VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT ANIME ON DVD & BLU-RAY

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE RELEASE OF MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT ANIME SERIES ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

Complete Anime Fantasy Action Adventure From Production I.G. To Be Released On DVD And Blu-ray

San Francisco, CA, August 21, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, delivers the riveting anime action fantasy series about a wandering warrior and a fallen prince to fans with the home media release of MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT on August 26^th.

The 26-episode series, based on a bestselling collection of Japanese fantasy novels by author Nahoko Uehashi, is rated ‘TV-14’ and will be offered on 4 discs available on DVD and Blu-ray formats. The series will carry a DVD MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $43.24 CAN; Blu-ray MSRP will be $54.97 U.S. / $66.15 CAN.  The series will also be available for digital download from a range of top media content providers including Apple iTunes, GooglePlay, Amazon Instant Video, PlayStation Network and the Xbox Marketplace on August 26^th (English dubbed version) and on September 2^nd (Japanese with English subtitles).     

The Blu-ray release features episodes presented in full 1080p High Definition 16x9 video, along with dubbed English and Japanese 2.0 dialogue as well as English subtitle options. The DVD edition features 16x9 Standard Definition video and available English and Japanese 2.0 audio and English subtitle options. Special bonus features for both sets include series trailers, a MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT promotional film, a “Pilot” production film, the series’ official press conference and discussion panels, as well as clean opening and closing segments.

Young Prince Chagum has been suspected of demonic possession by court advisors who see only one solution: death. But his salvation may lie in the hands of Balsa, the spear-wielding bodyguard from Kanbal, the kingdom across the mountains. Her vow to save eight worthy souls has led her to the imperiled Chagum and into the mystery of the water spirit, a mystical entity that may hold the key to saving millions of lives from drought. Her skill and tenacity are legendary, but can she fend off an entire empire?

“MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT is a thrilling anime series with some beautifully rendered artwork and a well developed plot from Production IG that North American action and fantasy fans will not want to miss,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Animation Marketing Manager. “The stage is set for lots of drama and action as Prince Chagum and his bodyguard journey through dangerous realm to uncover the Prince’s mysterious connection to a legendary water spirit.  We look forward to fans making this new release a riveting addition to their personal anime collections.”

For more information on MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT or other anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit: www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

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

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES NEW WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP PRINT EDITION "JUMP PACK" ISSUE 3

THE EXCITING WORLD OF MANGA AWAITS FANS AS VIZ MEDIA RELEASES NEW WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP

PRINT EDITION “JUMP PACK” ISSUE 3

Latest Jump Pack Features 100+ Pages Of Manga Content, A

3-Month Digital Subscription And An Exclusive

YU-GI-OH! Collectible Trading Card

VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP manga magazine has released its third and latest edition of the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Jump Pack. The new issue is now available in-print throughout the U.S. and Canada, exclusively from retailers serviced by Diamond Comic Distributors and also from the leading online anime/manga retailer Right Stuf. The WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Jump Pack 2014, Issue 3 is rated ‘T’ for Teens and carries an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

The latest Jump Pack issue features individual manga chapters from a sampling of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP’s fan-loved, smash-hit continuing series including the paranormal exploits of BLEACH, the ongoing ninja saga of NARUTO, the high seas adventure of ONE PIECE, the apocalyptic vampire thriller SERAPH OF THE END: VAMPIRE REIGN, and the kinetic action of YU-GI-OH! ZEXAL.

The latest issue features a special promotional code for a 3-month weekly digital subscription to the magazine and also includes a limited edition Black Luster Soldier - Envoy of the Evening Twilight YU-GI-OH! trading card. This card is exclusive to Jump Pack Issue 3 and Weekly Shonen Jump annual subscribers.

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is the world’s premiere manga brand and leading weekly manga magazine. The digital version published every week by VIZ Media features the latest installments of some of the world’s most popular manga series released to English readers on the same day as the magazine’s general print release in Japan.

VIZ Media offers North American fans single issues of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP for only $0.99 each. One-year Memberships are also available for only $25.99 (U.S. / CAN) and include 48 weekly digital issues as well as exclusive YU-GI-OH! Collectable Trading Cards, special one-shot manga, exclusive digital-only promotions, and access to additional subscriber-only content including creator interviews and insightful promo videos. Current subscribers can also access their accounts via VIZManga.com, the VIZ Manga App, or with the Apple iOS Newsstand App.

The digital version of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP is also available to international readers in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa via the Newsstand App for the Apple iPad^® and iPad^® Mini, or the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App on the Google Play Store for Android devices. International issues debut each Monday at 10:00am (PST) and monthly subscriptions are available with automatic monthly renewals. Additional information on international subscriptions is available at: http://shonenjump.viz.com/international-wsj-app.

For more information on WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and other exclusive subscriber offers, please visit shonenjump.viz.com.

VIZ MEDIA DEBUT MANGA SERIES FOOD WARS!

A Talented Young Chef Enrolls At An Exclusive Culinary School Known For Its Brutally Low Graduation Rate

 VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, invites readers and aspiring gourmands to savor the delicious new manga (graphic novel) series, FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, now available.

 The action-packed, saucy comedy about a boy’s determination to become a top chef features a story by Yuto Tsukuda with artwork by Shun Saeki and is published under the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint. FOOD WARS! is rated “T+” for Older Teens and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The ongoing series will see new volumes released on a bimonthly basis.

 Digital versions of FOOD WARS Vols. 1 and 2 are already available for $6.99 each (USD/CAN) on VIZManga.com, through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^®, iPod^® touch, and Android-powered smart phones, and through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

 In FOOD WARS!, Soma Yukihira’s old man runs a small family restaurant in the less savory end of town. Aiming to one day surpass his father’s culinary prowess, Soma hones his skills day in and day out until one day, out of the blue, his father decides to enroll Soma in a classy culinary school! Can Soma really cut it in a place that prides itself on a 10 percent graduation rate? And can he convince the beautiful, domineering heiress of the school that he belongs there at all?!

 “FOOD WARS! is a titillating and tasty new manga release that ranks as one of the most popular titles currently featured in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump. We are looking forward to North American fans discovering this funny and appetite-inducing series,” says Jennifer LeBlanc, Editor. “There is great attention to detail in the food preparation depicted in both the writing and art of this series, and each volume also includes special recipes that readers can try at home. See a different sort of hell’s kitchen unfold as young Soma faces a seemingly insurmountable array of challenges in his quest to become one of the world’s greatest chefs.”

 Yuto Tsukuda won the 34^th Jump Juniketsu Newcomers' Manga Award for his one-shot story Kiba ni Naru. He made his Weekly Shonen Jump debut in 2010 with the series Shonen Shikku. His follow-up series, FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, is his first title to be translated into English and released in North America.

  Manga artist Shun Saeki made his Jump NEXT! debut in 2011 with the one-shot story Kimi to Watashi no Renai Soudan. FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA is his first Shonen Jump series.

 For more information on FOOD WARS!: SHOKUGEKI NO SOMA, or other manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

A DARK VAMPIRE ROMANCE BLOSSOMS

In New Series From VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat Imprint, A Celebrated Opera Singer Dies In A Tragic Accident, Returning As A Vampire With A Diabolical Mission To Spawn The Next Generation Of Undead

 VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, notably expands its shojo manga (graphic novel) roster with the launch of the new series BLACK ROSE ALICE from award winning creator Setona Mizushiro. 

BLACK ROSE ALICE, Vol. 1 is now available in print from the Shojo Beat imprint and is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens. Volumes each carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Future installments of this continuing series will be released in English on a bi-monthly basis.

A digital version of BLACK ROSE ALICE, Vol. 1 is also available for $6.99 (USD/CAN) from VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones, as well as through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

In BLACK ROSE ALICE, Dimitri Lewandowski is a celebrated tenor in early 1900s Vienna. When he is killed in an accident, his corpse is colonized by the seeds of a vampire master. At first, Dimitri denies that anything has changed, but as the people around him start dying, he is forced to accept the ghastly truth.

“BLACK ROSE ALICE is a dark supernatural romance with a suspenseful storyline that puts its own unique twist on the vampire genre,” says Pancha Diaz, Editor. “After a prologue set in a beautifully rendered 1900s Vienna, the series flashes forward to modern Japan where Dimitri, who has become a fully developed vampire, appears in the dreams of a heartbroken woman to present a sinister proposal – he will save her fatally injured love, for a terrible price!”

Setona Mizushiro’s professional debut, Fuyu ga, Owarou Toshiteita (Winter Was Ending), won the 1993 Shogakukan Manga New Author Award. Her gender bending psychological thriller, After School Nightmare, was nominated for an Eisner Award and also recognized by YALSA as a Great Graphic Novel in 2007.

For more information on BLACK ROSE ALICE, or other shojo manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS THE LAUNCH OF NEW MANGA SERIES SPELL OF DESIRE

In This New Series From The Creator Of MIDNIGHT SECRETARY, A Romance Develops Between A Young Witch And Her Handsome But Mysterious Protector

 VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, brings a hot new paranormal romance to fans and readers this month with the debut of the manga series SPELL OF DESIRE.

Volume 1 of the new series, created by Tomu Ohmi, is available now and published under the Shojo Beat imprint. SPELL OF DESIRE is rated ‘M’ for Mature Readers and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Future English editions of the 5-volume manga series will be released quarterly.

A digital version is also now available for $6.99 (USD/CAN) on VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad^®, iPhone^® and iPod^® touch, Android-powered smart phones, as well as through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

In SPELL OF DESIRE, Kaoruko Mochizuki runs an herb shop in a small seaside town. One day, a mysterious man dressed in black named Kaname Hibiki enters her shop and reveals that Kaoruko is actually a witch. And what’s more, Kaoruko needs Kaname to help control her awakening power! 

“SPELL OF DESIRE is a sexy supernatural romance story between a witch and her mysterious handsome bodyguard/protector. Shojo manga fans will love the gorgeous artwork and the passionate relationship that develops between Kaoruko and Kaname,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Manga creator Tomu Ohmi first captured the attention of fans and received acclaim from critics with her other supernatural shojo series, MIDNIGHT SECRETARY, and we look forward to readers falling under the spell of her latest captivating manga release.”

Manga creator Tomu Ohmi debuted in 2000 with the supernatural manga Kindan no Koi wo Shiyou. She also is the creator of MIDNIGHT SECRETARY, which is published in North America, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand by VIZ Media’s Shojo Beat imprint.

For more information on SPELL OF DESIRE, or other shojo manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES VAMPIRE KNIGHT: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION ANIME BOX SET

Return To Cross Academy For The Paranormal Romance And Dark Bloodlust In Both Seasons Of Acclaimed Gothic Anime Series Offered In A New Comprehensive DVD Box Set

 VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, has released the brooding gothic melodrama – VAMPIRE KNIGHT – in a comprehensive DVD box set that contains both seasons of the hit anime series in a single new edition.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION is available now and is rated TV-14. The 4-disc set is available exclusively on DVD with an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. /$43.24 CAN.

The new box set contains VAMPIRE KNIGHT as well as VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, for a total of 26 episodes. Gorgeous O-card box art features foil embossed stamping, and a special illustrated chart is also included that shows the relationships between all of the series’ key characters. English dubbed 2.0 audio is available as well as the original Japanese dialogue track with English subtitles.

Yuki Cross can’t remember anything earlier than the day ten years ago when she was saved from a vampire attack by Pureblood vampire Kaname Kuran. Now Yuki, along with her partner, Zero, is a Guardian at Cross Academy, where two groups of students, the Day Class and the Night Class, coexist in relative harmony, despite the fact that the Night Class students are all vampires! But their peaceful existence is threatened when Yuki’s memories of a bloodstained past begin to emerge, and a dark shadow of evil looms ever closer!

“Audiences can return to the ominous Cross Academy and savor the gothic romance and bloodlust, dark characters, and beautiful artwork that have made the VAMPIRE KNIGHT series such a hit among anime fans,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Manager Animation Marketing. “For the first time, both seasons of VAMPIRE KNIGHT are available in a single complete DVD box set. For anyone that has yet to see this acclaimed series, the new release is also an ideal way to catch it in its entirety.”

VAMPIRE KNIGHT and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY are based on the best-selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens; published in North America in-print and digitally by VIZ Media), who burst onto the scene in Japan with her debut title, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over) in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both also published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has become a major force in the world of shojo manga.

Also don’t miss the VAMPIRE KNIGHT FANBOOK and THE ART OF VAMPIRE KNIGHT, both available from VIZ Media.

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