ODE TO MY FATHER set to open in U.S. & Canada on January 9, 2015

Yunjin KIM (Lost) Co-stars In Film Following One Man’s Incredible Journey

Intertwined with South Korea’s History Since the1950’s and the Korean War

Ode to My Father, an inspiring and heart-wrenching tale of one ordinary man’s journey through extraordinary times, will make its U.S. debut in major market cinemas on January 9, 2015.

The film has just been invited to screen in the Panorama section of the prestigious Berlinale (The Berlin International Film Festival). With the Berlinale curator Wieland Speck explaining that “the film depicts the legacy of an unprecedented development in recent history with grand cinematic power and its human dimensions: the rise of a part of a troubled and divided nation, South Korea."

Ode to my Father follows Deok-su, an everyman facing the challenges put forth by some of modern history’s most significant events. As a child, Deok-Su had to say goodbye to his father during a North Korean refugee evacuation amidst the Korean War. His last words to his father were a promise that he would always protect the family. As he matures, that vow leads him to the coal mines of 1960’s Germany, and even into the jungle of the Vietnam War. Ode To My Father is a heartwarming tale of an ordinary man who musters superhuman resilience for the sake of his family, all set in the maelstrom of modern history as it crashed over Korea. With echoes of tumultuous events happening around the globe today, Ode To My Father is a loving look at one family who manages to survive and even thrive. Ode to my Father stars HWANG Jung-min (New World, The Unjust) as Deok-su and Yunjin KIM (Lost, Mistresses) as Deok-su’s wife, Yeong-Ja.

Off the overwhelming success of his last film, Haeundae (2009), which saw over 10 million in admissions in South Korea, director JK YOUN continues doing what he is known for, combining large scale drama with wonderful intimacy and sincerity between his characters. For YOUN, Ode To My Father was more than a project, it was a calling—to tell the story of his father's generation who stoically and even good-naturedly took on the responsibility for rebuilding Korea with their bare hands. He wanted to write and direct a film which was not based on the lives of those written in history books, but on the ordinary who manage the burden of living in extraordinary times.

Ode to My Father is presented and distributed by CJ Entertainment and produced by JK Film. The film will premiere in major market theaters across the country. Check local listings or visit www.cj-entertainment.com for more details.

KILLERS to open January 23rd, 2015

Well Go USA

Entertainment

presents

Killers

Directed by The Mo Brothers

Produced by Gareth Evans of The Raid films

Starring: Kazuki Kitamura, Oka Antara, Rin Takanashi, Epy Kusnandar

Indonesia/Japan, 137 minutes

Killers, the latest offering from The Mo Brothers (Kimo Stamboel and Timo Tjahjanto) will open in theaters and On Demand January 23, 2015

Synopsis: A series of horrific murders have just gone viral, posted anonymously by the handsome and seductive Nomura (Kazuki Kitamura) with a taste for torture. Thousands of miles away, disgraced journalist Bayu (Oka Antarra) can’t stop watching – and in a reckless moment discovers he, too, can kill. One man in Tokyo. One in Jakarta. A serial killer and a vigilante. As the posts multiply and the body count rises, a bizarre and psychotic rivalry begins – and the face-to-face showdown that’s coming will paint the city in blood.

Official Website: http://wellgousa.com/theatrical/killers

Sentai Filmworks licenses SHE, THE ULTIMATE WEAPON

Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition is She, The Ultimate Weapon. Adapted from the works of renowned creator Shin Takahashi and animated by GONZO, this post-apocalyptic anime series details the hardships of war, fighting one’s inner demons and the true nature of the human spirit.

Synopsis: Not every soldier wants to fight. Not every weapon wants to be used. But when an unexpected force attacks their city, the hopes and dreams of students Shuji and Chise are shattered by the fires of war. Surviving the bombing after a mysterious defender decimates the attackers, Shuji discovers Chise in the ruins. But she is no longer the girl he has always known. Changed and twisted by military experiments, she has been altered into something no longer completely human. And even worse, though they both fight to deny it, the things that made her the person she was are slowly beginning to fade away.

Can a human soul exist inside a device that was created to kill? And can any heart continue to feel love for something that is only a shell of the person it once was? The question will be answered as a young schoolgirl is transformed into the ultimate engine of mass destruction in She, The Ultimate Weapon.

She, The Ultimate Weapon will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

Sentai Filmworks has acquired HAYATE THE COMBAT BUTLER: CAN’T TAKE MY EYES OFF YOU

Sentai Filmworks has announced its latest acquisition, Hayate the Combat Butler: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You. Based on the popular title published serially in Weekly Comic Magazine SHONEN SUNDAY, and with animation production by manglobe Inc. (Samurai Champloo), this third season of the Hayate the Combat Butler series forges a new path with an original anime story based on a series concept by original author Kenjirou Hata.

Synopsis: It was a tumultuous summer, but it's drawn to a close and things have returned to normal at Sanzenin Mansion -- when suddenly a phone call is received from the Nevada police! "Have your father's belongings been found?" a voice asks. "No. I have no interest in such things," replies Nagi, as nonchalant as ever. But then a mysterious girl arrives, claiming what could be either a shocking truth or utter nonsense.

Hayate the Combat Butler: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow

Comedy manga JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN coming January 6, 2015

JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN © 2013 by BIRD STUDIO/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA OPENS 2015 WITH THE RELEASE OF AKIRA TORIYAMA’S

MANGA COMEDY JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN

From The Creator Of DRAGON BALL This Hilarious Manga

About An Unlikely Friendship Between A Clumsy Interstellar

Cop And A Hermit Scientist Debuts In Print And Digital!

VIZ Media prepares to thrill manga (graphic novel) readers and fans of legendary creator Akira Toriyama with the launch of JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN in print and digital on January 6th.

The complete-in-one-volume interstellar comedy will be published under the company’s Shonen Jump imprint. JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

A digital version of JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN also debuts on January 6th for $6.99 (USD/CAN) from VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones. The digital volume of JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN can also be purchased through the Nook, Kobo, ComiXology, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores.

Manga legend and creator of DRAGON BALL Z, Akira Toriyama, is back with the quirky comedy JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN! Retired scientist Omori lives alone on a deserted island while continuing his research into time-travel. His quiet life is interrupted when galactic patrolman Jaco crash-lands and decides to move in with him. This agent from space claims to be elite, but sometimes it can be a little hard to believe. Can Jaco get along with the old man long enough to save the earth from a dangerous threat?

“JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN is Akira Toriyama’s first new release in over a decade and notably features some must-read DRAGON BALL Z content related to the parents of Goku, the hero of his other bestselling manga series,” says Alexis Kirsch, Editor. “Jaco is an alien who is very proud, but also extremely clumsy. Together with the reclusive scientist, Omori, and Tights, a mysterious girl that dreams of becoming a sci-fi novelist, the stage is set for fun and zany adventures. Readers of all ages won’t want to miss this fun new series by one of the greatest names in manga!”

Renowned worldwide for his playful, innovative storytelling and humorous, distinctive art style, Akira Toriyama burst onto the manga scene in 1980 with the wildly popular title, DR. SLUMP. His breakthrough hit series DRAGON BALL (published in the U.S. as Dragon Ball and Dragon Ball Z) ran from 1984 to 1995 in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. Toriyama is also known for his design work on video games such as Dragon Quest, Chrono Trigger, Tobal No. 1, and Blue Dragon. His other manga works include COWA!, Kajika, Sand Land, Neko Majin, and a children's book, Toccio the Angel. VIZ Media publishes an array of Akira Toriyama’s work in English including DR. SLUMP, DRAGON BALL / DRAGON BALL Z, COWA! And SAND LAND.

For more information on JACO THE GALACTIC PATROLMAN or other manga titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Sentai Filmworks licenses UNLIMITED PSYCHIC SQUAD

Sentai Filmworks is proud to announce its latest acquisition, Unlimited Psychic Squad. Originally created by Takashi Shiina with animation production by Manglobe, this spinoff of the Psychic Squad action comedy series is a fresh take on a familiar face as a once villain treads the line between good and evil.

Synopsis: You don’t have to be psychic to know that Hyobu Kyosuke is trouble waiting to happen, but having psychic powers of your own may be your only chance if you want to stand against him. One of the most powerful espers on the planet, Hyobu’s incredible range of abilities extends as far as controlling his own aging process, and the potential strength of all his talents combined is so terrifying that he wears a device that limits their use except in cases of extreme emergency. The time is coming, however, when Hyobu will need to unleash everything he has.

Because sometimes it takes a villain to do what heroes can’t, and as the leader of the secret organization P.A.N.D.R.A., Hyobu’s dedicated his life to fighting those who would entrap, enslave, or kill anyone with psychic powers. Now P.A.N.D.R.A. itself is in danger and, to combat that deadly threat, the gloves and limiter are coming off! The dark side of the world of PSYCHIC SQUAD is unveiled in an incredible new series, where the lines between the good and the bad cease to exist and the only goal is survival in Unlimited Psychic Squad.

Unlimited Psychic Squad will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

South Korean crime thriller TRAFFICKERS available today

Well Go USA

Entertainment

presents

Traffickers / Gong-mo-ja-deul

Directed by KIM Hong-seon

South Korea, 2012, 111 minutes

There are many reasons for taking a large ferry boat from South Korea to Wei Hai, China, most of them perfectly legitimate, some of them -- such as smuggling -- less so. But the most dastardly reason has to be to harvest organs from an unsuspecting passenger for transplants for the wealthy on the black market. And that's the premise of this taught crime thriller from South Korea which debuts on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital toady, Tuesday, December 23rd, 2014 from Well Go USA Entertainment.

In a prelude scene, we witness one of these operations unravel. The unwilling male "donor" manages to escape from the room being used for surgery. When one of the crew tries to recapture him, things take a turn for the worse.

Young-kyo (center) with Jun-shik behind and to his right and Dae-woong further back and to his left

The bulk of the film takes place three years after this incident. Young-kyo (IM Chang-jung) the leader of the crew, has abandoned organ trafficking and engages in run-of-the-mill smuggling. He still uses two of his underlings from the harvesting operations, the full-faced Jun-shik (JO Dai-hwan) and the thin Dae-woong (LEE Young-hoon).

Young-kyo has strong romantic feelings for Yu-ri (JO Yun-hie), a young ticket-booth girl at the port from which the ferry leaves South Korea. But she is preoccupied with her father's failing health. In one of the film's several coincidences, he is in dire need of a transplant.

Dong-bae, Young-kyo's former boss, entices him into making another harvesting ferry run. The operation will again be performed by a dissolute doctor known simply as "Old Man" (OH Dal-su), who was apparently to blame for things going wrong three years earlier. And once again things threaten to go wrong when a passenger begins a frantic search for his missing wife, who has been selected as the black-marketers' next victim.

The doctor (facing away) prepares to do his thing in the ferry's sauna

Traffickers is the feature film debut of KIM Hong-seon, who co-wrote the screenplay (also his first) with KIM Sang-myung. Director KIM has done a fine job of keeping this thriller taught and moving along, which no doubt contributed to his receiving the 2012 Blue Dragon Award as Best New Director.

Disc Specs:
- Audio Options:
  - Korean DTS-HD 5.1
  - Korean Dolby Digital 2.0
- Subtitle Options: English / Off
- Extras:
  - Trailer
  - Previews of three other Well Go USA releases

AsianCineFest Rating: 3 out of 4 stars; a good, solid and well-executed crime thriller.

Sentai Filmworks acquires DD FIST OF THE NORTH STAR

Sentai Filmworks has announced its latest acquisition, DD Fist of the North Star. Originally created by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara with support of “Monthly COMIC ZENON” and with animation production by Ajiado, DD Fist of the North Staris a parody series of the original Fist of the North Star comic and gives our familiar heroes the chance to flex their comedy muscles in a world where nuclear war never happened.

Synopsis: To be its evangelist, highly trained in the secret martial art of Hokuto Shinken, Kenshiro has achieved such a high level of combat expertise that he can kill a man with his finger. Though these skills may be useful for a wandering man trying to survive the deadly wastelands left behind by nuclear war, they’re all but useless in modern day Japan! With an apocalypse that never happened and a less-than-desirable skill set, would-be hero Kenshiro is stuck looking for a job just like every other unlucky person in Japan. And frankly, part time jobs just aren’t cutting it.

Things start to look up when he stumbles across a vacancy notice at a convenience store, but unfortunately he’ll have to deal with two contentious contenders if he wants the job: his own brothers Toki and Raoh, who share the same dilemma as Kenshiro himself. The battle for the stock shelves begins—fists will fly and no punches will be pulled as martial arts and shelved snacks collide in DD Fist of the North Star.

DD Fist of the North Star will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

VIZ Media is offering new digital manga and year-end manga promo

Vampire Knight © Matsuri Hino 2004/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

VIZ MEDIA CONCLUDES 2014 WITH NEW

DIGITAL MANGA FOR THE SECOND-HALF

OF DECEMBER AND LAUNCHES

YEAR-END MANGA PROMOTION

Round Out The Year With The Launch Of 4 New

Manga Series And A Special Year-End Promotion

Offering Up To 70% Off On All Digital Manga Titles

VIZ Media completes December with a final digital manga update for the year. Fans and readers can wrap up 2014 and accent their holiday season with a wide variety of new manga (graphic novel) volumes as well as catch the launch of a trio of exciting new series from the VIZ Select imprint and new Shojo title.

VIZ Media also ends the year with its annual digital manga sale. For a limited time only – from December 15th to January 15th – readers can dive into scores of new series or catch up on continuing favorites for up to 70% off the regular digital MSRP on digital manga titles featured on VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App. Some titles will be available for as low as $1.99. Special sale pricing also may be available from a variety of partner’s digital platforms. Check partner sites for details and specific pricing.

New Digital Manga Series Debuts:

YUKARISM, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
DIGITAL MSRP: $6.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available Now
In this new series from the creator of YURARA and RASETSU, Yukari Kobayakawa, an accomplished author at the age of 17, writes with amazingly accurate details about historical Japan. As it turns out, he has the ability to slip into his past life in the Edo period—as a beautiful, renowned courtesan named Yumurasaki

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: LIFE • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
DIGITAL MSRP: $2.99 (U.S. / CAN) • DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE! • Available Now
This digital-only exclusive special chapter reveals more about Yuki and Zero’s relationship. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is the hit gothic drama by Matsuri Hino. In the series, Cross Academy 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.

MIKANSEI NO. 1, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
Digital MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available December 23rd
You know what they say: If the century fits, then...travel back in time to become a pop-singing sensation! Vivacious Neo loves to sing and test the boundaries of 23rd-century modesty with her short, short skirts. But when she accidently travels back in time to the 21st century, it's time to sink or sing! Before she knows it, she's teamed up with the handsome Saya as half of the ultimate singing duo. But all her dreams may vanish if they can't put on one great concert. With Saya depending on her, will Neo keep time on her side

KERORO GUNSO Volume 1 © Mine YOSHIZAKI 1999

SGT. FROG, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
Digital MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available December 30th
Sgt. Keroro, commanding officer of Planet Keron's invasion force, has a problem. After blowing his cover and losing his top-secret weapon, the frog-like alien has been cut off from the home world. To make matters worse, he's lost communications with the rest of his platoon. Now he has taken cover in the Hinata family household, where in exchange for doing his share of the chores, he gets his own room from which to secretly devise new plans of world domination.

HANDS OFF!, Vol. 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
Digital MSRP: $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) • Available December 30th
Kotarou Oohira is a boy with a clueless touch-he has an unusual type of ESP that is transmitted via physical contact. When he accidentally gives his cousin Tatsuki this "gift" he comes to realize that there is much more to his powers than he ever imagined! Known throughout the manga world, veteran creator Kasane Katsumoto delivers a close-to-home fantasy filled with action, intrigue and the gentle touch of boys.

Additional digital manga updates for the second-half of December include new volumes for continuing series including LAGOON ENGINE (Vol. 6), LUCKY STAR (Vol. 6), VIDEO GIRL AI (Vol. 9), as well as TRINITY BLOOD (Vol. 12), MOURYOU KIDEN: LEGEND OF NYMPH (Vol. 2), ZONE-00 (Vol. 3) and several more.

Readers can enjoy all of these new manga titles that are available on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones and 7” tablets. The titles may also be purchased through the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, ComiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. These dynamic digital platforms offer fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy a massive catalog of new and classic manga titles that span more than 2,400 volumes across over 210 different series.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the ComiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay Stores.

Most manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Readers can also explore free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, visit www.vizmanga.com.

Sentai Filmworks acquires DAI-SHOGUN – GREAT REVOLUTION-

A new era in Japan has come alive, and one gun shy young warrior is out to prove his manly worth in Sentai Filmworks' latest acquisition, Dai-Shogun -Great Revolution-. This action packed sci-fi mecha series is directed by Takashi Watanabe (Demon King Daimao, Shakugan no Shana) with series composition by Dai Sato (FREEDOM, Eureka Seven), mechanical design by Makoto Ishiwata (Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Valvrave the Liberator) and animation production by J.C. Staff (The Familiar of Zero, Dream Eater Merry) and A.C.G.T. (The Future Diary, Project Blue Earth SOS).

Synopsis: In the land of the rising sun the horizon is darkened by a fleet of black ships from foreign soil . Just when it seems that all hope is lost ancient mecha of unknown origins appear, pushing back the black ships and forever altering the course of history. Thus, the timeline splits and a new Japan is born, one free of modernization and foreign influence. In this country secluded from the world, an energetic young man known as Keiichiro Tokugawa faces off with his greatest enemy- boredom. Keiichiro yearns to leave behind his life at the family bathhouse and prove himself as a real man once and for all.

But can a virgin who breaks out in hives at the faintest touch of a woman really become a hero for his nation? Especially when he’s surrounded by beautiful women at every turn, from his family’s striking shinobi servant, Kiriko, to the feisty fugitive half-fox, Chiharu. Keiichiro’s dream of a life of action and adventure is about to be fulfilled- in a very big way! Witness the dawn of a new era in Dai-Shogun -Great Revolution-.

Dai-Shogun -Great Revolution- will be available soon through select digital outlets with a home video release to follow.

BROTHERHOOD OF BLADES coming from Well Go USA on Feb. 10, 2015

Brotherhood of Blades / Xiu Chun Dao

Directed by Lu Yang
 China, 2014, 112 minutes

Brotherhood of Blades, the critically-acclaimed, action-packed sophomore effort from Director Lu Yang (My Spectacular Theatre) that features Taiwanese superstar Chang Chen (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Red Cliff), will debut on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital Feb. 10th, 2015 from Well Go USA Entertainment.

The period film is set in the late Ming Dynasty, where a young emperor is determined to take down the all-powerful eunuch Wei and purge his supporters. Caught in the midst of the intrigue are three lowly, cash-strapped warriors from the Imperial Assassins, the secret police, who are given the orders to find and kill Wei.

Brotherhood of Blades also stars Ye Qing (Man of Tai Chi), Chin Shih-chieh (Reign of Assassins, My Spectacular Theatre), Wang Qianyuan (The Golden Era), Li Dongxue, Nie Yuan (The Lost Bladesman), Zhao Lixin (Silent Witness), Qiao Lei, Yang Yi, Gu Dian, Ye Xiangming, and Yang Xiaobo.

The sword-wielding drama was nominated for four Golden Horse Awards in 2014, including Best Actor (Chang Chen), Best Supporting Actor (Chin Shih-chieh), and Best Action Choreography (Sang Lin), taking home the award for Best Makeup & Costume Design (Tingting Liang).

Synopsis: Lu, Shen Lian, and Yichuan. Three sworn brothers, and deadly Jinyiwei – Secret Police of the Imperial Guard. The new Emperor’s first mission - find and annihilate the corrupt fugitive Eunuch Wei and his followers. But one mistake reveals the truth - the three men are pawns in a deadly game, unleashing a chain of secrets, conspiracies, and lethal consequences.

MASTER KEATON coming Dec 16th

MASTER KEATON © 1989 Naoki URASAWA/Studio Nuts, Hokusei KATSUSHIKA, Takashi NAGASAKI
Original Japanese edition published by SHOGAKUKAN.

 VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS NAOKI URASAWA’S SUSPENSFUL

MANGA SERIES MASTER KEATON

Gripping Manga Series With Post-Cold War Era Intrigue And

Espionage From The Award-Winning Creator Of MONSTER

And 20th CENTURY BOYS Launches This Month!

VIZ Media will launch celebrated manga creator Naoki Urasawa’s tense post-Cold War detective suspense series MASTER KEATON on December 16th.

The 12-volume manga (graphic novel) series has never been released in English before, and each volume will receive a deluxe treatment featuring approximately 18 pages of full-color artwork. MASTER KEATON was created and drawn by the award-winning manga artist Naoki Urasawa with story co-produced by Hokusei Katsushika and Takashi Nagasaki. It will be published quarterly under the company’s VIZ Signature imprint and will be rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and carry an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

MASTER KEATON joins VIZ Media’s library of other critically acclaimed manga titles by Naoki Urasawa that includes PLUTO: URASAWA × TEZUKA, MONSTER: THE PERFECT EDITION, 20th CENTURY BOYS and 21st CENTURY BOYS.

MASTER KEATON introduces Taichi Hiraga Keaton, an archeology professor and part-time insurance investigator known for his successful and unorthodox methods of investigation. The son of a Japanese zoologist and an English noblewoman, educated in archaeology at Oxford and a former member of the SAS, Master Keaton uses his knowledge and combat training to uncover buried secrets, thwart would-be villains, and pursue the truth. The manga series was originally published in Japan between 1988 and 1994 in Big Comic Original magazine and also inspired a popular 39-episode anime adaptation.

“MASTER KEATON is an engrossing manga series that follows an unlikely hero who solves mysteries and helps people with quick-thinking and suspenseful action. Keaton himself is a fascinating, unassuming character, which makes for an interesting contrast against the tense environment of late 1980’s Europe,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Originally published prior to the success of later series like MONSTER and 20th CENTURY BOYS, MASTER KEATON displays the detailed art and strong multi-layered plot development that have become cornerstones of Naoki Urawsawa’s repertoire. We’re honored to add this series to our collection of titles from this visionary creator, and we invite readers to dive into the drama of this exciting new release!”

Naoki Urasawa's career as a manga artist spans more than twenty years and has firmly established him as one of the true manga masters of Japan. The acclaimed creator won the 2011 Eisner Award for Best U.S. Edition of International Material – Asia for his series, 20th CENTURY BOYS (also published by VIZ Media). Born in Tokyo in 1960, Urasawa debuted with Beta! in 1983 and hasn't stopped his impressive output since. Well-versed in a variety of genres, Urasawa's oeuvre encompasses a multitude of different subjects, such as a romantic comedy (Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl), a suspenseful human drama about a former mercenary (Pineapple Farm; story by Kazuya Kudo), a captivating psychological suspense story (NAOKI URASAWA'S MONSTER), a sci-fi adventure manga (NAOKI URASAWA’S 20th CENTURY BOYS), and a modern reinterpretation of the work of the God of Manga, Osamu Tezuka in PLUTO: URASAWA × TEZUKA. Many of his books have also spawned popular animated and live-action TV movies, and 2008 saw the theatrical release of the first of three live-action Japanese films based on NAOKI URASAWA’S 20th CENTURY BOYS.

No stranger to accolades and awards, Urasawa is a three-time recipient of the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award, a two-time recipient of the Osamu Tezuka Cultural Prize, and has received the Kodansha Manga Award. Urasawa has also become involved in the world of academia, and in 2008 accepted a guest teaching post at Nagoya Zokei University, where he teaches courses in, of course, manga.

For more information on MASTER KEATON or other manga titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Free screening of ATTACK ON THE PIN-UP BOYS on December 16th

Korean Cultural Service New York

presents

Korean Movie Night 2014

Series Six

Idols on Film: K-pop Superstars Take on Cinema!

Attack on the Pin-Up Boys

Directed by LEE Kwon

South Korea, 2007, 81 minutes

When: Tuesday December 16, 2014 @ 7:00 pm

Doors open: 6:30 PM

Where: Tribeca Cinemas 54 Varick Street, on the corner of Canal, NYC

Near the A, C, E @ #1 Canal Street subway stops

Map

Admission: FREE!!!

North American Premiere!

On Valentine’s Day, class heartthrob Sungmin is attacked by an unseen foe, and hit with a bag of feces! A month later, a similar attack occurs on another school’s most beloved male student – and again, a month later at another school! A rumor begins spreading about what school the attack will happen at next, and the studious Kibum decides he’s going to crack the smelly case wide open! The poo could be headed toward any number of dreamy students next – and time is running out! Packed with hilarious, unpredictable humor, Attack on the Pin-Up Boys stars eleven members of the K-pop super group Super Junior!

VIZ presents special selection of anime and manga holiday gift ideas

DEATH NOTE © 2003 by Tsugumi Ohba, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA MAKES HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR YOUR

FAVORITE ANIME AND MANGA FAN EASY

WITH NEW COMPREHENSIVE GIFT GUIDE

Guide Includes Gifts For Every Fan This Holiday Season

VIZ Media presents a specially curated selection of anime releases and manga titles to suit a wide array of tastes this holiday season. Fans can review the entire list of suggested titles at: http://www.viz.com/holiday.

Fans can highlight wish lists with a variety of anime releases, including Limited Edition Box Sets available on DVD and Blu-ray.such as:

• SAILOR MOON Season 1 Part 1 Limited Edition DVD & Blu-ray Combo Pack Box Set 
• (PRE-ORDER) SAILOR MOON Season 1 Part 2 DVD & Blu-ray Combo Pack Box Set – Releases in February 2015 
• RANMA ½ Sets 1-4 – Limited Edition Blu-ray and/or DVD and/or Blu-ray Limited Edition Box Sets
• BLOOD LAD: THE COMPLETE SERIES – DVD and/or Blu-ray Box Sets
• GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET COMPLETE SERIES – DVD and/or Blu-ray Box Sets
• NARUTO THE MOVIE: ROAD TO NINJA – DVD and/or Blu-ray Set
• NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BLOOD PRISON – DVD and/or Blu-ray Set

NARUTO © 2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO  © NMP 2004-2006

• NARUTO TRIPLE FEATURE DVD Release – Features NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW, LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL, and GUARDIANS OF THE CRESCENT MOON KINGDOM
• BLEACH DOUBLE FEATURE DVD Release – Features BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY and BLEACH THE MOVIE 2: THE DIAMONDDUST REBELLION

Manga fans have a wide variety of titles and series box sets that add plenty of excitement to the holiday reading season, including:

• POKÉMON ADVENTURES RUBY & SAPPHIRE MANGA BOX SET
• POKÉMON ADVENTURES DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM MANGA BOX SET
• POKÉMON BLACK & WHITE MANGA BOX SET 2
• THE LEGEND OF ZELDA BOX SET
• VOLTRON FROM DAYS OF LONG AGO: A 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
• HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40
• THE ART OF PRINCESS MONONOKE
• PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY
• BAKUMAN｡ MANGA BOX SET
• BLACK BIRD MANGA BOX SET
• DEATH NOTE MANGA BOX SET
• OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB MANGA BOX SET
• VAMPIRE KNIGHT MANGA BOX SET 2
• ONE PIECE MANGA BOX SET 2
• FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST MANGA BOX SET

Readers that prefer to enjoy their manga digitally are invited to take advantage of special bundles and holiday pricing on entire story arcs of several popular series. VIZ Media’s digital story arc promotion is available on VIZManga.com, until January 1.

ONE PIECE, East Blue Saga Vols. 1-11 
Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Cost: $44.00 for the entire bundle at $3.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each

NARUTO, The Test of a Ninja Vols. 1-16 
Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Cost: $64.00 for the entire bundle at $3.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each

BLEACH, Reaper's Road Vols. 1-21 
Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Cost: $84.00 for the entire bundle at $3.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each

SHAMAN KING, Spirit Voyage Vols. 1-15 
Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Cost: $60.00 for the entire bundle at $3.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each

ZOMBIE POWDER, Vols. 1-4 
Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
Cost: $8.00 for the entire bundle at $1.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each

THE EARL AND THE FAIRY, The Journey to the Fairy Kingdom Vols. 1-4
Rated ‘T’ for Teens
Cost: $8.00 for the entire bundle at $1.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each

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

TOP STRIPPER at Japan Society NY on Thursday night at 7:00 PM

Top Stripper / Maruhon Uwasa no Sutorippa

Directed by Yoshimitsu Morita

With Kensuke Miyawaki, Ayako Ota, Yuji Yoshikawa,

Kaori Okamoto, Nami Misaki, and Jun Ueno. 

Japan, 1982, 35mm, 67 minutes

In Japanese with English subtitles

When: Thursday, December 11th at 7:00 PM

Where: Japan Society NY

333 East 47th Street, NYC

(Between 1st and 2nd Avenues)

Map

Tickets

In this irreverent take on a coming-of-age story, young man Yoichi (Kensuke Miyawaki) falls head-over-heels in love with Gloria (Kaori Okamoto), who works at the local strip joint. Innocent Yoichi attends Gloria’s shows every day as his mind is filled with images of her. Unlike many hot and heavy pink films of the time, there is a lot of levity to Top Stripper, along with profound moments of bittersweet disappointment familiar to the young love genre. Still early in his career, Yoshimitsu Morita was one of the handful of young, radical directors who were given the opportunity to explore the visual medium via the constraints of the pink genre. The creative shots, framing, and overall playfulness are a must-see. This film was the first of the pink films that Morita directed and was made one year before he directed his iconic The Family Game.

18+ This film is unrated, but may only be viewed by persons 18 years of age and older.

This 35mm print is from the collection of the National Film Center, The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo.

Tickets: $12/$9 Japan Society members, seniors & students

Part of Japan Society's current monthly film series The Dark Side of the Sun: John Zorn on Japanese Cinema.

VIZ announces acquisition of Junji Ito's FRAGMENTS OF HORROR

VIZ MEDIA ACQUIRES JUNJI ITO’S 

FRAGMENTS OF HORROR MANGA

Brand-New Terrifying Short Story Collection By

The Celebrated Creator Of GYO And UZUMAKI

Is Set For North American Release In Summer 2015

VIZ Media has expanded its catalog of horror manga (graphic novel) titles with the acquisition of Junji Ito’s FRAGMENTS OF HORROR.

The title marks the creator’s return to the horror following an eight-year break from the genre, and it will receive a deluxe hardcover treatment for the North American release. FRAGMENTS OF HORROR will debut in the Summer of 2015 under the company’s VIZ Signature imprint, and is rated ‘T+’.

FRAGMENTS OF HORROR is the brand-new collection of delightfully macabre tales from the celebrated master of Japanese horror. An old wooden mansion that turns on its inhabitants. A dissection class with a most unusual subject. A funeral where the dead are definitely not laid to rest. Ranging from the terrifying to the comedic, from the erotic to the loathsome, these stories showcase Junji Ito’s long-awaited return to the world of horror.

“A long anticipated new offering of bizarre and disturbing short stories from the unique mind of Junji Ito awaits readers next summer,” says Leyla Aker, Senior Vice President, Publishing. “Ito adeptly creates scenarios that are at once surreal, unsettling, and often terrifying, and FRAGMENTS OF HORROR is sure to become a must-read for true horror aficionados and manga fans familiar with his prior works like GYO and UZUMAKI. We look forward to new as well as existing manga fans and readers discovering this potent forthcoming release!”

Manga creator Junji Ito made his professional debut in 1987 and since then has gone on to be recognized as one of the greatest contemporary artists working in the horror genre. His critically acclaimed titles include Tomie and UZUMAKI, which also were adapted into critically praised live-action films, as well as GYO, which was adapted into an animated feature film. The UZUMAKI and GYO manga editions are both published in English by VIZ Media in deluxe hardcover editions available under the VIZ Signature imprint. Ito’s influences include classic horror manga artists Kazuo Umezu and Hideshi Hino, as well as authors Yasutaka Tsutsui and H.P. Lovecraft.

For more information on FRAGMENTS OF HORROR or other Junji Ito manga titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

SAILOR MOON SEASON 1, SET 2 to be released February 10, 2015

©Naoko Takeuchi/PNP, Toei Animation

 VIZ MEDIA DETAILS FORTHCOMING

HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF

SAILOR MOON SEASON 1, SET 2

SCHEDULED FOR EARLY 2015

Latest Editions Of Legendary Anime Series Feature 

Episodes 22-46 Presented In High Definition Blu-ray/DVD

Combo Pack And DVD Set; Preorders Available Now!

VIZ Media has announced the forthcoming release of SAILOR MOON Season 1, Set 2. The latest installment of the iconic fantasy action anime series will be released as a Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and also as a Standard DVD Set on February 10, 2015. Pre-orders are available now from all major online retailers.

The SAILOR MOON Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack and Standard DVD Set are rated “TV-PG” and contain Episodes 24-46 of the legendary series, along with a wealth of bonus material and special premium packaging. Uncut English dubbed as well as Japanese subtitled dialogue options are available on both formats. The SAILOR MOON Season 1, Set 2 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack will carry an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN; the Standard Edition DVD will carry an MSRP of $44.82 U.S. / $51.99 CAN.

The Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack contains a deluxe, 6-disc collection (3 DVDs & 3 Blu-rays), with a beautiful reflective holofoil slipcover with specialty printing. The Combo Pack also offers bonus content including SAILOR MOON Day convention event highlights, Moonlight Memories Part 1, the complete 2014 Anime Expo SAILOR MOON Panel and Cast Announcement, official cosplay team interviews, clean opening and ending segments, digital art galleries, and official series trailers. Blu-ray episodes are presented in full 1080p High Definition video.

The SAILOR MOON Season 1, Set 2 DVD Set features 3 discs with beautifully illustrated variant O-card packaging and embossed holofoil printing. Episodes are presented in 480p standard video format. Bonus features include SAILOR MOON Day convention event highlights, the official series trailers, and clean opening and ending segments. Uncut English dubbed as well as Japanese subtitled dialogue options are available.

In their latest adventures, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, and Sailor Mars continue their quest for the Legendary Silver Crystal as two new powerful allies join the fight. Sailor Jupiter is the tall and tough Guardian of Thunder, and Sailor Venus is the Guardian of Love and the most experienced member. Sailor Moon herself gets an impressive new power and learns more about the mysterious Tuxedo Mask. Could their distant past be intertwined, and does that have anything to do with the Moon Princess they seek? The final ordeal with Queen Beryl looms on the horizon, and it will take everything the Sailor Guardians have to be victorious!

“Fans will not want to miss the Sailor Guardians’ latest interstellar adventures in these forthcoming SAILOR MOON home media releases,” says Charlene Ingram, Senior Marketing Manager of Animation. “The episodes shine like never before in crisp High Definition and the Combo Pack set fits perfectly into Set 1’s shimmery, collectable art box. Catch the exciting next installment to this celebrated series coming soon in 2015!”

SAILOR MOON depicts the adventures of Usagi Tsukino, a cheerful 14-year-old schoolgirl who often finds herself in unwanted trouble. One day, she saves a talking cat named Luna from some mean kids, and her life is changed forever. Luna gives Usagi a magic brooch that transforms her into Sailor Moon, guardian of love and justice! Now Usagi must work with Luna to find the other Sailor Guardians and the Moon Princess, whose Legendary Silver Crystal is Earth’s only hope against the dark forces of the evil Queen Beryl!

The smash hit SAILOR MOON anime series is inspired by the bestselling manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoko Takeuchi (published in North America by Kodansha). In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation!

For more information on SAILOR MOON, or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

VIZ has a new digital manga update & special sale promos for December

ANSATSU KYOSHITSU © 2012 by Yusei Matsui/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA OPENS DECEMBER AND THE HOLIDAY SEASON

WITH A NEW DIGITAL MANGA UPDATE AND

LAUNCHES SPECIAL SALE PROMOTIONS

Catch The Digital Launch Of

ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM,

As Well As Special Promotional Pricing And

A December Digital Bundle Sale

VIZ Media has announced extensive digital manga updates along with a trio of new title debuts for the first-half of December. Holiday season announcements include the launch of a special digital manga sale running through the entire month, as well as a digital bundle sale that features special pricing on several popular series. In addition, a new mystery series debuts in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP as part of the Jump Start initiative – GAKKYU HOTEI: SCHOOL JUDGMENT – featuring crazy courtroom battles and amazing art by Takeshi Obata!

Readers can highlight their manga reading with the digital launch of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM, a humorous and action-packed story about a class of misfits who are trying to kill their new teacher – an alien octopus with bizarre powers and super strength! The teacher has just destroyed the moon and is threatening to destroy the earth – unless his students can destroy him first. What makes things more complicated is that he's the best teacher they've ever had!

VIZ Media’s Cyber Monday Sale opened on December 1st and runs through December 30th on VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App. The sale offers introductory pricing of only $1.99 (U.S. / CAN) on Volumes 1-2 of the following series. Subsequent series volumes will be $4.99 (U.S. / CAN each.

• FOOD WARS, Vols. 1-2 ($1.99 each); Vols. 3-4 ($4.99 each)
• JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE PART 3, Vols. 1-2 ($1.99 each); Vols. 3-15 ($4.99 each)
 • YUYU HAKUSHO, Vols. 1-2 ($1.99 each); Vols. 3-19 ($4.99 each)

Fans also shouldn’t miss the opportunity to stock up on entire story arcs of several additional popular titles with a special Digital Bundle Sale available on VIZManga.com as well as ComiXology (check the app for specific pricing).

• ONE PIECE, East Blue Vols. 1-11; Price: $44.00 (U.S. / CAN) for the entire bundle at $3.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each
• NARUTO, (The Test of a Ninja) Vols. 1-16; Price: $64.00 (U.S. / CAN) for the entire bundle at $3.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each
• BLEACH, (The Reaper's Road) Vols. 1-21; Price: $64.00 (U.S. / CAN) for the entire bundle at $3.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each
• SHAMAN KING (Spirit Voyage), Vols. 1-15; Price: $60.00 (U.S. / CAN) for the entire bundle at $3.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each
• ZOMBIE POWDER, Vols. 1-4; Price: $8.00 (U.S. / CAN) for the entire bundle at $1.99 per volume, usually $6.99 each

Additional December updates include new releases of 14 other VIZ titles, including the riveting series finale of MILLENNIUM SNOW (Vol. 4) as well as the latest volumes of other popular series such as DEADMAN WONDERLAND (Vol. 6), SERAPH OF THE END (Vol. 3), HAPPY MARRIAGE?! (Vol. 9), MAGI (Vol. 9), NARUTO (Vol. 68), TORIKO (Vol. 25) and many more!

GAKKYU HOTEI © 2014 by Nobuaki Enoki, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.

The Jump Start campaign eliminates time and distance barriers and simultaneously premieres the first three chapters (one chapter per week) of every brand new, first-run manga series that appears in Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump, publishing the chapter in WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP on the same day of that issue’s general print release in Japan. GAKKYU HOTEI: SCHOOL JUDGMENT, written by Nobuaki Enoki with art by Takeshi Obata, asks the question, “Who has time for class when there are cases that needs solving?!”

Readers can enjoy all of these new manga titles that are available on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones and 7” tablets. The titles may also be purchased through the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, ComiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. These dynamic digital platforms offer fans the opportunity to explore and enjoy a massive catalog of new and classic manga titles that span more than 2,400 volumes across over 210 different series.

The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. Through the innovative VIZ Manga digital platform registered users are able to use one account to view their purchased manga across more devices than ever. New series and volumes are added every Tuesday. Fans can also find these titles and more for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo eReaders, as well as in the ComiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay Stores.

All manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada within the VIZ Manga application starting from only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Readers can also explore free Chapter 1 previews of every series. For more information, please visit VIZManga.com or www.VIZ.com/apps.

To learn more about VIZ Manga, please visit www.vizmanga.com.

Additional anime content for December added to Neon Alley

©2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO / 2007 SHIPPUDEN  All Rights Reserved.

 VIZ MEDIA ADDS EXCITING ANIME CONTENT

FOR DECEMBER UPDATE TO NEON ALLEY

FREE ANIME STREAMING PLATFORM

Catch New SAILOR MOON Dubbed And SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL

Subtitled Episodes, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Simulcast Premieres,

And Latest Updates For BLEACH, NARUTO And RANMA ½!!

VIZ Media moves into December and prepares to round out the year with its latest digital anime content update for Neon Alley. The free digital streaming platform experienced significant growth and programming expansion in 2014 and is preparing several noteworthy content and series premiere announcements for 2015.

New episodes of widely loved series such as BLEACH, NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, RANMA ½, and SAILOR MOON and SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL figure prominently in December’s programming update. These augment the Thanksgiving debut of the full series of COPPELION (dub) and the world premiere of the first 13 dubbed episodes of NARUTO SPIN-OFF: ROCK LEE AND HIS NINJA PALS.

Catch the exciting digital continuation of SAILOR MOON with the English dubbed premiere of Episodes 37-46, available to stream beginning on December 6th for a limited time on Neon Alley and Hulu. Two new subtitled episodes of SAILOR MOON Season 2 will be added to the current series library every Monday throughout December. SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL fans also will not want to miss brand new episodes of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL throughout December. SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL subtitled Episode 11, “Reunion – Endymion,” premieres on December 6th, followed by Episode 12, “Enemy – Queen Metalia,” on December 20th.

With the latest addition, Neon Alley now features over 30 series, and has over 1,000 English dubbed episodes and 2,400 subtitled episodes for fans’ viewing pleasure! The 2014 update is augmented by scores of additional episodes from top-rated VIZ Media anime series including:

BLEACH
• Neon Alley adds English dubbed BLEACH Season 18 Episodes 256-267 available to stream beginning on December 1st.
• Viewers can now check out a total of 267 English dubbed episodes, as well as the complete subtitled BLEACH anime (366 episodes).

NARUTO
• For ninja fans, Neon Alley adds dubbed Episodes 66-78 of the original NARUTO anime series, which will all be available beginning on December 3rd.
• With the newest addition, viewers can check out a total of 77 English dubbed episodes as well as the complete subtitled NARUTO anime (all 220 episodes) series!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN
• Don’t miss simulcasts of the latest English subtitled episodes of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN every Thursday in December beginning with a special double premiere of Episodes 389 and 390 on December 11th. Single episode simulcasts of the next 3 NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes will take place every Thursday for the remainder of the month.
• Also catch the action-packed addition of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN English dubbed Episodes 19-23, bringing the total number of available dubbed episodes of the series to over 100.

RANMA ½
• RANMA ½ fans can enjoy the addition of 2 new dubbed episodes of the classic martial arts comedy each week throughout December beginning with Season 6, Episodes 119-120 on December 5th and every Friday thereafter.

Neon Alley is VIZ Media’s consolidated online destination for FREE streaming anime content in the U.S. with over 3,200 subtitled and English dubbed episodes and movies from more than 36 series! Neon Alley also reaches an expansive on-demand U.S.-based audience on Hulu, which enables viewers to watch shows anytime, anywhere across devices including Xbox One, PlayStation®4 (PS4™), Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and mobile devices. A full list of Hulu -enabled devices can be found at http://www.hulu.com/plus/devices.

Additional information on Neon Alley is available at: www.NeonAlley.com.

New BLEACH & NARUTO box sets are coming next summer

BLEACH © 2001 by Tite Kubo/SHUEISHA Inc.

 VIZ MEDIA PREVIEWS FORTHCOMING NEW

BLEACH AND NARUTO MANGA BOX SETS

Latest Box Sets For Iconic Manga Properties Are

Scheduled For Summer 2015 Release; Each Set

Features 20+ Manga Volumes Along With

Exclusive Bonus Premiums!!

VIZ Media has announced exciting details for a pair of forthcoming manga (graphic novel) box sets that are sure to capture the attention of die-hard readers and fans of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO series.

Scheduled for release in the Summer of 2015, the BLEACH Manga Box Set 2 and NARUTO Manga Box Set 2 each contain 20 or more individual manga volumes, at a substantial savings over buying them individually. Exclusive bonus premiums, such as special mini-comics and full-color posters, are also included in each Box Set.

In addition, due to continuing fan demand, BLEACH Manga Box Set 1 and NARUTO Manga Box Set 1 will be available again January 2015. The BLEACH set contains the beginning 21 volumes of the first story arc, and the NARUTO set contains 27 volumes. Both sets are housed in sturdy corrugate display boxes, and also include a full color double-side poster and collectable booklet.

BLEACH MANGA BOX SET 2 • Rated “T” for Teens •
MSRP: $214.99 U.S. / CAN • Available July 2015
The second BLEACH Manga Box Set offers fans the chance to own Volumes 22-48 at a substantial savings over buying them individually. Fans purchasing the Box Set will also receive an exclusive mini-comic containing the pilot story of the bestselling series along with a full-color, double-sided poster.

Ichigo Kurosaki never asked for the ability to see ghosts--he was born with the gift. When his family is attacked by a Hollow--a malevolent lost soul--Ichigo becomes a Soul Reaper, dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping the tortured spirits themselves find peace. In the latest Box Set volumes, after finally rescuing their friend Rukia, Ichigo and friends return to their quiet lives in the world of the living. However, the peace is short-lived as new enemies arrive from the world of the Hollows. Aizen is back, and Ichigo may be the only one who can stop him for good.

NARUTO © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc.

NARUTO MANGA BOX SET 2 • Rated “T” for Teens •
MSRP: $174.99 U.S. / CAN • Available July 2015
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! In the second NARUTO Manga Box Set, featuring Volumes 28-48, it's been more than two years since Naruto left to train with Jiraiya. Much has happened while he has been away, and new threats to the ninja world have emerged. Can Naruto prove his worth and rescue his friend Sasuke? The new box set also will feature an exclusive mini-comic containing the NARUTO pilot story and a full-color, double-sided poster.

“These new box sets each receive a deluxe treatment and will become noteworthy additions to even the most discriminating fan’s manga collection,” says Alexis Kirsch, Editor. “Fans can catch the opening of the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN story arc and also dive into electrifying supernatural adventures with the gang from BLEACH. Hours of manga reading fun and excitement are guaranteed with these new manga Box Sets. Don’t miss their release next summer!”

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

New manga comedy ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM is now available

ANSATSU KYOSHITSU © 2012 by Yusei Matsui/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA KICKS OFF CLASS WITH

THE STELLAR NEW COMEDY SERIES

ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM

A Class Of Misfit Students Must Save Mankind

From A Destructive Alien Invader Who May

Also Be The Best Teacher They Ever Had; New

Action Series To Launch In Print And Digitally

VIZ Media delivers to domestic readers today one of the most popular new manga (graphic novel) series currently sweeping Japan – ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM.

This high school alien-teacher in the classroom action comedy by creator Yusei Matsui is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and debuts in print under the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint. ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM Vol. 1 will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. Subsequent volumes for the continuing series are scheduled for print release on a bi-monthly basis.

The digital edition of ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM will also debut on December 2nd for $6.99 (U.S./CAN), across all platforms serviced by VIZManga.com and the VIZ Manga App. The free VIZ Manga App continues to be the top application for reading digital manga and features a massive library of the most popular series in the world. The digital edition will be similarly available on digital storefronts for the Kindle, iBooks, GooglePlay, Kobo, ComiXology, and Nook.

A humorous and action-packed story about a class of misfits who are trying to kill their new teacher – an alien octopus with bizarre powers and super strength! The teacher has just destroyed the moon and is threatening to destroy the earth – unless his students can destroy him first. What makes things more complicated is that he's the best teacher they've ever had!

“ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM is an over-the-top, action thrill ride that readers will definitely want to put on their manga hit lists,” says Annette Roman, Editor. “The series has drawn widespread acclaim in Japan where it is one of the top titles featured in Shonen Jump magazine. We invite readers to spend their winter semester at a high school unlike any other with a zany class of misfit students upon whom rests the future of humanity!”

Manga creator Yusei Matsui was born in Saitama Prefecture, Japan and has been drawing since elementary school. Some of his favorite manga series are BOBOBO-BO BO-BOBO, JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE, and ULTIMATE MUSCLE (all published in North America by VIZ Media). Matsui honed his talents working as an assistant to manga artist Yoshio Sawai, creator of BOBOBO-BO BO-BOBO. In 2005, he debuted his original series, Neuro: Supernatural Detective, in Weekly Shonen Jump. In 2007, Neuro was adapted into an anime series. ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump in Japan in 2012. An anime adaptation based on the manga series is set to debut in early 2015.

For more information on ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM and other manga titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Documentary THE BAREFOOT ARTIST opening in NY and LA

The Barefoot Artist

Directed by Glenn Holsten and Daniel Traub

2014, 83 minutes

Opens in NY on December 5th at the IFC Center

Opens in LA on December 18th at Laemmle NoHo 7

A visually stunning and deeply emotional film, The Barefoot Artist chronicles the long and colorful life of Lily Yeh, a Philadelphia-based artist who has committed herself to creating community-based art projects in some of the world's most troubled areas. The film explores two sides of Lily’s life that are connected parts of the same journey: her international ventures helping to heal the weakened spirits in communities around the world, and a personal journey within to repair her own fractured family.

Artist Lily Yeh working on the mosaic of the Genocide Memorial in Rwanda

Going beyond her work, the film also covers Yeh’s remarkable personal journey, one that takes her from a privileged childhood in China, through her education in America, marriage, motherhood, and the development of an award-winning creative career. It also documents her return to China, where she makes surprising discoveries about her family and reveals to us the true reason why she has dedicated her life to bringing art to places where beauty is seldom found.

The opening runs in NY and LA this month will qualify the film for consideration in the Best Documentary Oscar category at next year's awards ceremony.

The Barefoot Artist Official Site

PERFECT SQUARE manga and graphic novels for holiday shopping

VOLTRON ™, ® and © WEP, LLC

  VIZ MEDIA’S PERFECT SQUARE IMPRINT COMPLEMENTS

HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH A WIDE ARRAY

OF MANGA AND GRAPHIC NOVEL TITLES

2014 Holiday Gift Ideas Include All-Ages Manga And

Graphic Novels For Celebrated Properties Including

BRAVEST WARRIORS, HELLO KITTY®, POKÉMON And VOLTRON

VIZ Media prepares to delight the young and young-at-heart this holiday season with a diverse selection of All-Ages manga, original graphic novels, and collectible books available from the company’s Perfect Square imprint.

Got a Bravest Warriors fan on your list? Perfect Square has two titles featuring Catbug, the breakout character of the hit animated series created by Pendleton Ward. Fans can venture to multiple dimensions with an incredible collection of artists in BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG, and see the world as only Catbug can in CATBUG’S TREASURE BOOK. A third title, BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE GREAT CORE CAPER, allows fans of the Cartoon Hangover sensation to choose which way the story will end in Perfect Square's first-ever multiple-choice adventure.

Pop culture and HELLO KITTY fans will not want to miss HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40, a hardcover anthology featuring an array of acclaimed comic artists, muralists and toy creators paying tribute to Hello Kitty in story and art. Readers also can catch Hello Kitty’s latest full color original graphic novel adventure, HELLO KITTY: WORK OF ART.

POKÉMON fans can select from a trio of manga (graphic novel) box set editions for POKÉMON ADVENTURES RUBY & SAPPHIRE, POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE, and POKÉMON ADVENTURES DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM.

The legendary giant robot anime franchise, VOLTRON, also returns in the informative tribute VOLTRON: FROM DAYS OF LONG AGO, A 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION, which explores the history of the iconic series and its lasting impact on pop culture.

VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering original comics, manga, graphic novels and other children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.

BRAVEST WARRIORS HOLIDAY GIFT TITLES

BRAVEST WARRIORS PRESENTS: CATBUG’S TREASURE BOOK • Rated “A” for All Ages • MSRP: $12.99 U.S. / $14.99 CAN • Available Now
Says Catbug: "This book has all my secret treasures and oregano dreams! ALSO FIRE! I will share them with you because you are my friend, but it has to be our secret, okay? I love you Treasure Book!"

BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG • Rated “A” for All Ages • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN • Available Now
An amazing collection of artists venture to multiple dimensions to help you in...THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG! Catbug ate some weird new cubes of food that caused him to lose what little control he already had over his jump abilities! Now he’s careening through dimensions, unable to stop! Help the Bravest Warriors travel the galaxy and find Catbug. Just don’t eat any of those cube snacks or you might end up lost too! Artists include Alan Brown (BEN 10 OMNIVERSE), Mr. Warburton (Codename: Kids Next Door), Ian McGinty (UGLYDOLL, HELLO KITTY), Lee Ferguson (Miranda Mercury), Jorge Monlongo (Mr. Peabody & Sherman, HELLO KITTY), Stu Livingston (Steven Universe) and Mad Rupert (Regular Show, Adventure Time).

BRAVEST WARRIORS: THIS WAY OR THAT - THE GREAT CORE CAPER • Rated “A” for All Ages • MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN • Available Now
In THE GREAT CORE CAPER, the planet Goober-Delta-9 will lose orbit if its stolen planetary core is not returned. Where is that core? In the most secure vault in the Galaxy – beneath SID BEEMER-BOOF’S FUN PLANET, the biggest amusement park in the known universe. The Bravest Warriors must recruit a daring team, including Plum, Catbug, President Memory Donk, Professor Brain Dog 7 and the Emotion Lord, to help them on their mission. Each team member must play their part in order to pull off the most outrageous heist of all time! And on EVERY page, the reader is in complete control of what happens next.

HELLO KITTY® HOLIDAY GIFT TITLES

HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40 • MSRP: $29.99 U.S. / $34.99 CAN • Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now
In 1974, Hello Kitty stepped on the scene, and she's had the world wrapped around her red bow ever since. In Perfect Square's Hello Kitty, Hello 40, an array of acclaimed comic artists, muralists and toy creators pay tribute to Hello Kitty in story and art. Contributors include the award-winning creators of the Tiny Titans series, Art Baltazar and Franco Aureliani; Brian Smith, co-creator of the New York Times bestselling series Stuff of Legend; Gene Luen Yang, award-winning author of American Born Chinese and Boxers and Saints, and Uglydoll co-creator David Horvath. Everyone has a tale to tell about the cute little girl who speaks from her heart. The hardcover edition also includes a special introduction by Matt and Jennifer L. Holm, award-winning creators of the Babymouse series.

HELLO KITTY: WORK OF ART • MSRP: $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN • Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now
Picture this: Hello Kitty and her friends are making music, producing plays, snapping photos, solving mysteries and, playing with dragons? Art is all around, and Hello Kitty and her friends know exactly where to find it! This latest HELLO KITTY original graphic novel features story and full color art from Giovanni Castro, Jacob Chabot, Ian McGinty, Jorge Monlongo, and Maite Oz.

POKÉMON HOLIDAY GIFT TITLES

POKÉMON ADVENTURES RUBY & SAPPHIRE BOX SET • MSRP: $59.99 U.S. / $79.99 CAN • Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now
Ruby’s father Norman is the new Gym Leader of Petalburg City. But Ruby doesn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps – he wants to win Pokémon Contests! Sapphire’s father Professor Birch is the local Pokémon researcher. But Sapphire is tired of gathering scientific data – she wants to win Pokémon Battles! When Ruby and Sapphire meet, they’re more likely to hit each other than hit it off. But then Sapphire challenges Ruby to a competition! Which of them will achieve their dreams in just eighty days?! The box set contains the complete Ruby & Sapphire arc (Vols. 15-22) of the bestselling POKÉMON ADVENTURES series and a collectible color poster

POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE BOX SET 2 • MSRP: $25.99 U.S. / $29.99 CAN • Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now
His entire life, Black has dreamed of winning the Pokémon League! Now he embarks on a journey to explore the Unova region and fill a Pokédex for Professor Juniper. White has an exciting career as the Trainer of a talented troupe of performing Pokémon. She dreams of making her Tepig Gigi a star! Together, Black and White continue on their journey... What surprising new Pokémon – and people – will they meet along the way?! The manga set includes POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE Volumes 9–14 and a collectible color poster.

© 2011 Pokémon.
© 1995-2011 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
POCKET MONSTERS SPECIAL © 1997 Hidenori KUSAKA, Satoshi YAMAMOTO/SHOGAKUKAN

 POKÉMON ADVENTURES DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM • MSRP: $89.99 U.S. / $115.99 CAN • Rated ‘A’ For All Ages • Available Now
The box set contains the complete Diamond & Pearl/Platinum story arc (Vols. 1-11) of the bestselling POKÉMON ADVENTURES series and a collectible color poster! Pokémon Trainers Pearl and Diamond are starstruck! Their lifelong dream is to floor an audience with their Pokémon comedy act. So how do they wind up as bodyguards to a pampered little rich girl on a quest to reach the peak of Mt. Coronet? Thrills and laughs are guaranteed as the POKÉMON ADVENTURES series continues with POKÉMON DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM.

VOLTRON HOLIDAY GIFT TITLE

VOLTRON: FROM DAYS OF LONG AGO, A 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION • MSRP: $29.99 U.S. / $34.99 CAN • Available Now
Thirty years ago, Voltron: Defender of the Universe hit the airwaves, and the world hasn't been the same. Now, VOLTRON: FROM DAYS OF LONG AGO chronicles the story of VOLTRON and its cultural relevance, taking a detailed look at the story behind the show and the many related toy releases, the mythology of both Lion Force and Vehicle Voltron (with a nod to Albegas), and concludes the exciting Voltron Force saga. This new book is truly for fans, by fans: authored by Brian Smith, a former Marvel Comics editor and writer for Perfect Square's VOLTRON FORCE® series of original graphic novels, Marc Morrell, co-host of the official "Let's Voltron!" podcast, and Joshua Bernard, founder of CollectionDX, a popular website devoted to covering the world of Japanese toys, action figures and pop culture; with a bonus VOLTRON comic written by Smith and illustrated by Jacob Chabot, artist on the VOLTRON FORCE series; with a foreword by Jeremy Corray, former Creative Director of World Events Productions, the company behind the classic Voltron TV series.

Additional information on titles published by Perfect Square is available at www.PerfectSquare.com.