Dark Horse Introduces New "Game of Throne" Figures

DARK HORSE DEBUTS NEW CHARACTERS IN POPULAR LINE OF GAME OF THRONES FIGURES

Dark Horse is now revealing new additions to their successful ongoing line of figures based on the hit HBO® series Game of Thrones®!

“We have been floored by the response to these figures,” Dark Horse product development head David Scroggy noted, “and these will give fans the new favorites we have come to know as the epic saga unfolds."

Sansa Stark, the oldest Stark daughter, fled King’s Landing to the Eyrie with Littlefinger’s assistance after Joffrey’s murder and now travels alongside him. The figure measures 7.75” in height.  The fine detailing of her black and midnight blue dress is exactly as seen in the HBO series.

Jorah Mormont, an exiled Northern lord, originally joined Daenerys’s company as a spy on behalf of King Robert, but ultimately became committed to her cause. He followed Daenerys, providing counsel, but was banished when she learned of his betrayal. The Jorah figure measures 7.85” in height, with the paint application reproducing the nuances of his likeness and costume.

Sandor Clegane, the former Kingsguard better-known as The Hound, abandoned King Joffrey and his post during the Battle of Blackwater. After encountering Ayra Stark at the Riverlands, he held her captive while travelling to the Eeyrie in hopes of collecting a ransom.   The Hound’s formidable proportions are reflected in this 8.4” figure. He is shown wearing his signature helmet, which is hinged so that it opens and closes.

Brienne of Tarth, warrior of House Tarth and vassal to House Baratheon, is a skilled fighter. After serving as the Kingsguard for Renly Baratheon and the sworn sword of Catelyn Stark, she bonds with Jaime Lannister while escorting him back to King’s Landing, where  he gives her a new suit of armor and a Valyrian steel sword reforged from Eddard Stark’s great sword, Ice. This armor is reproduced on our 8” tall figure, with all the impeccable details accounted for.

Slated for a Fall 2015 release, these four new characters join four other Dark Horse Game of Thrones figures making their on-sale debut this spring:

Tywin Lannister, former Hand of the King and head of House Lannister and Lord of Casterly Rock, was one of the most powerful lords in Westeros.

Joffrey Baratheon, former King of Westeros before his untimely murder at his wedding, was over-indulged and cowardly. He exhibited a cruel streak toward the vulnerable.

Petyr (“Littlefinger”) Baelish, the eyes and ears of King’s Landing, left his role as master of coin in the Small Council to secure the Vale by marrying Lysa Arryn.

Hodor and Bran are practically inseparable since Bran was pushed from a tower in Winterfell and lost the ability to walk. In this figure, Hodor carries Bran Stark on his back, immortalizing the close bond the two characters share. This special “double figure” is larger than others in the line, measuring a Hodor-sized nine inches, including the base.

These Game of Thrones figures have a suggested retail price of $24.99-$39.99 and are presented in deluxe window box packaging.


About HBO Global Licensing
HBO Global Licensing officially licenses the HBO® brand for the development and merchandising of innovative product lines inspired by the network's award-winning programming. With products created around hit series like Game of Thrones® and True Blood® as well as classic series like The Sopranos®, Sex and the City®, and Entourage, items include fashion apparel, figures, jewelry, digital and CD soundtracks, prop and costume replicas, games, books, and beverages, as well as exclusive, premium collections in partnership with upscale, designer brands. Merchandise can be purchased in retail stores nationwide, at http://store.hbo.com, and at the groundbreaking HBO retail hub, the HBO Shop®, located at 42nd and 6th Avenue in New York City. HBO Global Licensing products are also sold internationally across Europe (www.hboshopeu.com), Asia and Australia.

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IDW Publishing and Marvel Unite for "Star Wars Artist's Editions"

Artist’s Editions And Micro Collectors Fun Packs Are Coming in 2015

IDW Publishing and Marvel are proud to announce that they will expand their relationship once again… this time in a galaxy far, far away!

Ever since Star Wars took the world by storm in 1977, comic books have been an integral part of building its massive mythology. Now IDW Publishing is bringing Marvel’s wildly successful run of Star Wars comics to two unique formats that IDW pioneered.

“Marvel has been a terrific and loyal partner, and Star Wars represents an incredible opportunity to further expand our relationship,” said IDW President and COO Greg Goldstein.

STAR WARS ARTIST’S EDITIONS

IDW Publishing’s award-winning Artist’s Edition line presents complete stories with each page scanned and printed directly from the actual original comic book art at full size. While appearing to be in black & white, each page has been scanned in color to mimic as closely as possible the experience of viewing the actual original art—affording readers the opportunity to see blue pencils in the art, editorial notes, art corrections, etc.

This amazing and unique line has previously featured some of Marvel’s most beloved characters and creators, like Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor, John Romita’s The Amazing Spider-Man, and David Mazzucchelli’s Daredevil Born Again. In late fall of 2015, IDW and Marvel will team up once again to add Marvel’s Star Wars creators to this already illustrious list.

“Since the inception of our Artist’s Edition program, we’ve had Star Wars on our wish list,” said Goldstein. “During its original nine year run at Marvel, an all-star list of artists provided material for these now classic comic books from the likes of Howard Chaykin, Walter Simonson, Carmine Infantino, Tom Palmer, and of course the legendary Al Williamson, to name a few.”

“The collaboration between IDW and Marvel has produced some of the most immaculate collections of reprinted original comic book material ever to be offered,” says Marvel SVP Sales & Marketing David Gabriel. “Now with the addition of the Marvel Comics’ 1977 Star Wars being gathered in this over-sized format, this collection truly is a pantheon of content that any and all fans of Star Wars will want to get their hands on.”

STAR WARS MICRO COLLECTORS FUN PACKS
Star Wars is also coming to the Micro Collectors Fun Pack line; a format pioneered by IDW that has fast become a fan-favorite. Micro Collector Fun Packs consist of a full-length, pocket-sized comic-book story, along with exclusive inserts including posters, standees, or stickers. Micro Collector Fun Packs continue to reach new audiences with great content and are available at both local comic shops and mass retail locations like Target and Toys “R” Us.

Each Star Wars Classic Micro Collector Fun Pack release will include a collectible classic Star Wars comic for fans to collect. The first set of Star Wars Classic Micro Collector Fun Packs, which have been designed to be enjoyed by Jedi of all ages, are planned for a fall 2015 release.

Visit www.idwpublishing.com, “Like” us on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter @IDWPublishing for more information about IDW’s Star Wars releases and more.


About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2015 MARVEL

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Ava DuVernay to Speak at Odyssey Network Business Retreat Thursday, May 21st

Academy Award-Nominated Director Ava DuVernay shares insight during 16th Annual Odyssey Business Network Retreat

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Academy Award-nominated director Ava DuVernay and Sharon Taylor, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Prudential Financial, Inc. and Chair, The Prudential Foundation will headline the ‘Up Close & Personal’ town hall on Thursday, May 21st, 2015; 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. during the Odyssey Network Business Retreat. The 16th annual retreat, presented by title sponsor Prudential, will be held May 19 – 22, 2015 at the Ritz-Carlton Naples. This event will be open to the media; full details for press interested in covering it are below.

    “Ava’s self-guided path in honoring her own voice is symbolic of the brave journey many Odyssey Women share.”

DuVernay, the first African-American woman director to have a film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture for her recent critically acclaimed “Selma”, will join an influential line up of ceiling breakers, including Sheila Johnson, CEO of Salamander Hotels and Resorts; Pauline Brown, Chairman of LVMH North America; Rosalind Brewer, President and CEO of Sam’s Club; Terrez Thompson, VP of Global Supplier Diversity, Coca Cola; Soledad O‘Brien, CEO, Starfish Media; Deborah Martin Chase, CEO, Martin Chase Productions; and Rosalind Hudnell, Chief Diversity Officer, Intel Corporation. Odyssey attendees will participate in a variety of interactive panels and one-on-one coaching that will explore tools for navigating the corporate and entrepreneurial landscape, maintaining relationships and communicating effectively.

"I am ecstatic to have Ava join us this year on the coattails of the ‘Selma’ film’s success,” said Linda Spradley Dunn, CEO & Founder Odyssey Media. “Ava’s self-guided path in honoring her own voice is symbolic of the brave journey many Odyssey Women share.”

“Odyssey creates the space for us to tackle some of our biggest challenges by learning from one another, which inevitably leads to fresh ideas, new alliances and unexpected opportunities,” said Taylor. “We believe Ava’s compelling journey will inspire and inevitably help participants spark new ideas.”


ABOUT ODYSSEY MEDIA
Odyssey Media is a minority certified, female-owned, marketing company that connects thousands of influential, affluent, multicultural, female, corporate executives and key decision makers as well as designs exclusive introductions, research and integrations to Fortune 500 corporate partners. Odyssey facilitates brilliant, high-octane, members-only experiences that optimize professional and personal being. The unparalleled blend of empowering, signature events spans from the marquee annual business retreat, skill-equipping boot camps, meet-ups in 20 U.S. cities and two countries, to relevant social forums. Odyssey Media is headquartered in West Palm Beach, Florida. www.oretreat.com

ABOUT PRUDENTIAL FINANCIAL, INC.
Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE:PRU), a financial services leader with more than $1 trillion of assets under management as of March 31, 2015, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds and investment management. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

Media Access and RSVP Information:

Odyssey will be open to the media. Interested outlets must RSVP to tbernard@odysseymc.com by Tuesday, May 19th, for credentialing information. Please include media outlet, the number of passes being requested, and any special equipment needs. Power and wireless will be provided on-site.

Follow @odysseymedia and join the conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by using #OdysseyRetreat2015 #womeninspired.

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"InuYasha: The Final Act" on Blu-ray and DVD May 26th

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT

Exciting Grand Finale Of The Legendary Fantasy Action Anime Series Set For Blu-ray And DVD Release

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, will deliver the series finale of one of anime’s most venerated series with the home media release of INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT on High Definition Blu-ray and Standard Edition DVD on May 26th, 2015.

INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT is based on the bestselling fantasy adventure manga series (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi. The Blu-ray and DVD editions each contain the final 26 episodes of the long running anime show along with select bonus features. Both formats feature English dubbed along with Japanese subtitled dialogue options.

The INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT Blu-ray Edition collects the entire season on 4 discs with episodes presented in full 1080p High Definition, 16x9 video. English and Japanese DTS-HD Audio options are available along with bonus features including production and storyboard art galleries and the original Japanese broadcast trailers. The MSRP is $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN.

The INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT DVD Edition offers series episodes on 4 discs, presented with 16x9 standard video resolution and English and Japanese 2.0 stereo audio. Bonus features include the original Japanese series trailers. The MSRP is $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

“INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT delivers the grand finale of Inuyasha and Kagome’s quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager, Animation. “Longtime fans can complete their INUYASHA personal anime complete with the release of THE FINAL ACT on DVD and Blu-ray and witness the epic showdown with the evil demon, Naraku, and discover the long-awaited answer to the ultimate question of Kagome and Inuyasha’s future together!”

In the thrilling conclusion to this famed anime series, Kagome is an ordinary schoolgirl who finds her destiny linked to a hotheaded but brave half demon named Inuyasha and the powerful Shikon Jewel. In their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome face their ultimate enemy, the demon mastermind Naraku. Kagome finds herself pulled between two worlds as she struggles to fight alongside Inuyasha in the feudal era and study for her high school entrance exams in the present. As the battle enters its final stage, Inuyasha and his friends have their strength, loyalties and will to live pushed to the limit. The final key to Naraku's and the Jewel's destruction may lie in nothing more - and nothing less - than the trust between a half demon and a girl from the future. All roads have led here, to one last battle and one final act!

Fans also can explore an array of colorful INUYASHA art books as well as 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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Brad Woods is New Chief Marketing Officer of VIZ Media

VIZ MEDIA NAMES BRAD WOODS AS CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Entertainment Executive To Lead Global Multimedia Initiatives And Drive Omni-Channel Marketing For The Industry’s Leading Catalog Of Anime And Manga Content

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has announced that Brad Woods has been named as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).

“Brad Woods is a seasoned entertainment executive with a proven success record of enhancing brand equity, increasing revenue, and achieving results with innovative strategies and visionary leadership,” says Ken Sasaki, CEO of VIZ Media. “His multi-disciplinary experience will play a vital role in expanding VIZ Media’s market share across the publishing, digital content, licensing, home media, and consumer product landscapes.” 

Woods will be responsible for developing a range of marketing and product strategies to expand the VIZ Media brand and omni-channel marketing for titles across all company imprints.

“I am very excited to build upon VIZ Media’s mission to offer exciting and unique multimedia content to a diverse global audience,” Woods says. “Our dynamic catalog of titles across the print, digital, broadcast, and mobile arenas will allow us to reinvent how consumers discover, enjoy, and interact with our properties on a truly global level.”

Woods joins VIZ Media from DreamWorks Animation, where he served as Senior Vice President leading the domestic consumer products and retail business development divisions. During his tenure at DreamWorks, he restructured and substantially expanded the studio’s consumer products business, led the U.S. licensing and retail teams, and also provided strategic leadership for breakthrough marketing programs on properties including Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, and How To Train Your Dragon.

Over his 20-year career, Woods has held senior positions in the entertainment and multi-media industries with companies including Mattel and Warner Bros. Entertainment. His experience spans a wide variety of marketing and licensing operations such as product marketing, brand development, corporate marketing and communications, lead generation, channel relations, and digital and social media marketing. He holds an MBA from the University of Southern California, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and a BS from the University of Arizona.

For more information on 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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"Mad Max: Fury Road" Drives Past $109.4 Million in Worldwide Box Office

George Miller’s “Mad Max: Fury Road” Roars to a $109.4 Million Worldwide Opening With a Global Day-and-Date Release
Film is the #1 new release at the worldwide box office “Mad Max: Fury Road” gives George Miller his biggest opening ever and is already the top-grossing “Mad Max” film

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Riding on rave reviews and huge anticipation around the globe, Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Village Roadshow Pictures’ “Mad Max: Fury Road” thundered at the worldwide box office with an opening weekend of more than $109.4 million, making it the #1 new release at the global box office. It is also the biggest opening ever for director George Miller and is already the highest grossing of all the “Mad Max” films. The announcement was made today by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

    “It’s truly gratifying to see the fantastic critical reaction translate to such strong numbers at the box office. George Miller’s edge-of-your-seat, action-packed experience is a must-see big-screen visual stunner that is luring both diehard followers and new fans around the world.”
George Miller’s return to the world of “Mad Max” was a major draw overseas, where it earned an aggregate estimated $65 million in 68 territories on 16,900 screens. It was #1 at the box office in almost 40 territories, including Australia, the birthplace of the post-apocalyptic anti-hero, as well as such key markets as France, Russia, Spain, Italy, Brazil, Korea, all of Scandinavia, and many more.

On the domestic front, “Mad Max: Fury Road” had an excellent opening of more than $44.4 million at 3,702 locations.

In making the announcement, Fellman said, “George Miller, together with his extraordinary cast, led by Tom Hardy and Charlize Theron, and fellow filmmakers, has created a movie-going experience that critics agree is not to be missed, as evidenced by the 98% ‘Fresh’ score on Rotten Tomatoes—resulting in the biggest opening weekend ever for an R-rated actioner so well-reviewed. Word of mouth is already tremendous and should drive box office returns well into summer.”

Kwan Vandenberg stated, “It’s truly gratifying to see the fantastic critical reaction translate to such strong numbers at the box office. George Miller’s edge-of-your-seat, action-packed experience is a must-see big-screen visual stunner that is luring both diehard followers and new fans around the world.”

Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, said, “Anticipation began with our early campaign, which offered just a taste of the world inhabited by George Miller’s unique characters. Triumphant premieres in Los Angeles and at the Cannes Film Festival further fueled the social media buzz surrounding ‘Fury Road,’ which, combined with phenomenal reviews, turned the release into a global event.”

Greg Silverman, President, Creative Development and Worldwide Production, added, “The success of ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ is a testament to the commitment of George Miller and his team to deliver something moviegoers have never seen before. George’s vision not only lives up to the legacy of his pioneering ‘Mad Max’ films but expands upon that legacy for a new generation. We thank our partners at Village Roadshow and, together with them, congratulate everyone involved in the film.”

From director George Miller, originator of the post-apocalyptic genre and mastermind behind the legendary “Mad Max” franchise, comes “Mad Max: Fury Road,” a return to the world of the Road Warrior, Max Rockatansky.

Haunted by his turbulent past, Mad Max believes the best way to survive is to wander alone. Nevertheless, he becomes swept up with a group fleeing across the Wasteland in a War Rig driven by Imperator Furiosa. They are escaping a Citadel tyrannized by the Immortan Joe, from whom something irreplaceable has been taken. Enraged, the Warlord marshals all his gangs and pursues the rebels ruthlessly in the high-octane Road War that follows.

Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”) stars in the title role in “Mad Max: Fury Road”—the fourth in the franchise’s history. Oscar winner Charlize Theron (“Monster,” “Prometheus”) stars as Imperator Furiosa. The film also stars Nicholas Hoult (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as Nux; Hugh Keays-Byrne (“Mad Max,” “Sleeping Beauty”) as Immortan Joe; Josh Helman (“X-Men: Days of Future Past”) as Slit; Nathan Jones (“Conan the Barbarian”) as Rictus Erectus; collectively known as The Wives, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”) is The Splendid Angharad, Riley Keough (“Magic Mike”) is Capable, Zoë Kravitz (“Divergent”) plays Toast the Knowing, Abbey Lee is The Dag, and Courtney Eaton is Cheedo the Fragile. Also featured in the movie are John Howard, Richard Carter, singer/songwriter/performer iOTA, Angus Sampson, Jennifer Hagan, Megan Gale, Melissa Jaffer, Melita Jurisic, Gillian Jones and Joy Smithers.

Oscar-winning filmmaker George Miller (“Happy Feet”) directed the film from a screenplay he wrote with Brendan McCarthy and Nico Lathouris. Miller also produced the film, along with longtime producing partner, Oscar nominee Doug Mitchell (“Babe”, “Happy Feet”), and PJ Voeten. Iain Smith, Chris deFaria, Courtenay Valenti, Graham Burke, Bruce Berman and Steven Mnuchin served as executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team included Oscar-winning director of photography John Seale (“The English Patient”), production designer Colin Gibson (“Babe”), editor Margaret Sixel (“Happy Feet”), Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan (“A Room with a View”), second unit director and stunt coordinator Guy Norris (“Australia”), and makeup designer Lesley Vanderwalt (“Knowing”).

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Village Roadshow Pictures, a Kennedy Miller Mitchell production, a George Miller film, “Mad Max: Fury Road.” The film is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, and in select territories by Village Roadshow Pictures. This film has been rated R for intense sequences of violence throughout, and for disturbing images.

madmaxmovie.com

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VIZ Media Marks 10 Years of the Shojo Beat Imprint with New Manga

VIZ MEDIA MARKS THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SHOJO BEAT IMPRINT

Celebrate 10 Years Of Shojo Manga In North America With First-Ever U.S. Appearance Of KAMISAMA KISS Creator Along With Convention Exclusives And Upcoming Shojo Manga Series Debuts

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, prepares to celebrate a special milestone with shojo manga fans and a special guest this summer. The company’s Shojo Beat imprint marks its 10th Anniversary and celebrates many more years of great shojo manga to come with a host of activities, creator appearances and special promotions taking place at upcoming major summertime conventions including Anime Expo, San Diego Comic-Con and Otakon.

VIZ Media is proud to announce that it will partner with the 2015 Anime Expo to present the first-ever appearance in the U.S. of Julietta Suzuki, the famed creator of KAMISAMA KISS, at the annual July event held in Los Angeles, CA. Scheduling and event information about her personal appearance will be released soon. KAMISAMA KISS is published by Shojo Beat. Fans also can check Shojo Beat’s social media channels for additional information in coming weeks:

§  twitter.com/shojobeat

§  www.facebook.com/OfficialShojoBeat

§  officialshojobeat.tumblr.com

§  www.facebook.com/OfficialVIZMedia

Julietta Suzuki's debut manga Hoshi ni Naru Hi (The Day One Becomes a Star) appeared in the 2004 Hana to Yume Plus. Her other books include Akuma to Dolce (The Devil and Sweets), Karakuri Odette, and Kamisama Kiss (Kamisama Hajimemashita), which is published by VIZ Media.

Manga readers also can look forward to the upcoming launch beginning this summer of a wide variety of brand new series from the Shojo Beat imprint that will be available in print as well as digitally from VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App as well as from the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, comiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

The new series include the gender-swapping hijinks of SO CUTE IT HURTS!!, paranormal drama THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMOCHI HOUSE; the tale of an overachieving student with a double life in MAID-SAMA!, the story of a haunted high school in QQ SWEEPER, a woman’s determination to seize her chance at love and fame in IDOL DREAMS, the death-wish vampire comedy BLOODY MARY, and heartwarming romance in HONEY SO SWEET.

“VIZ Media helped pioneer the shojo manga genre in North America and also has played a pivotal role in bringing shojo content to scores of other readers around the world,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Senior Editor, Shojo Beat. “Since launching the Shojo Beat imprint in 2005, the genre’s popularity has grown substantially with groundbreaking series such as VAMPIRE KNIGHT, THE GENTLEMEN'S ALLIANCE CROSS, BLACK BIRD, and OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB. We look forward to fans celebrating 10 great years of shojo manga with us this year!”

Shojo Beat’s milestone anniversary commemorations take place this summer at Anime Expo and San Diego Comic-Con, where VIZ Media will present in-booth displays of shikishi (special Japanese art boards) featuring original artwork by a host of well-known manga creators that were created specially for the imprint’s 10th anniversary. An exclusive Shojo Beat calendar featuring artwork from various popular manga series will be given away at the VIZ Media booth at these conventions along with exclusive collectable items imported from Japan. And stay tuned for other special shojo-focused promotions, sales and fan events at these shows, as well as upcoming events held around Otakon.

Don’t miss these forthcoming Shojo Beat releases:

SO CUTE IT HURTS!!, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available June 2nd

In this highly anticipated new series by Go Ikeyamada, the Kobayashi twins, Mego and Mitsuru, were named after historical figures, but only Mego has grown up with a taste for history. So when Mitsuru is in danger of losing his weekends to extra history classes, he convinces his sister to swap clothes with him and ace his tests! After all, how hard can it be for them to play each other?

THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMOCHI HOUSE, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available July 7th

On her sixteenth birthday, orphan Himari Momochi inherits her ancestral estate that she’s never seen. Momochi House exists on the barrier between the human and spiritual realms, and Himari is meant to act as guardian between the two worlds. But on the day she moves in, she finds three handsome squatters already living in the house, and one seems to have already taken over her role! Catch this paranormal drama by renowned creator, Aya Shouoto (KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS).

MAID-SAMA!, (2-in-1 Omnibus Edition) · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $10.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available August 4th

As if being class president of a predominantly male high school isn’t hard enough, Misaki Ayuzawa has a major secret – she works at a maid café after school! How is she supposed to keep her image of being ultra-smart, strong and overachieving intact once school heartthrob Takumi Usui discovers her double life?! MAID-SAMA is created by Hiro Fujiwara.

Also catch these new 2015 Fall/Winter titles:

QQ SWEEPER, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available October 6th

In this new series by Kyousuke Motomi (creator of BEAST MASTER and DENGEKI DAISY), Kyutaro Horikita, the tall, dark and handsome cleaning expert of Kurokado High, meets a sleeping maiden at the school: transfer student Fumi Nishioka! Fumi’s going to learn how to rid the school of nasty spirits with Kyutaro’s help, and her heart will surprisingly be “cleansed” too…!

IDOL DREAMS, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available November 3rd

At age 31, office worker Chikage Deguchi feels she missed her chances at love and success. When word gets out that she’s a virgin, Chikage is humiliated and wishes she could turn back time to when she was still young and popular. She takes an experimental drug that changes her appearance back to when she was 15. Now Chikage is determined to pursue everything she missed out on all those years ago –including becoming a star! IDOL DREAMS is the new series by acclaimed shojo manga creator Arina Tanemura (FULL MOON, THE GENTLEMAN’S ALLIANCE CROSS, I.O.N, TIME STRANGER KYOKO, SAKURA HIME, and PHANTOM THIEF JEANNE).

BLOODY MARY, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T’ for Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available December 1st

Catch a heart-pounding tale of an unorthodox allegiance by creator Akaza Samamiya. “Bloody” Mary, a vampire with a death wish, has spent the past 400 years chasing down a modern-day exorcist named Maria who is thought to have inherited “The Blood of Maria” and is the only one who can kill Mary. To Mary’s dismay, Maria doesn’t know how to kill vampires. Desperate to die, Mary agrees to become Maria’s bodyguard until Maria can find a way to kill him.

HONEY SO SWEET, Vol. 1 · Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens · Print MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN; Digital MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) · Available January 5th, 2016

HONEY SO SWEET, by new manga artist Amu Meguro, is a heartwarming story about love that begins out of an act of kindness. Little did Nao Kogure realize back in middle school that when she left an umbrella and a box of bandages in the rain for injured delinquent Taiga Onise that she would meet him again in high school. Nao wants nothing to do with the gruff and frightening Taiga, but he suddenly presents her with a huge bouquet of flowers and asks her to date him – with marriage in mind! Is Taiga really so scary, or is he a sweetheart in disguise?

For more information on Shojo Beat manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit ShojoBeat.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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