Planning to attend New York Anime Fest this weekend? If so, you need a strategy for getting the most out of this three-day extravaganza. Here are five fun things to do… besides shop ’til you drop and nab autographs, of course.

5. Watch a live-action adaptation of your favorite manga.
Sounds like a counter-intuitive thing to do at a festival celebrating animation, but Viz Pictures is screening a terrific line-up of movies that includes Honey and Clover, Lovely Complex (a.k.a. Love*Com) and both Nana flicks. Catch ‘em here before Viz releases them on DVD next year!

• Friday, Dec. 7th: Lovely Complex (5:00 PM, Live-Action Screening Room)

• Sunday, Dec. 9th: Nana (1:00 PM, Live-Action Screening Room)
• Sunday, Dec. 9th: Honey and Clover (3:00 PM, Live-Action Screening Room)

4. Tour Japan with a tall girl (and maybe pick up some cosplay tips, too).
Aimee Major Steinberger, one of this year’s Guests of Honor, will preside over two panels. The first celebrates the release of her charming travelogue Japan-Ai: A Tall Girl’s Adventures in Japan. (Dramacon creator Svetlana Chmakova explains, “It’s a sketchbook, it’s a story, it’s a warmly humorous and often downright beautiful glimpse of Japan through the eyes of a fellow geek.”) The second might best be described as Cosplay 101. Aimee will cover the basics from wig styling to adapting outlandish character designs into something you can wear to a convention… without being arrested for indecent exposure, that is.

• Saturday, Dec. 8th: Aimee Major Steinberger’s Japan Ai (4:00 PM, Anime Culture Panel Room)

• Sunday, Dec. 9th: Cosplay Workshop (11:00 AM, Anime Fandom Panel Room)

3. Break into journalism.
Whether you’re an armchair critic or cub reporter, the folks at Anime News Network have you covered with two panels offering would-be Pauline Kaels and Lois Lanes tips on breaking into the biz. The first, Getting Into Anime Journalism, focuses on making the transition from casual fan to anime insider, while the second, The Art of Reviewing Anime, explores the “differences between a good anime review and a bad LiveJournal post.” (Hint: spelling and grammar are major contributing factors!)

• Friday, Dec. 7th: Getting Into Anime Journalism (6:00 PM, Anime Culture Panel Room)

• Saturday, Dec. 8th: The Art of Reviewing Anime (11:00 AM, Anime Culture Panel Room)

2. Go mano-a-mano with Mothra.
Imagine an event that combined your favorite monster movies with your favorite pro wrestling moves, and you’ll have some idea of what’s in store for you at the Kaiju Big Battel panel. Go behind the scenes with the Kaiju Regulatory Commission to learn more about this “maximum security” sporting event in which “maniacal villains, ominous alien beasts, and gigantic, city-crushing monsters who are fighting for control of the globe” unleash “pent-up monster rage” without harming humans.

• Sunday, Dec. 9th: Kaiju Big Battel (4:00 PM, Anime Fandom Panel Room)

1. Learn something about Japanese culture.
Sure, your extensive knowledge of anime and manga has made you into an expert on maid cafes, cultural festivals, and White Day gift-giving. But there’s a lot more to Japanese culture than ramen noodles and cute boy bands. Expand your horizons by attending one of many panels exploring Japan’s rich history and traditions. Here are some highlights:

• Friday, Dec. 7th: Gekiga: Dramatic Manga (3:00 PM, Anime Culture Panel Room)

• Friday, Dec. 7th: Symbolism in Anime (4:00 PM, Anime Fandom Panel Room)
• Saturday, Dec. 8th: Anime & Manga Research Roundtable (1:00 PM, Anime Culture Panel Room)
• Saturday, Dec. 8th: J-Horror with David Kalat (5:00 PM, Anime Culture Panel Room)
• Saturday, Dec. 8th: Sake and The City (6:00 PM, Anime Culture Panel Room)
• Sunday, Dec. 9th: Samurai and Feudal Japan (11:00 AM, Anime Culture Panel Room)
• Sunday, Dec. 9th: Noh, Kabuki and Bunraku (12:00 PM, Anime Culture Panel Room)
• Sunday, Dec. 9th: Japanese Woodblock Prints (1:00 PM, Anime Culture Panel Room)

The organizers of NY Anime Fest have posted a complete schedule of panels, premieres, and screenings on their website. There are also more interactive ways to get your geek on: cosplay contests, artist signings, haiku slams, and a maid cafe. Click here for a full schedule of events and contests. And if you’re planning to duck out of the Javits Center, consult Erin F.’s map for the best places to find manga and munchables in midtown Manhattan.

San Francisco, CA, November 16, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the availability of the NARUTO animated series for digital download in the U.S. on Direct2Drive, IGN Entertainment’s premiere digital retail store. Episodes of the series debut sequentially beginning on November 15, 2007 with episodes costing $1.99 each; fans may go to http://www.direct2drive.com to download the first 25 episodes.

NARUTO is the latest animated series to be offered on a Download-to-Own (DTO) basis via Direct2Drive. VIZ Media teamed with the popular outlet earlier this year to offer DEATH NOTE and BLEACH, and both series received an enthusiastic response from fans and Direct2Drive users.

“We are very pleased to expand our relationship with VIZ Media and add this massively popular series to our roster of animated titles,” says Sutton Trout, Vice President of Digital Content for IGN Entertainment. “Direct2Drive is committed to offering the latest premium digital content targeting our early adopter audience, including PC games, popular TV shows, movies, comics and animated titles, directly from the Web to the desktop.”

NARUTO is now one of the most popular and successful manga and animation properties in North America. The general storyline of both the NARUTO manga and animated series depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with the spirit of The Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed within his body, is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. But Naruto is resilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him. Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity and right vs. wrong.

“Making NARUTO available for digital download will expand the fan base for the series,” says Daniel Marks, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “Download-to-Own has become a compelling addition to our business model and one we hope to take full advantage of it for popular titles like NARUTO, BLEACH and DEATH NOTE. We look forward to NARUTO fans revisiting their favorite episodes using Direct2Drive and to having casual fans check out the action-packed series from the beginning.”

About Direct2Drive
Direct2Drive (D2D) is IGN Entertainment’s digital download store (http://www.Direct2Drive.com). Launched in October 2004, D2D allows consumers to conveniently purchase and download the latest premium video games, feature films, popular TV shows, comics and anime titles directly from the Web to their desktops. D2D’s AAA roster of leading game publishers includes Atari, Activision, Blizzard, DrMaster, Entertainment, Eidos, Electronic Arts, Namco, NCsoft, Sega, Sony Online Entertainment, Top Cow, 2K Games, Ubisoft and Vivendi Universal Games. In addition, Twentieth Century Fox , Lionsgate and Starz Media are making blockbuster movies, TV shows, comics and top anime titles available to users directly via the D2D platform.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com .

San Francisco, CA, October 30, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has redesigned the look and expanded the content of its popular NARUTO website at http://naruto.viz.com.

The site, which went live on October 12, features 109 comprehensive episode summaries, illustrated character bios, new e-cards, new art, and a map of the world of NARUTO. An extras page features downloadable NARUTO wallpapers and an interactive Ninja Academy online game. The VIZ Media NARUTO online store (http://narutostore.viz.com) also offers a vast collection of manga, DVDs, apparel, collectable figurines and other items. News and new episode and product information will be added regularly, along with other web games and online-only content.

The story of NARUTO takes place in another world where ninja are the ultimate power. In the Hidden Leaf Village live some of the stealthiest and most respected ninja in the land. But 12 years prior, they faced a fearsome threat – a nine-tailed fox spirit which terrorized the village and caused massive destruction before it was finally defeated. The Fourth Hokage, the village leader and most powerful ninja, was able to subdue the fox by sealing its soul inside the body of a baby boy. Now that boy, Naruto Uzumaki, has grown up to become a ninja-in-training, learning ninjutsu with his classmates Sakura and Sasuke. The trio of student ninja study under the instruction of their teacher, Kakashi. The group faces a series of dangerous and daunting tests and challenges, but through their adventures, the young ninja learn the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right vs. wrong.

“The newly expanded and upgraded NARUTO website will give fans a one-stop location to get all the official news and information about everyone’s favorite band of ninja,” says Liza Coppola, Senior Vice President, Marketing, VIZ Media. “As NARUTO continues to capture the attention and
imagination of millions of fans, the new redesigned website is an ideal way to obtain updated information, check out summaries of missed or much-loved episodes and even shop for special NARUTO items. We invite everyone to check it out and revel in the exciting world of NARUTO!”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

SAN FRANCISCO — October 30, 2007 — Today Ubisoft, one of the world’s largest video game publishers, announced that NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja, exclusive to the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, has released and will be arriving on North American store shelves this week. The NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja video game is based on VIZ Media’s hugely popular NARUTO animation series which airs on Cartoon Network.

“Not only is NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja the first original NARUTO video game developed for North America, it melds an open-world action-adventure with a cutting-edge fight game,” said Tony Key, vice president of marketing at Ubisoft. “It remains true to the NARUTO universe that will make fans proud, as well as provides a full and action-packed experience to new recruits.”

In NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja, players will experience NARUTO starting from the series’ beginning, and will be able to relive the hit animation and manga and experience Naruto’s transformation from noisy ninja-academy failure to respected ninja.

Key features of NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja include:
• Experience Growing Up As Naruto: The only game that allows you to step into Naruto’s shoes from the series’ beginning. Complete authentic missions and relive the NARUTO manga and animation experience.

• Immerse Yourself in the NARUTO Universe: Roam freely and discover authentic environments. Explore the Leaf Village and its surroundings. Interact with Sasuke, Sakura, Kakashi and members from the NARUTO cast.

• Unparalleled Depth and Variety of Gameplay: The first NARUTO game to combine action adventure gameplay, classic platforming battles, head-to-head fighting and in-depth character development.

• Build Your Fighting Techniques to Defeat Deadly Enemies in Fast-Paced Combat: Define your own way of the ninja as you learn to better control your chakra, improve your techniques, master new taijutsus and ninjutsus, and command more powerful ninja weapons. Train with Kakashi-Sensei and learn to execute hand signs with your controller’s sticks.

• Play With Friends: Select your favorite NARUTO character and challenge a friend. Customize your character and pick your own battle field. Or challenge the world’s best on the Xbox LIVE® online gaming system.

NARUTO: Rise of a Ninja ships with an ESRB rating of “T” (Teen), and a manufacturer suggested retail price of $59.99.

San Francisco, CA, October 5, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announced a preview of highly anticipated upcoming anime releases set for the approaching 2007 holiday season.

NARUTO, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH continue to draw legions of fans of all ages and VIZ Media will offer special DVD releases for each title in time for the holidays. The long-awaited DVD debut of DEATH NOTE will feature a Limited Edition Collector’s Figurine with the first 15,000 units of each volume at an initial suggested retail price of $39.98. The first season of the popular supernatural action series BLEACH will also be available in a 5-disc Box Set with an exclusive Chain of Fate Wallet Chain limited to just 15,000 copies. The first NARUTO feature, NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW, will be offered in a 3-disc Deluxe edition with premium packaging, extra content, the complete CD soundtrack, exclusive art prints, and a movie program guide booklet. Other upcoming releases include the latest episodic box sets for PRINCE OF TENNIS, POKÉMON and RANMA ½.

Anime makes a unique gift for fans, family and friends and these new releases from VIZ Media present a range of choices to captivate tastes and interests from kids to teens to adults.

NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW DELUXE EDITION
Rated “T” for Teens • MSRP: $49.98 • Available November 13, 2007

The long anticipated DVD release of the first NARUTO feature film is a must-have for any fan of the manga or anime series. NARUTO is now one of the most popular and successful manga and anime properties in North America. The series is the top-rated show among boys 6-17 on Cartoon Network’s Toonami and also streams online on Toonami Jetstream. NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW is a theatrical side story based on the continuity of the animated TV series and was a box office hit upon its initial release in Japan. This unedited version of the feature comes in a gorgeously illustrated collector’s tin containing 3 discs, including the film, a disc of bonus features, a CD of the feature soundtrack, bonus collector’s NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW art prints and a movie program guide. The movie premiered earlier this summer as a one-night only event to sold out theatres across the country, and follows Naruto and his team as they are sent on a mission to guard Yukie Fujikaze, a popular actress starring in the hit movie “The Adventures of Princess Gale.” The crew is heading toward the Land of Snow to shoot the final scenes of the film, and when Yukie refuses to go and escapes from the set, she is brought back by force by Naruto and his teammates. Little do they know there are three rogue Snow Ninja lying in wait with a sinister purpose that forces Yukie to make a crucial decision and face her hidden past. New and existing fans will not want to miss this exciting latest chapter in the ongoing NARUTO saga.

THE PRINCE OF TENNIS DVD Box Set Volume 3
Rated “A” for All Ages • 13 Episodes • MSRP: $39.98 • Available October 23, 2007

The latest box set installment of the hit series about middle school dramas on and off the tennis court is based on the smash hit manga series by Takeshi Konomi, which has sold more than 30 million copies to-date in Japan and is also published exclusively in North America by VIZ Media. In this collection, tennis prodigy Ryoma Echizen and the Seigaku tennis team have reached the Metropolitan Tournament, the pinnacle of youth tennis. First up, the “golden pair” doubles team of Oishi and Kikumaru are forced to resort to the unusual Australian formation to throw off their opponents. Then Ryoma faces the “Lefty-Killer,” who uses a dangerous and devastating twist spin. To fight back, the Prince of Tennis must resort to amazing acrobatics and outrageous innovation! A unique series about an adolescent’s quest to find meaning and purpose both on and off the court, THE PRINCE OF TENNIS will delight tennis and sports fans but will also captivate non-sports fans with engrossing stories and dynamic characters.

POKÉMON Season One Box Set, Part II
Rated “A” for All Ages • 26 Episodes • MSRP: $39.98 • Available November 13, 2007

POKÉMON remains one of the most popular and best loved anime series for kids – and has a dedicated adult fan base as well. More than a decade after its debut, POKÉMON continues to set benchmarks. The 10th season of the POKÉMON animated series – Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl – debuted on June 4 on Cartoon Network as the most-watched show of the day with 6-11 year olds and the number one show for 6-11 year old boys across all channels for the entire day. Capture the action from the exciting first season of POKÉMON with the second 3-disc DVD box set which follows Ash, Brock and Misty on their continuing quest to collect POKÉMON, make friends, and battle their way to the Indigo League!

DEATH NOTE
Rated “T+” for Older Teens • 4 Episodes • MSRP: $24.98 • Available November 20, 2007

DEATH NOTE is one of the most anticipated anime releases for 2007. Inspired by the 12-volume manga series (published in North America by VIZ Media), the suspenseful mystery follows Light Yagami, an ace student with great prospects who is bored out of his mind. All that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal – or his life? The first 15,000 units of the first volume of the DVD will contain a Ryuk Limited Edition Collector’s Figurine for an initial suggested retail price of $39.98. Later volumes will include Limited Edition Collector’s Figurines of Light, L, Misa, and other popular characters.

BLEACH BOX SET 1: THE SUBSTITUTE
Rated “T” for Teens • 20 Episodes • MSRP: $89.98 • Available November 20, 2007

BLEACH follows Ichigo Kurosaki, who is just like any other ordinary 15-year-old high school student – except for his special ability to see ghosts. So when a teenage girl materializes through his bedroom wall, it should be no call for alarm. The girl is a shinigami death spirit named Rukia, who is hunting a Hollow (an evil spirit that consumes souls). The Hollow proceeds to attack Ichigo’s family and Rukia is badly wounded. In order to defeat the evil spirit, Rukia must let Ichigo temporarily become a Soul Reaper by absorbing some of her energy. However, Ichigo inadvertently ends up with all of Rukia’s powers and must now take on all the responsibilities of a Soul Reaper until she can figure out how to get her powers back. Now this 15-year-old high school student begins a brand new vocation as a hyperkinetic, all-purpose ghost buster. With enough attitude to make a grown demon blush, Ichigo and crew are cleaning up the afterlife. See all the action of the entire first season in this 5-disc BLEACH Special Edition – limited to only 15,000 copies – that also includes an exclusive BLEACH Chain Of Fate wallet chain as a bonus.

RANMA ½ Season 4 Box Set
Rated “T” for Teens • 5 Discs • MSRP: $49.98 • Available November 27, 2007

The latest installment of the epic anime series (which has over 150 episodes) based on Rumiko Takahashi’s (INUYASHA, MAISON IKKOKU) popular manga series (also published by VIZ Media). It’s not easy being teenage martial artist Ranma Saotome, but it’s even worse when your martial artist father Genma takes you from home at an early age to embark on a decade long training mission in China. He doesn’t speak a word of Chinese but insists upon bringing his son to a cursed training ground called Jusenkyo, where falling into one of the many natural springs instantly turns the hapless victim into whoever or whatever drowned there last. From now on, a splash of cold water turns Genma into a giant panda and poor Ranma turns into a red-haired (and problematically well-built) female counterpart. Hot water reverses the effects but that is just the beginning of the comedic zaniness that has made this anime series a favorite for almost two decades!

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

San Francisco, CA, October 8, 2007 – VIZ Pictures, an affiliate of VIZ Media LLC that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the DVD releases of GACKT: The Greatest Filmography 1999-2006 Blue and Red editions. The two DVDs, sold separately, each feature a collection of 12 music videos by the talented Japanese rock star. GACKT: The Greatest Filmography 1999-2006 will debut on October 9 with a suggested retail price of $19.98 for each edition. The DVDs will be distributed by VIZ Media.

Gackt Camui is a musician, songwriter and actor, most notable for composing the theme songs for several popular anime and video game titles including New Fist of the North Star, Texhnolyze, and Bujingai and Dirge of Cerberus: Final Fantasy VII. These contributions have made the artist very popular among anime fans both in Japan and North America. The genre of his music is especially referred as “Visual-Kei” or “Visual Rock” which is characterized by its own unique sound, related to glam-rock, punk and metal, and with strong emphasis on its particular style of dress and make-up. Gackt’s music also draws from a wide variety of musical styles and influences ranging from hard rock to romantic ballads and instrumentals. Traditional Japanese instruments are often used to accentuate electric guitar, piano, and other modern sounds and create an evocative and other worldly texture to his music.

Gackt also co-wrote and co-starred in the 2003 movie Moon Child, which also featured J-rock superstar vocalist Hyde (singer of rock band of L’Arc~en~Ciel) and Taiwanese-American singer Wang Lee Hom. Gackt is multi-lingual, performing songs in Japanese, Korean, Mandarin and English. He is also well-known for his work with the legendary Visual-Kei group Malice Mizer and as a member of the newly formed rock band S.K.I.N., which performed live for more than 7,500 excited fans at the 2007 Anime Expo in Long Beach, CA this past summer. Gackt’s single, “Returner,” was recently Number 1 on the Ori-Con chart, which is the Japanese counterpart to Billboard.

“The genre of J-rock and Visual Kei has become increasingly popular with anime fans across North America and we are honored to release these two DVD editions by one of the genre’s most notable artists,” says Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO of VIZ Pictures. “The popularity of music drawn from anime and video game titles continues to grow and is an ideal vehicle to bridge cultural and language differences. This is our new challenge to open up the opportunity to enjoy even wider range of J-pop culture through the visual entertainment.”

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese “kawaii (cute) and cool” pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each release from a J-pop fan’s point of view to serve manga and anime generation in North America. VIZ Pictures titles include DEATH NOTE, TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, LINDA LINDA LINDA and THE TASTE OF TEA VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular “NARUTO” animated TV series. © 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

San Francisco, CA, October 4, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has launched a new website dedicated to the BLUE DRAGON™ anime and video game property at bluedragon.viz.com. BLUE DRAGON is a highly anticipated action adventure anime series based on the popular Xbox 360 Role Playing Game which debuted in North America in August.

The website is live and currently features a trailer for the forthcoming anime series, character descriptions and artwork from the anime, and a news section that will be updated regularly with announcements regarding the launch of the anime series.

The exclusive videogame “BLUE DRAGON” debuted on the Xbox 360 entertainment system, and was developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of Final Fantasy) and features characters designed by Akira Toriyama, the creator of the best-selling DRAGON BALL series of manga (which is published in North America by VIZ Media and featured in SHONEN JUMP Magazine).

The anime series debuted in Japan on TV Tokyo on April 7, 2007 and is produced by Studio Pierrot, which is well known for its work on NARUTO and BLEACH, which are also licensed by VIZ Media. BLUE DRAGON is a fantastic adventure story of magical Shadow powers, flying air fortresses, and unbounded heroism! Brought together by fate, Seven Soldiers of Light must awaken the Shadow within themselves in time to overcome a despotic power and bring peace to their land. Their ensuing journey through a rich fantasy world is also an internal journey to awaken the great power within each of them. Journey with them into the world of BLUE DRAGON!

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

San Francisco, CA, September 26, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has licensed the Shonen Jump DEATH NOTE anime series to Adult Swim for domestic broadcast beginning Saturday, October 20 at midnight (EST) on the popular block of programming. New episodes will follow each week thereafter.

Shonen Jump DEATH NOTE is a suspenseful mystery, inspired by a 12-volume manga counterpart (published in North America by VIZ Media), and follows the adventures of Light Yagami, an ace student with great prospects but who is bored out of his mind. All of that changes when he finds the Death Note, a strange notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god named Ryuk. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals mysteriously begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal – or his life?

The unique storyline and complex characters, combined with visually stunning animation by Madhouse, made Shonen Jump DEATH NOTE one of the most popular anime series in Japan and anticipation for the North American release has built steadily since VIZ Media first began publishing the manga series. Shonen Jump DEATH NOTE also spawned two successful live-action films, set for domestic distribution this year by VIZ Pictures, and a plethora of related posters, toys and action figures. VIZ Media will further release Volume 1 of DEATH NOTE, containing 4-episodes, on DVD on November 20.

“The domestic broadcast debut of DEATH NOTE has been patiently awaited by fans across the country and we are pleased to team with Adult Swim to facilitate it,” states William Germain, Director, Animation Production, VIZ Media., “The mix of drama, mystery and action has already made the Shonen Jump DEATH NOTE manga a hit and the anime series takes the characters and plot to the next level with a captivating visual style. We look forward to fans tuning in each week for the latest adventures of L and Light as they struggle to outwit each other and demonstrate conflicting ideas about right and wrong.”

About Adult Swim
Adult Swim, launched in 2001, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s network offering original and acquired animated comedy and action series for young adults. Airing overnight 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET,PT), Adult Swim shares channel space with Cartoon Network, home to the best in original, classic and acquired programming for children and families, and is seen in 91 million U.S. homes. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is a major producer of news and entertainment product around the world and the leading provider of programming for the basic cable industry.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

San Francisco, CA, September 4, 2007 – Following on the heels of the announcement of the release of the DEATH NOTE anime series on DVD, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has provided more details on the cast for the English dub.

The first volume of DEATH NOTE is expected to debut November 20, containing 4-episodes. It is rated “T+” for Older Teens. The suggested retail price will be $24.98 for a single disc Standard Edition. The first 15K copies of the Standard Edition contain a Limited Edition Collector’s Figurine for a suggested retail price of $39.98.

DEATH NOTE will feature a notable cast of English voice actors including Brad Swaile in the lead role of Light Yagami, and Alessandro Juliani in the role of “L”. Juliani is notable for his portrayal of Tactical Officer Lieutenant Felix Gaeta on the hit Sci Fi Channel television program Battlestar Galactica and he has also lent his voice to a number of anime releases including the portrayal of Prince Toma in VIZ Media’s RANMA ∏ The Movie 2: Nihao My Concubine.

Rogue Shinigami death god Ryuk will be voiced by Brain Drummond while the female lead, Misa Amane, will be played by Shannon Chan-Kent. ADR and audio post production will be done at the Ocean Group in Vancouver, British Columbia, which has worked on a variety of notable anime VIZ Media series including INUYASHA and RANMA ∏.

DEATH NOTE was a smash hit in Japan and is one of the most anticipated domestic anime releases for 2007. Inspired by the 12-volume manga series (published in North America by VIZ Media), the edgy action mystery follows Light Yagami, an ace student with great prospects who is bored out of his mind. All that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal – or his life?

Other members of the DEATH NOTE cast include:

Rem – Colleen Wheeler
Soichiro Yagami – Chris Britton
Matsuda – Vincent Tong
Mogi – John Murphy
Raye Penber – Michael Adamthwaite
Aizawa – Trevor Devall
Ukita – Jeremy From
Naomi Misora – Tabitha St. Germain
Ide – Brian Dobson

“We are very pleased to announce the English cast for the DEATH NOTE anime series,” states William Germain, Director, Animation Production, VIZ Media. “This series has been one of the most anticipated releases of the year and the actors all bring years of experience with credits including some cornerstones of the anime genre. The series is also notable for the inclusion of Alessandro Juliani and fans of Battlestar Galactica will not want to miss this latest exciting role for the talented actor.”

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.

Burbank, CA, August 28, 2007 – Bang Zoom! Entertainment, a leading full-service audio post production company and producer of original entertainment content, has announced that Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) has picked up the 9-episode first season of AnimeTV™ for its popular Anime Selects ON DEMAND network. The program, which is produced by Bang Zoom! Entertainment, has attracted a growing legion of fans with informative commentary and interviews with a variety of anime industry luminaries. The first episodes will be available to Comcast subscribers with Select ON DEMAND service beginning September 4. More information is available at www.goanimetv.com.

The broadcast is significant because it marks the first time an independently produced program dedicated to covering the burgeoning anime market will be made available in so many major national markets. Comcast Corporation is the nation’s largest producer and distributor of non-linear programming designed for Video-On-Demand and the availability of the first season of AnimeTV will give viewers even more choices for innovative and unique anime programming. Comcast Digital Cable customers with VOD have embraced this next-generation of content delivery, choosing more than 177 million Select ON DEMAND programs since 2005.

AnimeTV is the first industry-approved program devoted to the anime phenomenon sweeping North America. With an outgoing format akin to MTV-meets-Entertainment Tonight, AnimeTV is hosted by noted voice actor and Bang Zoom! talent Johnny Yong Bosch, (MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS, BLEACH, TRIGUN). Some highlights from the first season include reviews of popular series including THE MELANCHOLY OF HARUHI SUZUMIYA, NARUTO, SAMURAI CHAMPLOO, HARÉ + GUU, and BLEACH. The way these series are dubbed from their original Japanese and prepared for domestic broadcast is of special interest to fans eager to see how characters are portrayed and what, if any personality differences occur in the new versions. Season One of AnimeTV features interviews with prominent voice actors like Steve Blum (Spike from COWBOY BEBOP) and Wendee Lee (Faye from COWBOY BEBOP), who give rare personal insights into how they reinterpret characters for domestic audiences as well as motivations and challenges working in the anime arena.

“We are very pleased to offer the first season of AnimeTV to Comcast viewers as part of our ON DEMAND service,” states Peter Heumiller, Comcast Vice President of Acquisition and Development. “Anime is a very popular entertainment genre among key teen and young adult viewers and Comcast is committed to giving them the most compelling content available. AnimeTV keeps with that goal and we look forward to it becoming an ongoing part of our programming.”

AnimeTV is the creation of Bang Zoom! Entertainment President and CEO Eric P. Sherman, an ardent anime fan and the head of one of the leading facilities providing voice talent and audio post production to the anime industry. Originally offered as a modest self-produced pod cast for fans by fans, AnimeTV’s popularity has grown substantially since becoming available via iTunes and www.goanimetv.com. Comcast’s Anime Selects became interested following collaborating with the program at the 2007 Anime Expo, the largest anime convention in North America, attended by over 44,000 people this year. Anime Selects broadcasted a series of news bulletins and a variety of entertainment from the show floor and requested AnimeTV to host all of its interactive events throughout the convention. In addition, they taped live an AnimeTV LIVE episode that saw excited fans lined up two hours before show time.

“We are very excited to have Comcast’s Anime Selects ON DEMAND network offer AnimeTV beginning this fall,” offers Sherman. “The show is unique in its devotion to accurately cover the varied world of anime, gaming and J-pop and was created as a fun, fast and convenient way for new as well as veteran fans to get information, reviews and interviews. The passionate reception we received from fans during our partnership with Anime Selects at the 2007 Anime Expo validated the enthusiasm people feel for this unique program and we look forward to the potential to now reach millions of viewers through Comcast’s innovative Select ON DEMAND service.”

ABOUT SELECT ON DEMAND
Select On Demand is ushering in the next generation of television programming with the development of new digital cable networks designed exclusively for on-demand viewing. With a growing portfolio of digital networks from Anime to Fitness to Home Improvement and Gambling, Select On Demand is revolutionizing a whole new way of watching television through VOD technology. VOD, short for Video-on-Demand, is a service being offered through digital cable that allows viewers to select videos from a menu on their televisions and get instant viewing access. Viewers can fast forward, rewind and pause the programming they’re watching, just as they would while watching a DVD. This interactivity allows complete control of personal viewing time.

ABOUT BANG ZOOM! ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
Headquartered in Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading full-service audio post production studio for feature films, television, interactive gaming, anime and direct to home entertainment content. Founded in 1993, the company offers a range of specialized services including a critically acclaimed staff of recognized voice talent, ADR,/Foley recording, sound design, and 2.0, 5.1 and 7.1 Dolby Digital and Pro Logic II mixing and encoding. Bang Zoom! Entertainment is also committed to developing a range of independent projects that contribute to the promotion of innovative cultural awareness internationally.

Contact Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. at 1100 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank, CA 91505; Phone: (818) 295-3939; Fax: (818) 295-3999; Website: www.bangzoomentertainment.com.