VIZ MEDIA DELIVERS ALL-AGES ADVENTURE WITH THE HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF POKÉMON THE SERIES: XYZ SET 1 ON DVD

©2017 The Pokémon Company International. ©1997-2017 Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku. TM, ® Nintendo.

Join Ash And Pikachu’s Journey Throughout

The Kalos Region In 24 Action-Packed Episodes!

VIZ Media expands its POKÉMON catalog with the home media release of POKÉMON THE SERIES: XYZ Set 1 on August 29th.

The latest set will debut exclusively on DVD and will feature 24 episodes on 3 discs. The POKÉMON THE SERIES: XYZ Set 1 collection is rated ‘TV-Y7,’ for viewers ages 7 and older, and will carry an MSRP of $24.98 U.S. / 29.99 CAN.

Ash and Pikachu’s adventure in the Kalos region is reaching its climax in POKÉMON THE SERIES: XYZ! With one Gym badge left before he can enter the Kalos League, Ash is pursuing his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master with determination. Meanwhile, Serena steps closer to achieving her dream of being crowned Kalos Queen. And Bonnie has a new friend to look after, but it’s soon clear that sinister forces are in motion that could drive them apart.

POKÉMON is one of the most successful international entertainment franchises of all time. More than 290 million POKÉMON video games and over 23.6 billion Pokémon Trading Cards have been sold in more than 74 countries in addition to substantial publishing and merchandise sales. VIZ Media is the official North American distributor for a wide variety of POKÉMON home media releases including animated series and films and also publishes a variety of POKÉMON manga graphic novel series including POKÉMON ADVENTURES, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: FIRERED & LEAFGREEN, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: EMERALD, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: DIAMOND & PEARL/PLATINUM, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: HEARTGOLD & SOULSILVER, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK & WHITE, POKÉMON X•Y, and POKÉMON OMEGA RUBY & ALPHA SAPPHIRE.

For additional information on POKÉMON titles as well as other anime and manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

Sentai Filmworks to Premiere ‘No Game, No Life Zero’ with English Dub

Sentai Filmworks and Los Angeles-based Azoland Pictures will be premiering the highly-anticipated animated feature film, No Game, No Life Zero, at the Los Angeles Anime Film Festival (LA-AFF).

No Game, No Life Zero will make its North American debut with the never-before-seen English dub of the movie at the grand premiere event on Friday, September 15, 2017. A English-subtitled screening of the film with the original Japanese audio will also debut at LA-AFF on Saturday, September 16, 2017.

The film’s English ADR production will be directed by Kyle Colby Jones (Akame ga Kill!, Parasyte -the maxim-, Food Wars! Girls und Panzer der Film), who also conducted the English version of highly acclaimed No Game No Life anime television series.

The movie’s English dub cast will include vocal talent from the original English production of the anime series, including Scott Gibbs, Caitlynn French, Shannon Emerick, and Kira Vincent-Davis.

Tickets for the extremely limited grand premiere of No Game, No Life Zero are currently available via nogamenolifezero.com.

Gangster drama THE GAME CHANGER coming to Digital, Blu-ray, & DVD on October 3rd

Well Go USA

Presents

The Game Changer

Directed by Gao Xixi

Starring Peter Ho, Huang Zitao & Na Zha

China, 2017, 133 minutes

An adaptation of the TV series “Shanghai Bund” and set during the gang wars of 1930’s Shanghai, the action-packed gangster drama THE GAME CHANGER debuts on digital, Blu-ray™ and DVD October 3rd from Well Go USA Entertainment. The film stars Peter Ho (Sword Master) and Huang Zitao (Railroad Tigers) as brothers united to bring down a powerful gangster (Wang Xueqi, Iron Man 3).

Synopsis:
Two escaped prisoners join one of the most powerful gangs in Shanghai, the Green Gang, as the right-hand men of the head boss Mr. Tang. When Mr. Tang tries to gain total control over business dealings in Shanghai, he discovers his closest allies are not who they seem and turns against his own men to protect his power.

‘No Game No Life Zero’ Coming to Movie Theaters Nationwide for Two-Day Event in October 2017

Sentai Filmworks, Azoland Pictures and Fathom Events will release the highly anticipated animated feature film, No Game No Life Zero, to movie theaters across the U.S. for two days in October 2017.

No Game No Life Zero will debut in select movie theaters nationwide on Thursday, October 5 at 7:00 PM local time with Japanese audio and English subtitles. The English-dubbed production by Sentai Filmworks will debut on Sunday, October 8 at 12:55 PM local time.

In addition to the feature, movie theater audiences will all see exclusive content featuring special footage of members of the cast and crew of No Game No Life Zero.

The film takes place six thousand years before Sora and Shiro were even a blink in the history of Disboard. War consumed the land, tearing apart the heavens, destroying stars, and even threatening to wipe out the human race. Amid the chaos and destruction, a young man named Riku leads humanity toward the tomorrow his heart believed in. One day, in the ruins of an Elf city, he meets Shuvi, a female exiled "ex-machina" android who asks him to teach her what it means to have a human heart.

More information on the cinema event, including participating theaters, will be announced soon at nogamenolifezero.com.

VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU LITERARY SCIENCE FICTION IMPRINT ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF "A SMALL CHARRED FACE"

HONTO NO HANA WO MISE NI KITA by Kazuki Sakuraba

Copyright © 2014 Kazuki Sakuraba

Even Monsters Need Families In Sakuraba’s Novel Depicting

A Vampire’s Unconventional Friendship With A Young Boy

VIZ Media’s Haikasoru literary science fiction imprint explores the domestic life of monsters in the release of A SMALL CHARRED FACE on September 19th.

A SMALL CHARRED FACE was written by Kazuki Sakuraba, whose previous critically acclaimed novel, RED GIRLS: THE LEGEND OF THE AKAKUCHIBAS, was also published by Haikasoru. A SMALL CHARRED FACE will be released in print with an MSRP of $15.99 U.S. / $21.99 CAN. An eBook edition will also debut on September 19th in the Amazon Kindle, Apple’s iBooks Store, Barnes & Noble’s Nook Book Store, the Kobo eBooks Store, and the Google Play Store.

In A SMALL CHARRED FACE, a boy name Kyo is saved from the precipice of death by a Bamboo, a vampire born of the tall grasses. They start an enjoyable yet strange shared life together, Kyo and the gentle Bamboo. But for Bamboo, communication with a human being is the greatest sin. “Sakuraba captivated North American readers with her award-winning novel, RED GIRLS, and she returns with a unique new story that depicts the relationship between vampires and modern youth in A SMALL CHARRED FACE,” says Nick Mamatas, Editor. “We invite readers to discover the unconventional, yet poignant and tender dynamic that develops between Bamboo and Kyo in this gripping new release.” Author Kazuki Sakuraba was born in 1971 and began publishing while still in college. Her early Gosick light novels were best sellers and were translated into English, and her adult fiction is also popular and critically acclaimed. RED GIRLS: THE LEGEND OF THE AKAKUCHIBAS won the Mystery Writers of Japan Award in 2007 and was translated into English in 2015. Watashi no otoko, a suspense novel about an incestuous relationship, won the Naoki Prize for popular fiction in 2008.

For more information on A SMALL CHARRED FACE and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit Haikasoru.com.

For more information on other titles available from VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.

South Korean crime thriller THE PRISON coming to Digital and Blu-ray

Well Go USA

Presents

The Prison

Directed by Na Hyun

Starring Kim Rae-won & Han Suk-kyu

South Korea, 2017 , 125 minutes

An ex-cop convict joins the secret crime syndicate run by those behind prison walls in the crime thriller THE PRISON, available on digital and Blu-ray™ September 19th from Well Go USA Entertainment. Yu-gon (Kim Rae-won, Gangnam Blues), a troubled former police inspector, is sentenced to prison for a hit-and-run accident, placing him with other inmates that he had put behind bars. While inside, he discovers the entire penitentiary is controlled by an inmate (Han Suk-kyu, The Berlin File) who is running a crime syndicate with the help of the warden and guards, which provides them the perfect alibi. Soon after, he becomes a crucial member of the crime empire.

Synopsis:
After a fatal accident, Yu-gon, a former police inspector, is sentenced to hard time in a prison he once helped fill. Once inside, he discovers the entire penitentiary is no longer controlled by the guards, but by a vicious crime syndicate that breaks out at night, using their prison sentences as the perfect alibi to commit intricate heists. Looking for revenge against the system that placed him inside, Yu-gon joins the syndicate... but with every man out for himself, how long can the perfect crime last?

Sentai Filmworks to Premiere ‘No Game, No Life Zero’ in September

Sentai Filmworks has announced the upcoming North American release of No Game, No Life Zero, the prequel to the hit anime series, No Game, No Life. This highly-anticipated animated feature film will soon be available to fans across the country in Fall 2017.

The movie, which debuted in Japan in July 15, 2017 to great acclaim, will premiere in the United States on September 15, 2017 in Los Angeles during the Los Angeles Anime Film Festival (LA-AFF).

Los Angeles-based Azoland Pictures is handling the threatrical distribution of No Game, No Life Zero. Tickets for the premiere event and subsequent national screenings to follow.

The film takes place six thousand years before Sora and Shiro were even a blink in the history of Disboard. War consumed the land, tearing apart the heavens, destroying stars, and even threatening to wipe out the human race. Amid the chaos and destruction, a young man named Riku leads humanity toward the tomorrow his heart believed in. One day, in the ruins of an Elf city, he meets Shuvi, a female exiled "ex-machina" android who asks him to teach her what it means to have a human heart.

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES THE SUPERNATURAL SHOJO MANGA SERIES QUEEN’S QUALITY

QUEEN'S QUALITY © 2016 Kyousuke MOTOMI/SHOGAKUKAN

Sequel To The Paranormal Romance Series QQ SWEEPER

Debuts From The Creator Of DENGEKI DAISY!

VIZ Media delivers the sequel to shojo manga creator Kyousuke Motomi’s acclaimed series, QQ SWEEPER, with the launch of QUEEN’S QUALITY on September 5th.

QUEEN’S QUALITY is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint. Volume 1 will carry a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN. The series also launches digitally via VIZ.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and Google Play stores. Subsequent volumes of the series, which is ongoing in Japan, will be published in English four times a year.

In QUEEN’S QUALITY, Fumi Nishioka lives with Kyutaro Horikita and his family of “Sweepers,” people who specialize in cleaning the minds of those overcome by negative energy and harmful spirits. Fumi has always displayed mysterious abilities, but will those powers be used for evil when she begins to truly awaken as a Queen?

“Fans will not want to miss the return of Kyutaro and Fumi in this action and romance packed sequel,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Find out their fates as the pair face off against menacing new paranormal threats while their feelings for each other continue to grow.”

Manga creator Kyousuke Motomi debuted in Japanese shojo manga magazine Deluxe Betsucomi with Hetakuso Kyupiddo (No Good Cupid) in 2002. She is the creator of DENGEKI DAISY, BEAST MASTER and QQ SWEEPER, all available in North America from VIZ Media.

For additional information on QUEEN’S QUALITY and other manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE HILARIOUS NEW MANGA SERIES "NARUTO: CHIBI SASUKE’S SHARINGAN LEGEND"

UCHIHA SASUKE NO SHARINGAN DEN © 2014 by Masashi Kishimoto, Kenji Taira/SHUEISHA Inc.

Naruto’s Rival Returns – Cuter Than Ever And

Ready For New Action Packed Adventures!

VIZ Media has announced the launch of NARUTO: CHIBI SASUKE'S SHARINGAN LEGEND, a hilarious spin-off of the world’s most popular ninja manga series, NARUTO, on September 5 th.

NARUTO: CHIBI SASUKE'S SHARINGAN LEGEND is written by Kenji Taira. The series is rated ‘T’ for Teens and will be published in print and digital editions under the Shonen Jump imprint; Volume 1 will carry a print MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

NARUTO: CHIBI SASUKE'S SHARINGAN LEGEND will be available digitally via VIZ.com and the VIZ Manga App, as well as from the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, comiXology, and Google Play Store. Subsequent volumes of the series, which is also continuing in Japan, will be published in English on a quarterly basis.

Uchiha Sasuke, the brooding loner who will do anything to avenge his clan and kill his older brother… Yes, this is that story, but with a funny twist! In NARUTO: CHIBI SASUKE'S SHARINGAN LEGEND the characters and story have been flipped on their heads, all for the sake of comedy! With his Taka teammates Suigetsu, Karin and Jugo, Sasuke travels the land and gets into all kinds of wacky adventures. This is a side of Sasuke you’ve never seen before. One bit of advice: do not mock the Uchiha!

“Naruto’s best friend and rival, Sasuke, returns in this hijinks-filled new series,” says Alexis Kirsch, Editor. “We hope fans enjoy the ‘chibi’ art-style that adds to the hilarious flavor of the series, and takes the NARUTO canon in a fun new direction!”

NARUTO manga series creator, Masashi Kishimoto, was first inspired to become a manga artist in elementary school when he read DRAGON BALL. After spending time in art college, he won the Hop Step Award for new manga artists with his story Karakuri. After considering various genres for his next project, Kishimoto decided on a story steeped in traditional Japanese culture. His first version of NARUTO, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot story about fox spirits; his final version, which debuted in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1999, quickly became the most popular ninja manga in the world. The series would also spawn multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more. Having concluded NARUTO in late 2014, Masashi Kishimoto has kept himself busy with the side stories such as NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING and writing the story for the latest NARUTO anime movie, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, both of which focus on the title character's son, Boruto.

For additional information on NARUTO and other manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF RANMA ½ OVA & MOVIE COLLECTION ON SEPTEMBER 19th

©Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan/Kitty Films/Pony Canyon

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF

RANMA ½ OVA & MOVIE COLLECTION

Three Full-Length RANMA ½ Feature Films And Eleven

OVAs Based On The Classic Anime Series Make

North American Debut In HD Format

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, delights anime fans and lovers of the classic RANMA ½ series as it announces the upcoming home media release of the RANMA ½ OVA & Movie Collection on September 19th.

The new one-of-a-kind collection is based on the smash hit manga series created by Rumiko Takahashi and will be released in DVD and Blu-ray editions that include eleven episode-length Original Video Animation (OVA) adventures as well as three RANMA ½ theatrical movies.

Ranma Saotome, the iconic character created by master artist Rumiko Takahashi, is back for new adventures and more than a few hilarious misunderstandings along the way! From mishaps at a holiday party to casual use of mystical trinkets to possession by cursed dolls, what’s in store for Ranma is anyone’s guess in these original anime adventures. Also included in the new home media set are two feature-length RANMA ½ movies and one special OVA-length movie that brought Ranma to theaters to make some big choices with his heart and not his head…which is usually what starts his trouble in the first place!

The RANMA ½ OVA & Movie Collection Blu-ray Edition will carry an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN and comes packaged in a premium full-color chipboard slipcase. The three-disc set features full 1080p High Definition resolution with 16:9 video aspect ratio. Subtitled and English dubbed dialogue options are available. Bonus content includes a 32-page full-color booklet, upcoming OVA previews, and clean opening and ending segments.

The RANMA ½ OVA & Movie Collection DVD Edition will carry an MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $52.99 CAN. The three-disc home media set presents content with 16:9 video aspect ratio and features subtitled and English dubbed dialogue options. Notable bonus features include clean opening and ending segments.

“We are pleased to present RANMA ½ fans with this one-of-a-kind remastered collection filled with mystical transformations, martial arts mayhem and comedic hijinks,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Director of Animation Marketing. “This new set serves as a wonderful addition to the RANMA ½ universe. Catch all the zany escapades in this not-to-be-missed upcoming release.”

RANMA ½ manga creator Rumiko Takahashi is one of Japan’s most prolific and respected manga artists and is the creator of several long running series including MAISON IKKOKU, RANMA ½, and INUYASHA, which are all published in North America by VIZ Media. The spotlight on her prolific career began in 1978 when she won an honorable mention in Shogakukan's annual New Comic Artist Contest for Those Selfish Aliens. Later that same year, her boy-meets-alien comedy series, Urusei Yatsura, was serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday. This phenomenally successful manga series was adapted into anime format and also spawned a TV series and half a dozen theatrical-release movies, all incredibly popular. Takahashi followed up the success of her debut series with one blockbuster hit after another— MAISON IKKOKU ran from 1980 to 1987, RANMA ½ from 1987 to 1996, and INUYASHA from 1996 to 2008. Other notable works include MERMAID SAGA, RUMIC THEATER, ONE-POUND GOSPEL, and RIN-NE (all also published in North America by VIZ Media).

Also catch home media releases for the original RANMA ½ anime series, which are available in Blu-ray and DVD editions exclusively from VIZ Media.

For more information on RANMA ½ or other award-winning anime titles from VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

J-POP SUMMIT 2017 ANNOUNCES ITS PREMIUM LINE-UP OF RAMEN, SAKE AND FOOD VENDORS

Hinodeya Ramen

The San Francisco Bay Area’s Premiere Japanese Pop Culture Event

Announces A Slate of Japanese Food and Drinks Participants at

Fort Mason Center For Arts and Culture This September

J-POP SUMMIT 2017, one of the world’s biggest Japanese pop culture events, announces another exciting year with a diverse line-up of Japanese ramen chefs, sake producers, and food and drink vendors to be featured on Saturday, September 9th and Sunday, September 10th starting at 11:00am at the Fort Mason Center For Arts and Culture’s Festival Pavilion, located at 2 Marina Blvd in San Francisco, CA. The two-day slate of Japanese food and drinks are paired alongside an extensive roster of attractions, participants, exhibits, and other live programming. Tickets are available now starting at $35 for adults and $15 for kids ages 6+ at: www.J-POP.com.

Ramen Summit
Launched in 2016, Ramen Summit returns this year featuring top-rated ramen restaurants from around the Bay Area as well as Seattle. The ramen restaurants will show off their best broth and noodles from 11:00am-6:00pm in the Festival Pavilion Parking Area inside Fort Mason Center. A J-POP SUMMIT pass is required to get into Ramen Summit, and you must purchase a ramen ticket (only available on-site) for $8/bowl. The Ramen Summit is curated by RAMEN SUMMIT producer Mr. Maruyama, and sponsored by Yamachan Ramen, Sun Noodle, and Kikkoman. More details at http://www.j-pop.com/2017/ramen-summit/

Slurp a variety of ramen from:
• nojo ramen tavern
• Orenchi Beyond
• Marufuku Ramen
• Hinodeya Ramen & Bar
• Yoroshiku

Sake Summit
Prominent sake-makers and distributors from Japan and the U.S. will gather at the Festival Pavilion inside Fort Mason Center from 11:30am-4:30pm. A J-POP SUMMIT pass is required to get into Sake Summit, and you must purchase a sake tasting ticket for $10/per person (21 years and older) for a one-hour tasting. The featured tasting menu includes a variety of sakes from:
• GRC Imports
• Hosoda Brothers Inc. (Sat. only)
• JFC International
• NA Sales
• Sake Brothers (Sun. Only)
• Sushi Ran (SAKE SUMMIT Premium only)
• Takara Sake U.S.A. (Sat. only)
• Wismettac (Sat. only)

Guests can download the app, Sakenomy, that lets you study sake, record your impressions, and find the sake you’ve been looking for. Guests can also join sake club Kampai Sake Box, a Sake subscription and gift service, that delivers the hand-selected finest sake from Japan right to your doorstep.

For guests who want to go beyond the daytime Sake Summit, J-POP SUMMIT is offering a new Sake Summit Premium event on Saturday, September 9th from 6:30-9:00pm at the Fort Mason Center Firehouse. A J-POP SUMMIT pass is required, as well as the purchase of a Sake Summit Premium ticket for $30. (https://sakesummitpremium.eventbrite.com/）

This Premium event will include a fun and educational lecture by Todd Eng (founder of Sake Brothers.com and a Advanced Sake Professional certified by the Sake Education Council), small bites from Shige Sushi, Kemuri and Dandelion Chocolate, and sampling of the premium $40 – $100+ bottles of sake, most of them prepared in small batches with a high degree of hands-on artisan care. Come treat yourself to the celebration of Japanese tradition and innovation! This event is limited to 80 attendees, so purchase tickets in advance to guarantee entry. Sake Summit Premium is presented by JFC International, NA Sales, GRC Imports, Takara Sake USA Inc., Hosoda Bros Inc and SUSHI RAN.

Snacks, Drinks & Food Trucks
A variety of Japanese snacks, drinks, and local food trucks will also be offering Japanese fare available for purchase. The food trucks will be stationed in the Food Park located outside the Festival Pavilion.

Food trucks will include:
• JapaCurry
• J-Shack
• We Sushi
• Wapioca

Inside the Festival Pavilion is the Food Court that will feature samplings and sales of popular and delicious Japanese snacks and drinks offered by:

• iichiko
• SAPPORO
• Kikkoman
• ITO EN
• Choya
• Takara Sake U.S.A.
• Minamoto Kitchoan
• Hirotako
• Shige Sushi
• Shimadaya

Tickets
A variety of affordable ticket options will give J-POP SUMMIT attendees the maximum amount of flexibility to customize their memorable festival experience. Adult single-day passes start at only $35.00 each; 2-day passes start at only $50.00 each. Ticket details are available at www.j-pop.com/tickets/.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF THE MR. OSOMATSU ANIME SERIES

Uproarious Comedy About The Misadventures Of Six Unique

Brothers Is Produced By The Famed Anime Production Company

Studio Pierrot And Inspired By A Bestselling Manga Series

VIZ Media brings the hilarious story of six quirky siblings to North and Latin American audiences as it expands its anime catalog with the acquisition of MR. OSOMATSU. VIZ Media announced the news during its official panel held this past weekend during Otakon 2017.

Inspired by the classic manga series Osomatsu-Kun created by Fujio Akatsuka, MR. OSOMATSU is animated by Studio Pierrot, which also produced the massively successful BLEACH and NARUTO anime series (also distributed in English by VIZ Media). VIZ Media has acquired the digital streaming, EST, home video and merchandise rights for MR. OSOMATSU. Season One of the series was originally broadcast in Japan in 2015-2016, and Season Two is slated to start this Fall.

Forget double the fun because here’s a series that amps up the insanity six silly ways! The Matsuno sextuplets are quite a bunch. One’s always hanging out at the local Pachinko joint, one un-ironically wears sequined pants, one is a total otaku with a fancy for idols while another brother would rather just loaf around with some cats and his own ennui. The fifth brother loves baseball but was probably dropped on his head a couple times and then there’s the youngest, who really leans into that sweet baby brother angle, if you know what we mean. None of them have jobs, but they do have one heck of a tab run up at the local Oden stand! With so many brothers with too much time on their hands, there’s sure to be some crazy (and raunchy) adventures!

“MR. OSOMATSU depicts the hilarious exploits of the sextuplet Matsuno brothers, and each sibling’s unique personality and their fumbling antics will endear them to audiences,” explains VIZ Media Vice President of Animation Brian Ige. “Whether they are attempting to find employment or land girlfriends, the quirky lives of these brothers are never dull! We look forward to announcing more details on MR. OSOMATSU in coming months and to North American audiences discovering this fun series.”

For additional information on anime titles available from VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

POKÉMON ADVENTURES 20TH ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATION BOOK: THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES is available now

©2017 The Pokémon Company International.

CELEBRATE THE SPECIAL RELEASE OF

POKÉMON ADVENTURES 20TH ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATION BOOK:

THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES

THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES Features Character

Designs, Storyboards, Exclusive Posters And A New POKÉMON

Story Released In English For The First Time

VIZ Media explores the fantastic characters and settings of the world of POKÉMON with the release of POKÉMON ADVENTURES 20TH ANNIVERSARY ILLUSTRATION BOOK: THE ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES, now available.

An exclusive print release, this bright and vivid art book presents the work of longtime POKÉMON artist Satoshi Yamamoto and is a fitting addition to fans’ personal collections. The ART OF POKÉMON ADVENTURES carries a print MSRP of $24.99 U.S. / $33.99 CAN.

A collection of beautiful full-color art from the artist of the POKÉMON ADVENTURES graphic novel series! In addition to illustrations of fan favorite Pokémon, this vibrant volume includes exclusive sketches and storyboards, four pull-out posters and a brand-new manga side story published in English for the first time!

“The artwork of one of pop culture’s most beloved properties is beautifully showcased in this oversize, colorful edition,” says Annette Roman, Editor. “We look forward to fans of all ages enjoying this unique new release this summer!”

Satoshi Yamamoto is the artist for VIZ Media’s POKÉMON ADVENTURES, which he began working on in 2001, starting with Volume 10. Yamamoto launched his manga career in 1993 with the horror-action title, Kimen Senshi, which ran in Shogakukan’s Weekly Shonen Sunday magazine, followed by the series, Kazeno Denshosha. He is currently working on the 12th and 13th story arcs of the POKÉMON ADVENTURES series, POKÉMON X•Y and POKÉMON OMEGA RUBY & ALPHA SAPPHIRE.

Hidenori Kusaka is the writer for VIZ Media’s POKÉMON ADVENTURES. Running continuously for over twenty years, POKÉMON ADVENTURES is the only manga series to completely cover all the Pokémon games and has become one of the most popular series of all time. Kusaka is currently working on the 12th and 13th story arcs, POKÉMON X•Y and POKÉMON OMEGA RUBY & ALPHA SAPPHIRE. In addition to writing manga, he also edits children’s books and plans mixed-media projects for Japanese publisher Shogakukan’s children’s magazines.

POKÉMON is one of the most successful international entertainment franchises of all time. More than 279 million POKÉMON video games and over 21.5 billion Pokémon Trading Cards have been sold in more than 74 countries in addition to substantial publishing and merchandise sales. VIZ Media is the official North American distributor for a wide variety of POKÉMON home media releases including animated series and films and also publishes a variety of POKÉMON manga graphic novel series including POKÉMON ADVENTURES, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: FIRERED & LEAFGREEN, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: EMERALD, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: DIAMOND AND PEARL/PLATINUM, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: HEARTGOLD & SOULSILVER, POKÉMON ADVENTURES: BLACK & WHITE, POKÉMON X•Y, and POKÉMON OMEGA RUBY & ALPHA SAPPHIRE.

For additional information on POKÉMON manga and anime titles available from VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

VIZ expands digital manga catalog with updates for August 2017

Vampire Knight memories © Matsuri Hino 2016/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS DIGITAL MANGA CATALOG

WITH NEW UPDATES FOR AUGUST

Catch Exciting Digital Debuts, The Series Finale For TOKYO GHOUL

And Updates to the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App!

VIZ Media details digital manga updates for August highlighted by the launch of several notable new series and the continuation of fan-favorites as well as exciting updates to the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App.

This month, readers are invited to dive in to the opening volume of VAMPIRE KNIGHT: MEMORIES, the latest new release in creator Matsuri Hino’s acclaimed gothic drama. Fans can also enjoy THE ART OF MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE, a lavish release that contains concept sketches, notes, character designs and commentary from the director, screenwriter, and character designers of MY LITTLE PONY: THE MOVIE. Additional notable new digital releases include the not-to-be-missed series finales of TOKYO GHOUL (Vol. 14) and MAID-SAMA! (Vol. 9).

August Digital Manga Promotion

• MY HERO ACADEMIA Digital Manga Sale

Check out special pricing on an array of popular Shonen Jump manga series all month-long! This week, all volumes of the fan-favorite super-heroic series MY HERO ACADEMIA will be on sale for only $4.99 per volume. Available through August 14th across all digital platforms.

Check VIZ.com each week throughout the rest of August for additional manga titles to be featured in this month’s digital sales!

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Updates

Manga readers are invited to enjoy their manga on the go with the all new WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP App. Readers can dive into an array of FREE content straight from the pages of VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP as well as upcoming hit manga series and one-shots. The new app brings the best of SHONEN JUMP to users' mobile devices, which includes a more intuitive layout to help fans find their favorite series at their fingertips.

Hit manga series featured on the app:

• ASTRA LOST IN SPACE
• BORUTO: NARUTO NEXT GENERATIONS
• BOYS OVER FLOWERS SEASON 2
• DRAGON BALL SUPER
• DEATH NOTE
• élDLIVE
• JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE
• ONE-PUNCH MAN
• TOKYO GHOUL [JACK]
• And More...

In addition to the titles mentioned above, the all-new MY HERO ACADEMIA: VIGILANTES is now available through the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP app, with new chapters debuting every week! Written by Hideyuki Furuhashi and featuring art by Betten Court, follow the “Vigilantes” of MY HERO ACADEMIA who fight against evil without society’s approval!

Digital manga updates for August also include new volumes for 17 continuing VIZ Media series. Notable new additions include ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM (Vol. 17), BLACK CLOVER (Vol. 8), FOOD WARS! (Vol. 19), HAIKYU!! (Vol. 14), JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 3 - STARDUST CRUSADERS (Vol. 4), KUROKO’S BASKETBALL (Vol. 7), ONE PIECE (Vol. 83) and more. New shojo manga updates include BEHIND THE SCENES!! (Vol. 4), KAZE HIKARU (Vol. 25), SO CUTE IT HURTS!! (Vol. 14) and YONA OF THE DAWN (Vol. 7).

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 Google Play 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 most series.

For more information, visit VIZ.com.

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE SEASON 1 now available

© Hirohiko Araki/SHUEISHA, JoJo's Animation Project

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES HOME MEDIA RELEASE OF

JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE SEASON 1

Catch The Action/Adventure Anime Series On

A Limited Edition Blu-ray Set This Summer!

VIZ Media delivers kinetic action and adventure to anime fans with the home media release of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE Season 1.

The new release presents the entire 26-episode opening season of the series inspired by the groundbreaking manga created by Hirohiko Araki (also published by VIZ Media; rated ‘T+ for Older Teens). JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE Season 1 encompasses the complete Phantom Blood and Battle Tendency story arcs. Season 1 is available to audiences as a Limited Edition Blu-ray Set and carries an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN.

Online anime retailer The Right Stuf is offering the set along with a “Word Effects” print, deep-purple cotton bandana as a special gift with purchase. Available while supplies last.

The opening season of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE is set in late 19th century England, where rivals and surrogate brothers Jonathan Joestar and Dio Brando discover a mysterious stone mask. The mask is an artifact of an ancient Central American culture and is capable of granting its wearer eternal life, but only at a heavy price. As the dark powers of the Stone Mask are unleashed, the brothers’ actions will define legacies that span generations.

“Fans are going to be enraptured from the very first colorfully bombastic episode of JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE,” says Charlene Ingram, VIZ Media’s Director of Animation Marketing. “Don’t miss this limited edition Blu-ray debut of a series called “legendary” for a reason. We look forward to fans, both long-time and new, joining in on the riveting multi-generational adventures of this epic series!”

Blu-ray episodes are presented in full 1080p HD, 16x9 video and stereo audio featuring English and Japanese dialogue options. All-new English subtitles have been created for the release. Notable bonus content for the Limited Edition Blu-ray includes a 168-page booklet featuring episode summaries, Director commentary, storyboard art and more, a digital character art gallery and collectible art cards based on art from the original Japanese Blu-ray releases. The set comes in a fashionable hinged chipboard collector’s box resplendent with foil highlights.

VIZ Media is the master distributor for the JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE anime series and also publishes print and digital editions of the JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE manga series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens). VIZ Media is also the North American master merchandise licensee for JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE.

For additional information on JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE and other anime titles distributed by VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com.

Section23 Films has announced its October 2017 slate of releases

Flying Witch! Available October 24th

Home video distributor Section23 Films today announced its October slate of releases; including Sentai Filmworks’ Limited Edition Premium Box Set for the supernatural coming-of-age tale, Flying Witch!

Product details, in order of release:

Title: GOLDEN TIME COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 600 min.
Street Date: 10/3/2017
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $79.98

SYNOPSIS: Banri Tada has seen his share of trouble, but now he's leaving that behind him and entering law school. Or that was the plan, but on the first day of class, he finds himself lost and wandering. Fortunately, while trying to resolve his predicament, he meets Mitsuo, a fellow law student, and together they head to class. Only to be suddenly confronted with a beautiful woman who, much to Banri's surprise, slaps Mitsuo in the face with a bouquet of roses. She's Koko Kaga, Mitsuo's self-appointed future bride. He may have new friends, but if Banri thought his problems were over, he'll have to cross-examine his conclusion. Together they'll juggle life, love and more than a little drama in Golden Time the Complete Collection.


Title: HINAKO COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Maiden Japan
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 105 min.
Street Date: 10/3/2017
Format: COMBO
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $29.98

SYNOPSIS: Hinako used to be a normal human. Then she was magically changed into an anime character! Now, she mostly does things like play the heroine's best friend, but, in between anime, she's got a lot of time on her hands. One of the strange things about Hinako is that, unlike most anime characters, she's completely aware that she's being watched! That doesn't bother her, though. She likes the fact that the viewers are out there, and she considers them her friends. If she's doing something and thinks of something to say, she'll just say it to the people she can't see. Or CAN she see them? The fourth wall is shattered as the most self-aware anime character ever invites you to peek behind the screen and experience the intimate interactive life of Training, Bathing, and even Sleeping with HINAKO!


Title: AMAGAMI SS / AMAGAMI SS+ COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 975 min.
Street Date: 10/10/2017
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $79.98

SYNOPSIS: It's rare to get a second chance at love, but Junichi Tachibana is about to get a half dozen of them! Junichi gave up hope of finding his special someone when a date stood him up on Christmas Eve, but fate is about to give him the romantic equivalent of a multiple choice quiz! It seems that there are a lot of girls Junichi knows who are "interested", and if he picks the right one, and does the right things, he may just find his soul mate. And better yet, if he messes up on the first six or seven tries, he even gets do-overs! It's the classic story of boy meets girl, girl, girl, girl, girl, and girl again as one guy's luck with the ladies goes from bad to multi-verse in this complete collection: AMAGAMI SS and AMAGAMI SS+!


Title: PERSONA 4 THE ANIMATION COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 670 min.
Street Date: 10/10/2017
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $89.98

SYNOPSIS: When Yu Narukami moves to Inaba to stay with his police detective uncle, he's hoping that his new life in this small town will be more peaceful than the city. Instead, strange events begin occurring that somehow link Yu to a series of murders that have been happening across town! As a mysterious TV show world attempts to get Yu and his new friends to enter a dark virtual world, they find themselves plunged into a bizarre alternate reality where they gain incredible powers and abilities. Will the skills bestowed on them solve the mysteries behind the killer? Or will their powers lead them to their ultimate doom? Discover the shocking secrets of the Velvet Room and beyond in PERSONA 4: The Complete Collection.


Title: SLAVE PRINCESS OLIVIA BLU-RAY
Published by: SoftCel Pictures
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 50 min.
Street Date: 10/10/2017
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $19.98

SYNOPSIS: Using black magic and armies of monsters, the Dark Elf Empire of Keltula conquered and enslaved all the other nations of Midgard, then set its designs on the lands of Mithras. Only the Kingdom of Lindengard stood in their way, but taking courage from the heroics of their warrior princess Oliva, the soldiers of Supreme Ruler Ashbel managed to halt the Keltulan advance. Then, Keltula sent its most ruthless warrior, Cecil, to take command and, using treachery and deceit, he captured 5000 Lindengard troops. To save them, Lindengard's ruler was forced to accept a horrific bargain: give Oliva to Cecil in exchange for the lives of captured men! Now, stripped of her armor, rank, and freedom, Lindengard's greatest heroine has become Cecil's slave and sexual toy, and the nightmare is only beginning for SLAVE PRINCESS OLIVIA!


Title: GARO TV COLLECTION 1 BLU-RAY
Published by: Kraken Releasing
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 10/17/2017
Format: BD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $39.98

SYNOPSIS: For thousands of years, mankind has been under attack by an ancient race of demons: nightmarish creatures that feed off the darkness in men’s souls and enter our world seeking bodies to possess. Against these Horrors, the human race has just one hope: the enchanted weapons and armor of the Makai Knights, a secret legion of warriors, priests, and magic users who stand as humanity’s last line of defense. Get ready for an epic experience unlike anything you’ve ever seen before as famed designer/director Keita Amemiya (Zeram, Kamen Rider Black) and a pantheon of Japan’s top action and horror directors, including Makoto Yokoyama (Power Rangers), Kengo Kaji (Tokyo Gore Police), and Ryu Kaneda (Video Girl Ai), unleash the amazing battle sequences and stunning special effects that revolutionized the world of Japanese horror in GARO!


Title: LOVE, CHUNIBYO & OTHER DELUSIONS RIKKA VERSION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 96 min.
Street Date: 10/17/2017
Format: COMBO
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $39.98

SYNOPSIS: It's just so not fair! Sure, Rikka may be a "chunibyo" afflicted with a state where she's convinced that she has hidden powers. Maybe she DOES think she has an evil eye that always has to be covered with a patch. But that doesn't mean that what she believes isn't real to her, and Rikka knows in her twisted little heart that Yuta Togashi is much more than just another boy. So why is he always pulling away? At long last, here's the chance to see the world through Rikka's eyes (or eye, technically, since the evil one is usually covered). Armed with your trusted parasol, you'll deal with evil high priestess sisters, enchanted animals, and the scariest thing of all, going literally boy crazy in LOVE, CHUNIBYO AND OTHER DELUSIONS!: RIKKA VERSION!


Title: FLYING WITCH COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 10/24/2017
Format: BD, DVD, COMBO
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98, $59.98, $159.98

SYNOPSIS: Traditionally, when a witch turns 15, she's supposed to go out into the world alone to study magic. Makoto's parents, however, believe that their directionally-challenged daughter should get a high school degree. Instead of being sent out on her own, Makoto and her cat Chito find themselves traveling from the bustling city of Yokohama to Aomori Prefecture, where they'll stay with relatives until Makoto finishes school. It's going to be a big adjustment, and it only gets more complicated since "normal" people aren't supposed to know that witches exist… something that she tends to forget. In the meantime, Makoto, her cousins, and her new friends will have to work just a little harder to adapt to a whole new way of life when the new girl in town is a FLYING WITCH!


Title: LOG HORIZON COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 1300 min.
Street Date: 10/24/2017
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $129.98

SYNOPSIS: The online fantasy game Elder Tales is a worldwide phenomenon, immersing millions of players in its intricately conceived virtual world. However, the release of the game's twelfth expansion pack makes that immersion all too literal, as players from around the world are suddenly pulled into the game's no-longer-fictional universe! Now, eight-year ET veteran Shiroe, his friend Naotsugu, the beautiful assassin Akatsuki, and 30,000 other players are faced with the daunting task of learning how to deal with an entirely new reality, one where the Non-Player Characters are actually alive, and the tips and tricks learned while playing with a keyboard no longer apply. Flesh and blood replace avatars and stat lists, and an entire world stands on the brink of Apocalypse in the ultimate LOG HORIZON SEASON 1 & SEASON 2 complete collection!


Title: THE DRAGON DENTIST
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 90 min.
Street Date: 10/31/2017
Format: COMBO
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $39.98

SYNOPSIS: Going into war against a dragon takes incredible courage, but even that danger pales in comparison to the hazards of young Nonoko's job. As a Dragon Dentist, she's charged with venturing into the jaws of the country's dragon protector to keep its pearly canines free of plaque, decay, and other debris. One day, Nonoko discovers an unconscious soldier between her dragon's teeth instead of a cavity, and she finds herself caught up in a series of events that have been foretold to bring disaster to her people! Get ready for an incredible brush with destiny that leads two young people through the mouth of hell and towards certain doom as the creators of the new EVANGELION feature films unleash an epic unlike anything you've seen before in THE DRAGON DENTIST!