seasons.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  Another Disney investor suit targets Disney, CEO Bob Iger, and former CEO Bob Chapek over "alleged sleight of hand accounting" used to hide streaming losses.

BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficePro:  The winner of the 8/25 to 8/27/2023 weekend box office is Sony Pictures' "Gran Turismo" with an estimated take of 17.3 million dollars. That could change because today (Sunday, Aug. 27th) is the second annual "National Cinema Day," in which tickets at participating theaters is $4.

From THR:  Director Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" is now Warner Bros. Pictures' most successful film at the global box office.  It's has passed the 1.342 billion that "Harry Potter and the Death Hallows - Part 2" grossed globally.

DISNEY - From Deadline:  Disney continues the Disney+ content purge.  It is not going forward with "Nautilus," the live-action "Captain Nemo" series from the United Kingdom that it commissioned two years ago.

SCANDAL - From Deadline:  The fall of former Disney Channel child star, Mitchel Musso, continues with an arrest in Texas for multiple charges, including "public intoxication."

ANIMATION - From Deadline:  The hit Adult Swim (Cartoon Network) animated series "Rick and Morty," will return for its Season 7 on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 11 p.m. ET/PT with all new episodes.

OBITS:

From Deadline:  American television game show host and animal rights activist, Bob Barker, has died at the age of 99, Saturday, August 26, 2023.  He is best known for his 35-year stint hosting the CBS daytime game show, "The Price is Right." He also hosted the former CBS/NBC/syndicated game show, "Truth or Consequences," from 1956 to 1975.  He received 43 Daytime Emmy Award nominations. He won the award for "Outstanding Game Show Host" 14 times as the host of "The Price is Right," and he won four "Outstanding Game Show" Emmy Awards as executive producer of "The Price is Right."

From Deadline:  Film and television actress and writer and voice actress, Arleen Sorkin, has died at the age of 68, Thursday, August 24, 2023.  Arleen is best known as the voice actress who originated the role of the character, Harley Quinn, first on "Batman: The Animated Series" (1992-95).  She performed the voice for Harley Quinn in at least 50 times for TV, film, webseries, and videogames.  Harley Quinn's co-creator, Paul Dini, also used Arleen as inspiration for the character.  Sorkin is also known for playing the soap opera character, Calliope Jones, over 400 times over a 26-year period on the former NBC soap, "Days of Our Lives."  Sorkin received two Daytime Emmy Award nominations and one News and Documentary Emmy Award nomination.

WRITERS/ACTORS STRIKE:

From THR:  As talks with the Writers Guild of America stall, the studio trade association, AMPTP, has retained D.C.-based firm, The Levinson Group, to pursue a fresh messaging strategy.

From Deadline:  Regarding the Hollywood writers strike, the AMPTP (representing the studios) released the details of a proposed labor agreement that it made to the WGA (the Writers Guild) on August 11th.

From Deadline:  A pair of former production assistants-turned-assistant directors have created a nonprofit in hopes of providing financial aid to PAs (production assistants) who’ve been put out of work due to the strike.

From Deadline:  Writers Guild (WGA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) will resume strike talks today, Fri., Aug. 11th.

From Deadline:  Meeting for the first time in more than three months, the Writers Guild and the AMPTP on Friday failed to reach an agreement to resume contract negotiations. The Writers Strike will go on indefinitely.

From Deadline:  Hollywood’s superstars are answering the call from the SAG-AFTRA Foundation, donating $1 million or more each to help their fellow performers during the ongoing actors and writers strikes.  Among the big donors are Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Oprah Winfrey, and Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively.

From Deadline:  If you are interested, here is a list of the film and TV productions SAG-AFTRA has granted waivers to continue filming.

From Variety:  International superstar, Dwayne Johnson, makes a seven-figure contribution to the "SAG-AFTRA Foundation Relief Fund." Foundation president, actor Courtney B. Vance, says the amount will remain confidential.

From Variety:  Why haven't A-list stars joined the SAG-AFTRA picket line?, asks "Variety."

From Deadline:  Author George R.R. Martin, whose works were the basis for HBO's "Game of Thrones," says the strikes will be long and bitter.

From THR:  Production works at Warner Bros. Animation (66) and at Cartoon Network (22) have gone public with their attempt to unionize via The Animation Guild.

From Variety:  Halted film productions due to the writers and actors strikes are costing each Hollywood studio at least 600,000 dollars per week.

From Variety:  Said at a strike meeting: “Without a transformative change in SAG-AFTRA’s current contract with the AMPTP, the acting profession will no longer be an option for future generations of performers, and actors already working in the industry will need to pursue other careers in order to survive.”

From Deadline:  If you are a "social media influencer" who is NOT  a member of SAG-AFTRA, you can be barred from future membership for promoting a film or television series during the actors' strike.

From Variety:  The SAG/AFTRA strike begins in New York and Los Angeles.  Hollywood actors began striking today, Fri., July 14th.

From Deadline:  The site has the video of the powerful strike speech given by SAG-AFTRA president, Fran Drescher, the actress best known for CBS' former sitcom, "The Nanny."

From Deadline:  Concerning the Hollywood writers strike (via the WGA), the Hollywood Studios (as represented by the AMPTP) is to let the writers go broke before resuming talks deep into the Fall.

From Deadline: SAG-AFTRA is already preparing strike picket signs in case the actors' strike begins next week.

From Deadline:  WGA is picketing the New York City filming location of the 12th series of FX's "American Horror Story" (entitled "Delicate") after series co-creator Ryan Murphy threaten litigation against an east coast strike captain.

From THR:  TV super-producer, Ryan Murphy, in a letter from his attorney to the leadership of the Writers Guild of America, threatened litigation against Warren Leight, an East Coast strike captain and Strike Rules Compliance Committee member who has subsequently forfeited those positions.

From Deadline:  The Hollywood studios via the AMPTP has given Canadian actors a new contract, including a 5 percent raise.

From Deadline:  Writers Strike puts the spotlight back on the challenge from writers for animation productions to be covered by the WGA.

From THR:  Studios won't give writers better pay, and now, are laying off janitors.

From Deadline:  The Directors Guild of America (DGA) has reached a tentative new three-year deal with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). So what does the Writers Guild (WGA), currently on strike and negotiating with the AMPTP, think of that deal.

From Deadline:  Netflix shareholders declined to support the 2023 pay packages of top executives during a non-binding vote at the company’s annual shareholder meeting on Thursday.  The vote won't prevent these execs from getting their loot (an total of $166 million), but this is a rare public rebuke.  The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has urged shareholders to vote "No" because the pay was "inappropriate" at this time.

From Deadline:  Warner Bros Discovery chief David Zaslav gave the commencement address at Boston University. There he was met with jeers and also chants of "pay your writers" from picketers and from some in the audience.

From Deadline:   President Joe Biden speaks on the Writers Guild of America strike.

From Deadline:  Retaliation! The studios have starting informing writer-producers who have "overall" and "first-look" deals that such deals are being suspended.

From Deadline:  Retaliation!  Prolific HBO creator, David Simon, who is best known for "The Wire," is one of the many writers who have had their overall deals suspended the studios due to the WGA strike.  Simon has been with HBO for 25 years.

From Deadline:  The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is on strike.

From Deadline:  Disney, HBO/HBO Max, and CBS have sent letters to showrunners (the TV equivalent of film directors) instructing them to return to work, inspite of the writer's strike.

From Deadline:  The WGA's chief negotiator, Ellen Stutzman, talks about the state of the writers' strike, including the lack of engagement on the part of the strike's other party, AMPTP.

From Deadline:  What went wrong between the WGA and AMPTP? What could they not agree on that led to a strike?

From Deadline:  The site explains the WGA strike: the issues, the stakes, movies and TV shows affected, and how long it might last.

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Negromancer News Bits and Bites from November 25th to 30th, 2018 - Update #18

Support Leroy on Patreon:

ECONOMY - From Bloomberg:  "American is poorer than it thinks."

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PIXAR - From SlashFilm: Domee Shi became the first woman to direct a animated short for Pixar when her wonderful and poignant short, "Bao," debuted at the head of "Incredibles 2."  In an interview, Shi revealed that she is working on a 90-minute film.

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STREAMING - From TheWrap:  Netflix has cancelled its Marvel TV series, "Daredevil," after three seasons.  This follows the cancellations of "Luke Cage" and "Iron Fist" by Netflix.

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MOVIES - From Deadline:  Eiza Gonzalez is joining Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham in the "Fast and Furious" spinoff, "Hobbs and Shaw."

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ANIMATION - From BleedingCool:  There will be an anime based on the film, "Blade Runner 2049," which will appear on Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim" block and on Crunchyroll.

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MOVIES - From IndieWire:  Rita Moreno will play in Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" in a new role.  Moreno appeared in the original 1961 film version of the 1957 Broadway play and won a best supporting actress Oscar for her role as Anita.

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AWARDS - From IndieWire:  The National Board of Review 2018 awards have been announced.  "Green Book" named "Best Film of 2018."

From IndieWire:  The Gotham Awards 2018 name "The Rider" the "Best Film of 2018."

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DISNEY - From Variety:  Amy Sedaris joins Disney's live-action, "The Lion King," in an original voice role that was not in the 1994 animated original.

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BOX OFFICE - From BoxOfficeMojo: The winner of the 11/23 to 11/25/2018 weekend box office is "Ralph Breaks the Internet" with an estimated take of $55.7 million.  It's five-day Thanksgiving holiday box office total is an estimated $84.5, the second largest for that five-day period.

From Variety:  "The Favourite" leads the indie box office with a per-screen average of $105,200.

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From Forbes:  The $55 million debut of "Creed II" is the largest debut for a live-action film during the five-day Thanksgiving holiday period.  It is also the seventh largest overall for the period.

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TECH - From FastCompany:  The untold and true story of Ed Smith, the African-American  video game pioneer.

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STREAMING - From TVSeriesFinale:  Hulu is developing a TV series follow-up to the beloved 1994 film, "Four Weddings and a Funeral."  Andie MacDowell, who starred in the film, will return for the TV series.

OBITS:

From Variety:  Famed Hollywood screenwriter and script doctor, Gloria Katz, died at the age of 76, Sunday, November 25, 2018.  She and her husband, Willard Huyck, wrote the film "American Graffiti" with George Lucas, which earned the three an Academy Award nomination.  Katz and Huyck were secretly script doctors on the original "Star Wars" film for Lucas, who was friends with the couple.

From Variety:  Stephen Hillenburg, the creator of "SpongeBob SquarePants," has died at the age of 57, Monday, November 26, 2018.  A cartoonist and illustrator, Hillenburg was also a marine biologist.  Hillenburg died of ALS, after announcing in March of 2017 that he had the disease.

From Variety:  Italian filmmaker, Bernardo Bertolucci, has died at the age of 77, Monday, November 26, 2018.  Bertolucci won an Oscar for directing 1987's "The Last Emperor," one of the film's nine Oscar wins.  Bertolucci's influenced generations of filmmakers with his politically charged film, "The Conformist," and his sexually charged and controversial film, "Last Tango in Paris."

From THR:  The film director, Nicolas Roeg, has died at the age of 90, Friday, November 23, 2018.  Roeg was probably best known for directing David Bowie in the film, "The Man Who Fell to Earth" (1976).  He also directed Mick Jagger in "Performance" (1970), and he directed the influential horror film, "Don't Look Now" (1973).

From Variety:  Master magician and actor, Ricky Jay, has died at the age of 72, Saturday, November 24, 2018.  A profile of him by the "The New Yorker" called him the most gifted sleight of hand artist alive.  Jay appeared in such films as "Boogie Nights" and "Tomorrow Never Dies and in the TV series, "Deadwood."

VIZ Media Brings Netflix's "Death Note" to Licensing Expo 2017

VISIT VIZ MEDIA AT LICENSING EXPO BOOTH #J236

VIZ MEDIA TO SHOWCASE DEATH NOTE, THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED LIVE ACTION ADAPTATION FROM NETFLIX, AT LICENSING EXPO 2017

San Francisco, CA - VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the nation’s premier manga and anime company, will be featuring top titles from its broad catalog at the upcoming Licensing Expo 2017. This year, the top highlighted property for merchandising opportunities will be the live action feature film Death Note, streaming globally Summer 2017 on Netflix. VIZ Media will be located in Booth #J236.

VIZ Media publishes the dark and edgy DEATH NOTE manga and anime the film is based on. Both have been continual bestsellers since their debut in the mid 2000’s, captivating millions of fans around the world. The Death Note film will debut globally on August 25, 2017, exclusively on Netflix, and the adaptation is directed by Adam Wingard, starring Nat Wolff, Lakeith Stanfield and Margaret Qualley.

In addition to Netflix’s live action Death Note, VIZ Media will be highlighting the following flagship titles at the show this year:

    DEATH NOTE, the anime inspiration for Netflix’s live action feature
    NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, the #1 title in Hulu’s anime category
    ONE-PUNCH MAN, the hottest anime debut in 2016
    HUNTER X HUNTER, new season coming soon on Adult Swim
    JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE, a multigenerational action-adventure currently airing on Adult Swim
    BLEACH, one of the most successful international multimedia brands

VIZ Media highlights at Licensing Expo 2017 include:

Netflix Original Film Death Note
Based on the famous Japanese manga written by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata, Death Note follows a high school student who comes across a supernatural notebook, realizing it holds within it a great power; if the owner inscribes someone’s name into it while picturing their face, he or she will die. Intoxicated with his new godlike abilities, the young man begins to kill those he deems unworthy of life.

DEATH NOTE Anime (Rated ‘TV-14’)
Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects- and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by Ryuk, a rouge Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal… or his life?

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (Rated ‘TV-14’)
Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became one of the most popular manga properties. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens, in print and digital editions) and animated counterpart (NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN) are some of VIZ Media’s most successful titles and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

ONE-PUNCH MAN (Rated ‘TV-14’)
Nothing about Saitama passes the eyeball test when it comes to superheroes, from his lifeless expression to his bald head to his unimpressive physique. However, this average-looking guy has a not-so-average problem – he just can’t seem to find an opponent strong enough to take on! Every time a promising villain appears, he beats the snot out of ’em with one punch! Can Saitama finally find an opponent who can go toe-to-toe with him and give his life some meaning? Or is he doomed to a life of super-powered boredom?

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE (Rated ‘TV-14’)
The legendary Shonen Jump classic (latest season currently streaming) is a groundbreaking series with multiple story arcs whose creation has already spanned 25 years. It’s famous for outlandish characters, wild humor and frenetic battles. Join the Joestar family as they fight the evil Dio and his legacy across continents and time!

HUNTER X HUNTER (Rated ‘TV-14’)
Hunters are a special breed, dedicated to tracking down treasures, magical beasts and even other people. But such pursuits require a license, and less than one in a hundred thousand can pass the grueling qualification exam. Those who do pass gain access to restricted areas, amazing stores of information and the right to call themselves “Hunters.” Can Gon, a country boy, follow his father and join their ranks?

BLEACH (Rated ‘TV-14’)
Ichigo Kurosaki was born with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow – a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters a Soul Reaper and absorbs her powers. Now he has dedicated his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured souls find peace.

For more information on these or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at VIZ.com.


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VIZ Media Announces the Toonami Debut of "Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood"

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE OF JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE ON ADULT SWIM

The Acclaimed Multi-Generational Fantasy Action Anime Series Launches On Leading Animation Network On October 15th, 2016

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, delivers exciting anime news as it announces the broadcast premiere of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PHANTOM BLOOD on Adult Swim’s Toonami.

The opening episode of Season 1 of the action-packed, multi-generational paranormal adventure series will debut on Saturday, October 15th, 2016 at 12:30 a.m. EST/PST, with future episodes scheduled to air each Saturday. Toonami is the anime programming block on Adult Swim, Turner’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults.

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE is based on Hirohiko Araki’s critically acclaimed Shonen Jump manga series that depicts the multigenerational exploits of the heroic Joestar family and their never-ending battle against evil. In the anime series, the Aztecs – the people of the sun – once prospered in ancient Mexico. They had a bizarre stone mask that brought eternal life and the power of a domineering ruler to he who wore it, but at some point, the mask disappeared without a trace. Years later, in the late 19th Century, when men's lifestyles and outlooks on life were quickly changing, Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando meet, and the stone mask binds them to a rather curious fate...

“Audiences will definitely want to catch the launch of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PHANTOM BLOOD on Adult Swim,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “Packed with heroic main characters, flamboyant villains and plenty of over the top action, this series is without equal!”

VIZ Media is the master distributor for the JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE anime series and also publishes print and digital editions of the JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE manga series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). VIZ Media is also the North American master merchandise licensee for JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE.

For additional information on JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE and other anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at www.VIZ.com.

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"One-Punch Man" Anime Arrives on Adult Swim's Toonami

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE BROADCAST PREMIERE OF ONE-PUNCH MAN ANIME SERIES ON ADULT SWIM

Action Anime Series About A Superhero With A Knockout Punch, Based On Smash Hit Manga Title, Premieres On North American TV Later This Month

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, has announced the North American broadcast debut of ONE-PUNCH MAN on Adult Swim’s Toonami. VIZ Media and Adult Swim’s Toonami team made the announcement before a packed audience of fans at the nation’s largest anime convention – Anime Expo – held this past weekend in Los Angeles.

The action adventure about an uncanny superhero with a knockout punch is scheduled to premiere on July 16th, 2016 (time to be announced), with future episodes set to air each Saturday. Toonami is the anime programming block on Adult Swim, Turner’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults.

“One-Punch Man is a one of a kind show and we’re excited to have it join our Toonami line-up,” said Jason DeMarco, senior vice president and creative director, on-air for Adult Swim. “We know our viewers have been hoping this would happen for a while, and we're thrilled to have been able to make it happen!”

ONE-PUNCH MAN is based on the bestselling manga series (the latest chapters serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, and graphic novels published by VIZ Media; rated ‘T for Teens), created by writer ONE and artist Yusuke Murata. The anime series was animated by the renowned Japanese studio, Madhouse, and helmed by famed anime director, Shingo Natsume, (Space Dandy, Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos), and features character designs by Chikashi Kubota (From the New World, Robotics:notes). For its broadcast premiere on Toonami, ONE-PUNCH MAN will feature a notable cast of English voice actors including Max Mittelman (as Saitama), Zach Aguilar (as Genos), Robbie Daymond (as Mumen Rider) and Erik Kimerer (as Speed-o’-Sound Sonic). 

“With its compelling characters, high-energy animation and contemporary spin on the classic superhero premise, ONE-PUNCH MAN is a bombastic action tale unlike any anime series that has come before,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “Don’t miss the premiere on Adult Swim later this month!”

In ONE-PUNCH MAN, Saitama only became a hero for fun, but after three years of “special” training, he finds that he can beat even the mightiest opponents with a single punch. Though he faces new enemies every day, it turns out being devastatingly powerful is actually kind of a bore. Can a hero be too strong?

VIZ Media is the official North American distributor of the ONE-PUNCH MAN anime and manga properties and holds the digital and print publishing rights as well as broadcast rights, digital streaming rights, home video rights and master merchandising rights to the series.

For additional information on ONE-PUNCH MAN and other anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at www.VIZ.com.

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"Hunter x Hunter" Anime Set for Cartoon Network's "Adult Swim"

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE OF HUNTER X HUNTER ON ADULT SWIM

Reboot Of Fantasy Adventure Anime Series Based On Bestselling HUNTER X HUNTER Manga Launches With A Brand New English Dub Cast On Leading Animation Network April 16th

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, excites action/adventure fans as it announces the launch of the all new HUNTER X HUNTER anime series on Adult Swim’s Toonami.

The first episode of the action-packed, supernatural adventure series will premiere on Saturday, April 16 at 1:00 a.m. EST/PST, with future episodes to air each Saturday. Toonami is the anime programming block on Adult Swim, Turner’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults.

This latest anime property to join the VIZ Media catalog was produced in 2011 by the famed animation studio, MADHOUSE, and was broadcast in Japan on Nippon TV. The series reboots the popular HUNTER X HUNTER manga series created by Yoshihiro Togashi. For the North American debut, VIZ Media has assembled a fresh cast of talented voice actors that includes Erica Mendez as Gon Freecss, Cristina Vee as Killua Zoldyck, Matthew Mercer as Leorio, Keith Silverstein as Hisoka, and Erika Harlacher as Kurapika.

In the original HUNTER X HUNTER manga series, which is also published in print and digitally by VIZ Media (rated ‘T’ for Teens), Hunters are a special breed, dedicated to tracking down treasures, magical beasts, and even other people. But such pursuits require a license, and less than one in a hundred thousand can pass the grueling qualification exam. Those who do pass gain access to restricted areas, amazing stores of information, and the right to call themselves Hunters.

In the HUNTER X HUNTER anime series, abundant riches, hidden treasures, fearsome monsters, and exotic creatures are scattered around the world... Gon departs on a journey to become a Pro Hunter who risks his life in search of the unknown. Along the way, he meets other applicants for the Hunter exam: Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua. Can Gon pass the rigorous challenges of the Hunter exam and become the best Hunter in the world!? His wild and epic journey is about to begin!!

“HUNTER X HUNTER is a fast-paced fantasy adventure beautifully animated by studio MADHOUSE and we are pleased to debut the series on Adult Swim’s Toonami with a first-ever English dub that adheres very closely to the storyline depicted in the original manga series,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “We invite audiences to immerse themselves in this action-filled anime series and catch a new episode broadcast premiere each week!”

VIZ Media is the official North American distributor of the HUNTER X HUNTER anime series and holds the broadcast rights, digital streaming rights, home video rights and merchandising rights to the series.

For more information on HUNTER X HUNTER and anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, 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.

About Nippon Television Network Corporation (Nippon TV)
Since becoming Japan’s first commercial broadcaster in 1953, Nippon TV has become the country’s undisputed ratings champion and finest producer of all genres of programs. One of the biggest successes for Nippon TV is its format Dragons’ Den, which has been sold in over 26 countries and regions. With well-established companies that deal in a broad range of businesses from movies, animation, events, to fitness clubs, Nippon TV is leveraging its ideal platform to expand into new realms. Recently launching a channel in Southeast Asia named GEM through a joint venture with Sony Pictures Television Networks, and taking a stake in the SVOD market through wholly-owned subsidiary Hulu Japan, Nippon TV is steadily solidifying its presence and brand as a global media powerhouse.

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"InuYasha: The Final Act" Debuts on Toonami

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PREMIERE OF INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT ON TOONAMI

Venerable Fantasy Action Anime Series Reaches Grand Finale

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, is proud to announce the domestic broadcast premiere of INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, the finale to the long-running animated adventure saga, set to be broadcast on Adult Swim’s Toonami.

The first episode of the final story arc of the famed action/adventure/fantasy anime series will premiere at 2:00am on Sunday, November 16th, 2014 with future episodes to air each subsequent Sunday. Check local listings for channel availability and specific regional broadcast times. Adult Swim’s (AdultSwim.com) Toonami is the Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network for offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT is based on the massively popular manga series (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi. The INUYASHA anime series has run for 193 episodes in total and has also spawned several popular feature films. Pulled back in time to Japan's ancient past, Japanese high school girl Kagome finds her destiny linked to a dog-like half-demon named Inuyasha, who remembers Kagome's previous incarnation as the woman who killed him - and to the Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four Souls," which can fulfill the greatest dreams of any man or monster. Now Kagome and Inuyasha must work together to search for the scattered shards of the jewel before everyone's nightmares are given the power they need to come true.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT offers the culmination of the epic quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel. In the final episodes, the half-demon Inuyasha and modern schoolgirl Kagome face the deadly and cunning enemy demon mastermind, Naraku. With the Shikon Jewel nearly whole, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies and a battle of epic proportions is brewing on the horizon!

“This legendary anime series reaches its ultimate conclusion with the exciting premiere of THE FINAL ACT on Toonami and plenty of action and quite a few plot surprises are in-store as Inuyasha and Kagome finally see the realization of their quest to restore the Shikon Jewel,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager of Animation. “INUYASHA first premiered on Toonami and the series has played a pivotal role in helping to spawn the massive popularity that manga and anime now enjoys in North America. It’s very fitting that Toonami hosts the grand finale of one of anime’s most famous properties. Don’t miss the exciting premiere this weekend!”

Fans also can explore colorful INUYASHA art books and the complete manga series, which is published in North America by VIZ Media, along with the entire anime series and related INUYASHA animated feature films available on DVD.

For more information on INUYASHA and other anime and manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, 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.

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"Black Dynamite" Cast and Creator DVD Signing on Tuesday, July 15th

Meet the Cast & Creators of Black Dynamite Tuesday, July 15th, 2014 at Amoeba Music in Hollywood!

WHO:
Michael Jai White, voice of 'Black Dynamite', Creator, Producer, Writer (“Arrow”), Carl Jones, Creator, Executive Producer, Writer, Director (“The Boondocks”), Tommy Davidson, voice of 'Cream Corn’ ( "In Living Color") and Byron Minns, voice of ‘Bullhorn', Creator, Writer.

WHAT & WHY:
In anticipation of Adult Swim's Black Dynamite: Season One debuting on Blu-ray and DVD July 15th, there will be a signing event at Amoeba Music in Hollywood with filmmakers and voice talent from the top-rated Adult Swim TV series and 2009 live–action film!

WHERE:
Amoeba Music
Address: 6400 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 245-6400

WHEN:
Tuesday, July 15th
DVD Signing: 6:00pm – 7:30pm PST

Black Dynamite Season Two Premieres October 2014 on Adult Swim

Black Dynamite, the 30-minute animated series, is back for a second season on Adult Swim. Based on 2009’s critically acclaimed feature film, the Black Dynamite animated series further chronicles the exploits of the central character, Black Dynamite, and his crew. Under the direction of Executive Producer Carl Jones (The Boondocks), the series features the voice talents of Michael Jai White, Tommy Davidson, Kym Whitley and Byron Minns, all of whom starred in the feature film.

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Black Dynamite Makes Its Explosive Blu-Ray™ and DVD Debut In All-New Adult Swim Release, Black Dynamite Season One

Available July 15, Series’ Inaugural Blu-ray and DVD Release Includes 10 First Season Episodes Plus Behind-The-Scenes Featurette Original Pilot and Video Commentaries

This July, bust out your best polyester pants suit because Black Dynamite and his crew are about to explode onto the scene in all-new Blu-ray and DVD release, Black Dynamite Season One. The inaugural home entertainment release from the top-rated Adult Swim series will be available to own on July 15, 2014. Featuring all ten 30-minute episodes from the series’ first season, the Blu-ray and DVD release also contains a host of bonus content including the original pilot, a behind-the-scenes featurette and video commentaries with series creator Carl Jones (The Boondocks) and cast members. Black Dynamite Season One will be available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 on Blu-ray and $29.98 on two-disc DVD set, with a retailer pre-order date of June 10.

The series’ titular character Black Dynamite (Michael Jai White) is a 1970s renaissance man with a kung-fu grip. He is a lover and a fighter who is not afraid to leap before he looks. His sidekick extraordinaire is Bullhorn, the brains and cunning that complements Black Dynamite’s hard-hittin’, bone-crushin’ style. Providing comic relief on the mean streets is Cream Corn (Tommy Davidson) and classing up the place is the gorgeous Honey Bee (Kym Whitley).

Based on 2009’s critically-acclaimed feature film, the Black Dynamite animated series further chronicles the exploits of the central character and his crew. Under the direction of Carl Jones, the series features the voice talent of Michael Jai White (For Better or Worse, The Dark Knight, Why Did I Get Married?), Tommy Davidson (In Living Color, Bamboozled), Kym Whitley (The Cleveland Show, Brian McKnight Show), and Byron Minns (Mongo Wrestling Alliance), all of whom starred in the feature film. The animated series is produced by Ars Nova, with Jon Steingart, Carl Jones, and Jillian Apfelbaum as executive producers. Brian Ash is co-executive producer. Scott Sanders, Michael Jai White and Byron Minns are producers. Monica Jones is associate producer. Lesean Thomas is creative producer/supervising director. Original music is provided by Adrian Younge. Black Dynamite is being animated by Titmouse, Inc.

The series’ first season, which aired on Adult Swim during the summer of 2012, was the top-rated show in its timeslot for both adults and men 18-34, with more than five million adults and three million men tuning in to get a piece of Black Dynamite, according to Nielsen Media Research. The second season of the series will debut this summer on Adult Swim.

Black Dynamite Season One Basics:
Street Date: July 15, 2014
Blu-ray SRP: $39.99
DVD SRP: $29.98
Blu-ray UPC Code: 883929277032
DVD UPC Code: 883929277049
Languages: English
Subtitles: English
Feature Running Time: 264 minutes

About Warner Home Video:
With operations in 90 international territories Warner Home Video, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, commands the largest distribution infrastructure in the global video marketplace. Warner Home Video’s film library is the largest of any studio, offering top quality new and vintage titles from the repertoires of Warner Bros. Pictures, Turner Entertainment, Castle Rock Entertainment, HBO Home Video and New Line Home Entertainment.

About Adult Swim:
Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults. Airing nightly from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/PT), Adult Swim is basic cable’s #1 network among persons 18-34 and 18-49, and is seen in 99 million U.S. homes.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

"Naruto Shippuden" Sailing for Adult Swim and Toonami

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME SERIES ON ADULT SWIM’S TOONAMI IN 2014

VIZ Media has announced the debut of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime series on Adult Swim’s Toonami programming block beginning in January 2014. North American fans can catch dubbed and uncut adventures featuring the world’s most popular ninja from the beginning with a new episode airing each week. Check local listings for specific airtimes and channel availability.

Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults.  Airing nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/PT), Adult Swim is basic cable’s #1 network with persons 18-34 and 18-49, and is seen in 99 million U.S. homes.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga properties. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens, in print and digital editions) and animated counterpart (NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN rated ‘TV-14’) are some of VIZ Media’s most successful titles and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

In the NARUTO manga and animated series, Naruto Uzumaki wants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knows he must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercises that will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to find that everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s a medic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains the same. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Naruto realizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, the mysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Naruto finds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in his universe is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he also prove wiser and stronger?

More information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.

Additional information on titles available from VIZ Media is available at www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

Adult Swim Announces New Series for 2012-13 Season

Adult Swim Announces Largest Programming Schedule Ever for 2012-13

Basic Cable’s #1 Network In Total Day With Adults 18-34 and 18-49 Offers Up 9 New Series/Specials, 8 Pilots and 10 Returning Series

Childrens Hospital Spin-off Newsreaders and Animated Harold & Kumar Make The List

Fan Favorite Toonami Returns to Saturday Nights

ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Adult Swim, basic cable’s #1 network with young adults for seven consecutive years, sets out to “control” the night by announcing a slate of new and returning programming at its annual Upfront presentation in New York City. Hours before their annual event featuring a scheduled performance by Grammy Award-winning rap artist T.I., the network announced the largest programming commitment in Adult Swim’s history, which includes new and returning series, pilots and specials.

After having its most-watched broadcast season-to-date in its history with adults 18-34, Adult Swim has ordered second seasons of new hit shows China, IL and Loiter Squad. The top-rated series Childrens Hospital returns with a spin-off in tow and an animated pilot based on the Harold & Kumar films is in development. Additionally, in response to overwhelming fan enthusiasm and devotion, the beloved anime programming block Toonami will make its return Saturday, May 26.

New original series and specials:

•NEWSREADERS – Newsreaders is a satire of the network television newsmagazine genre, from the creative team behind Adult Swim’s highly successful comedy Childrens Hospital. Based upon the “Newsreaders” episodes of Childrens Hospital which aired during seasons two and three, Newsreaders will explore the vital issues that actually don’t affect us every day, from hard-hitting investigations to harder-hitting heartwarming profiles. Created by Childrens Hospital executive producers Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and the upcoming films Seeking a Friend for the End of the World and Butter), Jonathan Stern (The Ten; NTSF:SD:SUV::) and David Wain (Wanderlust, Wet Hot American Summer, Superjail!, upcoming films They Came Together and Dr. Dan), with Jim Margolis (The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) serving as showrunner, Newsreaders will deliver unparalleled award-eligible reporting every week. The series is produced by Abominable Pictures and Warner Bros. Television Group’s Studio 2.0.

•THE ERIC ANDRE SHOW – The series premieres on Sunday, May 20, at 12:30 a.m. (ET/PT) The Eric Andre Show may be the most manic and unorthodox late night talk show ever made. The show’s traditional talk show format quickly devolves into chaos as its inept and bipolar host Eric Andre, along with his apathetic co-host Hannibal Buress (30 Rock, SNL), subvert all late night conventions. Taking place on a dingy public-access TV channel within an alternate reality, The Eric Andre Show creates its own distorted pop culture universe by conducting interviews with an unpredictable mix of actual celebrities, “fake” celebrities and extreme real-life weirdos. These interviews are broken up with deranged man-on-the-street segments, surreal flashes of inexplicable studio chaos, talk show desk-pieces and the general deconstruction of late night's most beloved tropes in every quarter-hour episode. The Eric Andre Show is produced by Abso Lutely and executive produced by Eric Andre, Andrew Barchilon, Kitao Sakurai, Daniel Weidenfeld (China, IL), and Dave Kneebone (Tim & Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!).

•BLACK DYNAMITE – Premiering in July and based on 2009’s critically-acclaimed feature film, Black Dynamite, the animated series, further chronicles the exploits of the central character, Black Dynamite, and his crew. Under the direction of head writer Carl Jones (The Boondocks), the series features the voice talent of Michael Jai White (For Better or Worse, The Dark Knight, Why Did I Get Married?), Tommy Davidson (In Living Color, Bamboozled), Kym Whitley (The Cleveland Show, Brian McKnight Show) and Byron Minns (Mongo Wrestling Alliance), all of whom starred in the feature film. Black Dynamite, the animated series, is being produced by Ars Nova. Jon Steingart, Carl Jones, and Jillian Apfelbaum are executive producers. Brian Ash is co-executive producer. Scott Sanders, Michael Jai White and Byron Minns are producers. Monica Jones is associate producer. Lesean Thomas is creative producer/supervising director. Original music by Adrian Younge. Black Dynamite is being animated by Titmouse, Inc.

•TOONAMI – Beginning Saturday, May 26, Adult Swim brings back Toonami, the network’s popular block of anime programming. Airing weekly from midnight to 6 a.m. (ET/PT), in addition to the return of previous series featured in Toonami, Adult Swim is also developing new original anime programming for fans.

•HOT PACKAGE – Premiering this fall on Adult Swim, Hot Package is a live-action fictional Canadian entertainment news program in vein of "Entertainment Tonight," "EXTRA," or "E! News.” Hot Package is created by and stars Derrick Beckles (TV Carnage), produced by Abominable Pictures, with Jon Stern and Derrick Beckles as executive producers.

•UNTITLED HELL PROJECT – This new live-action series from Adult Swim is a workplace comedy about Gary, an associate demon, as he competes on the corporate ladder of the underworld. A Williams Street production, the show is created and directed by Dave Willis (Squidbillies, Aqua Teen Hunger Force) and Casper Kelly (Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1, Squidbillies, Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law).

•ROBOT CHICKEN DC COMICS SPECIAL – Coming this fall, the Robot Chicken DC Comics Special brings you the awesomeness of the DC Comics universe of characters as only Robot Chicken can, with amazing guest stars and the stop-motion sketch comedy you've come to love after five seasons of the popular Adult Swim series. The special features many Robot Chicken favorites including the Robot Chicken Nerd, the Humping Robot, Composite Santa, and the Mad Scientist who will be joined by characters of the DC Comics universe to poke fun at those with the most impressive powers and the lesser ones who can't really be called superheroes. The all-star cast includes Seth Green as Batman, Robin and the put-upon Aquaman, Paul Reubens as The Riddler, Neil Patrick Harris as Two-Face, Alfred Molina as Lex Luthor, Nathan Fillion as the Green Lantern, Megan Fox as Lois Lane, Breckin Meyer as Superman, plus Abe Benrubi, Alex Borstein, Clare Grant, Tara Strong, Matt Senreich, Tom Root, Zeb Wells, and Kevin Shinick as the narrator. The Robot Chicken DC Comics Special is executive produced by Stoopid Monkey's Seth Green and Matthew Senreich and their Stoopid Buddy Stoodios partners, Buddy Systems' John Harvatine IV and Eric Towner along with DC Entertainment Chief Creative Officer Geoff Johns, and Warner Bros. Animation's Executive Vice President and Creative Affairs, Sam Register.

•VENTURE BROTHERS HALLOWEEN SPECIAL – This October on Adult Swim, the Venture Family fills your Halloween goody bag with fun-sized Truth. Created and directed by Jackson Publick and written by Publick and Doc Hammer, both of whom also provide voices for the special, the Venture Brothers Halloween Special is being animated by Titmouse, Inc.

•BEFOREL OREL – A Moral Orel special that sheds light on the origin of Orel’s religious nature and the birth of his brother, Shapey. Beforel Orel is created by Dino Stamatopoulos (Mary Shelley’s Frankenhole and Mr. Show).

Pilots:

•Untitled Animated Harold & Kumar Project (In Development) - An animated version of the eponymous blockbuster stoner comedy series. Produced by Lionsgate.

•Rick & Morty – A genius inventor grandfather and his less than genius grandson, and the journeys in life they share. From Dan Harmon (Community, Channel 101) and Justin Roiland. (30-minute animated)

•Colonel Wallace (Working Title) – An eccentric southern fried chicken magnate and his adventures with his family. Created by Greg Cohen (Conan O’Brien, King of the Hill, TV Funhouse). (15-minute animated)

•Coffin Dodgers – A group of misfit grumps get into fraternity-style trouble at a cozy suburban retirement home. From Dave Silverstein and Matt Jeser (Drawn Together). (30-minute animated)

•Green Bench: The American Day Dream – A group of friends have pooled their money to buy a large office space for their business. The only problem is they haven’t quite figured out what that business is. In the meantime, it’s an awesome headquarters where their petty, self-centered, and mischievous minds can wander. From the internet sketch comedy sensation Green Bench and produced by Dakota Pictures. (30-minute live-action)

•Freestyle Love Supreme – These I.T. guys work on their freestyle rapping at the office, much to the annoyance of their co-workers. Starring Lin-Manuel Miranda (In The Heights). From Ars Nova (Black Dynamite). (30-minute live-action)

•King Star King – King Star King is a modern day he-man who’s half-warrior, half-idiot. From artist JJ Villard (Monsters Vs. Aliens) and Eric Kaplan (Big Bang Theory). (15-minute animated)

•Rolling With Dad – A brilliant, but disabled man deals with his much less intelligent family. From Seth Grahame-Smith (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies; Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter; Tim Burton’s Dark Shadows; The Hard Times of RJ Berger) and David Katzenberg (The Hard Times of RJ Berger). (30-minute animated)

Ridiculous and Absurd Infomercials (That Sell You Nothing):

•NTSF:SD:SUV::Home Security System – The state of the art home security system has arrived. Protect your home from every type of terrorist invasion. Through the installation of electrified moats, attack leopards, gun turrets, and even a mini detention center, NTSF:SD:SUV::HSS is the only type of security to make sure that your mailman is who he says he is and your next store neighbor is as friendly as they seem. Never have a surprise guest again. Be prepared for the worst with the best security money can buy. Produced by Abominable Pictures.

•You’re Whole - Michael Ian Black introduces viewers to the best, most economical system for taking your life to the next level now available on 27 DVDs. Produced by Abominable Pictures.

•Swords, Knives, Very Sharp Objects and Cutlery (Working Title) – A typical knife/sword infomercial and call-in show goes horribly wrong for host Dragon Shumway when the studio is suddenly attacked by bad guys and our host finally gets to realize the full potential of his weaponry by unleashing each one on his enemies. Created by and starring Rob Huebel and produced by Abominable Pictures.

Adult Swim Announces Return of "The Boondocks" and Others for 2012-13

Returning series:

•AQUA SOMETHING YOU KNOW WHATEVER – What happens when three wisecracking roommates go from chasing tail to the diaper pail? You'll find out, when Frylock, Meatwad, and Master Shake try their hands—and hearts—at raising a baby. But smelly diapers aren't the only thing changing this season—Aqua Unit Patrol Squad 1 has been put to bed for a long nap and replaced by Aqua Something You Know Whatever, the show where Meatwad and the gang can get down to some serious parenting. This season, the Aqua Somethings find an ancient treasure map and follow it all the way to Argentina, where they're shocked to discover an orphaned baby on the 'x' that marks the spot. Outraged, Master Shake begins to throw the child off a steep embankment but one look into the baby's eyes, and the only thing getting thrown off a steep embankment is Shake's heart. Introducing Pepe the Pepper, the newest member of the Aqua Something You Know Whatever family—and boy is he a handful! Find out what happens when three not-so-eligible bachelors catch a case of baby fever, and the only cure is snuggle time. The only nipples these guys will be touching are gonna have a bottle on the other end. Aqua Something You Know Whatever premieres in June on Adult Swim. Aqua Something You Know Whatever is created by Dave Willis (Squidbillies) and Matt Maiellaro (12 oz. Mouse).

•THE BOONDOCKS – Since the debut of the first season in 2005, The Boondocks has been one of Adult Swim’s most popular and critically acclaimed series. The Peabody Award-winning animated series is based on Aaron McGruder’s comic strip by the same name. Produced by Rebel Base in association with Sony Pictures Television, The Boondocks returns with a new season on Adult Swim.

•CHILDRENS HOSPITAL – This August, Childrens Hospital returns for its fourth season and continues to live up to its reputation as the greatest hospital drama in the history of recorded media. Applauded for its tight stories and medical accuracy, this season reaches new heights: an airborne virus threatens to destroy the hospital and perhaps society, a search for the mysterious PA announcer Sal Viscuso reveals an undercurrent of evil powering the hospital, the origins of Chief's handicaps are revealed, a beloved regular character dies a couple of times, and Sy gets a dog! Also, from across the pond, we bring you the British version of Childrens Hospital (subtitled). Finally, 30% more story and character development! For free! The show’s creative team is led by Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) and fellow executive producers/writers Jonathan Stern (The Ten; NTSF:SD:SUV::) and David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer, Wanderlust, Superjail!). Childrens Hospital is produced by Abominable Pictures and Warner Bros. Television Group’s Studio 2.0, and distributed by Warner Bros. Television.

•CHINA, IL – Renewed for a second season, China, IL is about the worst school in America, where the teachers are crazy and the students just want to learn. In this second season of new half-hour episodes, we'll continue to follow the Professor Brothers, Frank & Steve Smith, as well as their TA Pony Merks & their man-child friend Babycakes, along with a host of other teachers, students and townies. Some examples of stories we'll see this season are Baby Cakes's Joe McCarthy-esque witch hunt for actual wizards and witches, Frank & Ronald Reagan's quest for Thomas Jefferson's legendary Crystal Castle, and a god who descends down on China, IL, turning it into a surfer town. China, IL was created by Brad Neely and is executive produced by Neely and Daniel Weidenfeld.

•THE HEART, SHE HOLLER – Renewed for a second season, The Heart, She Holler is a live-action soap opera about folk who ain’t never used soap or seen an opera. It’s a satire on the emotional Hee-Hawification of America, set in a town so inbred, the folks have become almost supernaturally wrong. The series is produced by PFFR, and stars Patton Oswalt, Kristen Schaal and Heather Lawless.

•LOITER SQUAD – Renewed for a second season after a top-rated premiere this March, Loiter Squad will continue to wreck havoc on Adult Swim. Loiter Squad is a 15 minute live-action show that features sketches, man on the street segments, pranks and music from Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. The cast, featuring the Los Angeles collective of rappers, artists, and skateboarders, channel their multi-faceted creative talents in this off-the-wall showcase. Loiter Squad is produced by Dickhouse Entertainment—the Hollywood production partnership of Johnny Knoxville, Jeff Tremaine and Spike Jonze who have been the creative power behind hits including Jackass, Nitro Circus, Rob & Big, Rob Dyrdek's Fantasy Factory, Wild Wonderful Whites of West Virginia, The Birth of Big Air and Wildboyz. Jeff Tremaine, Shanna Zablow, Dimitry Elyashkevich, and Lance Bangs from Dickhouse Entertainment are executive producers.

•NTSF:SD:SUV::— This August on Adult Swim, terrorism is back and better than ever. Join Special Agent Trent Hauser and his elite counter-terrorist unit, NTSF:SD:SUV:: (National Terrorist Strike Force: San Diego: Sport Utility Vehicle) for a second season of passionate yelling, pregnant pauses, and even more civilian casualties than last season! There will be Time Traveling, Robot Murders, Food Stealing Swedes, Talking Dogs, a Killer Santa Claus and a wedding. Terrorists—you've been warned—again! NTSF:SD:SUV:: is created by Paul Scheer and stars Scheer, Rebecca Romijn, Rob Riggle, Kate Mulgrew, Brandon Johnson, June Diane Raphael, Martin Starr and Peter Sarafinowicz as the first sentient robot on television. NTSF:SD:SUV:: is produced by Abominable Pictures, Inc. Paul Scheer (The League, Human Giant), Jonathan Stern (The Ten; Childrens Hospital) and Curtis Gwinn (Fat Guy Stuck in Internet) are executive producers.

•ROBOT CHICKEN— Premiering its sixth season this fall on Adult Swim, Robot Chicken uses stop-motion animation to bring pop-culture parodies to life in a modern take on the variety/sketch show format. The Emmy Award®-winning series began airing in February 2005 and remains among the top-rated original series on Adult Swim. Robot Chicken is created and executive produced by Stoopid Monkey Productions' Seth Green and Matthew Senreich and their Stoopid Buddy Stoodios partners, Buddy Systems' John Harvatine IV and Eric Towner, also serve as executive producers. Green and Senreich also write, voice and with Zeb Wells, direct the multiple Annie Award-winning series. Robot Chicken head writers/co-executive producers Douglas Goldstein and Tom Root are joined by season six writers Matthew Beans, Rachel Bloom, Mike Fasolo, Jessica Gao, Breckin Meyer, Jason Reich, Mehar Sethi, Tom Sheppard, Erik Weiner and Wells. For season six, Robot Chicken welcomes Elizabeth Banks, Sarah Chalke, Kat Dennings, Sam Elliott, Ben Foster, Whoopi Goldberg, Lucas Grabeel, Megan Hilty, Gillian Jacobs, Zachary Levi, J.B. Smoove, Liev Schreiber, Jon Stewart, Patrick Stewart, Stanly Tucci, Olivia Wilde, and Alex Winter.

•SQUIDBILLIES – Premiering its sixth season this July, Adult Swim welcomes you back to the North Georgia Mountains, birthplace of hell raising and inhalant huffing. At the epicenter of this rural paradise is Dougal County, home to crippling gambling addictions, murderous corporations, sexual deviants, and the authentic southern mountain squid. Early Cuyler continues his reign as America’s favorite cephalopod in season six of Squidbillies, filled with love, murder, sobriety, and the secrets of the Catfish Kingdom. This time around Rusty tackles fatherhood, Early defends his reputation as the town’s biggest badass, Granny helps the Sheriff solve a series of butt thefts, Lil embraces the boring life of sobriety, and the Sheriff finds love east of the Iron Curtain. Come watch the Cuylers chase the southern dream of a rewarding job in the food service industry, all while using violence and alcohol to tackle life's toughest problems. It's good clean family fun, if your family is in the 18-35 demographic! Squidbillies is written and produced by Dave Willis (Aqua Teen Hunger Force) and Jim Fortier (Space Ghost Coast to Coast, The Brak Show).

•SUPERJAIL! – This fall on Adult Swim, Superjail! slams back in general population for a third season of destruction. Triple the insanity. Triple the crazy. Triple the pain of being kicked in the guts really hard. Superjail! is produced at Titmouse Studios in N.Y. Series creators and executive producers Christy Karacas (Cartoon Sushi, Robotomy) and Stephen Warbrick (Beavis and Butthead, Celebrity Deathmatch) have teamed up again to take this over-the-top animated series to the next level.

Returning acquisitions:
•AMERICAN DAD
•BLEACH
•CLEVELAND SHOW
•FAMILY GUY
•FULL METAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD
•KING OF THE HILL

Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults. Airing nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET/PT), Adult Swim is basic cable’s #1 network with persons 18-34 and 18-49, and is seen in 99 million U.S. homes.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

New Season of "Bleach" Debuts on Adult Swim

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE PREMIERE OF THE LATEST SEASON OF BLEACH ON ADULT SWIM

Episode 168 of The Smash Hit Supernatural Action Series Launches This Month

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the nationwide premiere of the latest season of BLEACH on Adult Swim. The latest English-dubbed installment – Episode 168 – of the hit animated action series will air on August 28th. Check local times for availability (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/bleach/).

In the newest season of BLEACH, after Sosuke Aizen’s rebellion, Gin Ichimaru’s departure from the Soul Society left the captain’s post of Squad Three empty. Shusuke Amagai is appointed as the new captain much to the squad’s dismay. But over time, Shusuke proves himself to be a good leader and wins over the team with his ability and personality. Meanwhile, a mysterious girl named Rurichiyo Kasumiohji appears in Karakura Town. Rurichiyo is the princess of a noble family in the Soul Society and a target for assassination. Worried for her safety, Rurichiyo’s guardians ask Ichigo to become her bodyguard. With new faces in the mix, another spectacular battle is about to begin in the Soul Society!

“BLEACH is a powerhouse property that delights millions of fans across North America each week, and we’re very pleased to have Adult Swim’s continued support for the series,” says Ken Sasaki, Senior Vice President & General Manager of VIZ Media. “Check out the newest adventures of the Soul Society in the launch of the riveting new story arc, and then stay tuned to Adult Swim for a new episode of the other hit VIZ Media anime series KEKKAISHI that immediately follows!”

BLEACH is a popular manga and animated series (both rated ‘T’ for Teens), distributed domestically by VIZ Media, that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH is also a tremendously successful property internationally. The manga series, created by Tite Kubo, has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America, the manga has sold more than 2 million copies, and the dubbed version of the animated series is viewed weekly by millions in the United States and Canada on cable broadcast. This success has further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures and other merchandise. The subtitled version of the anime can be viewed for free online anytime on VIZAnime.com.

More information on BLEACH is available at Bleach.viz.com.


About Adult Swim
Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults. Airing nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Adult Swim shares channel space with Cartoon Network, home to the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families, and is seen in 97 million U.S. homes. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

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-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and website at www.VIZ.com.

Bleach Movies on Adult Swim Tomorrow Night

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ENCORE BROADCASTS OF BLEACH FEATURE FILMS ON ADULT SWIM

Two Full Length Movies Based On Popular Anime And Manga Series To Air This Month

VIZ Media has announced special encore presentations of two BLEACH animated feature films – BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY and BLEACH THE MOVIE 2: THE DIAMOND DUST REBELLION (both rated ‘T’ for Teens) – on Saturday, August 14th on Adult Swim. Check local times for availability and airtimes (http://www.adultswim.com/shows/bleach/index.html).

Based on the wildly popular animated series and best-selling BLEACH manga series, created by Tite Kubo (both distributed and published in North America by VIZ Media, and rated ‘T’ for Teens), BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY begins as unidentified beings known as “Blanks” start popping up. They are soon followed by a Soul Reaper named Senna who makes them disappear. Puzzled by these unknown beings and the even more mysterious girl, Ichigo and Rukia set out to learn more, but uncover an evil plot when a menacing clan tries to kidnap Senna. Banished from the Soul Society long ago, the clan’s leader has sent sending the World of the Living and the Soul Society on a collision course, and Senna seems to be the key to his diabolical plot for revenge. Can Ichigo and his fellow Soul Reapers save the two worlds from annihilation?

BLEACH THE MOVIE 2: THE DIAMOND DUST REBELLION continues the action-packed adventures of Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki. After the treasured Ouin is stolen, Toshiro Hitsugaya disappears and becomes suspected of treason. When the Soul Society calls for his capture and execution, Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki vows to prove Hitsugaya's innocence. Will the secret of the Ouin and Captain Hitsugaya's motives be revealed before his honor, his life, and the Soul Society are destroyed?

The BLEACH manga and animated series follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace.

BLEACH animation can be viewed on Adult Swim and also through a variety of web-based video download and streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Amazon, and HULU. To view subtitled BLEACH animated episodes for free online anytime, please visit VIZAnime.com.

More information on BLEACH is available at http://www.bleach.viz.com/.

Adult Swim to Broadcast "Kekkaishi" Anime

VIZ MEDIA LICENSES KEKKAISHI ANIME SERIES TO ADULT SWIM

Life Is a Wild Adventure For A Teenager Balancing Girls, Junior High School And Nighttime Demon Slaying

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has licensed 52 episodes of the popular Shonen Sunday KEKKAISHI anime series to Adult Swim for domestic broadcast. KEKKAISHI will begin airing on May 29th.

KEKKAISHI is based on the hit manga series by Yellow Tanabe (also published in North America by VIZ Media). A story of mystical forces powerful in the region known as Karasumori. For over 400 years, it has been the duty of a clan of “kekkaishi”—barrier masters—to guard this land and exterminate the supernatural creatures that are drawn to it night after night.

Yoshimori Sumimura is a junior high school student at Karasumori Academy, which is built upon the Karasumori grounds. By night, Yoshimori follows the tradition passed down through generations and fulfills his destiny as the twenty-second “kekkaishi” of the Sumimura clan. But by day, Yoshimori's got other demons to contend with, like an obsession with cake making and a seriously crotchety grandfather! Yoshimori's pretty neighbor, childhood friend and rival, Tokine Yukimura, is also a “kekkaishi,” but their families are caught up in a feud over who is the true practitioner of the art. Protecting ordinary people from the ever-present danger of the Karasumori grounds, Yoshimori will continue to grow stronger as he battles the forces of evil again tonight!

“Kekkaishi spotlights compelling cool characters, in an intense yet fun-filled supernatural action adventure saga. It possesses all of the hallmarks of great anime!” says William Germain, Director, Programming & Music Sales, VIZ Media. We are very excited to add KEKKAISHI to the Adult Swim anime lineup for U.S. fans to enjoy.”

For more information on KEKKAISHI please visit www.ShonenSunday.com.

About Adult Swim
Adult Swim (AdultSwim.com), launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated and live-action series for young adults. Airing nightly from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (ET, PT), Adult Swim shares channel space with Cartoon Network, home to the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for youth and families, and is seen in 97 million U.S. homes. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

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-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and website at www.VIZ.com.