San Francisco, CA, February 29, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the U.S. debut of the highly anticipated BLUE DRAGON animated series on Cartoon Network this spring.

The BLUE DRAGON series is based on the exclusive Xbox 360 videogame “BLUE DRAGON,” developed by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the creator of “Final Fantasy,” and features character designs 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 animated 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, also licensed by VIZ Media.

“We are pleased to announce the U.S. launch of BLUE DRAGON on Cartoon Network,” says William Germain, Director, Animation Production, VIZ Media. “This fun-filled action adventure story of good vs. evil, magical powers, courage and friendship is set to join the ranks of other popular VIZ Media series such as NARUTO, DEATH NOTE and BLEACH on the premier cable animation network in the United States.”

The BLUE DRAGON animated series, with an anticipated TV rating of TV Y7FV, is a classic 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 Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.
Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

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, December 13, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of the EYESHIELD 21 animated series on Toonami Jetstream, the popular online destination developed jointly by Cartoon Network and VIZ Media. The first episode debuts on December 17th and will be available at

EYESHIELD 21 was adapted from the popular manga graphic novel series written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Yasuke Murata and published domestically by VIZ Media. The story is about teenager, Sena Kobayakawa, who has been picked on all of his life and decides to join the high school varsity football team as a team manager in hopes of reinventing himself. However, the cruel team captain Yoichi Hiruma discovers Sena's lightning-fast running ability and forces him to play as a running back with a secret identity as “Eyeshield 21.” From that point on, Sena’s life changes completely. The EYESHIELD 21 manga originally debuted in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump and, in addition to the animated series, spawned a popular feature film and several video and trading card games. The property has also inspired legions of Japanese kids to take up the popular American sport of football.

Toonami Jetstream, a site developed jointly by Cartoon Network and VIZ Media, is an online extension Cartoon Network’s successful Toonami action-adventure television franchise. The

“EYESHIELD 21 is an action-packed drama with a positive message, teaching the importance of teamwork, overcoming obstacles and having goals,” says Daniel Marks, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “The addition of the series to the diverse offerings on Toonami Jetstream exemplifies our commitment to bring the best action and adventure series to the Toonami audience. We invite everyone to check out EYESHILED 21 and see what has made this unique series such a hit.”

“We are very pleased to expand our offerings on Toonami Jetstream with the addition of EYESHIELD 21,” says Paul Condolora, senior vice president and general manager, Cartoon Network New Media. “EYESHIELD 21 puts an interesting twist on this American sport and we look forward to fans of all stripes checking out this captivating series.”

About Cartoon Network New Media
Cartoon Network New Media is responsible for the production of Cartoon Network’s popular Web sites, which include CartoonNetwork.com, ToonamiJetstream.com, Awesomehouseparty.com and CartoonNetworkYa.com (the Spanish-language site for kids). These sites are some of the most popular entertainment sites in the world for kids, currently attracting an average of more than 6 million unique users each month in the U.S. (Nielsen//NetRatings). The top attraction is their roster of games, which drew more than 2 billion game plays in 2006. In addition, Cartoon Network New Media is the creative force behind Cartoon Network’s video-on-demand offerings, interactive TV and mobile offerings, which include partnerships with such major carriers as Sprint, AT&T and Verizon.

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

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.

Bleach, Vols. 2-6

Distributed by VIZ Media

Volume six of Bleach is now available on DVD, and the ongoing saga of Ichigo the substitute Soul Reaper continues. Quite a bit has happened since the first disc: Ichigo confronts his own inner demons, both figuratively and literally, more than once; Rukia grows to love the human world, and fears what forces may be after her for giving her powers to Ichigo; Chad and Orihime discover within themselves the means to fight Hollows; and Ichigo gains a new friend and rival in Uryu Ishida, the last of the Quincy tribe that uses spiritual power to combat supernatural threats.

Recent developments find our heroes on a journey in another world. We learn that Rukia has been declared a criminal by the Soul Society, and that Soul Reapers have been sent to apprehend her. Ichigo and Uryu attempt to intervene, but are taken down by the more experienced Soul Reapers and left for dead. They survive and, along with Chad and Orihime, resolve to grow stronger and invade the Soul Society to rescue their friend.

But there’s a problem: Ichigo seems to have lost the Soul Reaper powers that Rukia granted, and his own abnormally high reserves of spirit energy appear to have diminished. He learns from the spiritual merchant Hat n’ Clogs that Ichigo possessed the powers of a Soul Reaper all along, which is probably why, when he took over Rukia’s, it fit him like the proverbial glove. Putting his life on the line, testing the limits of his body and mind, Ichigo undergoes Hat n’ Clogs brutal training to unlock that power and become a Soul Reaper once again.

He succeeds. No longer a substitute, no longer working with borrowed power, he becomes a fully-fledged Soul Reaper in his own right. Soon after, accompanied by Uryu, Orihime, and Chad, Ichigo crosses into the Soul Society. What awaits him are new allies, massively powerful foes, and Rukia…

Those of you who read my review of volume one know that I was expecting to be disappointed by Bleach, only to end up being pleasantly surprised. And many of the same things I said about the first volume still apply today. Bleach’s premise is still rather hokey, but its likable characters work well within that premise without being shackled to it. Its visuals remain very stylish and sleek, the English voice work is superb (an amusing aside: Uryu is both voiced by the same guy who did Digimon’s Ken and happens to look like an adult version of that character, which tickles me to no end), and it succeeds in entertaining me (no easy task, rest assured).

Initially in this follow-up review, I wanted to give Bleach a slightly higher score. Specifically, I wanted to up my score from an A minus to a straight A. But then I thought about the show a little more. It isn’t perfect, not by a long shot, despite being far better than other similar, long-ongoing, combat-centric anime series like Naruto or the classic Dragon Ball Z.

Volumes five and six of Bleach exhibit some of the failings those other shows carry with them; a tendency to drag on uninteresting situations to the point of annoyance, while failing to get to the heart of the story or explore more enticing character interactions in a timely matter. An example is when protagonist Ichigo learns from Orihime that she and Chad now command spiritual powers; the conversation with Orihime happens off-screen, instead of showing it and giving us some insight into the platonic relationship these two important characters are developing. Similarly, take Ichigo’s never-ending battle with the Soul Society’s chatty gatekeeper; what should have been wrapped up in about two minutes instead ate up most of that episode.

It’s a damn shame that Bleach seems to want to gloss over the fact that these four comrades (Ichigo and his party), who barely know each other but share the desire to save their common friend Rukia, are developing a very dynamic relationship. In addition, it’s very clear that Ichigo has complex feelings towards Rukia, but he barely shows it, even in his private moments. Yes, Ichigo is a touch anti-social and the kind of person who rarely wears his emotions on his sleeve, but he’s grown enough to know full well that he just might have feelings for this girl. It’s a damn shame we never see him expressing it in more than just vague hints. Prior volumes, before Rukia’s capture, do a decent job of exploring what he thinks of her. Now that Ichigo has some time away from her for the first time since the first episode, I be seeing more into his feelings and confusion regarding Rukia.

Thankfully, at least Rukia is given time to develop in her isolation. Some praise both for the storytelling and visuals; her expression, tired and defeated, speaks volumes of how far she has fallen, and how much she misses Ichigo without needing to say anything. When she learns that he has entered the Soul Society to save her, her widening eyes and newfound, though cautious, optimism speaks volumes more than any words possibly could. It’s visually poetic, mentally captivating, and all-in-all just plain moving.

Considering Bleach’s pros and cons further, I think an A minus remains the appropriate score. There’s enough wrong with the show to deny raising its score higher than that, but plenty of good to rule out lowering it.

I expect good things from Bleach in the future. And while I’m aware that I’m about, oh, I don’t know, some one hundred or so episodes behind where Bleach currently is in Japan, I’m hoping that as more and more gets translated, Bleach fixes up some of its more glaring downfalls, while maintaining and improving upon its strengths. Until then, I remain hopeful that I’ll continue to enjoy the show… and that it won’t fall victim to its flaws.

PCS would like to thank Viz for providing a review copy of volume six. The first six Bleach DVDs are available now.

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.

ATLANTA, Ga. (August 7, 2007) — Toonami Jetstream, the online extension of Cartoon Network’s long running and successful Toonami action-adventure TV franchise, has wowed fans in its first year of offering full-length episodes of action and animé programs online. The popular site is celebrating its birthday by kicking off a new slate of fan-favorite programs including “Star Wars: Clone Wars,” “Dragon BallTM” and “MegaMan Star ForceTM.” July 17 marked the first anniversary of the 24/7 broadband partnership between Cartoon Network and VIZ Media. According to internal statistics, the site has streamed more than 115 million video segments in just its first year and attracted an average of 1.7 million unique visitors each month.

Seven popular series are making their debuts on Toonami Jetstream throughout the summer and fall, nearly doubling Toonami Jetstream’s offerings:

Star Wars: Clone Wars (June 25) — This Emmy Award-winning series bridges the Episode II and Episode III movies following Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker as they lead the Republic clone army in an epic struggle against Count Dooku, General Grievous and the Separatists.

Dragon Ball (July 2) — Dragon Ball began in 1984 as a weekly magazine series in Japan and has since become one of the most recognized series in animé. It follows Goku as he grows in both age and abilities in Dragon Ball Z and Dragon Ball GT. First in the series, Dragon Ball features an incredibly strong, monkey-tailed boy named Goku who joins the beautiful 16-year-old Bulma on her quest to collect the seven mystical Dragon Balls which, when brought together, summon Shenron the dragon, who will grant one wish.

MegaMan Star Force (July 23) — Based on the popular CAPCOM game, MegaMan Star Force brings a new twist in this series: Radio Wave Conversion. When a young boy named Geo merges with an FM wave alien, Omega-Xis, they become MegaMan, the one hero who can protect Earth from an evil FM-ian invasion.

One Piece (August 13) — Based on a highly successful Japanese manga series, One Piece has spawned more than 300 episodes and eight movies in Japan. In the Great Age of Piracy, Monkey D. Luffy along with his motley crew of pirate friends hopes to use his magical stretching powers and endless optimism to find the legendary treasure of One Piece and become the Pirate King.

Dragon Ball Z (Sept. 10) — Dragon Ball Z made its U.S. debut on Cartoon Network’s Toonami block in 1996 and airs during the Toonami programming block Saturday nights. Continuing on from the Dragon Ball series, Dragon Ball Z takes on more of a serious tone, focusing on Goku and the Z Warriors protecting Earth from an endless string of bloodthirsty villains bent on the total domination of the universe. Dragon Ball Z sheds light on Goku’s origins as it follows him through adulthood with his family and friends.

Zoids Genesis (TBD) — Zoids Genesis is the fifth series for the Zoids animé franchise. A young excavator named Ruge awakens the mighty Murasame Liger Zoid and joins the fight to restore peace to Planet Zi from the militaristic nation of Digald.

Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo (Nov. 5) — Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo strays from most animé shows with its ludicrous and often surreal comedy. Puns, breaking the fourth wall (speaking directly to the audience), and popular-culture references accent the action and adventure in this series. In the 31st century, Bo-BoBo harnesses his infamous Nose Hair Karate techniques to bring justice to the vicious Hair Hunters and to ensure the safety of hair everywhere.

“TV lovers are increasingly viewing the Internet as an integral part of their entertainment experience and young animation fans are no exception,” said Paul Condolora, senior vice president and general manager of Cartoon Network New Media. “We’re proud to celebrate the first anniversary of the site with a new lineup of popular action and animation shows that will surely please our viewers.”

“VIZ Media has been a leader in bringing top-quality Japanese animation to a broad and growing fan audience for more than 20 years,” said Daniel Marks, senior vice president of VIZ Media. “Toonami Jetstream is an extension of that leadership, and one that is enabling even more consumer discovery and popularity of the anime genre.”

Toonami Jetstream currently allows users to watch streaming episodes from a number of hit series such as NARUTO, ZATCH BELL! and POKéMON. In addition, the site offers 24/7 access to full-length episodes of international hit series HIKARU NO GO that is not currently offered on U.S. broadcast or basic cable television. Fan response to MÄR and THE PRINCE OF TENNIS, which debuted exclusively in the U.S. on ToonamiJetstream.com, propelled the two shows to now air on Cartoon Network’s Saturday prime time block, Toonami.

About Cartoon Network
Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

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.

System: Playstation 2
Publisher: Namco Bandai Games

The Naruto train is rolling in full effect in the US right now. Taking advantage of that, Namco is set to release their second title on the Playstation 2 platform this year based on the franchise. Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles is an action adventure title set for release this Winter. Assuming the role of Naruto, players play through story-driven missions involving him saving the Hidden Leaf Village as he learns what it truly means to be a great ninja.

Namco promises an original storyline with game-play that will offer large-scale ninja combat with many familiar locations ripe for exploration in an adventure setting. Players will experience the trials and tribulations of a ninja-in-training - fierce competition from fellow students and constant challenges from their teachers. Status-boosting chips and plates can be collected to customize all aspects of Naruto’s abilities and face-off against multiple enemies using either close combat moves or long-range weapons like shurikens and explosive cards. With familiar characters like Kakashi, Sasuke and Neji that can swoop in for assistance, the mix of mini-games and lethal attacks straight from the popular anime series will satiate any Naruto fan.

Details are still light on the ground, but we’ll be back with more on Naruto: Uzumaki Chronicles as it breaks.

Leading video games publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc. announced today that “NARUTO(TM): UZUMAKI CHRONICLES(TM)”will be available this Winter, exclusively for the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system. Based on the hit animated TV series SHONEN JUMP’s NARUTO from VIZ Media airing on Cartoon Network, this action adventure title offers players a chance to become Naruto, the aspiring ninja with the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sleeping deep within. Set in a vividly rendered 3D environment, gamers can play through the story-driven missions to save the Hidden Leaf Village from the threat of evil and fulfill Naruto’s dream of becoming the Hokage (leader).

“On the heels of the resounding success of ‘NARUTO(TM): Ultimate Ninja(TM),’ fans of the series have been clamoring for new NARUTO adventures on the PlayStation 2,” said Naruo Uchida, NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.’s Senior Vice President. “With ‘NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles,’ we will deliver another layer of gameplay depth to the franchise by introducing an original storyline and providing an opportunity for fans to engage in large-scale ninja combat, all the while exploring familiar locations of the Naruto universe in an adventure setting.”

“NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles” introduces a lush, never-before-seen 3D world that will test the players’ Ninjutsu skills as Naruto, the feisty orphan who wants to become the most respected and admired ninja of all time. A brand new story drives the missions as players experience the trials and tribulations of a ninja-in-training - fierce competition from fellow students and constant challenges from their teachers. Players can collect status-boosting chips and plates to customize all aspects of Naruto’s abilities and face-off against multiple enemies using either close combat moves or long-range weapons like shurikens and explosive cards. With familiar characters like Kakashi, Sasuke and Neji that can swoop in for assistance, “NARUTO: Uzumaki Chronicles” offers mini-games and lethal attacks straight from the popular anime series to satiate any aspiring ninja.