VIZ Media Announces Upcoming Appearances by "BLEACH" Voice Actors

VIZ Media Announces Exclusive Bicoastal Events with "BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War" Voice Stars Masakazu Morita and Noriaki Sugiyama

VIZ Media, in collaboration with JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles and Japan Society in New York, is excited to announce bicoastal events celebrating the voice acting talents from "BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War," the latest installment of the acclaimed series by legendary mangaka Tite Kubo.

Join renowned voice actors Masakazu Morita (Ichigo Kurosaki) and Noriaki Sugiyama (Uryu Ishida) for an exclusive screening, live voice acting demonstration, and autograph session.

WHAT: VIZ Media, in partnership with JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles and Japan Society in New York, is hosting a special bicoastal event featuring two of the most iconic voice actors from the anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War: Masakazu Morita (voice of Ichigo Kurosaki) and Noriaki Sugiyama (voice of Uryu Ishida). 

This limited-seating event begins with a screening of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War Part 3 Episodes 1 and 2, followed by an exclusive sneak peek of Episode 3. The screening will be followed by a moderated discussion with the voice actors, exploring the art of Japanese voice acting, their roles in the anime production process, and the cultural influences shaping this unique craft. The event will conclude with a live voice acting session, bringing beloved characters to life before the audience. VIP attendees at Japan Society in New York will also enjoy a special autograph session.

WHEN & WHERE:

Los Angeles Event:  

Date: October 13, 2024  

Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM  

Location: JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles  

6801 Hollywood Blvd, Level 5, Los Angeles, CA 90028  

Tickets: https://www.japanhousela.com/events/bleach-fireside-chat-with-ichigo-uryu-viz-media-masakazu-morita-noriaki-sugiyama-risa-light/

New York Event:  

Date: October 15, 2024  

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM  

Location: Japan Society  

333 East 47th Street, New York, NY 10017  

Tickets: https://japansociety.org/events/voices-of-bleach-a-fireside-chat-with-ichigo-and-uryu

WHO:  

Masakazu Morita - Renowned for his role as Ichigo Kurosaki in BLEACH

Masakazu Morita made his voice acting debut in 2001 as the protagonist Tidus in the video game Final Fantasy X. His notable roles include Ichigo Kurosaki in BLEACH, Shin in Kingdom, Barnaby Brooks Jr. in Tiger & Bunny, and many others. He also works as an actor, stage performer and narrator, among other activities.

Noriaki Sugiyama - Celebrated for voicing Uryu Ishida in BLEACH

Noriaki Sugiyama gained widespread recognition for voicing Sasuke Uchiha in NARUTO. His other notable roles include Shirou Emiya in Fate/stay night and Uryu Ishida in BLEACH, and many others.

LA Moderator: Risa Light - Host of the popular “Risa’s Nihongo” series, and Japanese pop culture influencer.

NY Moderator: Lauryn Alexandria AKA Toastymarshmellow - Lauryn Alexandria is a singer, actor and nerdy Black content creator based in NYC. 

WHY:  

Anime is taking the world by storm, and Japanese voice actors are at the heart of its incredible success! This exciting event is a must-attend for fans—come see your favorite voice actors bring characters to life, hear their fascinating stories, and celebrate the global cultural impact of BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War and Japanese anime like never before!

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Review: "NAUSICAA IN THE VALLEY OF THE WIND" Soars to the Animation Heavens

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 36 of 2023 (No. 1925) by Leroy Douresseaux

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984)

Kaze no Tani no Naushika – original Japanese title

Running time:  117 minutes (1 hour, 57 minutes)

MPAA – PG for violence

DIRECTOR:  Hayao Miyazaki

WRITER:  Hayao Miyazaki (based upon the manga by Hayao Miyazaki)

PRODUCER:  Isao Takahata

CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Yasuhiro Shimizu, Koji Shiragami, Yukitomo Shudo, and Mamoru Sugiura

EDITORS: Naoki Kaneko, Tomoko Kida, and Shoji Saka

COMPOSER:  Joe Hisaishi

ANIMATION/FANTASY and ACTION/ADVENTURE

Starring:  (voices) Sumi Shimamoto, Goro Naya, Ichiro Nagai, Hisako Kyoda, Yoji Matsuda, Yoshiko Sakakibara, Iemasa Kayumi, Kohei Miyauchi, Joji Yanami, Minoru Yada, Mina Tominaga, Mahito Tsujimura, and Rihoko Yoshida

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a 1984 Japanese animated, post-apocalyptic, fantasy film from director Hayao Miyazaki.  The film is based on Miyazaki's manga (Japanese comic), also titled Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, which first began publication in 1982.  Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind the movie focuses on a princess who is both warrior and pacifist and her desperate struggles to prevent two warring nations from destroying themselves and her homeland.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind opens one thousand years after the event known as “the Seven Days of Fire.”  It was an apocalyptic war that destroyed civilization and caused an ecological collapse, creating something called “the Sea of Decay.”  This is a poisonous forest of fungal life and plants that swarm with giant mutant insects, the largest and most dangerous being the the trilobite-like and armored “Ohm.”  The poison from the plants can kill humans, and every day, the Sea of Decay spreads, encroaching on what little open land remains.

Nausicaä (Sumi Shimamoto) is a teenage warrior and princess of the Valley of the Wind, a land that has remained, thus far, free of the Sea of Decay.  Riding the wind and sky in a powered glider, Nausicaä explores the jungles of the Sea of Decay and communicates with its creatures.  That is how she is reunited with the explorer and great swordsman, Lord Yupa Miralda (Goro Naya), who has returned to meet with Nausicaä's father, Jihl (Mahito Tsujimura), the King of the Valley of the Wind.

But tragedy strikes.  The Valley of the Wind is soon at the epicenter of two warring nations, the Kingdom of Tolmekia and Pejite.  Princess Kushana (Yoshiko Sakakibara) has led the Tolmekian Frontier Forces into the Valley.  Thus, Nausicaä must forge a relationship with Prince Asbel of Pejite (Yoji Matsuda), but there is something worse than two warring nations.  Destruction is headed towards the Valley of the Wind, and it will take all of Nausicaä's talents, skills, and tricks to save her home.

I have previously reviewed the following Miyazaki-directed films:  The Castle of Cagliostro (1979), My Neighbor Totoro (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997), Spirited Away (2001), Howl's Moving Castle (2004), Ponyo (2008), and The Wind Rises (2013).  As Netflix is shutting down its DVD-by-mail division, I am hoping to get to the Miyazaki films that I have not previously watched.

Apparently, the work of the legendary French comic book creator, Jean “Moebius” Giraud (1938-2012), influenced Miyazaki in the creation of his manga, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.  The influence of Moebius remains with Miyazaki's film adaptation of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.  I also see the influence of the famed animation director, Ralph Bakshi, especially of his 1977 fantasy film, Wizards.  J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings novels (1954-55) are clearly influences, and Frank Herbert's famed science fiction novel, Dune (1965), is also an influence.  In fact, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind the film would arrive in theaters almost nine months before the first film adaption of Herbert's novel, director David Lynch's 1984 film, Dune.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is a beautifully and practically designed film in the sense that the environments have both a sense of naturalism and realism to them while the insects are fantastical creations that seem more practical than impractical because they are based on real insects.  This makes the world of Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind seem like a credible future world or at least genuine post-apocalyptic future.  Yes, Nausicaä's glider is impractical, but the animation gives it such beauty in motion that I believe in it and I believe in the way Nausicaä flies it.

The film's plot and subplots are strongly environmental and ecological and the conflict is a series of familiar tribal tropes.  However, what carries plot and narrative are the inventive and engaging characters.  Every players, regardless of the size of his or her role, is inviting and intriguing.  Yes, Nausicaä is a star born, a heroine out of fairy tale, folklore, and mythology who captures hearts and holds our imaginations captive.  Still, the denizens of the Valley and the feuding and conniving citizens of Tolmekia and Pejite are a delightful bunch, not good and evil, so much as they are selfish, but likable, each in his or her own way.  The legendary Yupa, like Nausicaä, stands as a typical heroic figure, although he stands behind Nausicaä.

A long time ago, I told a fellow Miyazaki fan that Spirited Away was my favorite of the director's films.  He insisted that I see Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.  Now, I'm not so sure which is my favorite.  Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind is like no other animated feature film, and I certainly consider it one of the greatest that I have ever seen.

10 of 10

Thursday, August 10, 2023

The text is copyright © 2023 Leroy Douresseaux. All Rights Reserved. Contact this site for syndication rights and fees.

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27 Animated Films Eligible for 93rd Academy Awards

ANIMATED, FEATURE FILMS ELIGIBLE FOR 93RD OSCARS® ANNOUNCED

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the feature films eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards®.  Eligibility lists by category can be viewed at Oscars.org/93rdFeatureEligibility.  Complete 93rd Academy Awards rules can be found at Oscars.org/rules.

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:
Twenty-seven features are eligible for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 93rd Academy Awards.  Some of the films have not yet had their required qualifying release and must fulfill that requirement and comply with all the category’s other qualifying rules to advance in the voting process.

To determine the five nominees, members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch are automatically eligible to vote in the category.  Academy members outside of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch are invited to opt in to participate and must meet a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.  Films submitted in the Animated Feature Film category also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture.

93RD ACADEMY AWARDS®ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION IN THE ANIMATED FEATURE FILM CATEGORY:

“Accidental Luxuriance of the Translucent Watery Rebus”

“Bombay Rose”

“Calamity”

“The Croods: A New Age”

“Demon Slayer -Kimetsu No Yaiba-The Movie: Mugen Train”

“Dreambuilders”

“Earwig and the Witch”

“Kill It and Leave This Town”

“Lupin III: The First”

“Mosley”

“My Favorite War”

“Nos Ili Zagovor Ne Takikh”

“No.7 Cherry Lane”

“On-Gaku: Our Sound”

“Onward”

“Over the Moon”

“Red Shoes and theSeven Dwarfs”

“Ride Your Wave”

“Scoob!”

“A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon”

“Soul”

“The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge on the Run”

“Terra Willy”

“Trolls World Tour”

“A Whisker Away”

“The Willoughbys”

“Wolfwalkers”

All dates and rules for the 93rd Academy Awards are subject to change based on national guidelines, state-mandated government orders and Academy-determined best practices.

Nominations for the 93rd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, March 15, 2021.

The 93rd Oscars® will be held on Sunday, April 25, 2021, and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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ABOUT THE ACADEMY
:

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is a global community of more than 10,000 of the most accomplished artists, filmmakers and executives working in film. In addition to celebrating and recognizing excellence in filmmaking through the Oscars, the Academy supports a wide range of initiatives to promote the art and science of the movies, including public programming, educational outreach and the upcoming Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

 

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Sony Pictures and AT&T Reach a $1.175 Billion Deal on Crunchyroll

AT&T to Sell Crunchyroll to Sony’s Funimation Global Group

CULVER CITY, Calif. & DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. and AT&T Inc.* (NYSE:T) announced that AT&T agreed to sell its Crunchyroll anime business to Funimation Global Group, LLC. Funimation is a joint venture between Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. and Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc.’s subsidiary, Aniplex Inc.

Crunchyroll is a premier anime direct-to-consumer service within AT&T’s WarnerMedia segment with more than 3 million SVOD subscribers and growing. It serves 90 million registered users across more than 200 countries and territories offering AVOD, mobile games, manga, events merchandise and distribution. The combination of Crunchyroll and Funimation provides the opportunity to broaden distribution for their content partners and expand fan-centric offerings for consumers.

“The Crunchyroll team has done an extraordinary job of not only growing the Crunchyroll brand but also building a passionate community of anime fans. Crunchyroll’s success is a direct result of the company’s culture and commitment to their fans,” said Tony Goncalves, Chief Revenue Officer, WarnerMedia. “By combining with Funimation, they will continue to nurture a global community and bring more anime to more people. I’m incredibly proud of the Crunchyroll team and what they have been able to accomplish in the digital media space in such a short period of time. They’ve created an end-to-end global ecosystem for this incredible art form.”

“We are proud to bring Crunchyroll into the Sony family,” said Tony Vinciquerra, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Entertainment. “Through Funimation and our terrific partners at Aniplex and Sony Music Entertainment Japan, we have a deep understanding of this global artform and are well-positioned to deliver outstanding content to audiences around the world. Together with Crunchyroll, we will create the best possible experience for fans and greater opportunity for creators, producers and publishers in Japan and elsewhere. Funimation has been doing this for over 25 years and we look forward to continuing to leverage the power of creativity and technology to succeed in this rapidly growing segment of entertainment.”

The purchase price for the transaction is $1.175 billion subject to customary working capital and other adjustments, and the proceeds will be paid in cash at closing. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals.

*About AT&T:
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a diversified, global leader in telecommunications, media and entertainment, and technology. WarnerMedia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates and distributes premium and popular content to global audiences through its consumer brands, including: HBO, HBO Max, Warner Bros., TNT, TBS, truTV, CNN, DC Entertainment, New Line, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim and Turner Classic Movies. Xandr, now part of WarnerMedia, provides marketers with innovative and relevant advertising solutions for consumers around premium video content and digital advertising through its platform. AT&T Communications provides more than 100 million U.S. consumers with entertainment and communications experiences across TV, mobile and broadband. Plus, it serves high-speed, highly secure connectivity and smart solutions to nearly 3 million business customers. AT&T Latin America provides pay-TV services across 10 countries and territories in Latin America and the Caribbean and wireless services to consumers and businesses in Mexico.

AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc. Additional information is available at about.att.com. © 2020 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the Globe logo and other marks are trademarks and service marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

About Crunchyroll:
Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with 360-degree experiences. Fans have access to the one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll, Anime Digital Network (in partnership with Citel, a subsidiary of Média-Participations), and Anime on Demand video streaming services, translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Crunchyroll's services also extend to licensing of theatrical, TV, home video, consumer product, and video game rights.

Fans engage further with events (including owned events Crunchyroll Expo, Anime Awards, Crunchyroll Movie Nights, KAZÉ Movie Nights), consumer products through eCommerce and retail partners (Crunchyroll, KAZÉ, AV Visionen), Crunchyroll Games, KAZÉ Games, and manga (KAZÉ Manga, Crunchyroll Manga app, Crunchyroll Manga Store).

Crunchyroll was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Paris, Lausanne, Chisinau, and Berlin (AV Visionen). VRV (U.S.) and Eye See Movies (Germany) are also Crunchyroll brands.

About Sony Pictures Entertainment:
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

About Funimation:
Funimation distributes the best anime to a passionate, global community of fans. For over 25 years, Funimation has been delivering anime to fans and is pioneering an omnichannel approach to engaging and entertaining millions where they want it most—streaming, home entertainment, theatrical, e-commerce, merchandising, live events, and more.

Funimation’s streaming services offer a growing catalog of over 700 anime series and 13,000+ hours of content available on 15 platforms and in 49 countries. Funimation’s in-house team designs must-have, exclusive collectibles distributed through major retailers and an e-commerce site; Funimation’s theatrical division has distributed and marketed 6 of the top 20 anime films in the U.S. As pioneers of the SimulDub™, Funimation is the gold standard for foreign language dubbing of Japanese anime with the highest quality standards and fidelity to the original artists. With a fan-centric approach, Funimation has built a social community of tens of millions of followers and earned the trust of Japan’s most iconic creators.

Funimation has nine offices in six countries and hundreds of employees worldwide. As an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex Inc., a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., Funimation benefits from deep entertainment expertise across cultures, territories, and languages.

To learn more about Funimation, visit funimation.com and follow Funimation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements:
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

This news release may contain certain non-GAAP financial measures. Reconciliations between the non-GAAP financial measures and the GAAP financial measures are available on the company’s website at https://investors.att.com.

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"Getter Robot Arc" Anime is Due Summer 2021

“Getter Robot Arc" Finally Becomes an Anime!

The last "Getter Robot" by Ken Ishikawa is going through an era of stagnation and chaos!

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The hit manga series "Getter Robot" by Go Nagai and Ken Ishikawa, which has been running since 1974, is now in its 46th year. The final chapter of the series, "Getter Robot Arc", has finally been made into an anime! A teaser visual and the first PV have been released.
“Getter Robot Arc” is the final installment in the "Getter Robot Saga" manga series by Go Nagai and Ken Ishikawa, which began in 1974.

What is "Getter Robot Saga"?

“Getter Robot Saga” is the generic term for the Getter Robot series, which began with “Getter Robot”.  The original “Getter Robot” was a milestone in the history of coalescing robots. After that, the spirit of "transformation" was inherited in many other work.  “Getter Robot” was followed by "Getter Robot G" (1975~), "Getter Robot Go" (1991~), "Shin Getter Robot" (1997~), and "Getter Robot Arc" started to be serialized in Futabasha's “Super Robot Magazine”, an extra issue of Action Pizzazz, in 2001.  After that, Ken Ishikawa passed away suddenly. Both "Getter Robot Arc" and "Getter Robot Saga" became unfinished masterpieces.

Finally, "Getter Robot Arc" is coming to life!

The anime to be produced this time is a work that reflects the characteristics of the original work more strongly.  The teaser visual depicts the story's main character, Takuma Nagare, the main Robot, Getter Arc, and Hayato Jin, the first pilot of Getter Robot, who is also deeply involved in the series.  In the first PV, the song 'HEATS' by Hironobu Kageyama, that is very popular in the OVA "Getter Robot - The Last Day", is newly recorded in the new version 'HEATS 2021', and you can see the Getter Arc in action.

The animation will be produced by Bee∙Media, the creator of the OVA "Getter Robot Series", and will be directed by Jun Kawagoe, who has worked on "Getter Robot - The Last Day", "Shin Getter Robo vs Neo Getter Robo", and “New Getter Robo”.  It has been 46 years since the series was born. The Getter Robot's exuberant "hot spirit" will break through the current stagnation and chaos.  Don't miss it!

Animation ”Getter Robot Arc”
Animated in summer, 2021

Staff:
Original work: Go Nagai and Ken Ishikawa
Director: Jun Kawagoe
Animation Production: Bee∙Media

Official Website:
“Getter Robot Arc” Official Website: getterrobot-arc.com

“Getter Robot Arc” ©Go Nagai-Ken Ishikawa/DynamicPlanning-Shin Saotome Labo

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VIZ Media Announces Acquisition of "Genie Family 2020"

HOLD ONTO YOUR WISHES BECAUSE THE GENIE FAMILY IS RETURNING

The trailer for Genie Family 2020 is here.

SAN FRANCISCO, CA— Wishes will soon be granted when Genie Family 2020, coming to Crunchyroll this October 2020, hits North and Latin American screens thanks to today’s announcement that VIZ Media has acquired the digital streaming, broadcast, electronic sell-through, home video, and merchandise rights to the revival of the beloved 1969 animation.

Five decades since its debut, and with a new twist on the classic, the funny and loveable King Genie is back in Genie Family 2020, only this time he has a daughter Akubi, who must undergo training in the human world in order to become a worthy queen and his successor.

Set in modern-day Tokyo and packing in all the imagination, adventure, and humor for which the original is known, Akubi's royal training begins with Kantaro, the grandson of King Genie's former master — but this new master Kantaro is in grade school, and Akubi’s wish-granting is anything but predictable. Along for the ride is Akubi’s kid brother, who loves to be mischievous.

Since debuting in 1969, Genie Family has carefully distilled the essence of friendship and dreaming big – between laughs – capturing the wonder and joy of life’s ups and downs while delivering precious nuggets of poignant wisdom along the way. The latest remake comes after two previously successful spin-offs — 2001 Yobarete Tobedete! Akubi-chan and 2006 Akubi Girl.

“Genie Family is one of the most endearing animations of its time, and we are thrilled for a whole new audience to meet the latest generation alongside fan favorite King Genie in brand-new adventures,” said Brad Woods, CMO of VIZ Media. “What was true in 1969 when the original show premiered is still true today: wishes and dreams have endless potential. We can’t wait for today’s kids to meet Kantaro, Akubi, and her rascally kid brother.”

Directing the series is Atsushi Nigorikawa, with Hiroko Kanasugi handling series composition; Shin Takemoto and Masatsune Noguchi are behind the character designs, while the music composition is by Takamitsu Shimazaki, Hiroshi Sasaki, and Teppei Shimizu. The animation production is by Tatsunoko Production (Speed Racer, Gotchaman, Casshan, Hurricane Polymar and Tekkaman, and Infini-T Force).

Genie Family 2020 stars:
    Koichi Yamashita (Hakushon): "Ranma 1/2" Ryoga Hibiki
    Sumire Morohoshi (Akubi): "The Promised Neverland" (2019) Emma
    Daiki Yamashita (Puuta): "My Hero Academia" (2016 - 2019) Izuku Midoriya
    Miyuri Shimabukuro (Kantaro): "Carole & Tuesday" (2019) Carole


About VIZ Media:
An international authority on manga for more than three decades, VIZ Media is leading the way in what’s now, new and next. Reaching one in four millennials and half of all Gen Z manga readers, VIZ is at the forefront of America’s Japanese pop-culture phenomenon, which today dominates multiple industries from publishing and animation to film and gaming. VIZ is proud to be the #1 destination for manga in America and home to some of the most prestigious anime brands driving the industry. Combined with a market share footprint larger than household names collectively, VIZ has pivoted from a localization company to a market leading pop culture publisher and producer. For more about VIZ Media, please visit viz.com

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Yen Press Announces "The Garden of Words" Novelization

Garden of Words Novel By Famed Japanese Director Debuts From Yen Press

Yen Press is set to release the novelization of famed anime director, Makoto Shinkai’s award-winning 2013 film, The Garden of Words, an emotional drama about two lonely souls who meet in the garden of Shinjuku during rainy season and help each other "learn to walk again" in life.

The Garden of Words novel will be published in print and digitally on August 25th.

Yen Press detailed the release in a Tweet: https://twitter.com/yenpress/status/1290322513940094976

The Garden of Words is a touching and emotional anime film that was released in 2013 and is also currently available on Netflix.

Makoto Shinkai has become internationally renowned for his poignant coming of age anime stories depicted in films such as your name. and Weathering With You.


About The Garden of Words:
On rainy mornings, Takao can never bring him-self to go to school-instead, he spends that time at the beautiful Shinjuku Gyoen gardens and finds a brief reprieve from everything else in his life among the trees and flowers. And on one of those mornings, he discovers a mysterious woman named Yukino in his haven, skipping work, and  an unlikely friendship blooms between them. But though these two are the center of this story, they are far from the only ones trying to find their way in life. From director Makoto Shinkai comes a deeper look at his award winning 2013 film, The Garden of Words, full of additional scenes and perspectives to show a whole newside of the many characters who brought the film to life.

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VIZ Media Announces New Manga and Blu-ray Titles for December 2019

VIZ MEDIA PRESENTS NEW HOME MEDIA AND PUBLISHING RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 2019

Get The Latest Blu-ray Set For BLEACH Anime Series And New Manga Releases JUJUTSU KAISEN And Junji Ito’s NO LONGER HUMAN

VIZ Media wraps up 2019 with three new home media and publishing releases for December 2019. First up, BLEACH Blu-ray Set 5 continues Ichigo’s fight against the Arrancars, all in beautiful HD and packed with bonus features. The popular supernatural SHONEN JUMP series JUJUTSU KAISEN receives a long-awaited print and digital debut. Finally, horror master Junji Ito’s ultimate adaptation of an immortal work of Japanese literature, NO LONGER HUMAN by author Osamu Dazai, will be available as a deluxe hardcover edition.

New Home Media for December:

BLEACH Blu-ray Set 5 - Blu-ray MSRP: $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN · Available December 3rd

As Ichigo fears the growing strength of the Hollow within him, the Soul Society detects an attack on the World of the Living by Arrancars—Hollows with Soul Reaper powers created by the traitor Sosuke Aizen! Ichigo rushes to the aid of his friends, but his Hollow interferes. Can Ichigo master his inner self in time to help defeat the threat of the Arrancars? And who are the mysterious Visoreds who are interested in recruiting him? Set 5 features 28 episodes on four Blu-ray discs (Eps. 112-139). Bonus features include a VIZ staff commentary track that is available for select episodes, digital art gallery and clean opening and endings.

New Publishing Releases for December:

JUJUTSU KAISEN By Gege Akutami - MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens - Available December 3rd

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna were lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of Jujutsu Sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

NO LONGER HUMAN By Junji Ito - MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers - Available December 17th

Plagued by a maddening anxiety, the terrible disconnect between his own concept of happiness and the joy of the rest of the world, Yozo Oba plays the clown in his dissolute life, holding up a mask for those around him as he spirals ever downward, locked arm-in-arm with death.

Osamu Dazai’s immortal—and supposedly autobiographical—work of Japanese literature, is perfectly adapted here into a manga by Junji Ito. The imagery wrenches open the text of the novel one line at a time to sublimate Yozo’s mental landscape into something even more delicate and grotesque. This is the ultimate in art by Ito, proof that nothing can surpass the terror of the human psyche.

For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.

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VIZ Media Offers New Anime, Manga, and Book Holiday Gift Options

VIZ MEDIA PRESENTS AN EXCITING SELECTION OF ANIME AND PUBLISHING TITLES FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Holiday Season Gifts Include SAILOR MOON And CASTLEVANIA Home Video, Deluxe TRANSFORMERS Art Book, Manga Box Sets And More

VIZ Media offers fans a diverse collection of titles to add to their wish lists this holiday season. Featured anime titles include Season 2 of the acclaimed Netflix Original Anime Series CASTLEVANIA as well as the series finale of SAILOR MOON, available for the first time ever on home video in the U.S. Fans can also enjoy a limited edition of TRANSFORMERS: A VISUAL HISTORY celebrating the franchise’s 35th anniversary, and a deluxe DRAGON BALL art book. Additional offerings come from fan-favorite series including BLEACH and BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, ONE PIECE, RWBY and much more.

Anime Gift Selections:

CASTLEVANIA SEASON 2 - Blu-ray MSRP: $29.98 U.S. / $34.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $24.98 U.S. / $29.99 CAN

Trevor Belmont, last survivor of his house, is no longer alone, and he and his misfit comrades, Sypha Belnades and Alucard race to find a way to save humanity from extinction at the hands of the grief-maddened Dracula and his sinister vampire war council.

SEASON 2’s special features include production animatics, storyboards, art gallery and more!

SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS PART 2 - Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN · Available November 12th (Part 1 Available Now) 

Although the popularity of the Idol group Three Lights is off the charts, Usagi hasn't realized that Seiya, Yaten and Taiki are the Sailor Star Lights. But with the number of Phage growing in the city, the purpose of star seeds is the biggest mystery that needs to be solved. Could the mysterious Chibi-Chibi hold the answer? The tide is turning, but not in Usagi's favor. Her allies are being overpowered, and altered timelines are confusing the fate she knows to be true: Mamoru is her true love, Neo Crystal Tokyo is her future kingdom and her fellow Guardians will be her eternal protectors...right? The ultimate battle with the chaotic Sailor Galaxia lies ahead, and the fate of all existence lies in the balance.

Special features include cast interviews, trailers, opening & ending songs, and art gallery.

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: DIAMOND IS UNBREAKABLE Part 1 - Blu-ray MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN

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

MEGALOBOX Limited Edition Blu-ray - MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN

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

Also Available!

BLEACH 1-4 Blu-ray Sets; Set 5 available December 3rd! - MSRP: $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS 1-3 Blu-ray & DVD Sets - Blu-ray MSRP: $44.98 U.S. / $52.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN

Deluxe Book Gift Selections:

DRAGON BALL: A VISUAL HISTORY By Akira Toriyama - MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN · Available November 12th

A comprehensive art book showcasing manga art, additional promotional material, creator commentary and notes/sketches/posters, from throughout the history of the original DRAGON BALL series. This hardcover book with dust jacket comes protected in an upscale slipcase.

TRANSFORMERS: A VISUAL HISTORY By Jim Sorenson - Limited Edition MSRP: $99.99 U.S. / $125.00 CAN · Available November 12th

The deluxe limited edition comes packaged in a beautiful collector’s box with an exclusive variant cover design and five gorgeous and frame-ready prints.

One of the world’s most popular franchises, Transformers has been delighting fans since 1984. Now, in this deluxe hardcover celebration, Hasbro reveals behind-the-scenes production sketches, beautifully polished final art, and everything in-between. From the obscure to the iconic, this book features packaging artwork, animation models, video game designs, comic pages, and, for the first time ever, production artwork from all six Paramount live-action films! Lovingly curated by Transformers expert Jim Sorenson, this is the most comprehensive collection of Transformers imagery ever assembled.

THE WORLD OF RWBY By Daniel Wallace - MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $53.99 CAN

The definitive companion to the hit animated series, THE WORLD OF RWBY is the ultimate celebration of a pop-culture phenomenon. Go behind the scenes with exclusive commentary from Rooster Teeth and explore the show’s creation through in-depth interviews with the writers, animators and voice artists. With comprehensive analysis of key characters and iconic episodes, and showcasing stunning visuals from the series, this is the must-have book for RWBY fans around the world.

Also Available!

ONE PIECE COLOR WALK COMPENDIUM: WATER SEVEN TO PARAMOUNT WAR By Eiichiro Oda - MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $53.99 CAN

EVANGELION ILLUSTRATIONS 2007-2017 - MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN

Manga Box Set Gift Selections:

ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM COMPLETE BOX SET By Yusei Matsui - MSRP: $189.99 U.S. / $249.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

The complete bestselling ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM series is now available in a boldly designed, value-priced box set! Includes all 21 volumes of this unique tale of a mysterious, smiley-faced, tentacled, superpowered teacher who guides a group of misfit students to find themselves—while doing their best to assassinate him. Action-packed, hilarious, and heartwarming, this title is famous for moving fans to tears through their laughter. Includes an exclusive, full-color, mini “yearbook” filled with images of favorite characters in different art styles and contexts (previously unreleased in the English editions).

DRAGON BALL COMPLETE BOX SET by Akira Toriyama - MSRP: $139.99 U.S. / $179.99 CAN · Rated ‘T’ For Teens

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

DRAGON BALL Z COMPLETE BOX SET by Akira Toriyama - MSRP: $219.99 U.S. / $279.99 CAN · Rated ‘A’ For All Ages

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

For additional information on these properties and other anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.

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32 Animated Films Compete For Five Spots in 2019 / 92nd Oscar Race

32 ANIMATED FEATURES SUBMITTED FOR 2019 OSCAR RACE

Thirty-two features have been submitted for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 92nd Academy Awards®.

The submitted features, listed in alphabetical order, are:

“Abominable”
“The Addams Family”
“The Angry Birds Movie 2”
“Another Day of Life”
“Away”
“Buñuel in the Labyrinth of the Turtles”
“Children of the Sea”
“Dilili in Paris”
“Frozen II”
“Funan”
“Genndy Tartakovsky’s ‘Primal’ – Tales of Savagery”
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”
“I Lost My Body”
“Klaus”
“The Last Fiction”
“The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part”
“Marona’s Fantastic Tale”
“Missing Link”
“Ne Zha”
“Okko’s Inn”
“Pachamama”
“Promare”
“Rezo”
“The Secret Life of Pets 2”
“Spies in Disguise”
“The Swallows of Kabul”
“This Magnificent Cake!”
“The Tower”
“Toy Story 4”
“Upin & Ipin: The Lone Gibbon Kris”
“Weathering with You”
“White Snake”

Several of the films have not yet had their required Los Angeles seven-day qualifying run.  Submitted features must fulfill the theatrical release requirements and comply with all of the category’s other qualifying rules before they can advance in the nominations voting process.  To determine the five nominees, members of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch are automatically eligible to vote in the category.  Academy members outside of the Short Films and Feature Animation Branch are invited to opt-in to participate and must meet a minimum viewing requirement to be eligible to vote in the category.

Films submitted in the Animated Feature Film category also qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture.

Nominations for the 92nd Academy Awards will be announced on Monday, January 13, 2020.

The 92nd Oscars® will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2020, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.

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VIZ Media Will Exhibit at Anime NYC 2019, Starting Nov. 15th

Visit VIZ Media During Anime NYC 2019 At Booth #641

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL GUESTS FOR ANIME NYC 2019

Welcome DR. STONE Manga Creators And Celebrate The 20th Anniversary Of NARUTO With Special Events And Guests

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media proudly presents exciting panel events, special guests and other fun activities for Anime NYC 2019. Anime NYC will take place November 15th – 17th, 2019 at the Javits Convention Center in New York, NY. Full details are available at: animenyc.com

This year, DR. STONE manga creators Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi will participate in Anime NYC 2019 as Official Guests. VIZ Media will also mark NARUTO’s 20th Anniversary with a special YEAR OF NARUTO celebration by bringing out English voice actors Maile Flanagan (Voice of Naruto) and Amanda Miller (Voice of Boruto) for a series of signing sessions and panel discussions.

The VIZ Originals imprint continues its participation in portfolio review sessions at Anime NYC. Reviews will be conducted by Fawn Lau, Executive Editor for VIZ Originals. For more details and to sign up please visit: viz.com/originals

During the convention, VIZ Media’s Booth #641 will offer a wide array of exclusives and early releases for sale. Attendees can also take part in fun booth activities including a SAILOR MOON-themed photo-opportunity! Pose with Sailor Moon and share your experience directly via social media.

VIZ Media’s Anime NYC 2019 Official Panels & Signings:

Friday, November 15th

1:30pm - SHONEN JUMP Panel with DR. STONE Creators
Room 1E09

SHONEN JUMP, home of the world’s greatest manga – including MY HERO ACADEMIA, DRAGON BALL SUPER, DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA, THE PROMISED NEVERLAND and BLACK CLOVER – returns to Anime NYC with special guests Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi, the creators of DR. STONE! Swing by our panel to discuss your favorite SHONEN JUMP series and look forward to some free giveaways, special prizes and much more!

3:00pm - DR. STONE Creators Autograph Session
Private Autograph Area*

Meet Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi, the creators of the bestselling SHONEN JUMP manga series and receive a personalized shikishi art board.

Saturday, November 16th

11:00am - NARUTO & BORUTO English Voice Actor Autograph Session
Private Autograph Area*

In honor of the YEAR OF NARUTO 20th Anniversary celebration, attendees are invited to meet Maile Flanagan (Voice of Naruto) and Amanda Miller (Voice of Boruto) and receive a personalized poster.

12:00pm - DR. STONE Panel Presented by VIZ Media
Special Events Hall

Get ready for a rockin' time! Join Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi, creators of the hit SHONEN JUMP manga and anime series DR. STONE, as they share their marble-ous stories and insightful gems that fans are 10 BILLION PERCENT certain to enjoy!

1:30pm - DR. STONE Manga Creators Autograph Session
Private Autograph Area*

Meet DR. STONE creators Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi and receive a personalized Shikishi art board.

5:00pm = NARUTO: 20th Anniversary Celebration Presented by VIZ Media
Room 1E09

20 YEARS OF NARUTO! Masashi Kishimoto’s ninja epic made its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, and it has become one of the bestselling manga and anime of all time. Join the VIZ team along with Maile Flanagan (Voice of Naruto) and Amanda Miller (Voice of Boruto) to kick off a party 20 years in the making! BELIEVE IT!

Sunday, November 17th

1:00pm - VIZ Media’s World of Voice Acting Featuring Voices from SAILOR MOON and BORUTO
Special Events Hall

VIZ Media is bringing you some of the most talented voices behind SAILOR MOON, NARUTO and BORUTO to Anime NYC, including Maile Flanagan (from NARUTO), Amanda Miller (from BORUTO) and Erika Harlacher (from SAILOR MOON)! Join the panel and discuss the creativity behind voice acting, your favorite anime moments and much more!

2:30pm - NARUTO & BORUTO English Voice Actor Autograph Session
Private Autograph Area*

A special encore autograph session with Maile Flanagan and Amanda Miller.

*Tickets are distributed via a pre-show lottery. Please see Anime NYC's Autograph Page for more information: animenyc.com/autographs2019

The VIZ Media booth’s retail area will offer a variety of must-have Anime NYC 2019 exclusives:

Each purchase comes with a special 2019 limited edition tote bag offered in two distinct designs: POKÉMON or SAILOR MOON.

    JUJUTSU KAISEN Vol. 1 - Early Release! $10
    MY HERO ACADEMIA Vol. 22 - Early Release! $10
    MY HERO ACADEMIA & ONE-PUNCH MAN Manga Replicas - $15 each

    NARUTO 20th Anniversary Poster - $50

    ONE-PUNCH MAN Enamel Pin - $10
    SAILOR MOON: SAILOR STARS T-Shirt - $20
    SHONEN JUMP T-Shirt - $30 (only $25 when you show your SJ app!)

For information on anime, manga and other titles published by 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 SHONEN JUMP brand 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, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha 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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"Dr. Stone" Manga Creators to Appear at Anime NYC 2019

VIZ MEDIA AND ANIME NYC WELCOME DR. STONE CREATORS RIICHIRO INAGAKI AND BOICHI IN THEIR FIRST JOINT APPEARANCE

Acclaimed Manga Team To Attend New York’s Largest Japanese Pop Culture Celebration

New York, NY - Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll and VIZ Media announced Dr. STONE manga creators Riichiro Inagaki and Boichi will participate in Anime NYC 2019 as Official Guests and that the prominent manga and recently debuted anime series will play a major role in New York’s largest anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture convention.

Inagaki and Boichi will join over 40,000 fans, guests, and publishers from across the U.S. and Japan at Anime NYC,  November 15-17,2019 inside the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan.

Dr. STONE is an ongoing manga series spanning over 10 volumes and 100 chapters in Japan. In the series, all of humanity is turned to stone. Many millennia after that cataclysmic event, high school student Taiju frees himself from the petrification and finds himself surrounded by statues. The situation looks grim—until he runs into his science-loving friend Senku! Together they plan to restart civilization with the power of science! Dr. STONE is published in the popular Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan, with VIZ Media releasing the book in the U.S. A hotly-anticipated anime adaption featuring the voices of Yusuke Kobayashi, Makoto Furukawa, and Kana Ichinose debuted on July 5 and is available in the U.S. now on Crunchyroll.

Dr. STONE writer Riichiro Inagaki is also the author of the sports drama Eyeshield 21, and Dr. STONE artist Boichi is the prolific Korean illustrator behind Sun-Ken Rock. Both will participate in panels, autograph signings, and special events at Anime NYC to celebrate Dr. STONE’s success. More details about their schedules will be revealed this fall.

“We’re deeply excited to welcome Mr. Inagaki and Boichi to Anime NYC,” said Anime NYC Show Director Peter Tatara. “Dr. STONE has taken the world by storm, and we’re privileged to welcome the creators of one of the year’s biggest manga to the biggest city in America!”

“Dr. STONE is a smart new series that imagines a post-apocalyptic world and the role science will play in a budding human civilization,” says John Bae, VIZ Media Editor. “With Inagaki’s sharp storytelling and Boichi’s clean art style, we’re honored to welcome Dr. STONE’s duo to Anime NYC.”

Anime NYC will continue to announce more guests from both America and Japan throughout the summer and fall, and attendees can look forward to the latest from sponsors, partners, and publishers including Crunchyroll, Animate, Aniplex of America, BANDAI NAMCO Arts, Funimation, GKIDS, HIDIVE, Kodansha Comics, Sentai Filmworks, Tokyo Otaku Mode, Vertical, Inc, VIZ Media, and Yen Press. Fans wanting to learn the latest can follow Anime NYC on Facebook and Twitter. Tickets to this year’s Anime NYC are available now.

ABOUT RIICHIRO INAGAKI:
Riichiro Inagaki is a Japanese manga writer from Tokyo. He is the writer for the sports manga series Eyeshield 21, which was serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump and is published in English by VIZ Media. His current series, Dr. STONE, won the Shogakukan Manga Award for shonen manga and has been adapted into an anime.

ABOUT BOICHI:
Boichi is a Korean-born artist currently living and working in Japan. His previous works include Origin, Sun-Ken Rock, and Terra Formars Asimov. His art can be seen in the popular Shonen Jump manga series Dr. STONE.

ABOUT VIZ MEDIA:
Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular SHONEN JUMP brand 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, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha 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.

ABOUT ANIME NYC POWERED BY CRUNCHYROLL:
Anime NYC powered by Crunchyroll is New York City’s anime convention! A showcase of the best of Japanese pop culture in the biggest city in America, Anime NYC brings anime fans and publishers together for three days of unique exhibits, exclusive screenings, extensive panels, and appearances by some of the biggest creators in Japan. This year’s event takes place November 15-17 in New York’s Javits Center, and we invite you to join over 40,000 fans for a celebration of Japanese animation, manga, cosplay, movies, food, fashion, travel, technology, toys, and games in the heart of NYC! For more, visit animenyc.com.

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VIZ Media Announces Manga and Blu-ray Releases for November 2019

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW HOME MEDIA AND PUBLISHING RELEASES FOR NOVEMBER

CASTLEVANIA Season 2 Arrives Alongside Second Set Of SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS; Deluxe Art Books For DRAGON BALL And TRANSFORMERS And New Manga Series Also Debut

VIZ Media announces the anticipated home media release of Season 2 of the hit Netflix Original Anime Series CASTLEVANIA. All 8 episodes of Season 2 will be available on Blu-ray and DVD and conclude Trevor Belmont’s battle with Dracula.

The finale of SAILOR MOON also arrives with the home media release of SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS PART 2. Available for the first time ever in the U.S., catch the final, climactic 17 episodes of the series as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack or as a Standard Edition DVD set.

November’s publishing titles feature gorgeous new hardcover art books celebrating two of pop culture’s most iconic properties. DRAGON BALL: A VISUAL HISTORY presents a definitive collection of art from Akira Toriyama’s iconic manga series. TRANSFORMERS: A VISUAL HISTORY explores 35 years of the blockbuster franchise through rare imagery and insights from Transformers expert Jim Sorenson. The deluxe, hardcover release also comes in a special, limited edition that includes a collector’s box, variant cover and five bonus frame-ready art prints.

Two new manga series also launch in print and digital editions this month. A TROPICAL FISH YEARNS FOR SNOW is a tender, coming-of-age tale of a pair of high school girls who discover something special with each other in a small seaside town. LEVIUS/EST is the sequel to LEVIUS, the acclaimed sci-fi cyberpunk battle manga, and restarts Levius’s tale.

New Home Media Releases for November:

CASTLEVANIA SEASON 2

Blu-ray & Standard Edition DVD Sets

Blu-ray MSRP: $29.98 U.S. / $34.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $24.98 U.S. / $29.99 CAN  Available November 5th  

Trevor Belmont, last survivor of his house, is no longer alone, and he and his misfit comrades, Sypha Belnades and Alucard race to find a way to save humanity from extinction at the hands of the grief-maddened Dracula and his sinister vampire war council.

SAILOR MOON SAILOR STARS PART 2

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack & Standard Edition DVD Sets

Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN · Available November 12th  

Although the popularity of the Idol group Three Lights is off the charts, Usagi hasn't realized that Seiya, Yaten and Taiki are the Sailor Star Lights. But with the number of Phage growing in the city, the purpose of star seeds is the biggest mystery that needs to be solved. Could the mysterious Chibi-Chibi hold the answer? The tide is turning, but not in Usagi's favor. Her allies are being overpowered, and altered timelines are confusing the fate she knows to be true: Mamoru is her true love, Neo Crystal Tokyo is her future kingdom and her fellow Guardians will be her eternal protectors...right? The ultimate battle with the chaotic Sailor Galaxia lies ahead, and the fate of all existence lies in the balance.

New Publishing Releases for November:

DRAGON BALL: A VISUAL HISTORY By Akira Toriyama

MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN · Available November 12th

A comprehensive art book showcasing manga art, additional promotional material, creator commentary and notes/sketches/posters, from throughout the history of the original DRAGON BALL series, all featured in a beautifully slipcased hardcover book with a dust jacket.

TRANSFORMERS: A VISUAL HISTORY By Jim Sorenson

Standard Edition and Limited Edition

Standard Edition MSRP: $49.99 U.S. / $69.99 CAN · Limited Edition MSRP: $99.99 U.S. / $125.00 CAN · Available November 12th

One of the world’s most popular franchises, Transformers has been delighting fans since 1984. Now, in this deluxe hardcover celebration, Hasbro reveals behind-the-scenes production sketches, beautifully polished final art, and everything in-between. From the obscure to the iconic, this book features packaging artwork, animation models, video game designs, comic pages, and, for the first time ever, production artwork from all six Paramount live-action films! Lovingly curated by Transformers expert Jim Sorenson, this is the most comprehensive collection of Transformers imagery ever assembled.

The deluxe limited edition comes packaged in a beautiful collector’s box with an exclusive variant cover design and five gorgeous and frame-ready prints showcasing art from across the franchise!

A TROPICAL FISH YEARNS FOR SNOW By Makoto Hagino

MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Available November 12th

When her dad gets a job overseas, Konatsu Amano has to leave the Tokyo life she’s always known and relocate to a small seaside town to stay with her aunt. The move also means starting a new school surrounded by complete strangers, and it’s a lot to handle for a girl who has trouble with change. But on her first day in her new town, Konatsu is instantly drawn to Koyuki, an older girl who is the sole member of the Aquarium Club. Konatsu’s introverted tendencies are hard for her to overcome, but maybe she’s found something worth coming out of her shell for?

LEVIUS/EST By Haruhisa Nakata

MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens - Available November 19th

It’s the 19th century, and the world has entered the Era of Rebirth, recovering from the devastating flames of war. The sport of Mechanical Martial Arts has galvanized the nations. Cybernetically augmented fighters turn their blood into steam and their bodies into brutal fighting—and killing—machines. Young Levius is one of those arena battlers, hell-bent on winning in order to simply survive.

LEVIUS/EST is the ongoing sequel series to LEVIUS, which is also published by VIZ Media and available now.

For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.

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VIZ Media Announces Manga, Book and Blu-ray Releases for October 2019

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES NEW HOME MEDIA AND PUBLISHING TITLES FOR OCTOBER 2019

New BORUTO Home Media Set Debuts Alongside THE WORLD OF RWBY, New Perfect Edition Of THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM And AN INCURABLE CASE OF LOVE

October brings the home media release of BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS SET 3 to viewers. Blu-ray and DVD editions will each contain 13 episodes of the adventure series featuring the rebellious son of the legendary ninja, Naruto.

The month also welcomes notable publishing releases and manga series launches. A must have for fans, THE WORLD OF RWBY is the official companion to the hit animated series and features exclusive artwork and insights from the show’s writers, animators, and voice actors. A completely retranslated and readapted release of Kazuo Umezz’s postapocalyptic horror tale, THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM: PERFECT EDITION, arrives in a premium omnibus format. Then, from the Shojo Beat imprint, comes Happy Marriage?! creator Maki Enjoji’s AN INCURABLE CASE OF LOVE, a new mature romantic comedy set among hospital staff.

New Home Media for October:

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS SET 3 Blu-ray & Standard Edition DVD Sets

Blu-ray MSRP: $44.98 U.S. / $52.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN  Available October 8th  

Ninjas gone wild! After causing a ruckus in the Village Hidden in the Mist, Boruto and crew come home to find out they may have stirred up a hornet’s nest. Then it’s time for some serious thinking—will they become regular citizens or continue on the path of the shinobi? It’s up to Kakashi to offer some much-needed advice in a style typical of the sixth Hokage! Notable bonus features include English voice cast interviews (a Blu-ray exclusive), as well as storyboards, digital art galleries and clean opening and ending segments. Set 3 features Episodes 27-39 of the series.

New Publishing Releases for October:

THE WORLD OF RWBY By Daniel Wallace

MSRP: $39.99 U.S. / $53.99 CAN Available October 8th

The definitive companion to the hit animated series, THE WORLD OF RWBY is the ultimate celebration of a pop-culture phenomenon. Go behind the scenes with exclusive commentary from Rooster Teeth and explore the show’s creation through in-depth interviews with the writers, animators and voice artists. With comprehensive analysis of key characters and iconic episodes, and showcasing stunning visuals from the series, this is the must-have book for RWBY fans around the world.

THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM: PERFECT EDITION By Kazuo Umezz

MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens Available October 15th

In the aftermath of a massive earthquake, a Japanese elementary school is transported into a hostile world where the students and teachers are besieged by terrifying creatures and beset by madness. The new PERFECT EDITIONS present the science fiction horror classic in a hardcover omnibus format with completely new translations, content, and revised story elements.

AN INCURABLE CASE OF LOVE By Maki Enjoji

MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN · Rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers

Available October 1st

After witnessing a handsome and charming young doctor save a stranger’s life five years ago, Nanase Sakura trained to become a nurse. But when she meets the doctor again and they start working together, she finds Kairi Tendo to be nothing like the man she imagined him to be!

For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.

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VIZ Media to Launch Naruto Celebration at New York Comic Con 2019

VIZ MEDIA CELEBRATES NARUTO’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE YEAR OF NARUTO

The World’s Most Popular Ninja Marks His Platinum Anniversary With Special Products, Activations And Collaborations With Top Lifestyle Brands

San Francisco, CA – Multimedia entertainment company VIZ Media will mark the 20th anniversary of NARUTO with a national brand campaign, the YEAR OF NARUTO, launching at the upcoming New York Comic Con 2019 (NYCC). The beloved action/adventure franchise has become synonymous with Japanese pop culture and exemplifies the massive international popularity of anime and manga.

To celebrate NARUTO’s manga origins and kick off the YEAR OF NARUTO, VIZ Media will debut one-of-a-kind, limited edition manga-inspired products at NYCC. The exclusive items available to North American fans for the first time include an official NARUTO skateboard deck by Hypland and a hand-numbered, exclusive poster with hologram details featuring Naruto in various stages of his evolution, from a ninja-in-training, all the way to a full-fledged Hokage.

VIZ Media’s YEAR OF NARUTO campaign will continue throughout 2020 and will feature a wide range of yet-to-be announced officially licensed brand activations. These include video games, events featuring pop-up installations, panel discussions and other special live programming, and an array of product activations and collaborations with top global lifestyle brands.

“The YEAR OF NARUTO is a fitting tribute to a global marquee brand and an important international ambassador for Japanese pop culture,” says Brad Woods, Chief Marketing Office, VIZ Media. “Join us as we celebrate our favorite ninja with special collaborations, new officially licensed merchandise and events in the coming year!”


About NARUTO
The NARUTO manga series was created by Masashi Kishimoto and debuted in Japan in 1999 in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. In North America, VIZ Media launched the series in 2003 in its WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP English counterpart. NARUTO went on to debut as a dedicated manga series in Japan in 2000 and in the U.S. in the Summer of 2003. The series was a consistent bestseller in the U.S. throughout its entire run and regularly appeared on bestseller charts for the New York Times, USA Today and BookScan. The property also inspired a widely distributed anime series and several feature films.

In the NARUTO manga and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN 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.

BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS is the action-packed continuation of the famed series and focuses on the adventures of the son of the celebrated ninja. As the story opens, the life of the shinobi is beginning to change. Boruto Uzumaki, son of Seventh Hokage Naruto Uzumaki, has enrolled in the Ninja Academy to learn the ways of the ninja. Now, as a series of mysterious events unfolds, Boruto’s story is about to begin!

VIZ Media publishes the bestselling NARUTO and BORUTO manga series in print and digital editions and is also the master licensor for all NARUTO and BORUTO brands in North America, Latin America and the West Indies, encompassing digital streaming, TV broadcast, EST, home media and consumer product/merchandising rights for the anime series and feature films.

Additional information on NARUTO is available at Naruto.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 SHONEN JUMP brand 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, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha 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 Anime and Manga for September 2019

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER ANIME AND MANGA RELEASES

Home Media Releases Include INFINI-T FORCE And The POKÉMON: BLACK & WHITE Movies, Along With ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Box Set And Four Publishing Debuts

This month, science fiction fans are invited to dive into the home media release of INFINI-T FORCE, the superhero-action series that unites the four legendary heroes Gatchaman, Polimar, Casshan, and Tekkaman. All twelve episodes of the series will be available in one blu-ray set.

In partnership with The Pokémon Company International, the POKÉMON: BLACK & WHITE MOVIE COLLECTION home media release arrives with four feature films that will delight POKÉMON fans of all ages.

New publishing debuts for September kick off with the ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM COMPLETE BOX SET, which collects Yusei Matsui’s hit action comedy about a tentacled teacher with superpowers and a heart of gold.

VIZ Signature debuts for the month include CATS OF THE LOUVRE, the latest masterpiece from Eisner Award–winning creator Taiyo Matsumoto. NO GUNS LIFE is a cyberpunk series in which the protagonist’s head is replaced with a giant gun… and his memories erased. In the action-packed comedy THE WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND, a former yakuza legend desires to walk the straight and narrow. Finally, LEVIUS debuts as a complete hardcover edition of the science fiction action series about cyborg arena fighters.

New Home Media Releases for September:

INFINI-T FORCE: THE COMPLETE SERIES

Blu-ray MSRP: $44.98 U.S. / $52.99 CAN · Available September 10th

When an interdimensional attack plunges the defiant, thrill-seeking teen Emi into a city-wide assault, a band of mysterious heroes from lost worlds appears to save her. But it seems both heroes and villains have their sights on The Case, a magical object with transmutational powers, currently in Emi’s possession! Only the combined strength of Gatchaman, Casshan, Polimar and Tekkaman could be enough to stop the man known as “Z” from destroying not only Emi’s world, but countless others.

POKÉMON: BLACK & WHITE MOVIE COLLECTION

Blu-ray MSRP: $24.98 U.S. / $29.99 CAN · DVD MSRP: $19.98 U.S. / $24.99 CAN Available September 17th 

Sets each contain the following four POKÉMON animated feature films on two Blu-rays or two DVDs:

POKÉMON THE MOVIE: BLACK—VICTINI AND RESHIRAM and POKÉMON THE MOVIE: WHITE—VICTINI AND ZEKROM

When Ash and his friends enter a battle competition in Eindoak Town, they meet the Mythical Pokémon Victini, who becomes their newest friend. But disaster strikes when the misguided wanderer Damon seizes Victini for his own plans! Can Ash prove himself a hero and earn the help of the Legendary Reshiram—or Zekrom—to rescue Victini and save Eindoak Town? Two legends…and two versions of the story! Follow them both in POKÉMON THE MOVIE: BLACK—VICTINI AND RESHIRAM and POKÉMON THE MOVIE: WHITE—VICTINI AND ZEKROM! It’s twice the Pokémon adventure!

POKÉMON THE MOVIE: KYUREM VS. THE SWORD OF JUSTICE

Ash and Pikachu, along with their friends Iris and Cilan, are on a train headed to the next stop on their journey. From the train, Ash spots an injured Pokémon they don’t recognize. They’re planning a rescue when the train is attacked by the Legendary Kyurem! The Mythical Pokémon Keldeo is on a mission, to rescue its friends—Cobalion, Terrakion, and Virizion, the Legendary Pokémon known as the Swords of Justice—from Kyurem’s icy clutches. But Kyurem has other ideas, and when it transforms into Black Kyurem or White Kyurem for greater power, things look grim!

Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened

A vast Pokémon habitat amid the hustle and bustle of the big city seems like the perfect new home for a group of five Genesect. The arrival of these Mythical Pokémon quickly becomes a problem, though: their nest threatens the city’s power supply, and they keep attacking those who approach it. When the Genesect are joined by the Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo—who sympathizes due to its own origins—things only become worse, and the confrontation quickly rages out of control. Can Ash and friends stop these two powerful Pokémon before they destroy the city?

New Publishing Releases for September:

ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM COMPLETE BOX SET By Yusei Matsui

MSRP: $189.99 U.S. / $249.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens

Available September 3rd

The complete bestselling Assassination Classroom series is now available in a boldly designed, value-priced box set! Includes all 21 volumes of this unique tale of a mysterious, smiley-faced, tentacled, superpowered teacher who guides a group of misfit students to find themselves—while doing their best to assassinate him. Action-packed, hilarious, and heartwarming, this title is famous for moving fans to tears through their laughter... Includes an exclusive, full-color, mini “yearbook” filled with images of favorite characters in different art styles and contexts (previously unreleased in the English editions).

CATS OF THE LOUVRE By Taiyo Matsumoto

MSRP: $29.99 U.S. / $39.99 CAN · Rated ‘T’ for Teens - Available September 17th   

The world-renowned Louvre museum in Paris contains more than just the most famous works of art in history. At night, within its darkened galleries, an unseen and surreal world comes alive—a world witnessed only by the small family of cats that lives in the attic. Until now…

NO GUNS LIFE By Tasuku Karasuma

MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens - Available September 17th     

After the war, cyborg soldiers known as the Extended were discharged. Juzo Inui is one of them, a man whose body was transformed, his head replaced with a giant gun! With no memory of his previous life—or who replaced his head and why—Inui now scratches out a living in the dark streets of the city as a Resolver, taking on cases involving the Extended.

THE WAY OF THE HOUSEHUSBAND By Kousuke Oono

MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens - Available September 17th     

A former yakuza legend leaves it all behind to become your everyday househusband. But it’s not easy to walk away from the gangster life, and what should be mundane household tasks are anything but!

LEVIUS By Haruhisa Nakata

MSRP: $34.99 U.S. / $46.99 CAN · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens - Available September 17th   

It’s the 19th century, and the world has entered the Era of Rebirth, recovering from the devastating flames of war. The sport of mechanical martial arts has galvanized the nations. Cybernetically augmented fighters turn their blood into steam and their bodies into brutal fighting—and killing—machines. Young Levius is one of those arena battlers, hell-bent on winning in order to simply survive.

For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.

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VIZ Media Announces Its San Diego Comic Con 2019 Plans

Visit VIZ Media at Comic-Con International Booth #2813

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PANELS, SPECIAL GUESTS AND RETAIL EXCLUSIVES FOR COMIC-CON 2019

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media prepares for one of the nation’s biggest annual pop culture events with panels and signings for SHONEN JUMP and SEIS MANOS at Comic-Con International in San Diego, CA (Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21, 2019).

Check out the SEIS MANOS panel, an upcoming Netflix Original Anime Series and VIZ Media’s first original animated property. The panel features a star-studded cast and crew including Mike Colter (Luke Cage), Jonny Cruz (Overwatch), Angelica Vale (Jane the Virgin) and Danny Trejo (Machete) alongside creators and series’ writers. Panel guests will also participate in an official autograph session in the Sails Pavilion.

Additional events planned for the show include the SHONEN JUMP panel where voice actor guest Robbie Daymond will share insights on his role as Mitsuki in the BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS anime series. Fans will have the opportunity to meet Robbie during a signing session at the VIZ Media booth post-panel. Meanwhile the VIZ Originals imprint will participate in the official Comic-Con portfolio review sessions. Reviews will be conducted by Fawn Lau, Executive Editor for VIZ Originals, at the Portfolio Review Area located inside the Sails Pavilion. For more details please visit: viz.com/originals.

There’s even more excitement at VIZ Media Booth #2813! Fans can participate in a SAILOR MOON photo opportunity. Attendees pose with Sailor Moon, share their experience directly via social media, and get entered in a sweepstakes to win SAILOR MOON-themed prizes. In addition, the VIZ retail shop is the destination for a wide array of convention specials and exclusive products, and each purchase comes with an exclusive 2019 tote bag featuring POKÉMON or SAILOR MOON (while supplies last).

Notable VIZ Media Comic-Con 2019 exclusives include:
    ONE-PUNCH MAN Vol. 1 with Variant Cover $10
    ONE-PUNCH MAN Pin Set $18
    SAILOR MOON: SAILOR STARS T-SHIRT $20
    JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE GOLDEN WIND Pin $12
    JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE GOLDEN WIND Figure $45
    MY HERO ACADEMIA & ONE-PUNCH MAN Manga Replicas $15 each

VIZ Media Comic-Con 2019 Panels & Signings:

Friday, July 19th

1:00pm - 2:00pm - SHONEN JUMP Panel
Room 6A

Hang out with Team SHONEN JUMP for the latest developments on new series from Japan, all-time fan favorites and what we’re doing to bring you the world's best manga! We'll also be chatting up prolific voice acting star Robbie Daymond (BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS, ONE-PUNCH MAN and more).

3:00pm - Robbie Daymond Signing
VIZ Media Booth #2813

Voice actor Robbie Daymond (voice of Mitsuki in BORUTO) will visit the booth to sign posters for attendees. Signing is first come, first served, at the time of the event.

Saturday, July 20th

10:30am - 11:30am - VIZ Media Presents SEIS MANOS Panel
Room 6BCF

Meet the incredible lineup of voice cast and creative talent behind SEIS MANOS, an upcoming Netflix Original Anime Series. Join lead cast members Mike Colter (Luke Cage), Jonny Cruz (Overwatch), Angelica Vale (Jane the Virgin) and Danny Trejo (Machete) alongside creator and showrunner Brad Graeber, writer and co-creator Alvaro Rodriguez (Machete), and writer Daniel Dominguez (Oishi High School Battle), as we dive into the action-packed world of SEIS MANOS!

12:30pm - SEIS MANOS Cast & Staff Signing
Autograph Area, Sails Pavilion

Meet the cast and crew of the upcoming Netflix series SEIS MANOS and receive a poster. This is a pre-ticketed event; the drawing for tickets will be held Saturday at 9:00am in the Sails Pavilion Autograph Area.

For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by 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 SHONEN JUMP brand 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, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha 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 New Releases for July 2019

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS NEW ANIME AND MANGA RELEASES FOR JULY

New Releases Include JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE And POKÉMON Home Media Sets As Well As Manga Series BEASTARS And DAYTIME SHOOTING STAR

The home media debut of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE SET 4: DIAMOND IS UNBREAKABLE will be available as a special Limited Edition Blu-ray set and DVD set; DIAMOND IS UNBREAKABLE continues the multigenerational tale of the Joestar family with Josuke Higashikata. In partnership with The Pokémon Company International, POKÉMON THE SERIES: DIAMOND AND PEARL COMPLETE SEASON also arrives on DVD and includes all 51 episodes of Ash’s adventures in the Sinnoh region.

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

New Home Media Releases for July:

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

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

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

POKÉMON THE SERIES: DIAMOND AND PEARL COMPLETE SEASON

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

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

New Publishing Releases for July:

BEASTARS by Paru Itagaki

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

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

DAYTIME SHOOTING STAR by Mika Yamamori

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

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

For additional information on anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit viz.com.

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