ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM creator Yusei Matsui coming to NY Comic Con in October 2016

ANSATSU KYOSHITSU © 2012 by Yusei Matsui/SHUEISHA Inc.

ASSASSINATION CLASSROOM CREATOR YUSEI MATSUI

HEADING TO NEW YORK COMIC CON

VIZ Media and Japan Society Welcome Best-Selling Manga

Creator to NYCC for Events and Autograph Sessions

ReedPOP, the world's leading producer of pop culture events, has announced that author and artist of Assassination Classroom Yusei Matsui will be appearing at New York Comic Con this October for events and Autograph Sessions. Matsui is appearing at NYCC in partnership with VIZ Media, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution and global entertainment licensing, and the Japan Society, a nonprofit cross-cultural institution in New York.

One of the most popular and best-selling manga series in the United States, Assassination Classroom is 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. Making matters even more complicated, he turns out to be the best teacher they have ever had! The series is a consistent New York Times bestseller, with each volume released appearing on the list during the first few weeks of publication. The series has also been adapted as an anime that airs in Japan and North America, as well as well as two live-action films.

“Yusei Matsui is a major influence in the manga industry and his work continues to be a monster success around the world,” said Lance Fensterman, Global Senior Vice President of ReedPOP. “We are thrilled to welcome him to New York Comic Con for what are sure to be amazing experiences for our Fans.”

Yusei Matsuiself-portrait

Yusei Matsui was born in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. He has been drawing manga since he began elementary school and his favorite manga series include Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and Ultimate Muscle. Matsui learned his trade working as an assistant to manga artist Yoshio Sawai, creator of Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo. In 2005, Matsui debuted his original manga Neuro: Supernatural Detective in Weekly Shonen Jump. In 2007, Neuro was adapted into an anime. In 2012, Assassination Classroom began serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump. Assassination Classroom is published in North America by VIZ Media. For more information on Assassination Classroom, please visit VIZ.com.

New York Comic Con will take place October 6-9, 2016.To attend NYCC, Fans must complete a Fan Verification profile for the opportunity to purchase Tickets. Fan Verification is open through Monday, June 13 at NewYorkComicCon.com/FanVerification.

Additional exciting details about Yusei Matsui’s schedule and other New York Comic Con events, talent and sponsors will be announced in the coming months. For more information, please visit NewYorkComicCon.com.

Additional NY appearance by NARUTO creator Masashki Kishimoto

Due to the overwhelming response to the upcoming visit for the creator of NARUTO in just a few short weeks, VIZ Media is thrilled to announce an additional opportunity for fans to hear the renowned Masashki Kishimoto speak about his work on the bestselling series!

The Apple Store Soho (103 Prince Street, New York City) will host the talk the night before NY Comic Con starts, on October 7th at 7PM. Kishimoto will discuss his 15 years of work creating the best selling manga series, as well as speak about his involvement in the latest NARUTO film! To reserve a spot at this talk you must register at https://s.apple.com/dE4R6Z9o6N.

NARUTO is one of the most successful properties world over. The manga debuted in 1999, and quickly spawned multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more! Having concluded the series in late 2014 (VIZ Media will debut the volume next month), Kishimoto has kept himself busy writing a new side story, NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING and writing the latest NARUTO anime film, both featuring the main character's son, Boruto! BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE (debuting October 10th at U.S. theaters), features Kishimoto not only providing the screenplay and character designs, but also making his executive producer debut.
The legendary manga artist makes his first international appearance at New York Comic Con and New York Super Week, participating in an expansive roster of activities.

VIZ announces retail exclusives and show specials for NYCC 2015

NARUTO © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES A WIDE ARRAY OF

EXCITING RETAIL EXCLUSIVES AND SHOW

SPECIALS FOR NEW YORK COMIC CON 2015

Exclusive NARUTO And SAILOR MOON Titles, ONE-PUNCH MAN

And TOKYO GHOUL Advance Copies, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP

Membership Specials And Much More!!

VIZ Media has detailed a comprehensive and exciting collection of show exclusives, advance manga and anime releases and other special items available for purchase at the VIZ Media booth during New York Comic Con 2015.

New York Comic Con takes place October 8th – 11th at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan and is the East Coast's biggest pop culture convention. The annual event plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. More information on New York Comic Con is available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

VIZ Media will exhibit at New York Comic Con in Booth #1346. The booth will be a continual hub of activity throughout the convention with events including giveaways of manga samplers, full-color posters, art cards, and more, as well as the VIZ Media Prize Wheel, NARUTO Ninja Mission scavenger hunt and SAILOR MOON Tiara giveaway.

To celebrate the first-ever U.S. professional appearance by legendary NARUTO manga creator Masashi Kishimoto at a variety of special events and panel discussions during this year’s NYCC, VIZ Media invites attendees to browse a wide array of NARUTO titles that will be available at the company’s booth on the main show floor.

Exclusive NARUTO Ukiyo-e print from Japan

Exclusive NARUTO items include:
• NARUTO Ukiyo-e Print From Japan $580
• NYCC Exclusive NARUTO Poster $50
• NARUTO Vol. 72 w/ Variant Cover $10 – series finale!
• Manga Replicas: $15 each
• Pre-street NARUTO: KAKASHI’S STORY Novel $11
• Pre-street UZUMAKI NARUTO: ILLUSTRATIONS Art Book $20
• NYCC Exclusive NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Figure from Banpresto $28
• NYCC Exclusive NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Miniature Figure Set from Megahouse $20
• NYCC Exclusive NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Bandana $10
• BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE 3-D Poster $20
• THE LAST: NARUTO THE MOVIE Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack $20

Manga fans can also score an annual year-long digital membership to VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP manga anthology. Sign up at NYCC to receive 48 digital issues throughout the year along with an Exclusive NARUTO Game Mat, Limited Edition Collector’s NARUTO Yearbook and an exclusive YU-GI-OH! Card for $25.

Additional VIZ Media New York Comic Con exclusives include:

ONE-PUNCH MAN © 2012 by ONE, Yusuke Murata/SHUEISHA Inc.

• ONE-PUNCH MAN Vols. 1 & 2 Bundle $15
• Pre-street ONE-PUNCH MAN Vol. 3 $10
• SAILOR MOON Items
 - Exclusive: SAILOR MOON R T-Shirts $15
 - Season 1 Set 1 Combo Pack LIMITED EDITION $65
 - Season 1 Set 2 Combo Pack $55
 - Season 1 Set 1 or Set 2 DVD only $40 each
 - Season 2 Set 1 Combo Pack LIMITED EDITION $65
 - Season 2 Set 1 DVD only $40 o Pre-street Season 2 Set 2 Combo Pack $55
 - Pre-street Season 2 Set 2 DVD only $40
• Pre-street YO-KAI WATCH Vol. 1 $10
• Pre-street TOKYO GHOUL Vol. 3 $13 (each purchase comes with a full color poster!)
• THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST $20

Additional information on titles available from VIZ Media is available at www.VIZ.com.

VIZ announces activities, giveaways, screenings and panel events for the 2015 New York Comic Con

 

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING ACTIVITIES,

GIVEAWAYS, SCREENINGS AND PANEL EVENTS

FOR 2015 NEW YORK COMIC CON

VIZ Media Returns To The East Coast’s Biggest

Pop Culture Convention And Welcomes Famed

NARUTO Manga Creator Masashi Kishimoto

VIZ Media prepares a full slate of fun activities, insightful panel discussions and special promotional giveaways for the upcoming 2015 New York Comic Con.

New York Comic Con takes place October 8th – 11th at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan and is the East Coast's biggest pop culture convention. The annual event plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. More information on New York Comic Con is available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

VIZ Media will exhibit at New York Comic Con in Booth #1346.

This year, attendees are invited to join VIZ Media as it welcomes famed NARUTO manga creator, Masashi Kishimoto, for his first-ever official U.S. professional appearance. Fans can catch the legendary creator for a unique NYCC panel discussion about his smash hit series and his evolution as a manga artist on Thursday October 8th. Kishimoto also will offer opening remarks to introduce the hot new BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE anime feature film, on which he served as the Executive Producer, at a very special premiere screening on Saturday, October 10th.

To help celebrate the unprecedented visit, the VIZ Media booth will be the host of the NARUTO Ninja Mission. Fans pick up a headband from the booth, and must use ninja stealth and speed to complete a special mission; only a true ninja can collect an NYCC exclusive reward. The booth will also have a special display of two costumes from the recent Live Spectacle Naruto stage adaptation, courtesy of Nelke Planning, the company that produced the show.

Manga and anime fans are also invited to attend the VIZ Media official company panel discussion happening on Friday, October 9th to glean the latest news on new title acquisitions and exciting developments on other current properties. Fans also will not want to miss a VERY special premiere screening event on Friday October 9th that will present the debut of brand new VIZ Media anime title. Stay tuned for more details on this title!

SAILOR MOON fans can join VIZ Media’s official SAILOR MOON panel on Sunday, October 11th for all the latest news on the legendary anime adventure as well as the new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL series.

Stop by the VIZ Media Booth (#1346) for an array of show exclusive products in the retail area, and also take part in a variety of fun convention activities and special promotional product giveaways of manga samplers, full-color posters, postcards, and more! Attendees can try their luck at the VIZ Media prize wheel for a chance to win exclusive goodies from many fan favorite series, or get a SAILOR MOON tiara and show off each person’s inner Guardian.

VIZ Media 2015 New York Comic Con Events & Panel Discussions:

VIZ Media Presents: An Evening with Masashi Kishimoto
Thursday, October 8th, 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Main Stage 1-D
The creator of the global phenomenon known as NARUTO makes his first appearance outside Japan! The legendary Kishimoto Sensei will discuss his career and creative process and answer questions about his work. Attendees will also have a chance to win some very special prizes. This panel of a lifetime is brought to you in partnership with the Japan Foundation.

VIZ Media Official Panel
Friday, October 9th, 12:15PM – 1:15PM
Room 1A24
Hang out with the VIZ Media crew as they talk about your favorite titles, make exciting announcements and show off exclusive first looks!

VIZ Media Special Premiere Screening
Friday, October 9th, 6:45PM – 7:45PM
Room 1A05
Join VIZ Media for a very special surprise from the world of anime that's so fresh, we can't even tell you what it is yet!

VIZ Media Presents: BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE Premiere
Saturday, October 10th, 11:30AM – 2:00PM
Hammerstein Ballroom – 311 W. 43th St.
Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, makes his Executive Producer debut and will introduce the North American English-subtitled premiere of the most anticipated Naruto movie yet! Naruto Uzumaki protects the Hidden Leaf Village as the 7th Hokage, while Boruto, his troublesome son resents his father's responsibilities that take his time away from him. Seeing this, Sasuke takes Boruto under his wing, while Sasuke's only daughter, Sarada, dreams of being Hokage one day. This Panel of a lifetime is brought to you in partnership with the Japan Foundation.

Come early - the first 100 attendees in line for BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE will get to attend a special Saturday signing session at 10am with Masashi Kishimoto!

VIZ Media SAILOR MOON Official Panel
Sunday, October 11th, 2:30PM – 3:30PM
Room 1A18
Everyone's favorite Guardian of Love and Justice is back! The VIZ Media SAILOR MOON team brings you all the can't-miss news on the legendary anime series, as well as the all-new SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL.

Additional information on titles available from VIZ Media is available at www.VIZ.com.

NARUTO manga creator MASASHI KISHIMOTO coming to NYC

NARUTO © 1999 by Masashi Kishimoto/SHUEISHA Inc.

 VIZ MEDIA WELCOMES RENOWNED NARUTO MANGA CREATOR, MASASHI KISHIMOTO, FOR SPECIAL APPEARANCES AT NEW YORK COMIC CON 2015

Creator Of Bestselling Ninja Action Series Makes His First

U.S. Appearance During New York Super Week And Comic Con

For Autograph Sessions, Panel Discussions And Theatrical Premiere

VIZ Media, in partnership with The Japan Foundation and ReedPOP, prepares to welcome iconic manga artist Masashi Kishimoto, the renowned creator of the NARUTO manga (graphic novel) saga, for a series of very special appearances during the upcoming 2015 New York Comic Con.

VIZ Media will exhibit at New York Comic Con in Booth #1346 and will offer a wide array of exclusive NARUTO manga and anime products for purchase throughout the convention. In response to overwhelming fan interest, VIZ Media is also pleased to announce the addition of one more autograph session for Masashi Kishimoto on Thursday, October 8th, at the Javits Center.

Interested NY Comic Con attendees may pick up a raffle ticket at the VIZ Media booth between 10:00am and 1:00pm on Thursday October 8th for a chance to win 1 of 100 available wristbands to attend the signing later that day. Please visit the VIZ Media booth for the winning ticket drawing time and additional details.

Masashi Kishimoto also complements his first ever U.S. professional appearances with a pair of autograph sessions and in-store appearances during New York Super Week, co-sponsored by the Japan Foundation. These appearances will take place at the Manhattan locations of Kinokuniya Bookstore and Barnes & Noble Tribeca, on October 9th and 10th, respectively. Full details are available at: http://www.newyorksuperweek.com.

New York Comic Con is the crown jewel of New York Super Week and takes place October 8-11 at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Kishimoto will headline a special panel on Thursday, October 8th focusing on his work and hit manga series, NARUTO. On Saturday, October 11th, Kishimoto will deliver some opening comments before the highly anticipated North American theatrical premiere of BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE.

Masashi Kishimoto self portrait

Masashi Kishimoto 2015 New York Comic Con Appearances:

VIZ Media Presents: An Evening with Masashi Kishimoto
Thursday, October 8th, 5:30PM – 6:30PM
Main Stage 1-D
The creator of the global phenomenon known as Naruto makes his first appearance outside Japan! The legendary Kishimoto Sensei will discuss his career and creative process and answer questions about his work. Attendees will also have a chance to win some very special prizes. This panel of a lifetime is brought to you in partnership with the Japan Foundation.

VIZ Media Presents: BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE Premiere
Saturday, October 10th, 11:30AM – 2:00PM
Hammerstein Ballroom – 311 W. 43th St.
Masashi Kishimoto, creator of Naruto, makes his Executive Producer debut and will introduce the North American English-subtitled premiere of the most anticipated Naruto movie yet! Naruto Uzumaki protects the Hidden Leaf Village as the 7th Hokage, while Boruto, his troublesome son resents his father's responsibilities that take his time away from him. Seeing this, Sasuke takes Boruto under his wing, while Sasuke's only daughter, Sarada, dreams of being Hokage one day. This panel of a lifetime is brought to you in partnership with the Japan Foundation.

Come early - the first 100 attendees in line for BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE will get to attend a special Saturday signing session at 10am with Masashi Kishimoto!

Masashi Kishimoto 2015 New York Super Week Appearances:

Masashi Kishimoto Kinokuniya Signing Event
Friday, Oct. 9th, 8:30pm
Kinokuniya Book Store, 1073 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10018
Meet Masashi Kishimoto, creator of NARUTO, the best-selling manga series that inspired a generation of fans around the world and spawned hit anime series, movies, video games, novels and more. This event is an extremely rare opportunity to see the legendary Kishimoto in his first public appearances outside of Japan.

All participants must secure a SuperWeek event ticket. NARUTO Volume 72, featuring an exclusive New York Comic Con variant cover drawn by Kishimoto, will be available for purchase. Attendees will receive a free autographed Shikishi art board with purchase of one of Kishimoto’s works. (*Note: Kishimoto will only sign the provided shikishi and on-site purchased book.)

Masashi Kishimoto Barnes & Noble Tribeca Signing Event
Saturday, Oct. 10th, 3:30pm
Barnes & Noble Tribeca, 97 Warren St., New York, NY 10007
Masashi Kishimoto makes his second appearance for New York Super Week at the Barnes & Noble Tribeca location. This signing will be limited to the first 110 customers that purchase one of Kishimoto’s works the day of the event; NARUTO Volume 72 featuring an exclusive New York Comic Con variant cover drawn by Kishimoto will also be available for purchase at this venue. Each person will receive an exclusive shikishi art board signed personally signed by the artist. (*Note: Kishimoto will only sign the provided shikishi and on-site purchased book.)

Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in rural Okayama Prefecture, Japan. 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 spawned multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more. Having concluded the series in late 2014, he has kept himself busy with the side-story Naruto: The Seventh Hokage and the Scarlet Spring and with writing the story for the latest Naruto movie, both of which will focus on the title character’s son, Boruto. The NARUTO manga series is published in North America by VIZ Media.

For more information on NARUTO manga and anime titles published by VIZ Media, visit VIZ.com/naruto.

VIZ announces top 10 HOKAGE FOR A DAY video contest entries

Fans Invited To Vote For Favorite Entry To Send Winner

To Meet The Legendary NARUTO Manga Creator

Masashi Kishimoto At New York Comic Con

VIZ Media has announced the final stage of its Hokage for a Day Promotion to celebrate NARUTO and the upcoming first-ever U.S. appearance by the manga series creator Masashi Kishimoto at the 2015 New York Comic Con (NYCC) in October.

Over the past 6 weeks, fans have submitted more than 800 entries to the contest, which encouraged hopeful winners to create a one-minute YouTube video describing what NARUTO means to them. The Hokage for a Day Grand Prize winner and a guest will have the opportunity to meet NARUTO creator Masashi Kishimoto on October 10th during NYCC, and participate in several of Kishimoto’s events during the show. The Grand Prize package also includes airline tickets and hotel accommodations, as well as transportation and a pair of NYCC show passes, courtesy of VIZ Media. The contest winner will be announced by VIZ Media around September 8th.

VIZ Media and ReedPOP, in partnership with The Japan Foundation, will welcome Kishimoto for a very special series of personal appearances at the massive pop culture convention that will take place October 8th-11th at the Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. Full details on the show are available at: www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

Fans are invited to screen the following videos and by Sunday September 6th, vote for their own favorites at: viz.com/naruto?tab=hokageforaday.

The Inspiring, Top 10 NARUTO Hokage for a Day Video Selections:

Amanda: www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_Dgf9PHjYU
Amanda showcases her NARUTO collection (amassed over ten years) and her handmade cosplay and artwork!

Brittney McConway: https://youtu.be/4qr-gsZLTRY
NARUTO became the muse for Brittney to start her own life coaching business, which uses a fun anime/manga approach to deal with depression, anxiety and low self-esteem.

Cassidy Kerr: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc49pcwAzsw
Cassidy not only has S-rank NARUTO collection, she was inspired to introduce NARUTO and cosplay to her family/friends!

Christina Faye: www.youtube.com/watch?v=m25JNj5htkk&feature=youtu.be
Christina has been a fan since the manga debut, and is inspired by and cosplays as Sakura.

Custat: www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCOY4xmKA2s&feature=youtu.be
Custat animates herself for her video entry, and dreams of becoming a manga-ka!

Dinah Baergas: www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWZzGWV30-Q
Dinah is an ardent fan who cosplays as Guy (“Maito Gai”) and also works to improve her community.

Randi Willett: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjFpPHHe_sg
Randi and her twin sister cosplayed as Naruto and Sasuke for over 10 years.

Steven Gathings: www.youtube.com/watch?v=d45AT0tPFPs&feature=youtu.be
Steven and his friends create a NARUTO fan film!

Thomas Molina: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePzRnxRWcpA&feature=youtu.be
NARUTO got Thomas through 2 bouts of leukemia, and it became a source of strength to persevere through trying times.

Victor Lee: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9AUODewW5lY
The tenets of friendship and teamwork in NARUTO inspired Victor to strive to be a Hokage in his own community, and he volunteers for March of Dimes and Baton Rouge Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation!

The final volume of the NARUTO manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) will be published by VIZ Media in print and also digitally in October and brings the long-running ninja action adventure to its thrilling conclusion. The first NARITO spin-off movie, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, which launches a new storyline and characters focusing on the son of Naruto, will launch in the Fall.

Additional information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.

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

VIZ sponsoring HOKAGE FOR A DAY promo at 2015 New York Comic Con

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES HOKAGE FOR A DAY PROMOTION TO

AWARD A LUCKY WINNER THE CHANCE TO MEET NARUTO

MANGA CREATOR MASASHI KISHIMOTO

Fans Are Invited To Submit Videos Expressing Their Love For

The World’s Most Popular Ninja For A Chance To Meet

The Legendary Manga Creator At NY Comic Con

VIZ Media launches special Hokage for a Day Promotion to celebrate NARUTO and the upcoming first-ever U.S. appearance by the manga series creator Masashi Kishimoto at the 2015 New York Comic Con in October.

VIZ Media and ReedPOP, the organizers of the New York Comic Con, will welcome Kishimoto-sensei for a very special series of personal appearances at the massive pop culture convention that will take place October 8th-11th at the Javitz Convention Center in Manhattan. Full details on the event are available at: www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

VIZ Media announced the Hokage for a Day Promotion earlier today during its panel at the 2015 Anime Expo in Los Angeles. The contest opens today and runs through August 14th and is open to all entrants 13 years or older in North America.

NARUTO fans are urged to visit viz.com/naruto and submit a short, creative YouTube video featuring what NARUTO means to them and how the series has affected their life. The first set of “Staff Picks” will be selected by VIZ Media and posted on the web site on July 6th with new video submissions to be posted each week throughout the duration of the contest.

The semi-final stage begins on August 24th when VIZ Media will unveil the Top 50 videos at viz.com/naruto and will open public voting. Fans (as well as their friends and family) are encouraged to participate. Finalist voting will commence on August 31st. The contest winner will be announced by VIZ Media on September 7th.

The Grand Prize winner of the Hokage for a Day Promotion and a guest will have the opportunity to meet NARUTO creator Masashi Kishimoto in New York City on October 10th during NYCC. The Grand Prize package also includes airline tickets and hotel accommodation for the winner and a guest, as well as transportation and a pair of New York Comic Con show passes, courtesy of VIZ Media.

“NARUTO is one of the most successful manga series ever published and its popularity has made a lasting impact on the growth of the manga genre to global audiences,” says Andy Nakatani, Editor in Chief, Weekly Shonen Jump. “Don’t miss this very special once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet one of the most legendary manga creators of all time!”

The final volume of the NARUTO manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens) will be published by VIZ Media in print and also digitally in October and brings the long-running ninja action adventure to its thrilling conclusion. The first NARUTO spin-off movie, BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, which launches a new storyline and characters focusing on the son of Naruto, will launch in the Fall.

Author/artist Masashi Kishimoto was born in 1974 in Okayama Prefecture, Japan. He was first inspired to become a manga artist in elementary school when he read Akira Toriyama’s DRAGON BALL series. After spending time at art school, Kishimoto won the Hop Step Award for new manga artists with his story, Karakuri. After considering various genres for his next project, he decided on a story steeped in traditional Japanese culture. His first version of NARUTO, drawn in 1997, was a one-shot 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 has spawned multiple anime series, movies, novels, video games and more. Having concluded the series in late 2014, Masashi Kishimoto has kept himself busy with a new side story NARUTO: THE SEVENTH HOKAGE AND THE SCARLET SPRING and writing the latest NARUTO anime film, both of which focus on the title character's son, Boruto.

Additional information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN is available at www.Naruto.com.

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

VIZ convention exclusives & collectible specials for New York Comic Con

"MONONOKE HIME" (1980 nen Shoki Settei Ban)

By Hayao Miyazaki

© 1993 Nibariki

All rights reserved. 

© 1993 Studio Ghibli

 Stop By The VIZ Shop In The VIZ Media Booth For
 Advance Manga Releases, Limited Edition Books,

Anime Specials, Cool Collectable Items, And More!!

VIZ Media has detailed a special array of anime, manga and graphic novel products along with several convention exclusives and notable collectables that will stock the VIZ Shop, to be located in VIZ Media booth (#1944) during the 2014 New York Comic Con.

VIZ Media will host an expansive display at the Javits Convention Center between October 9^th- 12^th for the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture event that features the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Full details on New York Comic Con are available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

Browse the VIZ Shop throughout New York Comic Con for premium manga and anime titles, notable advance and pre-sale items, as well as a variety of collectables, convention specials and other exclusive and limited edition items.

Celebrate Takeshi Obata’s (Artist, DEATH NOTE, BAKUMAN。and ALL YOU NEED IS KILL)  New York Comic Con Appearance:

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL Manga Pre-Sale – Grab Takeshi Obata’s stunning manga rendition of the popular Japanese sci-fi novel ahead of its public street date. Price: $15.00

BAKUMAN。 Vol. 1 - Do Moritaka and Akito have what it takes to make it in the manga-publishing world? Find out in this dramatic manga comedy! $10.00

DEATH NOTE: BLACK EDITION Vol.1 - A deluxe oversized edition of the bestselling supernatural crime thriller! Price: $15.00

HIKARU NO GO Vol. 1 - Follow Hikaru Shindo as he learns the ancient game of “Go” with the spirit of master player Sai in this classic manga! Price: $10.00

RAL Ω GRAD Vol. 1 - Read to see if Ral and Grad win the fight against the Shadows in this award winning manga! Price: $8.00

DEATH NOTE T-Shirt – Get this exclusive DEATH NOTE shirt based on the anime  before it’s available anywhere else! Price: $20.00

Special VIZ Media Manga & Publishing Items:

SAILOR MOON T-Shirt Design

PRINCESS MONONOKE: THE FIRST STORY (Pre-Street) – Get the inspiration for the award-winning animated film in this oversized, lavishly illustrated storybook featuring original watercolor art by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki! Price: $35.00

KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS Vol. 1 (Pre-Street) – Check out this supernatural romance from the Shojo Beat imprint before its available anywhere else! Price: $10.00

RESIDENT EVIL Vol.1 (Pre-Street) – Join the Bioterrorism Security Assessment Alliance in this action-packed manga prequel to the hit Resident Evil 6 game! Price: $13.00

Perfect Square Books & Manga:

VOLTRON DEFENDER OF THE UNIVERSE: FROM DAYS OF LONG AGO - Celebrate 30 years of awesome giant robots with this special edition collectable book! Price: $50.00

HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40 - Celebrate Hello Kitty’s 40th Anniversary with this hand-numbered, limited special edition collectable story and art book! Price: $50.00

BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG - A one-of-a-kind art book presented in the style of a classic seek & find. Get the exclusive hand-numbered, limited special edition! Price: $30.00

BRAVEST WARRIORS: THIS WAY OR THAT – THE GREAT CORE CAPER – Be a part of the action and help decide just how the galaxy-traveling heroes and Catbug will save a planet in peril with this new release! Price: $8.00

Special Gift with Purchase! BRAVEST WARRIORS PRESENTS: CATBUG’S TREASURE BOOK – This look into Catbug’s musings comes with a poster featuring Catbug and the teen heroes! Price: $13.00

POKEMON ADVENTURES RED AND BLUE MANGA BOX SET – Capture the excitement of the POKEMON ADVENTURES manga series with volumes 1-7 along with a collectible poster. Price: $50.00

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA MANGA BOX SET – Action and adventure based on the bestselling Nintendo video game franchise. Set contains all 10 volumes of the manga series and a collectible poster! Price: $80.00

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Exclusives & Specials:

Masashi Kishimoto Reproduction NARUTO Artwork from Japan (Exclusive!) – hand numbered, full-color and limited quantity. Price: $15.00

Eiichiro Oda Reproduction ONE PIECE Artwork From Japan (Limited Edition!) – hand numbered, full-color and limited quantity. Price: $15.00

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP’S JUMP PACK 3 – Newest Jump Pack Edition comes with a limited edition “Black Luster Soldier – Envoy of the Evening Twilight” Yu-Gi-Oh! Collector Card and 3 months free to the world’s bestselling weekly digital manga anthology. Special Convention Discounted Price: $8.00

WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Annual Subscription – Purchase an annual subscription and receive the limited edition Yu-Gi-Oh! Card “Ebon Illusion Magician” Collectable Trading Card and a special gift with purchase Game Mat featuring your favorite WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP characters (While supplies last!) along with 52 weekly issues of the online anthology! Special Convention Discounted Price: $20.00

VIZ Media Anime:

GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET Complete Series DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack (Limited Edition!) - A must-watch sci-fi anime series. Find out if Ledo can survive his surprise landing on a seemingly foreign planet! Special Convention Price: $50.00

RANMA ½ Limited Edition Blu-ray Sets 1, 2, & 3 - Rumiko Takahashi’s RANMA ½ anime series is re-mastered and presented on Blu-ray for the first time! Special convention-only price: Special Convention Price: $44.00 each

BLOOD LAD Complete Series DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack (Limited Edition!)– Score the complete series in this Blu-ray and DVD combo pack release. Follow the journey of Staz, an otaku vampire who will resurrect the girl of his dreams by any bloody means necessary. Special Convention Price: $50.00

Additional VIZ Media Exclusive Products & Collectables:

SAILOR MOON T-Shirt (Exclusive!) - This New York Comic Con exclusive is sure to go fast. Don’t miss out on fighting for Love & Justice, just like Usagi and her fellow Sailor Guardians! Price: $15.00

BLEACH Sword Umbrellas (Pre-Street) Stay dry with two designs to choose from, the sword hilt of Ichigo or Soul Reaper Rukia! Price: $30.00 each

DORAEMON T-Shirts (Exclusive!) – Available for the first time, choose between two exclusive designs! Price: $20.00 each

DORAEMON Limited Edition Coin Purse– Keep your money safe with this adorable coin purse! Price: $12.00

DORAEMON Limited Edition Figure – Get this figure of everyone’s favorite cat-type robot from the future that comes with plenty of fun gadgets! Price: $35.00

DORAEMON Belt – Need a handy accessory to keep your pants up? Doraemon has just the gadget for that! Get this belt buckle style belt in its debut. Price: $20.00

TIGER & BUNNY Cosplay Alpaca Plush – Choose between five different alpaca plush in TIGER & BUNNY cosplay or collect them all! Price: $25.00 each

TIGER & BUNNY Keychain and Cell Strap Set - Four different character options available! Special Convention-Only Price: $15.00

K Blind Box Mini Figures – Get a random mini-figure featuring the characters from the captivating anime series, K. Special Convention-Only Price: $8.00

K Clear File Set - Use these handy files at school, at work, or as posters! Set features 5 different clear file designs. Special Convention-Only Price: $20.00

K Poster Set - Set of 2 K posters featuring Fushimi and Yata. Special Convention-Only Price: $10.00

For more information on anime and manga titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

VIZ announces special events & convention exclusives for 2014 New York Comic-Con

ALL YOU NEED IS KILL © 2014 by Hiroshi Sakurazaka, Ryosuke Takeuchi, yoshitoshi ABe, Takeshi Obata/SHUEISHA Inc.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL EVENTS & CONVENTION

EXCLUSIVES FOR 2014 NEW YORK COMIC CON

North America’s Leading Anime & Manga Publisher Presents

Legendary Manga Artist Takeshi Obata And Details Special Panels,

Exclusive Retail Items, Booth Activities, Screenings And More!

VIZ Media brings a potent dose of anime and manga excitement to New York City as it announces four consecutive days jam-packed with special events and convention exclusives for the 2014 New York Comic Con.

VIZ Media rolls into the Javits Convention Center between October 9th- 12th for the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture event that features the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. VIZ Media will be located in Booth #1944. Full details on New York Comic Con are available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

VIZ Media will delight NY Comic Con goers with a thrilling schedule of an ultra-rare manga (graphic novel) artist live guest appearance, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, SAILOR MOON and VOLTRON panel discussions, prize-winning booth activities, VOLTRON, DORAEMON and SAILOR MOON photo opportunities, as well as special artist meet-and-greet and signing sessions, exclusive retail products and a host of convention anime screenings.

New York Comic Con Guest of Honor Manga Artist Takeshi Obata

Join VIZ Media to welcome one of Japan’s preeminent manga artists – Takeshi Obata – for his first-ever U.S. personal appearance! The groundbreaking artist of smash hit manga series such as DEATH NOTE, BAKUMAN。, HIKARU NO GO, RALΩGRAD and ALL YOU NEED IS KILL will appear in-person at several events during the 2014 New York Comic Con.

VIZ Media presents Takeshi Obata in-person as part of its WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP panel programming as well for an exclusive appearance and signing. Stop by the VIZ Media Booth in the Javits Main Hall for details and to secure advance tickets for the exclusive New York Comic Con Takeshi Obata signing, taking place Thursday, October 9th from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Javits Center.

Obata will also make a pair of additional off-site appearances at Kinokuniya and Barnes & Noble bookstores as part of New York Super Week. Full details are available at: www.newyorksuperweek.com.

VIZ Media Convention Exclusives & Special Retail Collectables:

Stop by the VIZ Shop located in the VIZ Media Booth for a wide selection of manga and anime titles, collectables and special convention exclusives. Manga fans can pick up pre-street copies of ALL YOU NEED IS KILL, RESIDENT EVIL (Vol. 1) as well as the shojo premiere of KISS OF THE ROSE PRINCESS and PRINCESS MONONOKE THE FIRST STORY, a new hardcover storybook from the Studio Ghibli Library featuring watercolor art by Hayao Miyazaki, the film’s legendary director.

Collectors and pop culture aficionados will not want to miss special Convention Exclusives that include editions of the HELLO KITTY, HELLO 40 Commemorative Art Book, with a foil-accented cover and gilded pages - only 250 copies printed, and the BRAVEST WARRIORS: THE SEARCH FOR CATBUG book, also a special limited edition with foil-accented cover and gilded pages - only 250 made – celebrating the smash hit adventure series created by Pendleton Ward. Also don’t miss the New York Comic Con Exclusive edition of VOLTRON: FROM DAYS LONG AGO, A 30th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION book. VIZ Media will welcome artists from all of these titles for special booth signings throughout New York Comic Con. Check the daily booth schedule for posted times.

Fans with a penchant for anime can pre-order a forthcoming copy of SAILOR MOON Set 1 Part 1 (DVD/Blu-ray) ahead of its November release in partnership with RightStuf.com. Receive a special SAILOR MOON collectable coin as a free gift with this special pre-order convention purchase (while supplies last)! Attendees also can select from a variety of other VIZ Media Blu-ray and Combo Pack releases currently available including GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, BLOOD LAD, RANMA ½ and more.

SAILOR MOON collectable coins and t-shirt ©N.T./PNP, T.A.

Also available for purchase will be a limited quantity of new, exclusive New York Comic Con SAILOR MOON convention t-shirts as well as replica BLEACH sword umbrellas, with two different design variations featuring the sword hilt of Soul Reapers Rukia or Ichigo. Also grab a sneak peek at the first officially licensed North American DORAEMON products, and an exclusive selection of hand numbered ONE PIECE and NARUTO replica art prints, along with many, many other items.

VIZ Media New York Comic Con Panels:

Thursday October 9th

3:15PM – 4:00PM Panel: VIZ MEDIA PANEL (Room 1A14)
Join VIZ Media and pull back the curtain on favorite manga and anime series. Be among the first to hear about upcoming releases and new acquisitions and throw questions at staff and grab FREE manga prizes while supplies last.

6:00PM – 6:45PM Panel: THE FUTURE OF WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP (Room 1A14)
 Join the editors of VIZ Media’s WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and editors from Japan’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine to welcome Takeshi Obata for an enlightening personal discussion on what's new and what's next for the long-running manga anthology which launched best-selling titles such as NARUTO, BLEACH, ONE PIECE, DRAGON BALL as well as Obata’s BAKUMAN。and DEATH NOTE series.

Friday October 10th

2:00PM – 2:45PM Panel: VOLTRON: A 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PRESENTED BY PERFECT SQUARE (Room 1A21)
In 1984, Voltron: Defender of the Universe hit the TV, and the world of giant robots has never been the same. In honor of Voltron’s 30th anniversary, join the staff of VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint for a very special peek behind the curtain at this cultural phenomenon with special guests, new product announcements and much, much more.

5:00PM – 5:45PM Panel: WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP PRESENTS TAKESHI OBATA, MANGA ARTIST (Room 1A21)
Join VIZ Media and the staff of WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP to welcome very special guest Takeshi Obata and his editor Koji Yoshida for a conversation about Obata's beginnings as an artist, his extensive history working in the manga industry, and the creative process behind his works. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity.

Saturday October 11th

4:15PM – 5:00PM Panel: OFFICAL SAILOR MOON PANEL (Room 1A14)
Come on a journey with the legendary Guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon! Members of the VIZ Media SAILOR MOON animation team will talk about the impact of this beloved anime series, show footage from the re-mastered episodes and celebrate the long-awaited return of Usagi and her friends.

Scheduled Booth Activities:

The VIZ Media booth will buzz with continual activity throughout New York Comic Con with a host of fun in-booth games and activities.

• VIZ Media Prize Wheel of Destiny: Take a spin for a chance to win a surprise goodie like t-shirts, posters, stickers and more! While supplies last.
• DORAEMON Meet & Greet: Drop by for a photo op with everyone's favorite big blue cat-type robot from the future!
• SAILOR MOON PHOTO SESSION: Meet Guardian Sailor Moon (official cosplayer) and bring your own camera/phone and take your own “Sailor Selfie”!
• VOLTRON Mascot Appearance: Become a Defender of the Universe with an official photo.
• VIZ Media /WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Newsletter Sign-Up: Receive the latest digital news about your favorite anime and manga titles and get a free Takeshi Obata full-color poster!

Convention goers should check the daily master schedule for a complete listing of that day’s confirmed in-booth activities.

VIZ Media New York Comic Con Anime Screenings:

Catch some of VIZ Media’s hottest and newest anime titles with special premieres happening throughout the New York Comic Con. Don’t miss special presentations of NARUTO THE MOVIE: ROAD TO NINJA, SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL & SAILOR MOON (Original Series), BLOOD LAD, RANMA ½, GARGANTIA ON THE VERDUROUS PLANET, and TIGER & BUNNY THE MOVIE: THE RISING.

For more information on anime and manga titles published by VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

Manga artist Takeshi Obata to appear at New York Comic Con in October

Wildly Popular Manga Artist and Creative Force Behind

Death Note, Bakuman。 and All You Need Is Kill to participate

in Panels and Autographing on October 9 and 10, 2014

New York Comic Con is rolling out power-packed appearances that showcase the hottest talent from around the globe. In continuing its unwavering commitment to celebrate the vast expanse of all things pop culture, ReedPOP, the world’s largest producer of pop culture events and producers of the event, today announced that renowned manga artist Takeshi Obata will be appearing as part of autographing and panels the Thursday and Friday of the show.

Obata is the artist of the wildly popular Shonen Jump title Hikaru no Go, which won the 2003 Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize: Shinsei “New Hope” award and the 2000 Shogakukan Manga award. Obata is also the artist of Arabian Majin Bokentan Lamp Lamp, Ayatsuri Sakon, Cyborg Jichan G, and the smash hit manga Death Note. Following the hugely successful series Bakuman。 Obata’s latest work is All You Need Is Kill, a 2-volume adaptation of the novel which was also the basis for this year’s Tom Cruise blockbuster Edge of Tomorrow. Hikaru no Go, Death Note, Bakuman。and All You Need Is Kill are all published in North America by VIZ Media. Takeshi Obata is appearing at New York Comic Con with support of VIZ Media and the Japan Foundation.

“Our vision for New York Comic Con is to bring a wide range of pop culture content from all over the world to fans every year,” said Lance Fensterman, Global Senior Vice President of ReedPOP. “Takeshi Obata is one of the leading manga artists in the world and one of the best creative forces in entertainment today. We couldn’t be more excited about his participation in New York Comic Con this year.”

In addition to Obata’s appearance at New York Comic Con, he will also participate in a special signing outside the Javits Center as part of New York Comic Con's Super Week (www.newyorksuperweek.com). More information about Obata's events will be revealed in the coming weeks.

New York Comic Con (taking place on October 9- 12 at the Javits Center in New York City) is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention with the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies and television. New York Comic Con’s panels and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators, while screening rooms feature sneak peeks at films and television shows months before they hit either big or small screens. New York Comic Con is the second largest pop culture convention in America and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world — Gotham City.

More exciting details about New York Comic Con, events, talent and sponsors will be revealed in the coming weeks. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.NewYorkComicCon.com or and New York Comic Con’s social media pages (Facebook, Twitter & Instagram).

ABOUT REEDPOP
ReedPOP is a boutique group within Reed Exhibitions, which is exclusively devoted to organizing events, launching and acquiring new shows, and partnering with premium brands in the pop culture arena. ReedPOP is dedicated to producing celebrations of popular culture throughout the world that transcend ordinary events by providing unique access and dynamic personal experiences for consumers and fans. The ReedPOP portfolio includes: New York Comic Con (NYCC), Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2), Penny Arcade Expo (PAX) Prime, East, South and Australia, Star Wars Celebration, New York Super Week, Special Edition: NYC, Oz Comic-Con, BookCon and the UFC Fan Expo. In 2013 ReedPOP (has) added Star Wars Celebration Europe and PAX Australia to its rapidly expanding portfolio of international events. The staff at ReedPOP is a fan based group of professionals producing shows for other fans, thus making them uniquely qualified to service those with whom they share a common passion. ReedPOP is focused on bringing its expertise and knowledge to world communities in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific (including Australia). (www.reedpop.com )

ACF 2066: VIZ announces special activities for kids at NY Comic Con

VISIT VIZ MEDIA AT NEW YORK COMIC CON, BOOTH #1944

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES KIDS ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL

BOOTH APPEARANCES AT 2013 NEW YORK COMIC CON

Celebrate An Annual Weekend Of Fun Aimed At Younger Readers At

The East Coast’s Largest Comics And Pop Culture Gathering With Special

Booth Activities And Guest Appearances For BEN 10 OMNIVERSE,

HELLO KITTY®, MAX STEEL™, MONSUNO® And UGLYDOLL®

VIZ Media celebrates a special day devoted to young and young-at-heart fans during the annual tradition of KIDS DAY – Sunday, October 13th – at the 2013 New York Comic Con held at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

VIZ Media has scheduled not only fun booth appearances and autograph sessions for Kids Day but an entire weekend of activities. Meet an array of visionary writers and artists for hit original kids series including BEN 10 OMNIVERSE, HELLO KITTY®, MONSUNO® COMBAT CHAOS™, MAX STEEL™ and UGLY DOLL®. Fans can also catch a variety of free promotional giveaways, including bookmarks and posters, or pick up a free kids comics sampler and learn more about the array of action-packed, fun and inventive titles that are published by the company’s Perfect Square imprint.

New York Comic Con is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention, and plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. More information on New York Comic Con is available at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

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

Saturday, October 12th – New York Comic Con Kids Day! Events & Activities
11:30AM – 1:30PM
HELLO KITTY Photo Op at VIZ Media booth #1944
Celebrate the release of VIZ Media’s new HELLO KITTY original graphic novels by meeting Hello Kitty in person!

2:30PM – 3:30PM
UGLYDOLL Signing With Artist Ian McGinty and Photo Op at VIZ Media booth #1944
Meet UGLYDOLL artist Ian McGinty at the VIZ Media booth and get an exclusively signed free poster and UGLYDOLL comic! Uglydoll Big Toe will also be at the booth!

4:15PM-5:15PM
Panel: Writing for Kids of All Ages: Perfect Square (Room 1A15)
Perfect Square is dedicated to delivering “squarely perfect storytelling” for kids and kids at heart. That means any age comics reader can enjoy new content with beloved characters starting with the youngest readers to the most seasoned true comics fan. Discussing the importance of what it means to make age-appropriate comics that everyone can enjoy are the highly-acclaimed writers for Perfect Square including Brian Smith (writer VOLTRON FORCE, MONSUNO, MAX STEEL; former DC & Marvel editor), former Marvel editors Sebastian Girner (writer MONSUNO) and Cory Levine (writer MONSUNO, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE), B. Clay Moore (writer MAX STEEL, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE), Jacob Chabot (writer/artist HELLO KITTY), Corin Howell (writer/artist BEN 10: OMNIVERSE) and Tom Pinchuk (writer MAX STEEL). The panel will be moderated by Perfect Square’s editorial team: Beth Kawasaki, Joel Enos and Traci Todd.

Sunday, October 13th – New York Comic Con Kids Day! Events & Activities
10:30AM – 11:30AM
HELLO KITTY Signing With Artist/Writer Jacob Chabot and Photo Op at VIZ Media booth #1944
Celebrate the release of VIZ Media’s new HELLO KITTY original graphic novels by meeting Eisner-nominated HELLO KITTY graphic novel artist Jacob Chabot, and get a free signed poster, and meet Hello Kitty in person! Don’t miss Hello Kitty in brand new stories as you've never seen her before!

12:00PM – 1:00PM
UGLYDOLL Signing With Ian McGinty and Photo Op at VIZ Media booth #1944
Meet UGLYDOLL artist Ian McGinty at the VIZ Media booth and get an exclusively signed free poster and UGLYDOLL comic! Uglydoll Big Toe will also be at the booth!

1:00PM – 2:00PM
MONSUNO Signing With Graphic Novel Writers Brian Smith & Writer Sebastian Girner at VIZ Media booth #1944
Meet MONSUNO graphic novel writers Brian Smith and Sebastian Girner, and get a signed art card! MONSUNO COMBAT CHAOS is an epic character-driven adventure that follows five teenagers as they create emotional bonds with huge monsters called Monsunos, mysterious creatures that were delivered to Earth via meteors millions of years ago.

2:00PM – 3:00PM
BEN 10: OMNIVERSE Signing With Writer Cory Levine and Artist Corin Howell at VIZ Media booth #1944
Meet some of the talented team behind the new original graphic novel series based on the hit animated series that airs currently on Cartoon Network! Writer Cory Levine and artist Corin Howell will be signing art cards.

3:00PM – 4:00PM MAX STEEL Signing With Writers B. Clay Moore and Tom Pinchuk at VIZ Media booth #1944
Meet writers B. Clay Moore and Tom Pinchuk, and get a signed postcard! Catch the turbo charged adventures and action of MAX STEEL and receive a special free signed art card.

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

Additional information on titles available from VIZ Media is available at www.VIZ.com.

ACF 2064: VIZ Media at New York Comic Con (Booth #1944)

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING ACTIVITIES, GIVEAWAYS,

SCREENINGS & PANEL EVENTS FOR 2013 NEW YORK COMIC CON

VIZ Media Returns To The East Coast’s Biggest Pop Culture Convention

With New Manga And Anime Announcements, Special Guests And Exclusive

Premieres, Panel Discussions, Booth Giveaways And Much More!

VIZ Media will be rolling into the Big Apple with a robust schedule of events, special booth appearances, insightful panel discussions and promotional giveaways for the 2013 New York Comic Con, taking place October 10th-13th at the Jacob Javits Convention Center.

New York Comic Con is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention and plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. More information on New York Comic Con is available at http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.

The VIZ Media booth (#1944) on the main show floor will be a continual hub of activity throughout the convention. Visitors may sign up for newsletters on the latest manga and anime releases and receive a free NARUTO SHIPPUDEN or ONE PIECE poster, a random exclusive Weekly Shonen Jump button AND a 2013 New York Comic Con TIGER & BUNNY collectible card pack. Other free giveaways throughout the weekend include full color posters, bookmarks, manga samplers, kids’ original comic samplers, and much more!

Fans can also sign up for an annual membership to the WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP digital manga magazine that features the latest manga chapters of multiple series released simultaneously with Japan! Subscribe for a show rate of only $19.99 a year and receive a special “Vulcan The Divine” YU-GI-OH! trading card and a glow-in-the-dark button along with 48 digital issues of the world’s best selling manga magazine.

Over 140 manga series are now available digitally from the VIZ Manga App and VIZManga.com. Booth visitors will be able to check out the extensive content, demo WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, and preview over 1,700 volumes right at your fingertips!

Anime fans are invited to sample Neon Alley, VIZ Media’s innovative 24/7 uncut anime channel. Let the Neon Alley team know how you like to watch anime and walk away with a complementary VIZ Media tote bag and a 30-day free trial membership! Don’t miss the exciting Fall Season running now that features hot anime series such as RANMA ½, PUELLA MAGI MADOKA MAGICA, MAGI and REVOLUTIONARY GIRL UTENA. Also test your gaming skills with Neon Alley and win fun prizes including glasses, t-shirts and more! Every participant will win a premium.

And for fans that need to keep in touch throughout the convention, VIZ Media invites attendees to charge phones and digital devices with lightning speed at the BEN 10 OMNIVERSE charging station, where they also can learn about the company’s exciting series of original graphic novels inspired by the hit animated show.

VIZ Media New York Comic Con Panels & Special Events Include:

Friday October 11th
3:00PM – 4:00PM
Panel: Weekly Shonen Jump Podcast – Live Recording! (Room 1A23)
Meet the team behind the English-language edition of Weekly Shonen Jump and be part of a live podcast recording! Bring your toughest SJ questions for the editors and your own manga knowledge for a chance to win some awesome prizes in our trivia challenge!

4:15PM – 5:15PM
Panel: VIZ Media (Room 1A15)
Join the VIZ Media staff for a presentation all about the latest in manga and anime! We'll be talking about the latest news, upcoming releases and other cool announcements from our publishing and animation teams.

5:30PM – 6:30PM
Panel: RANMA ½ (Room 1A23)
From the legendary manga creator, Rumiko Takahashi, RANMA ½ is the manga and anime series that ignited a passion for these mediums in North America. With its wacky hi-jinks and crazy comedic action, the characters and stories of RANMA have resonated with generations of fans. Join the VIZ Media manga and anime teams as they discuss the history of this legendary title and the process of re-launching the new Right-to-Left manga editions as well as releasing the anime series for the first time on Blu-ray and digital.

Saturday October 12th
2:30PM – 3:30PM UGLYDOLL Signing & Photo Op (VIZ Media Booth #1944)
Meet UGLYDOLL® artist Ian McGinty and Uglydoll Big Toe at the VIZ Media booth and get an exclusively signed free poster!

4:15PM – 5:15PM
Panel: Writing for Kids of All Ages: Perfect Square (Room 1A15)
Perfect Square is dedicated to delivering “squarely perfect storytelling” for kids and kids at heart. That means any age comics reader can enjoy new content with beloved characters starting with the youngest readers to the most seasoned true comics fan. Discussing the importance of what it means to make age-appropriate comics that everyone can enjoy are the highly-acclaimed writers for Perfect Square including Brian Smith (writer VOLTRON FORCE, MONSUNO, MAX STEEL; former DC & Marvel editor), former Marvel editors Sebastian Girner (writer MONSUNO) and Cory Levine (writer MONSUNO, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE), B. Clay Moore (writer MAX STEEL, BEN 10: OMNIVERSE), Jacob Chabot (writer/artist HELLO KITTY), Corin Howell (writer/artist BEN 10: OMNIVERSE) and Tom Pinchuk (writer MAX STEEL). The panel will be moderated by Perfect Square’s editorial team: Beth Kawasaki, Joel Enos and Traci Todd.

8:00PM – 9:00PM
Panel: VIZ Anime, Featuring Neon Alley (Room 1A15)
This panel is all about anime! Learn about the latest and greatest projects, announcements and releases from the VIZ animation team as well as what's in store for our 24/7 streaming anime channel, Neon Alley.

Sunday October 13th
12:15PM – 1:15PM
Panel: ALL YOU NEED IS KILL: Adapting An Adaptation (Room 1A15)
First came author Hiroshi Sakurazaka’s mind-bending novel, which is published by VIZ Media’s Haikasoru imprint in the U.S. Now ALL YOU NEED IS KILL delivers a double-whammy of being adapted both into a major motion picture (Edge of Tomorrow starring Tom Cruise) and a full-length graphic novel edition. Join the VIZ Media editorial team behind the novel and comic to learn how it all came together and what’s next for this science fiction juggernaut.

Anime Screenings

Thursday October 10th
6:45PM – 7:45PM
Screening: RANMA ½ (Room 1A06)
Catch the classic martial arts action adventure comedy that has thrilled generations of anime Fans! Ranma Saotome never thought a martial arts training mission to China would turn out like this! Due to an unfortunate accident at the cursed Chinese training ground Jusenkyo, when Ranma and his father get splashed with cold water, papa turns into a giant panda and male Ranma becomes a buxom young woman! Hot water reverses the effect, but only until the next time! Constantly chased by battle-happy martial artists and lovesick suitors of both sexes, what's a half-boy, half-girl martial artist to do?

Saturday October 12th
7:45PM – 9:45PM
Film Premiere: BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC III – THE ADVENT (Room 1A22)
Watch the dubbed epic conclusion to the dark medieval fantasy movie trilogy BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC! It’s been a year since Griffith’s imprisonment by the Kingdom of Midland. Once praised as the saviors of the Midland, The Band of the Hawk has been on the run and is on the brink of breaking apart. Much to everyone’s surprise, Guts returns to the Hawks and the search for Griffith begins!

Additional information on titles available from VIZ Media is available at www.VIZ.com.