Includes Special YU-GI-OH! Trading Card Promotion For All Subscribers
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: SJAlpha.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Contents page for issue 1. Image courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 2012 VIZ Media LLC

The wait is finally over! VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, launches the debut issue of its new digital manga magazine — Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha — today! The first issue is available now through VIZManga.com; it will also be part of the upcoming update to the VIZ Manga apps for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.

Each new digital edition of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha treats manga fans in North America to the latest chapters of some of the world’s most popular manga series only two weeks after they debut in Japan’s massively popular Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. The first issue of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha also includes part 1 of an exclusive of an interview with Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, where he discusses the inner workings behind his creative process and how he creates a story that captivates audiences from all over the world.

To further celebrate the launch, Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha has joined forces with Konami to delight Duelists and manga fans with a special offer! Fans that sign up for an annual membership to Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha will receive highly collectable YU-GI-OH! game cards four times a year, delivered right to their doorstep before anyone else has them.
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Releases Based on the New Studio Ghibli Film Include Film Comics, Art and Picture Books
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Movie Site: karigurashi.jp (Japan), arrietty.com.au (Australia), disney.go.com/arrietty (US)
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

The Secret World of Arrietty Film Comic Volume 1.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2010 GNDHDDTW

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, brings the miniaturized adventure of famed Studio Ghibli’s newest animated creation — THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY (借りぐらしのアリエッティ, Karigurashi no Arrietty, 2010) — to readers everywhere with a collection of Arrietty film comics, art and picture books set to debut on February 7th, 2012. THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is scheduled for North American theatrical release on February 17th, 2012.

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY is based on the celebrated novel, The Borrowers, by Mary Norton and was produced by Studio Ghibli, the famed animation company founded by Hayao Miyazaki, which also created SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE, HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE and PONYO. The new film, with planning/screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki and directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi, will feature the voice talents of Bridget Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett and Will Arnett for its English language release.

“Fans and readers of all ages won’t want to miss these new additions to VIZ Media’s Studio Ghibli Library of titles,” says Masumi Washington, Senior Director, Editorial. “Studio Ghibli has mastered the ability to tell poignant and engaging stories that captivate both children and adults, and their latest film, THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY, continues this tradition. Our forthcoming picture book and film comics are fun ways for young readers to visit the world of ARRIETTY while the gorgeous art book will be a must-have for the ardent Studio Ghibli fan or those who want to know more about the evolution of the film. Discover the adventures in-store for this band of ‘borrowers’ in these new releases scheduled for February!”
Continued…

The digital releases of Naruto, Bleach and One Piece are now current with each series’ publication in Japan. Photos courtesy of VIZ Media.
Naruto © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha Inc. Bleach © 2001 Tite Kubo/Shueisha Inc. Inc. One Piece © 1997 Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha Inc.

Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

At long last, the day fans have been waiting for is here — digital volumes of Bleach Vol. 53, Naruto Vol. 58 and One Piece Vol. 64 are now available on VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone & iPod touch, catching North American readers up to Japan releases!

These volumes have been released ahead of the print editions as part of the SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP speed up to get U.S. readers up to date with Japan, just in time for the debut of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (Weekly SJ Alpha) this Monday, January 30th.
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Free Event in West Hollywood Gives Sneak Peek at North America’s First Digital Weekly Manga Anthology
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for the first issue of the new digital manga
magazine Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 VIZ Media LLC

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, invites Southern California manga/anime fans and pop culture enthusiasts to a very special launch event for the new Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (Weekly SJ Alpha) on Saturday, January 28th at the West Hollywood Library in Los Angeles, CA.

The event is FREE to attend and takes place between 2:00pm-5:00pm in the library’s Community Room. The West Hollywood Library is located at 625 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069. Additional library details are available at colapublib.org/libs/whollywood.

During the event, attendees will be able to preview the first issue of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha content on several iPads that will be available, meet VIZ Media staff, and take advantage of fun photo opportunities with the world’s most popular ninja, Naruto, and Bleach’s Kon. Gift bags will be given away (while supplies last) and attendees can enter to win other fun prizes in a special raffle contest. Japanese snacks such as Pocky provided by Ezaki Glico USA and other refreshments will also be served while supplies last.
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Natural Disasters of High “MONSTER MAGNITUDE” Threaten Japan in New Novel
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: haikasoru.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Hiroshi Yamamoto’s novel MM9 will appeal to fans
of Godzilla, Gamera and Ultraman. Photo courtesy
of VIZ Media. © 2007 by Hiroshi Yamamoto

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint brings a fantastic new tale of science fiction and giant monsters to North American readers with the release of Hiroshi Yamamoto’s novel MM9, available now. The release will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. An eBook edition is also available on the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, the Barnes & Noble’s Nook Books Store, and the Sony Reader Store for $8.99.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

The Japan of MM9 is beset by natural disasters all the time: typhoons, earthquakes… and giant monster attacks. A special anti-monster unit called the Meteorological Agency Monsterological Measures Department (MMD) has been formed to deal with natural disasters of high “monster magnitude.” The work is challenging, the public is hostile, and the monsters are hungry, but the MMD crew has science, teamwork… and a legendary secret weapon on their side. Together, will try and save Japan, and the universe!
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For A Limited Time Only, New Users Can Download VIZ Manga App And Receive Free Volume 1
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZManga iPad screenshot of Death Note. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2003
Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/ Shueisha Inc.

If you’ve been hesitant about dipping your toes into the digital manga, now’s the perfect time to check out the VIZ Manga App! VIZ Media gives manga readers an added reason to explore the digital manga experience with a special promotion for new users of the VIZ Manga App for Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch devices. From now until January 30th, download the FREE VIZ Manga App to your iOS device, register for a new account, and get a free volume 1 of your choice.

VIZ Media’s multiple digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, on VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers as well as Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.
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New Guide Offers Fans Essential Naruto Character Info As Well As Never-Before-Revealed Data And Secrets
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

VIZ Media has released the new book, Naruto: The
Official Character Data Book. Photo courtesy of VIZ
Media. Naruto [Hiden ・Sha-no Sho] © 2008 by
Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, opens the new year with the latest addition to its extensive library of Naruto titles. Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is available now, offers essential information on key characters from the smash-hit action series, and includes 8 full-color pages. Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

A ninja knows all! And now you can too! Here’s all the intel you need on who’s who in Naruto! The Official Character Data Book gives you all you need stay the expert on all things Naruto. Whether you’re catching up, brushing up, or just getting started with the goings-on in ninja world, this handy, huge guide covers the whole story all the way to Volume 43 of the best-selling manga series!

“Naruto: The Official Character Data Book is a treasure-trove of essential information that will be a must-read for both casual and die-hard Naruto fans,” says Joel Enos, Editor. “Inside these pages, you’ll find never-before revealed data, secrets, and even a few scandals involving your favorite, as well as most-hated, shinobi. And fans won’t want to miss a new manga tale from Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto that you can’t find in English anywhere else!”
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Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha Free Preview Issues; DIGITAL WARP Continues for Bleach and One Piece
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for issue 0 of the new digital manga magazine
Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. Photo courtesy of VIZ
Media. © 2012 VIZ Media LLC

VIZ Media begins 2012 with a brand new update of manga titles available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The countdown to the January 30th debut of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (Weekly SJ Alpha), North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine, continues with the debut of the free Weekly SJ Alpha “Issue Zero” and “Issue Origins.” Get a taste of Weekly SJ Alpha in “Issue Zero,” featuring the recently released-in-Japan chapters of Bakuman。, Bleach, Naruto, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan, One Piece and Toriko. In “Issue Origins,” read where each story began in full first chapter previews, and see why millions of readers worldwide have fallen in love with these series.

Fans can now pre-order an annual subscription or gift a subscription to Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha at SJ.viz.com/preorder. All preorders include entry to win a 16GB WiFi iPad 2. This special limited time promotion will end January 30th at 10AM Pacific.
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Final VIZ Manga Update for 2011 Includes Digital Firsts, Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha PreOrders
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for the first issue of the new digital manga
magazine Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 VIZ Media LLC

VIZ Media concludes the year with a second digital update for December for manga titles available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. Highlights for the newest update include the continuation of the “Shonen Jump Digital Warp”, with Naruto Vol. 57 and One Piece Vol. 62 debuting ahead of the print editions.

Fans can also now pre-order a subscription or give a gift subscription to Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha, North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine which launches in January 2012. Subscribers to Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha will receive a full year’s subscription (48 issues), an annual collector’s yearbook, and access to exclusive content, including creator interviews and videos. The first interview featuring Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto debuts the day Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha launches, on January 30th.

Finally, don’t miss VIZ Media’s special holiday digital manga promotion, which continues through January 8th 2012 and offers up to 20% off on ALL manga titles on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App. Catch up on best-loved or band new series with more than 500 volumes now available at a holiday discount. And look for plenty of new digital manga debuts coming soon in 2012!
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Titles From Leading Manga Publisher Debut Today Exclusively On Barnes & Noble’s 7-Inch NOOK Devices
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

18 VIZ digital manga series like Kekkaishi are now
available for NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 VIZ Media, LLC

Barnes & Noble, Inc., the leading retailer of digital media and educational products, today announced that it has teamed up with VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and publisher of anime and manga in North America, to bring the digital manga experience to NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color customers. Debuting in the NOOK Store today, VIZ Media’s collection includes 18 series, featuring 107 volumes, from its popular Shojo Beat, Shonen Sunday and VIZ Signature imprints. Volumes are available for purchase and fast download in the U.S. and Canada for $4.99 – $9.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. New digital manga volumes, including previews, will be available weekly.

Viewing manga on NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color is authentic thanks to Barnes & Noble’s newly implemented technology that formats manga in its original right-to-left reading order. Read your favorite graphic novels on the award-winning NOOK 7-inch devices, which feature a full-color VividView touchscreen. NOOK Tablet and NOOK Color also give you access to the world’s largest digital bookstore, popular movies, TV shows, music and more through the top entertainment services, as well as a collection of high-quality apps, fast Web browsing and email.
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New Full Color Book Features Illustrations from the Bestselling Manga Series of All Time
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for One Piece Color Walk Vol. 2. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2003 Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of a new collection of manga creator Eiichiro Oda’s artwork from the bestselling pirate adventure, One Piece, with the publication of the One Piece Color Walk Vol. 2 on January 3, 2011. The new art book is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will carry an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

Color images and special illustrations from one of the world’s most popular manga are offered in this vivid new art collection. The book features behind-the-scenes info on how certain characters were designed and also includes an interview with Eiichiro Oda where he discusses his history and evolution as a manga artist. The book also includes a bonus postcard and in-bound full-color poster!

“One Piece is the most popular manga series in Japan and continues to be the bestselling manga series of all time with more than 240 million volumes sold to-date,” says Alexis Kirsch, Editor. “This new edition of One Piece Color Walk Art Book features a big selection of Eiichiro Oda’s artwork rendered in vivid full color. Oda’s illustrations are imaginative, playful, and often dramatic, and most have never been seen before outside Japan. We invite fans to savor all the character and cover art contained in this wonderful new edition!”
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A Princess Uses Her Power to Make a Difference in New Fantasy Romance Series
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for Dawn of the Arcana Volume 1. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2009 Rei Toma/Shogakukan

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the release of the manga series, Dawn of the Arcana, by Rei Toma. The brand new title, available now, is published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and carries an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

In Dawn of the Arcana, Princess Nakaba of Senan is forced to marry Prince Caesar of the enemy country Belquat, tantamount to becoming a hostage. While Caesar is pleasing to the eye, he is also selfish and possessive, telling Nakaba outright: “You are my property.” With only her attendant Loki at her side, Nakaba must find a way to cope with her hostile surroundings, her fake marriage… and a mysterious power!

“Dawn of the Arcana creator Rei Toma has crafted a fascinating tale about a strong princess who discovers that she has an ancient power. She unearths secrets about her past, crosses swords with her husband, and has the gumption to fight for a better future for herself and those around her,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Readers will get swept up in the emotional and dramatic tension that permeates this new fantasy romance story from our Shojo Beat line.”
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Latest Update for VIZManga.com and VIZ Manga App Includes Limited Time Volume 1 20% Off Promotion
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

One Oiece Volume 60 will be available digitally
before the print edition. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 1997 Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media delivers a festive dose of digital sparkle as the 2011 Holiday Season begins with the latest update of manga titles available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

The “Shonen Jump Digital Warp” for One Piece starts with the release of Vol. 59, available the same day the print version debuts, along with the digital first of One Piece Vol. 60. This will be quickly followed by the digital first debut of One Piece Vols. 61-62 on December 12th. The “Shonen Jump Digital Warp” is a ‘speed-up’ of selected titles to bring U.S. readers up-to-date with Japanese releases and prepare for the January 2012 launch of VIZ Media’s debut of the digital Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha, North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine.

The “Shonen Jump Digital Warp” also continues for Masashi Kishimoto’s hit ninja series Naruto, with Volume 56 now available, and for Tite Kubo’s supernatural action saga, Bleach, with Volume 52 debuting on December 12th. Naruto Vols. 54-55 and Bleach Vols. 49-51, are also available now, ahead of the print editions.

December will also see the kick-off of a special limited time promotion that makes all Volume 1 manga titles available for up to 20% off (regular prices range from $4.99 to $9.99). This offer will run until midnight PST on December 12th.
Continued…

Source: Tiger Rock Publishing, Rivers PR press release
Special Thanks to Louise Rivers

Cover design for The Bruce Lee Chronicles: Volume 1. Photo
courtesy of Rivers PR. © 2011 Tiger Rock Publishing

The brand new eBook The Bruce Lee Chronicles: Volume 1 goes on sale in the United Kingdom from December 5th, 2011, courtesy of Tiger Rock Publishing. There’s no better reason to want an iPad/Kindle for Christmas this year!

To millions of fans around the world, Bruce Lee was the greatest martial arts icon who ever lived. Join Bruce on one of his greatest real-life adventures and discover the true story behind the making of his most personal movie, WAY OF THE DRAGON (猛龍過江, aka RETURN OF THE DRAGON, 1972).

Officially endorsed by The Bruce Lee Foundation and supported with a foreword from Bruce Lee’s daughter Shannon Lee, this compelling 180 page volume by pro fight-trainer and renowned Lee historian, Steve Kerridge, provides a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of the greatest martial arts movies ever made!
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New Full-Color Art Book Features the Memorable Work of Series Creator Katsura Hoshino
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover for the D.Gray-Man Illustrations: Noche art book.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2010 Katsura Hoshino/
Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will delight manga art fans with the release of D.Gray-Man Illustrations: Noche on December 6th. The new art book arrives just in time for the holidays and will carry an MSRP of $21.99 U.S. / $25.99 CAN.

Enter the lavish fictional 19th century world of D.Gray-Man in this new collection featuring nearly 100 pages of full-color character art, magazine covers, and other original compositions by series creator Katsura Hoshino. Also featured are insightful Q&A’s between Hoshino and two manga creators that inspire her: Takeshi Obata, the artist behind Hikaru no Go, Bakuman｡, and the smash hit Death Note (all published in North America by VIZ Media); and Osamu Akimoto, whose manga series, Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen Mae Hashutsujo, has been serialized in the best-selling boy’s manga magazine in the world, Weekly Shonen Jump, for 35 years and remains the magazine’s longest-running manga series. D.Gray-Man Illustrations: Noche also includes an exclusive, double-sided full-color poster.
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Created in Partnership with Autodesk to Benefit Japanese Disaster Recovery; Exhibit of Artwork in Las Vegas
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

“First Flight” by Dave Guertin. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 Dave Guertin

VIZ Media has announced the upcoming debut of ART FOR HOPE, a limited edition digital art book anthology created in partnership with Autodesk, Inc. to benefit Architecture for Humanity. The anthology will be available for a limited time, from December 1, 2011 to May 31, 2012, for $4.99 through VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. 100% of VIZ Media’s net proceeds will support Architecture for Humanity’s ongoing disaster reconstruction efforts in Japan. To learn more about these rebuilding projects, please visit ArchitectureForHumanity.org.

Each of the 40 artists participating in the ART FOR HOPE anthology used Autodesk SketchBook digital paint and drawing software applications in some way to create original pieces for the anthology. The artists, both professional and amateur, hail from around the world and from diverse fields, and range in style from the realistic to the fantastic, each illustrating the theme of “Hope.” Notable contributors include Eisner Award and Harvey Award winner Rob Guillory, Harvey Award Winner Lark Pien, muralist Sirron Norris, and MAMESHIBA artists Jorge Monlongo and Gemma Corell.
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RPG Fighting Game Based on the Popular Anime Series FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD
Source: FUNimation Entertainment press release
Official Site: facebook.com/fullmetalbattle
Special Thanks to Scott Lonski

The free to play RPG FULLMETAL BATTLE is now
available for iPhone and iPod Touch. Photo courtesy
of FUNimation Entertainment. © 2011 Hiromu
Arakawa/FA Project・MBS.

FUNimation Entertainment has announced the launch of the highly anticipated iPhone game based on the acclaimed anime series FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD. Developed by Good Game Productions, FULLMETAL BATTLE is a turn-based Online Collectable Card Game with an immediately recognizable RPG style of combat and is available now for the iPhone and iPod Touch and will be followed shortly by the iPad. The game will also soon launch for Facebook and Android. The iPhone and iPod Touch version is the first to launch and can be downloaded from iTunes for free at itunes.apple.com/us/app/fma-battle.

FULLMETAL BATTLE is a free to play turn-based Collectable Card Game that lets players design their own state licensed alchemist decks from a variety of abilities and effects inspired by the FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD series and proceed into battle against other online players. Immersed in a fictional universe styled after the European Industrial Revolution, players can also challenge popular FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD characters including fan-favorites Alphonse and Edward Elric while receiving helpful tips from Roy Mustang!

FULLMETAL BATTLE is a title that blends elements of the standard Online Collectable Card Game and freemium aspects of a free-to-play MMO. Each card the player owns can gain experience, eventually gaining levels and new abilities. Players are encouraged to purchase additional packs of playing cards and eventually trade them with other players.
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New Release From Haikasoru Imprint Called the Greatest Japanese Science Fiction Novel of All Time
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: haikasoru.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights was
named the greatest Japanese science fiction title ever
written. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 1967 Ryu Mitsuse.
Originally Published in Japan by Hayakawa Publishing, Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the availability of the acclaimed novel, Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights, by author Ryu Mitsuse. The hardcover book is published by the company’s Haikasoru imprint and carries an MSRP of $25.99 U.S. / $29.99 CAN. The eBook edition is also available on the Amazon Kindle, the Nook, and Apple’s iBooks Store for $9.99.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

“Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights won the title of the greatest Japanese science fiction title ever written in a 2006 poll by Science Fiction magazine,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s Editor. “The novel, which comes with a striking glow-in-the-dark dust jacket, delivers a cosmic adventure in the style of Arthur C. Clarke, covering the evolution of humanity, the lives of some of history’s most iconic religious figures, a future techno-dystopia, and the very death of the universe itself. Originally published in 1967, author Ryu Mitsuse revised the novel in later years and republished it in 1973. We’re truly honored to finally release this masterpiece to North American readers.”
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SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP of 3 New Volumes Brings US Readers Up to Speed with Japanese Counterpart
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Bleach Volume 49 is now available digitally. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2001 Tite Kubo/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media expands its November digital manga update even more with the latest announcement of a Bleach ‘Jump Ahead’ that will deliver 3 new volumes of the hit supernatural action saga throughout the month to users on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. This is part of a SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP, a speed-up of selected titles to bring U.S. readers up-to-date with Japanese releases and prepare for the launch of VIZ Media’s Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha on January 30, 2012. The new outlet will be North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine.

Bleach volumes available include (print editions forthcoming):
Bleach Vol. 49 – available now!
Bleach Vol. 50 – available November 21st
Bleach Vol. 51 – available November 28th

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga has been licensed to more than a dozen countries and has sold over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America, the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed weekly by millions in the United States and Canada. This success has further spawned an array of related video games, apparel, action figures, trading cards and other merchandise.
Continued…

Jim Danforth with a jewel dragon from THE WONDERFUL WORLDS OF THE
BROTHERS GRIMM. Photo courtesy of Loren Portillo.

Dinosaurs, Dragons, & Drama—The Odyssey of a Trickfilmmaker—Volume One —An Illustrated Memoir by Jim Danforth.
Author: Loren Portillo
Special Thanks to: Ernest Farino
Official Website: Archive Editions

One of the most anticipated Book/CD on stop motion animation, and the incredible career of special effects genius Jim Danforth, will finally be made available to the public this month, on November 13 2011.

To stop motion fans the world over, this memoir (Vol 1) will cover Jim’s career from his humble beginnings as young artistic teenager, to his work with Art Clokey on the famed GUMBY series. This book also will cover Jim’s early film work such as JACK THE GIANT KILLER and end with his work on WHEN DINOSAURS RULED THE EARTH. Lavishly produced, the book has an incredible array of never before published photographs from Jim’s personal collection. This is a must have for all stop motion aficionados, as well as those who appreciate the artistic genius of one of the greatest Special Effects men ever.
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Also Sees Debut of Natsume Ono’s Ristorante Paradiso And Gente, as Well as Updates to 17 Popular Series
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Naruto Volume 54 is available digitally two months
before the print edition. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 1999 Masashi Kishimoto/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media continues to lead the digital manga revolution with a variety of new titles just announced for November that are available to read online on VIZManga.com and also for digital download on the VIZ Manga Apps for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Among the notable new releases will be the two latest editions of Naruto – Volumes 54 and 55 – which will be made available on VIZ Media’s digital platforms several months in advance of their print counterparts. This is part of the “Shonen Jump Digital Warp”, a speed-up of selection titles to bring North American readers up-to-date with Japanese releases to prepare fans for the debut of the digital Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha in January 2012.

Additions to 17 popular VIZ Media series are scheduled. Updates include the rock-and-roll romantic drama of Ai Ore and the courtly royal intrigue of The Story of Saiunkoku, as well as the supernatural adventure of Bleach, the ongoing high seas pirate fun of One Piece, and the kinetic sci-fi action depicted in new weekly chapters of Neon Genesis Evangelion.

November also sees the debut of two titles from the critically acclaimed Natsume Ono. Ristorante Paradiso weaves a story around the lives of the staff of a restaurant in Rome, and in the follow-up manga, Gente, continues to follow the character’s romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams.
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Discover the Fate of the World in this Lavishly Illustrated Masterwork on November 8th
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for X 3-in-1 Edition, Volume 1. Photo
courtesy of VIZ Media. © CLAMP 1992, 1993

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the upcoming release of a deluxe collector’s edition for X, the apocalyptic action epic from the internationally renowned manga creative team of CLAMP. X 3-in-1 Edition, Volume 1, debuts on November 8th, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

Each of VIZ Media’s X releases bundles three complete manga volumes and features 24 pages of gorgeous, full-color illustrations never before published outside Japan! The pages are also printed in their original right-to-left reading order and presented in the highest quality.

As X (previously released in the United States as X/1999) opens, Kamui Shiro is a young man followed by mystery. He was taken from Tokyo by his mother while still a child and had to leave behind his dearest friends, including the gentle Kotori and her brother Fuma, following a terrible incident that claimed their mother’s life. Returning to Tokyo following his mother’s death, Kamui is a changed young man – moody and distant to his old friends, yet determined to protect them from the dark forces that swirl around him. It turns out that he is the nexus of a great cataclysm to come, and the inheritor to a strange destiny that could decide the fate of the entire world.
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Celebrate the Video Game’s 25th Anniversary with the Complete Set of Manga Volumes in a Keepsake Box
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Package art for The Legend of Zelda Manga Box Set.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2011 Nintendo

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, will delight gamers and manga fans nationwide with the release of The Legend of Zelda Manga Box Set, just in time to celebrate the series’ 25th Anniversary. The set, available in stores now, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, includes all 10 volumes of the fantasy action adventure series as well as a full color poster, and carries an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $80.99 CAN.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA celebrates its 25th Anniversary this year, and is the best selling role-playing, puzzle-solving, action title for Nintendo video game platforms. More information on the history of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA and its anniversary is available at zelda.com/25th.

The Legend of Zelda manga series takes place in the mystical land of Hyrule, where three spiritual stones hold the key to the Triforce. Whoever holds them will control the world. A boy named Link sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to Zelda, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!
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Logo for the new digital magazine Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © Masashi Kishimoto /2007 Shippuden © NMP 2008

Digital Magazine Brings Fans the Most Popular Manga in the World Faster than Ever Before
Source: VIZ Media press release
Official Site: ShonenJump.viz.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui

VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, has announced the countdown to the launch of Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha (Weekly SJ Alpha), a weekly serial anthology of some of the most popular manga series in the world: Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, Bakuman, Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan and Toriko. The first issue of Weekly SJ Alpha goes on sale January 30, 2012, and will be available through VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga Apps for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

Each new digital issue of Weekly SJ Alpha brings manga fans in North America the latest chapters of their favorite series only two weeks after it debuts in Japan’s massively popular Weekly Shonen Jump Magazine (週刊少年ジャンプ, Shuukan Shoonen Janpu). Currently, Japanese releases are often several months to years ahead of North American print titles; Weekly SJ Alpha eliminates the delay in unprecedented fashion.
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Latest Update Features Additions to 16 Popular Series, Digital “Speed Ups” and New Digital Debuts
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan Volume 5.
Photo courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2008 Hiroshi Shiibashi/
Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media opens the Fall season with a bevy of new manga titles that will be available on VIZManga.com and for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

October first half of the month updates are highlighted by new additions to 16 top VIZ Media manga series. The update includes the continuation of a manga “speed up” for Bleach and One Piece that will bring both series up to date with their North American print counterparts by December. Two other notable releases – Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan Vol. 5 and Hyde & Closer Vol. 6 – are also scheduled to launch digitally a day ahead of their print counterparts.

VIZ Media’s digital manga platforms allow for universal access to read manga from an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and now, VIZManga.com for desktop/laptop computers and Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registered users may access their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZ MANGA App continues to be the top app for reading manga on iOS devices and features a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in the world, currently offering over 40 series and 400+ volumes, with new additions and free Chapter 1 previews added weekly.
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A Teenager And His Friends Embark On A Dangerous Adventure To Alter The Future And Save The World
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for Psyren Volume 1. Photo courtesy of VIZ
Media. © 2007 by Toshiaki Iwashiro/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced the debut of the riveting action manga series – Psyren – on October 4th. The new series, by Toshiaki Iwashiro, will be published under the company’s SHONEN JUMP imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Psyren is also currently featured in VIZ Media’s monthly Weekly Shonen Jump magazine.

“Save me!” Those were Sakurako Amamiya’s last words to her friend Ageha Yoshina before she mysteriously went missing. Now Ageha’s on a quest to find her. He’s convinced that the mythical Psyren Secret Society has something to do with the recent rash of disappearances. And now he seems to be caught up as a player in their very deadly game…

“Ageha Yoshina embarks on a dangerous adventure in this action-packed new series where he attempts to alter the future and save the world,” says Joel Enos, Editor. “Readers will be transported to Psyren, a stark wasteland inhabited by insect-like monsters, where Yoshina and his friends must complete missions assigned by the mysterious Nemesis Q if they ever hope to return home. Psyren is a bestseller in Japan, where it also spawned a pair of popular novels. Don’t miss the new manga release coming in October!”
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Award-Winning Author Sayuri Ueda Delivers A Kinetic Action Story With A Distinctly Japanese View Of Gender Politics
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: haikasoru.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Gender politics combine with hard science fiction in
The Cage of Zeus. Photo courtesy of VIZ Media.
© 2004 Sayuri Ueda. Originally published in Japan by
Kadokawa Haruki Corporation.

VIZ Media, LLC, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has released the newest novel published under its popular Haikasoru imprint. The Cage of Zeus, by author Sayuri Ueda, debuted September 20th and carries an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN. The eBook edition is also now available on the Amazon Kindle, the Apple’s iBooks Store and the Sony Reader Store for $8.99.

Haikasoru publishes some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy stories for English-speaking audiences, and is the first imprint based in the U.S. dedicated to Japanese science fiction and fantasy in translation.

The Cage of Zeus introduces readers to the Rounds, humans with the sex organs of both genders. Artificially created to test the limits of the human body in space, the Rounds are a minority, despised and hunted by the terrorist group, Vessel of Life. Aboard Jupiter-I, a space station orbiting the gas giant that shares its name, the Rounds have created their own society with a radically different view of gender and of life itself. Security chief Shirosaki keeps the peace between the Rounds and the typically gendered “Monaurals,” but when a terrorist strike hits the station, the balance of power and tolerance is at risk… and an entire people is targeted for genocide.
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A sampling of the many great Godzilla T-shirt designs you can win from Impact Merchandising and KAIJUCAST’s new “Feel The Impact” contest.
© 2010 Impact Merchandising/Toho Co., Ltd.

Source: Kyle Yount
Official Site: Kaijucast.com

Kyle Yount— an old friend of the SciFi Japan crew— recently contacted us about a great new Godzilla-themed contest we think SFJ readers will be interested in. Kyle runs the the informative and entertaining Japanese monster movie podcast called KAIJUCAST, and he’s teamed up with Impact Merchandising to give fans a chance to win $100 worth of product from Impact’s line of Godzilla shirts.

“I am a regular visitor to my local comic book shop and noticed a fair amount of new Godzilla shirts,” Kyle told SciFi Japan. “For a long time, I had no idea who was producing them, but they were well-designed and looked fantastic. Eventually I discovered that this company, who was giving Godzilla a LOT of attention, was named Impact Merchandising. I found their website and they were quite enthusiastic about getting the opportunity to spread the word about their selection. In turn, I was also excited to host a much larger scale contest with the KAIJUCAST. The result is the Feel The Impact contest.”
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New Digital Volumes To Be Released Weekly And Complement Latest Additions To 19 Other Popular Manga Series
Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases
Official Site: VIZManga.com
Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Cover art for Bleach Volume 23. Photo courtesy of
VIZ Media. © 2001 Tite Kubo/Shueisha Inc.

VIZ Media continues to offer manga fans a vast library of newly added digital titles for September through VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App for the Apple iPad, iPhone and iPod touch. The latest update includes a just-announced manga “speed up” for Bleach and One Piece that will bring both series up to date with their North American print counterparts by December.

Beginning this week and continuing each Monday thereafter, new digital volumes of manga creator Tite Kubo’s supernatural action saga, Bleach, as well as the high seas pirate adventures of Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece, will for be available online on VIZManga.com and also for download on the VIZ Manga App.

The latest manga speed up complements a similar accelerated release schedule announced earlier this month for Naruto, which just saw the release of 7 manga volumes in 7 days on VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App, and established digital parity with the bestselling series’ print counterpart.

Other notable September digital manga releases for both platforms will include the concluding volume to Inio Asano’s What a Wonderful World!, which will launch on September 12th, as well as final volume to Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball Z, available the same day. The newest edition of Natsume Ono’s acclaimed samurai drama, House of Five Leaves Volume 4, is scheduled for September 19th, a day before the print counterpart’s national release.
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Brand New EP SEKIRANUN GRAFFITI Now Available from Sony Music Direct on iTunes and Amazon
Source: MediaLab press release
Official Site: facebook.com/supercell.JPN
Special Thanks to Erik Jansen

Cover art for SEKIRANUN GRAFFITI. Image courtesy of MediaLab. © 2011 Supercell/
Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Inc.

Following up the release of its first full-length record in the U.S., Sony Music Direct (Japan), Inc., a division of Sony Music Entertainment Japan, Inc., has announced the U.S. release of a brand new EP by the Japanese pop artist/group, Ryo (Supercell). The new release, SEKIRANUN GRAFFITI, is available now exclusively on iTunes and Amazon and features vocals from Hatsune Miku, the world’s first virtual pop diva.

The EP’s title track, “SEKIRANUN GRAFFITI” (SEKIRANUN means Thundercloud), is also the theme music to the latest Hatsune Miku PROJECT DIVA arcade console game and video game for the PSP, which will be released in Japan this fall. The release also contains the new single, “Fallin’ Fallin’ Fallin’,” which was composed by Ryo and the celebrated Japanese Vocaloid producer known as Dixie Flatline. The SEKIRANUN GRAFFITI EP also contains instrumental and remixes of the two tracks. Cover art for the new release was created by Atsuya Uki.
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