ACF 1227: VIZ announces new titles at VIZManga.com & for digital download

 VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS TWO LATEST NARUTO VOLUMES

AHEAD OF PRINT COUNTERPARTS ON VIZMANGA.COM AND

THEVIZ MANGA APP FOR iPAD, iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH

November Digital Manga UpdateAlso Sees Debut of

Natsume Ono’s RISTORANTE PARADISO And GENTE,
As Well As Updates to 17 Popular Series

VIZ Media has just announced a variety of new titles for November that are available toread online on VIZManga.comand also for digital download on the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad™, iPhone™and iPod™ touch.

Among the notablenew 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 inadvance of their print counterparts. This is part of the SHONEN JUMP DIGITAL WARP, a speed-up of selection titles to bringNorth American readers up-to-date with Japanese releases to prepare fans forthe debut of the digital WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP ALPHA in January 2012.

NARUTOVol. 54 · Rated‘T’ for Teens · Available Today!  

Viaduct to Peace: Naruto and his team engage in an intense battle with theAkatsuki organization as both sides seek the power to determine the future oftheir land. Internecine fighting weakens the Akatsuki, but will their darkforces sideline Naruto?! Print edition debuts on January 3rd, 2012.

NARUTOVol. 55 · Rated‘T’ for Teens · Available November 21st  

The Great War Begins: Evil masterminds Kabuto and Madarainstigate a skirmish with Naruto and friends on Turtle Island. The AlliedShinobi Forces prepare to attack, but are they ready for Kabuto's horde ofreanimated dead ninja?! Print edition debuts on March 6th, 2012.

November also sees the debut of two titles from the critically acclaimedNatsume Ono. RISTORANTE PARADISOweaves a story around the lives of the staff of a restaurant in Rome, and in the follow-up manga, GENTE, continues to followthe character’s romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams. 

RISTORANTEPARADISO · Rated‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available Now!  

At the age of 21,Nicoletta travels to Rome to find her mother, Olga, who abandoned herlong ago. Nicoletta finds her at Casetta dell'Orso, a charming littlerestaurant owned by Olga's husband. The staff of bespectacled gentlemenwelcomes Nicoletta warmly, but Olga's reception is not so pleasant. Olga hasnever told her husband that she ever had children--and he must never know.

GENTEVol. 1 · Rated‘T+’ for Older Teens · Available November 14^th

Buona sera! Welcome to Casetta dell'Orso, a quaint littlerestaurant in the heart of Rome. The food's delicious, but the handsome staffof bespectacled gentlemen is the real draw. Follow these dashing men home andwitness their romances, heartaches, hopes and dreams in this delightfullywhimsical continuation of Natsume Ono's beloved RISTORANTE PARADISO.

Additions to 17 popular VIZ Media series are scheduled for November,with over 30 new manga volumes scheduled to make their digital debut. Updatesinclude the rock-and-roll romantic drama of AI ORE and the courtly royal intrigueof THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, as well as the supernatural adventure of BLEACH, theongoing high seas pirate fun of ONE PIECE, and the kinetic sci-fi actiondepicted in new weekly chapters of NEON GENESIS EVANGELION.

New VIZMedia manga volumes launching include:

November 7th:

BLEACHVol. 32

DENGEKIDAISY Vol. 6

NARUTOVol. 54

NEONGENESIS EVANGELION Chapter 14

OISHINBOVol. 4

ONE PIECEVols. 54 & Vol. 55

OURAN HIGHSCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 12

RISTORANTEPARADISO Vol. 1

November14th:

AI OREVol. 3

BLACKBIRD Vol. 11

BLEACHVol. 33

CLAYMOREVol. 19

D. GRAY-MANVol. 21

FUSHIGIYUGI: GENBU KAIDEN Vol. 8

GENTEVol. 1

KEKKAISHIVol. 17

NEONGENESIS EVANGELION Chapter 15

ONE PIECEVol. 56

RUROUNIKENSHIN Vol. 26 

November21st:

BLEACHVol. 34

GENTEVol. 2

NARUTOVol. 55

ONE PIECEVol. 57

NATSUME’SBOOK OF FRIENDS Vol. 9

NEONGENESIS EVANGELION Chapter 16

SATURNAPARTMENTS Vol. 4

THE STORYOF SAIUNKOKU Vol. 5

November 28th:

BLEACHVol. 35

GENTEVol. 3 – Final Volume!

INUYASHAVIZ Big Vol. 6 – Exclusive to the VIZManga App for iPad!

KEKKAISHIVol. 18

NEONGENESIS EVANGELION Chapter 17

ONE PIECEVol. 58

RUROUNIKENSHIN Vol. 27

VIZ Media’s digital manga platform allows for universal access for fans for reading manga from their iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, andnow, VIZManga.com for desktop/laptopcomputers and Android-powered devices with built-in web browsers. With one account, registeredusers are able to view their purchases across even more devices than ever.

The free VIZManga App continues to be the top app for reading manga on iOS devices andfeatures a rapidly growing library of the most popular manga series in theworld, currently offering over 45 series and nearly500 volumes, with new additions and freeChapter 1 previews added weekly.

For more information,please visit VIZManga.comor www.VIZ.com/apps. 

ACF 1201: NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS added to Naruto movie marathon

Limited Time MarathonCelebrates Upcoming

DVD and Blu-ray Release of LatestMovie,

And Includes All Five NARUTO Movies

To celebrate the upcoming DVD and Blu-ray release of NARUTO SHIPPUDENTHE MOVIE: BONDS (in stores October 25th), and the birth month ofthe Naruto character, VIZ Media has just announced the addition of the NARUTOSHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (dubbed) to the special NARUTO movie marathon on VIZAnime.com, thecompany’s own website for freeanime, as well as on the streaming content provider HULU (www.Hulu.com).

A total of 5 featurefilms featuring the spunky ninja are now available to stream from both sitesthru October 23rd. The marathon includes NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH INTHE LAND OF SNOW, NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL, NARUTO THEMOVIE 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM (all movies rated TV-14),available with either subtitled or English dubbed dialogue tracks. NARUTOSHIPPUDEN:THE MOVIE is also available dubbed on both streaming sites.

In NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (rated TV-14), a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived fromoverseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leavingbehind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” fromthe Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden LeafVillage long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stopthis new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths withSasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

The NARUTO movie marathon may be accessed from thee dedicated site at: www.VIZAnime.com/naruto-movie-marathon/. More information on NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS is available at www.Naruto.com and www.VIZ.com/naruto-shippuden-movie-video.

ACF 1184: U.S. theatrical premiere of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS set for NY Comic Con

© 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO / 2007 Shippuden © NMP 2008

 VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES

THEATRICAL PREMIERE OF

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS

JapaneseNARUTO Voice Actress Junko Takeuchi

To Attend Special Premiere Event HeldDuring

2011 New York Comic Con

VIZ Media will complement its presence at the 2011 New York Comic Con with the exclusiveU.S. theatrical premiere of the latest NARUTO SHIPPUDEN feature film, NARUTO SHIPPUDENTHE MOVIE: BONDS (English subtitled), on Saturday, October 15that 7:00pm at the New York School of Visual Arts Theatre. A special pre-show redcarpet event featuring Japanese voice actress JunkoTakeuchi, who provides the original voice for Naruto, will take place at thetheatre beginning at 6:00pm.

TheSchool of Visual Arts Theatre is located at 333 West 23rd Street, withinwalking distance of the Jacob Javits Convention Center where the 2011 New York Comic Conwill take place October 13th–16th. Seating is on afirst-come/first-served basis. Comic Con attendees can secure free tickets tothe premiere at VIZ Media’s Booth #932. Check a schedule posted at the VIZ Media booth forthe designated times for free ticket giveaways!

The first 200 attendees in line forthe premiere will receive a NARUTO plush toy. Premiere attendees will also receive a special VIZMedia Heroes Of Anime gift bag with anamazing assortment of goodies, including the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™: Ultimate Ninja Impact™ video game for the PSP(courtesy Namco Bandai), NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Collectable Card Game packs (courtesyBandai America), NARUTO keychains (courtesy Great Eastern), and other assortedcollectibles.

“Junko Takeuchi is one of the mostrespected voice actors in the Japanese anime industry and we’re honored towelcome her as a very special guest of honor for this theatrical premiereevent,” says Candice Uyloan, Director, Marketing. “NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THEMOVIE: BONDS is the second feature film in the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN story arc andNaruto and his friends must face down a dangerous new airborne menace in thislatest action-packed adventure. Don’t miss this fun event which is sure to be amust-attend for every anime and action film fan during New York Comic Con!”

InNARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived fromoverseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leavingbehind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” fromthe Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden LeafVillage long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stopthis new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths withSasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

More information on NARUTOSHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS is available at www.Naruto.comand www.VIZ.com/naruto-shippuden-movie-video.

ACF 1179: Naruto movie marathon on VIZAnime.com and Hulu

The World’s Most Popular NinjaTakes Center Stage

In Four Action-Packed Feature Films

Set To Stream ThroughoutOctober

To celebrate the upcoming U.S. theatrical premiere and DVD and Blu-rayrelease of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS, and the birthday of the Narutocharacter on October 10th VIZ Media has just announced a special NARUTOmovie marathon on VIZAnime.com, the company’s own website for free anime, as well as on thestreaming content provider HULU (www.Hulu.com).

A total of 4 featurefilms featuring the spunky ninja will stream on both sitesthru October 23rd and will include NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH INTHE LAND OF SNOW, NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL, NARUTO THEMOVIE 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM. For the first time, thesefilms will also be made available to stream with either subtitled or Englishdubbed dialogue tracks. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN:THE MOVIE will also be available dubbedon both streaming sites.

VIZ Media will premiere the latestNARUTO feature film – NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE:BONDS – in a special theatrical event to be held at the New York School of Visual Arts Theatre (SVA) on Saturday,October 15^th as part of the company’s activities at the 2011 NewYork Comic-Con. Esteemed Japanese voice actress Junko Takeuchi, who provides the original voice forNaruto, will also attend the event.
 

NARUTOTHE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW (Rated TV-14)

A land forever covered in ice... Aprincess missing for ten years... And one high-spirited ninja named Naruto!

In this first NARUTO feature film,Naruto and the rest of Squad 7 take on a new mission: bring popular movie starYukie Fujikaze to the Land of Snow, where they're filming the final scenes ofher latest movie. Trouble is, she's even more headstrong than Naruto, and shedoesn't want to go! Her reluctance may be connected to what else lies in waitfor them – three rogue Snow ninja and a tyrannical ruler seeking the key to amysterious treasure.

NARUTOTHE MOVIE 2: LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL (Rated TV-14)

Naruto, Shikamaru and Sakura arein the middle of returning a lost ferret to its owner--the easiest missionever. Or so they think! When a young knight, Temujin, attacks them out ofnowhere, they are drawn into a fierce struggle over a treasure harboringlegendary power – the Stone of Gelel. Temujin's master wants to use the stone'spower to create a utopia, while the last of the clan who once controlled thestone wants to keep it sealed away forever. Naruto and the others, along withhelp from Gaara and Kankuro, must protect the stone from those who want tomisuse its power. When the dream of utopia becomes a nightmare, it'll take aninja to set things right!

NARUTOTHE MOVIE 3: GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM (Rated TV-14)

Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi team upwith Rock Lee to protect Prince Michiru and his son Hikaru on their return hometo the Crescent Moon Kingdom. Easy enough, until the royal family becomes aroyal pain!

Prince Michiru can't helpindulging his son, even buying him a circus along the way! Naruto has a toughtime putting up with both the spoiled Hikaru and a saber-toothed tiger, but thereal adventure begins when they reach the Land of the Moon and find themselvesfacing a villainous uprising. Does Naruto have what it takes to save an entirekingdom?

NARUTOSHIPPUDEN: THE MOVIE (Rated TV-14)

A powerful spirit that oncethreatened to destroy the world is back! Naruto's mission is to protect apriestess named Shion, who is the only one with the power to seal away themonster. She also has the uncanny ability to predict someone's fate. Her latestprediction: Naruto will soon die. Naruto's only hope is to abandon Shion, butthat's not Naruto's style. He decides to face her fatal prediction head-on – anddie!

More information on NARUTO is availableat www.Naruto.com.

ACF 1170: "Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Bonds" coming on DVD and Blu-Ray on October 25th

© 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO / 2007 Shippuden © NMP 2008

 VIZ Media announces the release of the

High Flying Ninja Action of

Naruto Shippuden The Movie: Bonds

on DVD and Blu-Ray

TheWorld’s Most Popular Ninja Returns

In A Brand New Anime Feature Film And

FacesDown A Dangerous Airborne Menace!

VIZ Media has announced the DVDand Blu-ray release of the latest NARUTO feature film will take place on October 25th. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS willbe the first Blu-ray release from the international anime franchise to hit NorthAmerican shores, and is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and priced at $24.98(Blu-ray) and $19.98 (DVD) in both the U.S. and Canada.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS is packed with dynamicaction and visually stunning fight scenes, giving devoted fans and newcomersalike a chance to experience NARUTO SHIPPUDEN like never before! In themovie, a group of mysterious flyingninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the HiddenLeaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to bethe “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyedby the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and hisfriends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission,Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the LeafVillage.

“This is the second feature film in the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN story arc andfans won’t want to miss even a second of the high flying ninja action in thislatest anime adventure!” says Brian Ige, Vice President, Animation. “Octoberwill be a month full of NARUTO fun as VIZ Media plans a special U.S. theatricalpremiere of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS during New York Comic Conand also celebrates the birthday of the world’s most popular ninja the samemonth. Look for this latest release coming soon to retailers nationwide!”

Inthe NARUTO manga and animatedseries, Naruto Uzumakiwants to be the best ninja in the land. He's done well so far, but Naruto knowshe must train harder than ever and leaves his village for intense exercisesthat will push him to his limits. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN begins two and a half years later, when Naruto returns to findthat everyone has been promoted up the ninja ranks – except him. Sakura’s amedic ninja, Gaara’s advanced to Kazekage, and Kakashi…well he remains thesame. But pride isn’t necessarily becoming of a ninja, especially when Narutorealizes that Sasuke never returned from his search for Orochimaru. Plus, themysterious Akatsuki organization is still an ever-present danger. As Narutofinds out more about the Akatsuki’s goals, he realizes that nothing in hisuniverse is as it seems. Naruto is finding that he’s older, but will he alsoprove wiser and stronger?

More information onNARUTO is available at www.Naruto.com.

ACF 1148: VIZ Media’s "Heroes of Anime" summer sweepstakes ends on September 15th

There’s only a short time until VIZ Media’s Heroes of Anime summer sweepstakes ends on September 15th,and fans are encouraged to enter for a chance to win passes to attend theexclusive U.S theatrical premiere of the latest NARUTO feature film – NARUTOSHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS – set to take place in New York City in October duringthe 2011 New York Comic Con. Entry details and complete information are available at: www.viz.com/25years.

The Heroes of Anime contest,which also celebrates VIZ Media’s 25^th Anniversary, will award onelucky Grand Prize winner with 2 passes to the premiere of NARUTOSHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS as well as free airfare and hotel accommodations in New York City forthemselves and a guest.

Runner-up Heroes of Animeprizes include an Apple iPad™, awarded to one lucky contestant, as well asseveral prize packages that will include fun tchotchkes and collectibles from avariety of top VIZ Media anime properties.

In NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS, a group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived fromoverseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leavingbehind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” fromthe Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden LeafVillage long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stopthis new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths withSasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village. 

More information on NARUTO is availableat www.Naruto.com.

ACF 1040: 20% off Naruto digital manga with new VIZ MANGA APP promo

RECEIVE 20% OFF NARUTO DIGITAL MANGA
WITH NEW VIZ MANGA APP PROMOTION

World’s Most Popular Ninja Goes On Sale For A Limited Time Only
For Digital Download For iPad, iPhone And iPod Touch!

VIZ Media has just launched a special digital promotion for its NARUTO manga (graphic novel) series. Digital versions of Volumes 1-27 of the classic action adventure story are available via the VIZ MANGA APP for the Apple iPad™, iPhone™ and iPod Touch™ for only $3.99 – 20% off the normal MSRP. The promotion lasts for a limited time only and ends Friday, June 17th at midnight PST.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto in 1999, NARUTO (rated ‘T’ for Teens) quickly became Japan’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85 million copies to-date. NARUTO is also one of the most popular anime/manga properties in North America. The NARUTO manga and animated series depict the adventures of a young boy named Uzumaki Naruto who trains to become a ninja.

Naruto, cursed with the spirit of the nine-tailed fox demon 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. More information on NARUTO is available at www.NARUTO.com.

The VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPhone iPod Touch, and iPad. The app is free to download through the iTunes store, and volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada for only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each.

An extensive library of over 250 volumes is available now, including popular series such as BLEACH, BLUE EXORCIST, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO, ONE PIECE and many more. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series are featured.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP, visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

ACF 996: VIZ announces 3-in-1 manga editions beginning May 3rd, 2011

NARUTO © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS SUMMER READING FUN
WITH NEW 3-IN-1 MANGA EDITIONS

New Omnibus Releases Announced For BLEACH,
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, KEKKAISHI And NARUTO

VIZ Media will kick off the summer reading season with the release of new 3-in-1 omnibus editions for several best-loved manga (graphic novels) series. NARUTO and KEKKAISHI both launch on May 3rd, and BLEACH and FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST go on sale June 7th. Each of the new omnibus releases bundles 3 complete manga volumes into a handy summertime reading companion.

NARUTO 3-in-1 Edition Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available May 3rd

Naruto is a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief. He’s got a wild sense of humor, but Naruto is completely serious about his mission to be the world’s greatest ninja! It’s training day and no one takes Naruto seriously at Ninja Academy. Especially not the other students, who all are competing to be the best ninja ever and some day lead Konoha, the Village Hidden in the Leaves. Naruto and his classmates are about to embark on an adventure that takes them far beyond Ninja Academy, beyond Konoha, beyond anything they ever imagined. What is Naruto’s true destiny? The epic story that has sold millions worldwide begins now! For more information, please visit the official NARUTO website at www.Naruto.com.

KEKKAISHI © 2004 Yellow TANABE/Shogakukan

KEKKAISHI 3-in-1 Edition Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available May 3rd

By night, teenager Yoshimori Sumimura is a "kekkaishi"--a demon-hunter who specializes in creating magical barriers around his prey. By day, Yoshimori's got other demons to battle: an addiction to sweets and a seriously crotchety grandfather! Yoshimori's pretty neighbor and childhood friend, Tokine Yukimura, is also a kekkaishi, but their families are feuding over who is the true practitioner of the art. Now the two rival kekkaishi must do battle with amphibious demons, the ghost of a pastry chef, charming demon-charmer Yomi and her pet demon Yoki, embittered demon-dog Koya – and more! More information on KEKKAISHI is available at www.viz.com/kekkaishi.

BLEACH 3-in-1 Edition Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available June 7th

Ichigo Kurosaki has always been able to see ghosts, but this ability doesn't change his life nearly as much as his close encounter with Rukia Kuchiki, a Soul Reaper and member of the mysterious Soul Society. While fighting a Hollow, an evil spirit that preys on humans who display psychic energy, Rukia attempts to lend Ichigo some of her powers so that he can save his family; but much to her surprise, Ichigo absorbs every last drop of her energy. Now a full-fledged Soul Reaper himself, Ichigo quickly learns that the world he inhabits is one full of dangerous spirits, and along with Rukia – who is slowly regaining her powers – it's Ichigo's job to protect the innocent from Hollows and help the spirits themselves find peace. The paranormal action-adventure begins now! More information on BLEACH is available at Bleach.viz.com.

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST 3-in-1 Edition Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN • Available June 7th

Alchemy: the mystical power to alter the natural world, somewhere between magic, art and science. When two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, dabbled in these powers to grant their dearest wish, one of them lost an arm and a leg...and the other became nothing but a soul locked into a body of living iron. Now they are agents of the government, slaves of the military-alchemical complex, using their unique powers to obey their orders...even to kill. But their powers aren't unique. The world crawls with evil alchemists. And in pursuit of the ultimate alchemical treasure, the Philosopher's Stone, their enemies are even more ruthless than they are! More information on FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST is available at: www.viz.com/fullmetal-alchemist.

ACF 971: VIZ Media expands relationship with Netflix

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS RELATIONSHIP WITH NETFLIX
TO OFFER POPULAR ANIME TITLES AVAILABLE
TO WATCH INSTANTLY FROM NETFLIX

Popular Series BLEACH, NARUTO, INUYASHA
and More Become Available Starting April

VIZ Media has announced that several of its most popular anime series will be offered to U.S. audiences by Netflix, Inc., the world’s leading Internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV shows. Starting in April, BLEACH, NARUTO, and INUYASHA are among the popular titles which can be instantly streamed from Netflix. More titles will be announced shortly.

VIZ Media series (Uncut and Subtitled) to be offered by Netflix include:

BLEACH: Episodes 1-109 (Seasons 1-2; Rated TV-14)
NARUTO: Episodes 1-104 (Seasons 1-2; Rated TV-14)
HIKARU NO GO: Episodes 1-75 (Complete Series; Rated TV-G)
HONEY AND CLOVER: Episodes 1-36 (Complete Series; Rated TV-14)
NANA: Episodes 1-47 (Complete Series; Rated TV-MA)
INUYASHA: Episodes 1 – 167 (Seasons 1 – 7; Rated TV-14)

“VIZ Media is excited to bring some of our bestselling animated properties to its Netflix subscribers in the U.S.,” says Brian Ige, Senior Director, Animation. “Netflix is the market leader and the availability of these new VIZ Media titles through the service will give fans the flexibility to choose how and when they want to consume their favorite anime. We look forward to expanding our relationship with Netflix to include additional titles in the near future.”

“We are pleased to partner with VIZ Media as a means to offer popular anime series to our members,” said Lisa Nishimura, VP of Content Acquisition. “It is our goal to add a wide variety of content to our growing library of movies and TV shows, and building relationships like this, helps us move forward in our efforts.”

ACF 873: NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes available for download to own or to rent

DOWNLOAD THE LATEST NARUTO SHIPPUDEN ANIME EPISODES
THE DAY AFTER THEY AIR ON THE DISNEY XD NETWORK

iTunes, PlayStation® Network, Xbox LIVE, and Amazon To Offer
The Latest Action Packed Adventures Beginning February 3rd

VIZ Media has announced the availability to Download-to-Own/Download-to-Rent new NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Season 2 anime episodes from leading online content providers iTunes, PlayStation® Network, Xbox LIVE, and Amazon Video On Demand the day after being broadcast on the Disney XD television network beginning today, Thursday, February 3rd.

Fans are invited to visit these outlets to download the latest NARUTO installment, Episode 66 (dubbed), for FREE between February 3rd and March 7th. Subsequent new installments will be only $1.99 per episode for Download-to-Own, while Download-to-Rent costs are only $0.99.

In the newest episodes of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, the rogue ninja Furido attempts to use the Lightning Style Jutsu of the Guardian Shinobi to rain destruction upon the Leaf Village. To make matters worse, the ninja are running out of chakra. Does Naruto have enough power to save his village? Then, the Akatsuki are working their way from one Jinchuriki to another, and it's only a matter of time until they get to Naruto!

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens with more than 100 million copies in circulation to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for Teens, and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) are among VIZ Media’s most successful properties and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

For more information on NARUTO, visit the official NARUTO website at www.Naruto.com.

ACF 870: Naruto will reach special milestone on February 1st, 2011!!

NARUTO (C) 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc.

NARUTO MANGA SERIES REACHES MILESTONE

VIZ Media Set To Release Volume 50 Of Hit Series In February

VIZ Media will release the 50th volume of the NARUTO manga (graphic novel) series tomorrow, February 1st. The newest adventure of the bestselling series – Water Prison Death Match – will be published under the company’s Shonen Jump imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 / $12.99 CAN.

Killer Bee vs. Kisame! Plus, the realization of Naruto's worst nightmare seems inevitable as the war he's tried to stop for so long looms on the horizon. And Sakura corners Naruto with a reveal that's going knock him for a serious loop. Then, a truth behind the modern ninja world sheds new light on Naruto's true role in the fate of his universe.

Created by Masashi Kishimoto, NARUTO was first introduced in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga targeting tweens and teens and has sold more than 85 million copies to-date. The manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and animated counterpart (NARUTO rated ‘T’ for Teens, and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) are among VIZ Media’s most successful properties and have captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN anime episodes are also currently available for free at www.Naruto.VIZ.com and through a variety of other web-based, video streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes, Joost and Hulu.

For more information on NARUTO, visit the official website at www.Naruto.VIZ.com.

ACF 775: VIZ Media manga holiday gift ideas

VIZ MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS THE 2010 HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON
WITH GIFT IDEAS BASED ON POPULAR MANGA PROPERTIES

New Titles For BLEACH, NARUTO, VAMPIRE KNIGHT, POKÉMON,
And THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Make Ideal Gifts For That Special Fan

I know that this'll be of considerable interest to my numerous manga-lovinng readers:

VIZ Media launches the 2010 holiday shopping season with a variety of releases based on some of the company’s most popular manga (graphic novel) properties including BLEACH, NARUTO, VAMPIRE KNIGHT, POKÉMON and THE LEGEND OF ZELDA.

Thoughtful selections for this year’s holiday season include the latest manga installments as well as vividly illustrated art and official fan collector books and a brand new manga box set.

BLEACH Holiday Selections:

BLEACH, Vol. 33 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available December 7th

Ichigo's misson to rescue his friend Orihime from the Hollow world has turned into a struggle for survival against a succession of enemies, each one more powerful than the next. Now another vicious challenger has entered the fray, one that happens to know the startling truth about Ichigo's new friend Nel!

COLOR BLEACH +: OFFICAL BLEACH BOOTLEG • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $9.99 US / $12.99 CAN • Available Now!

This indispensable guide takes you behind the scenes of the shadowy world of the Soul Reapers! Read all about the illustrious Thirteen Court Guard Companies, study for the grueling entrance examination, get fighting tips from a master, take the personality quiz, and much, much more! This book also includes 66 pages of full-color manga spun off from the original BLEACH series.

More information on BLEACH is available at Bleach.viz.com.

NARUTO Holiday Selections Include:

NARUTO, Vol. 49 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available Now!

In the latest installment, The Gokage Summit Commences, the five leaders of the strongest villages in the ninja world meet to discuss the fate of their universe and how to deal with the ever-looming threat of the rogue organization, the Akatsuki. Plans are made that will affect Naruto deeply. The new Hokage, the leader of Naruto's village, is not afraid to make the final end move against Naruto's old pal, Sasuke!

NARUTO ILLUSTRATION BOOK • MSRP: $19.99 U.S. / $27.00 CAN • Available Now!

This soft cover edition is offered by the Shonen Jump imprint and features nearly 100 pages of original illustrations by NARUTO creator Masashi Kishimoto. Included are a variety of character portraits depicting the young ninja in action, as well as his cohorts including Sasuke, Sakura and Kakashi. Plus, a color pull-out double-sided poster and a sticker sheet!

For more information on NARUTO visit the official NARUTO website at www.Naruto.com.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Holiday Selections Include:

VAMPIRE KNIGHT, Vol. 11 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN • Available December 7th

The Night Class at Cross Academy has been abolished. Zero still attends the Day Class while carrying out his duties as a vampire hunter. Yuki now lives hidden away at the Kuran residence with Kaname, but will she embrace the life of a pureblood vampire?

VAMPIRE KNIGHT OFFICAL FANBOOK • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN • Available Now!

Delve into the world of your favorite vampires with this official fanbook that’s filled with insider information about the smash hit series. Includes a Cross Academy student ID card, glossy color pages, character design sketches, storyboards and an exclusive interview with VAMPIRE KNIGHT creator Matsuri Hino!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT BOX SET • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $99.99 U.S. / $115.00 CAN • Available November 16th

New set compiles the first 10 volumes of the hit VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga series. Also includes an exclusive Cross Academy Day Class 2011 Planner and a gorgeous illustrated case to house the set.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT takes readers to Cross Academy, which is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

More information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free previews online is available at www.ShojoBeat.com.

POKÉMON Holiday Selections Include:

THE COMPLETE POKÉMON POCKET GUIDE BOX SET • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN • Available Now!

Over 500 pages of Pokémon! From Abra to Zubat--Catch 'Em All Here! The complete guide to over 490 Pokémon! Fully illustrated and totally comprehensive, this two-volume set features one Pokémon per page, with descriptions and stats, including Abilities, Moves and Evolution. Portable, practical and bursting with information, this pocket guide is all you need to catch 'em all! Plus there's a bonus poster featuring Shaymin on one side and Arceus on the other!

POKÉMON DIAMOND & PEARL ADVENTURE!, Vol. 8 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN • Available Now!

A Pokémon Showdown! If Hareta and his new rival Koya can't agree on how to rescue Cyrus and a group of mind-controlled Pokémon, they might never get saved! Then, Koya is attacked by a long-lost Pokémon friend... And when Hareta finally gets his chance to battle the Legendary Pokémon Giratina, two unexpected allies arrive to fight by our hero's side! This is the thrilling series finale!

POKÉMON ADVENTURES, Vol. 10 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN • Available December 7th

A New Adventure Begins! In order to assist Professor Oak's research, a young Trainer, Crystal, hits the streets of Cherrygrove City with a new Pokédex in hand! Her goal is to catch all kinds of Pokémon! And what will happen when the
Legendary Pokémon Suicune awakens?

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Holiday Selections Include:

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: THE PHANTOM HOURGLASS • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN • Available Now!

Don’t miss the final volume of the hit ZELDA series! Link's friend Tetra is taken prisoner by a ghost ship, and Link falls overboard when he tries to save her. When he wakes up, he finds himself embarked on another fantastic quest! The discovery of the Phantom Hourglass sets Link on a journey to rescue Tetra, find the Sand of Hours and break the curse on the Temple of the Ocean King. Come aboard with Link for an amazing adventure on the high seas!

For more information on other manga titles from VIZ Media visit www.VIZ.com.