ACF 1739: UGLYDOLL original graphic novels to launch Summer of 2013 from VIZ Kids imprint

™® and © 2012, Pretty Ugly, LLC. All Rights Reserved

 VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES FUN NEW SERIES
OF UGLYDOLL ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVELS

Award-Winning Brand Of Distinctive Plush Toy Characters Comes To Life
In A New VIZ Kids Series Set To Launch Next Summer

VIZ Media has announced a publishing deal with Pretty Ugly, LLC, the official licensors of the popular Uglydoll brand, to develop a brand new series of original graphic novels based on the bestselling plush character toys. The Uglydoll series is scheduled to launch Summer of 2013 under the VIZ Kids imprint, and will carry a rating of ‘A’ for All Ages.

VIZ Media’s UGLYDOLL graphic novel series will transport readers to a diverse universe where “ugly” just means unique and different, and celebrating who you are inside and out is the new beautiful. Join Wage, Babo, OX, Ice-Bat and their Uglydoll pals as they express themselves through laughs, tears, love and adventure!

“Uglydoll is an iconic pop culture brand that has helped to question and redefine the very definitions of ugly and cute,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director. “Each Uglydoll is unique, and possesses its own distinctive characteristics and personalities that everyone can relate to. These adorable and highly original characters will come to life in a series of fun, and funny, adventures and are sure to find their way into the hearts of readers everywhere.”

David Horvath and Sun-Min Kim created the first Uglydoll hand-sewn plush toy in 2001. Since the inception of the first character, Wage™, who David drew on a love letter to Sun-Min, Uglydoll has evolved into an entire universe of characters, stories, and products for all ages. Proven sales and retail are evidenced by the brand constantly winning Best Toy Awards by TIA, Learning Express, Fat Brain Toys, TD Monthly, Oppenheim, Funfare, Parent’s Choice, iparenting, Creative Child among others. UGLYDOLL has achieved status as an ‘evergreen’ property and is merchandised among the biggest brands in the toy market.

For more information on Uglydoll, visit www.uglydolls.com.

For more information on VIZ Kids graphic novels and manga, visit VIZKids.com.

ACF 1676: MONSUNO graphic novels to begin arriving late Spring 2013

VIZ MEDIA DEVELOPS A NEW ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES
BASED ON THE HIT BOYS ANIMATED ACTION ADVENTURE SERIES 
MONSUNO, AIRING ON NICKTOONS

VIZ Media continues to expand its library of original graphic novels as it announces the acquisition of the North American publishing rights for MONSUNO, an epic boys action adventure where kids discover, command and battle creatures with destructive potential. A race to harness the power of Monsuno ensues between this group of heroic kids and the evil forces focused on destroying the planet. The MONSUNO publishing series will debut with a graphic novel, written by Brian Smith with artwork by Erwin Prasetya, delivering all new, original adventures beginning late Spring 2013 under the company’s VIZ Kids imprint. MONSUNO Volume 1 is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

Like the animated series, the MONSUNO graphic novels will follow Chase Suno and his friends as they search for Chase’s father and discover the power of Monsuno. The first adventure introduces a new villain to the MONSUNO universe, and kicks off long before Chase had ever heard of Monsuno, when scientists experimented with Monsuno essence. One such scientist, Dr. Moto, tried to create her own Monsuno, but the experiments went horribly wrong. Trapped in an icy lab, Dr. Moto’s tests have continued, and now Chase, Bren and Jinja have stumbled upon the horrifying results!

“Being a teenager with access to controllable 15-foot-tall hybridized monsters is everything you’d want it to be and more in this action-packed new series coming next Spring from VIZ Kids,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director. “Our MONSUNO graphic novel series will deliver original stories inspired by the hit animated program seen widely on Nicktoons, and offer inspirational characters, gripping action, and high-stakes adventure that combines with a dose of impromptu humor to produce a fun adventure with monstrous potential! Look for this new title coming soon in 2013!”

The Monsuno series, created by Jared Wolfson and Jeremy Padawer, is co-produced by Pacific Animation Partners LLC, a joint venture between JAKKS Pacific, Inc. and Dentsu Entertainment USA, Inc., with FremantleMedia Enterprises and The Topps Company, Inc. JAKKS Pacific is the creator of the underlying Monsuno property and master toymaker for the Monsuno toy line. The Topps Company produces Monsuno trading card games, confectioneries and related products.

For more information on MONSUNO or other VIZ Kids properties, visit: VIZKids.com.

ACF 1554: VIZ to celebrate KIDS DAY at 2012 Comic-Con International

VOLTRON FORCE TM & © World Events Productions. Under license to Classic Media

VIZ MEDIA INVITES YOUNG FANS FOR KIDS DAY 
AT 2012 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

VIZ Media welcomes younger fans and the young-at–heart on Sunday, July 15th for KIDS DAY at the company’s expansive Booth 2813 at the 2012 Comic-Con International, the nation’s biggest comic book, science fiction and pop culture event, in San Diego, CA. The day will celebrate the company’s VIZ KIDS imprint with a free graphic novel sampler, VOLTRON FORCE and WINX CLUB lanyards, and special guest appearances to delight visitors of all ages.

REDAKAI © 2012 Spin Master and Marathon Media.™ & © 2012 Cartoon Network

Fans are invited to meet artist Ray-Anthony Height, from VIZ Media’s new original graphic novel series, REDAKAI, who will make an in-booth personal appearance at 12:30pm. This will be immediately followed with an appearance by fellow REDAKAI artist Dan Ciurczak at 1:30pm. Based on the animated action series currently airing on Cartoon Network, REDAKAI is set in exotic locales with amazing battles, monstrous warriors, and super powers and follows the adventures of Team Stax as they race against competitors searching the world for mystical kairu energy, the primal power of the universe

Visitors are also invited to meet VOLTRON FORCE Vol. 1 graphic novel artist Jacob Chabot, who will be on-hand to meet fans of the series at 2:30pm. VOLTRON is a hugely successful, globally recognized brand that was introduced in the early 1980’s. The new Voltron Force animated series and VIZ Media’s graphic novel series are a continuation of the classic ’80s cartoon, Voltron: Defender of the Universe, with updated storylines and characters for a whole new generation. VIZ Media’s VOLTRON FORCE graphic novels are all-new, original adventures featuring Larmina, Daniel and Vince, the Voltron Force cadets.

VOLTRON FORCE fans are encouraged to come learn the fun new VOLTRON Dance at 11am and 3:30pm. The first 30 fans who attend each session receive a free copy of the VOLTRON FORCE Vol. 1 graphic novel.

Winx Club © 2012 Rainbow and Viacom. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc

WINX CLUB fans will also want to catch a special appearance by the Winx fairies. Come and meet Bloom, Aisha and Stella at 11:30am and 4pm. Based on the smash hit Nickelodeon animated TV program, VIZ Media’s WINX CLUB graphic novels offer fun fairy-inspired magical adventures for girls, and follow the magical adventures of five best friends— Bloom, Stella, Musa, Tecna and Flora — at Alfea, a school for fairies in the amazing dimension of Magix. With powers of sunlight, science, music, nature, and flame, the girls learn together even as they regularly battle their rivals, a trio of witches known as The Trix. 

For more information on REDAKAI, VOLTRON FORCE, WINX CLUB or other VIZ Kids properties, please visit: www.VIZKids.com.

ACF 1536: VIZ announces new MAMESHIBA book releases

MAMESHIBA © Dentsu INC.

MAMESHIBA RETURN IN FUN NEW SUMMER GRAPHIC NOVEL

AND ACTIVITY BOOK RELEASES FROM VIZ KIDS

VIZ Media will delight younger fans and readers with the announcement of the release of a new activity book and the latest graphic novel volume for MAMESHIBA, the whimsical Japanese character sensations that have taken North America by storm.

The MAMESHIBA: WE COULD BE HEROES graphic novel, with story by James Turner and art by Jorge Monlongo, is now available, and will be followed by the MAMESHIBA: HOW TO BE THE BEST FRIEND EVER activity book, on August 7th Both editions will be published under the VIZ Kids imprint.

It's a BEAN! It's a DOG! It's... BOTH?! Are they beans? Are they dogs? Not quite either one – they're Mameshiba!

 

MAMESHIBA: WE COULD BE HEROES · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN · Available Now!    

Mameshiba are back for more laughs, more trivia, and more adventure! This time, the intrepid legumes travel to a magical land, combine to form a giant robot, and help a friend in love. Plus, Tiger Bean stars in three adorable shorts created by Lark Pien (Long Tail Kitty, Mr. Elephanter)!

MAMESHIBA © Dentsu INC.

MAMESHIBA: HOW TO BE THE BEST FRIEND EVER · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN · Available August 7th     

Even more creative fun is in store this summer with a colorful little guide to friendship from MAMESHIBA! Full of crafts, notes, stickers and good advice, this book is for anyone who wants to be the best friend ever!

“If you thought MAMESHIBA ON THE LOOSE! was fun, wait until you read WE COULD BE HEROES!” says Traci Todd, Senior Editor, Children’s Publishing. ”Jorge Monlongo and James Turner have really outdone themselves this time, plus Lark Pien’s work is so lovely. HOW TO BE THE BEST FRIEND EVER is a perfect little book for friends to share, and it’s a great companion to the MEET MAMESHIBA! character guide.” 

For more information on MAMESHIBA and other VIZ Kids properties, please visit www.VIZKids.com.

ACF 1534: VIZ Kids debuts WINX CLUB graphic novels

Winx Club © 2012 Rainbow and Viacom. All Rights Reserved. Nickelodeon and all related titles and logos are trademarks of Viacom International Inc

A Group of Fairy Friends Practice their Powers at

a Magical School While Fighting Evil Witches!

VIZ Media presents Winx Club, a brand new graphic novel series inspired by the hit international animated TV series currently airing on Nickelodeon. WINX CLUB Volumes 1 and 2 will be published under the VIZ Kids imprint, and are available now in stores; Volume 3 will be available on September 4th Each volume is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and will carry an MSRP of $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN.

The WINX CLUB graphic novels follow the magical adventures of five best friends— Bloom, Stella, Musa, Tecna and Flora — at Alfea, a school for fairies in the amazing dimension of Magix. With powers of sunlight, science, music, nature, and flame, the girls learn together even as they regularly battle their rivals, a trio of witches known as The Trix.

WINX CLUB: Volume 1, Bloom’s Discovery 
Meet Bloom, a normal teenager whose life becomes extraordinary when she discovers she’s actually a fairy, and befriends four other fairies to form the Winx Club. In her first days at school, Bloom has to fight the wicked powers of Icy, Stormy and Darcy – the rival club known as the Trix!

WINX CLUB: Volume 2, Secrets of Alfea 
Alfea throws a big party for new students — but how will Bloom find her way out of a Trix trap to join the fun?

WINX CLUB: Volume 3, A Job for Bloom 
Bloom makes new friends and discovers ancient enemies when she gets a job at a happening restaurant on the lakefront of Magix!

 “WINX CLUB is all about friendship, fashion and fun—what could be better than that?” says Traci Todd, Senior Editor, Children’s Publishing. “Bloom and her friends are bright, beautiful, powerful fairies, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the VIZ Kids family! Fans of the TV show will certainly enjoy these new books, as will anyone who loves fairies—and who couldn’t use a little magic?”

For more information on WINX CLUB and other VIZ Kids properties, visit www.VIZKids.com.

ACF 1314: VIZ announces launch of FLUFFY, FLUFFY CINNAMOROLL

FUWAFUWA CINNAMON © 2005 Yumi TSUKIRINO, Chisato SEKI/Shogakukan
© 2002, 2005 SANRIO CO., LTD.

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES FUN, ADORABLE KIDS’ MANGA

FLUFFY, FLUFFY CINNAMOROLL

Cute Flying Long-Eared Pup With A Penchant For Cinnamon Rolls
Takes Off For Colorful Adventures In New VIZ Kids Manga Release 

VIZ Media delivers some sweet high-flying fun with the debut of the VIZ Kids manga (graphic novel) property, FLUFFY, FLUFFY Cinnamoroll, available now. The colorful new adventure, with story and art by Yumi Tsukirino, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN.

Meet the puppy with a tail like a cinnamon roll!

Cinnamoroll is no ordinary pup. He loves freshly baked cinnamon rolls and uses his long ears to fly high into the sky! With his friends Chiffon, Mocha, Espresso, Cappuccino and little Milk, he’s always on the lookout for a new adventure. In their first journey, Milk has disappeared through a mysterious door and only Cinnamoroll can save him! Will he find the courage to help his friend and still make it back to Café Cinnamon in time for tea?

“FLUFFY, FLUFFY Cinnamoroll is a whimsical all-ages manga adventure based on an adorable Sanrio character created by Chisato Seki,” says Traci Todd, Senior Editor, Childrens Publishing. “The cute floppy-eared pup is the latest character to join the VIZ Kids family, which also features MAMESHIBA, POKÉMON, and MR. MEN AND LITTLE MISS. Cinnamoroll is very popular in Japan, where he was the star of a 2007 anime feature film called Cinnamon The Movie. We hope this flying canine and his loveable friends will soon find a way into the hearts of readers everywhere with this fun manga story.”

Author and manga creator Yumi Tsukirino debuted in the Japanese magazine Ciao in 1996 with “Crystal Change!!” Her other works include PiPiPi ☆ Adventure, Piyo Piyo ☆ Clinic, Chamo Chamo ☆ Pretty♪, and several Pokémon manga, in addition to creating numerous manga short stories.

FLUFFY, FLUFFY Cinnamoroll was conceived by Chisato Seki who began her independent career after having worked for a publishing company. Seki is the author of the Cinnamoroll picture book titled Cinnamoroll and the Lost Puppy, which was published in Japan by Shogakukan.

For more information on FLUFFY, FLUFFY Cinnamoroll and other VIZ Kids titles, visit www.VIZKids.com.

ACF 1079: VIZ Media bringing Mameshiba to North America on July 5th

(C) 2011 VIZ Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Mameshiba characters licensed from Dentsu, Inc.
(C) DENTSU INC. All Rights Reserved.

IT’S A BEAN! IT’S A DOG! IT’S BOTH?!!
VIZ MEDIA BRINGS THE CUTE AND FUN
CHARACTERS OF MAMESHIBA TO NORTH AMERICA

Adorable Japanese Character Sensations Make Their Debut
In New Graphic Novel Adventure And Character Guide This Summer

VIZ Media has announced the release of its first titles for MAMESHIBA. The cute Japanese sensations will be introduced in a character guide called MEET MAMESHIBA! and star in their first-ever graphic novel, MAMESHIBA: ON THE LOOSE!, both to be released in July in the U.S. and Canada under the company’s VIZ Kids imprint.

It's a BEAN! It's a DOG! It's... BOTH?! Are they beans? Are they dogs? Not quite either one – they're Mameshiba! Though they all love to share weird facts, each has its own quirky personality.

“With their unique personalities, adorable faces, and love of trivia, MAMESHIBA will capture hearts both young and old,” says Traci Todd, Senior Editor of Children’s Publishing. “Readers will learn all they need to know about Edamame, Cranberry Bean, Tiger Bean and Black-Eyed-Pea in the MEET MAMESHIBA! character guide. And readers will be amazed as the beans boldly go where no beans have gone before in MAMESHIBA: ON THE LOOSE!, their first graphic novel adventure.”

MAMESHIBA: ON THE LOOSE! • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN Available July 5th

Meet Mameshiba! The Japanese sensations are coming to the U.S. in their first-ever graphic novel series! Now that these irresistibly cute, irrepressibly curious characters have been unleashed, there’s no telling where they’ll turn up!

Mameshiba are the cute little bean dogs with bite! Starring in their first-ever adventures, they rescue friends, explore outer space and offer interesting bits of trivia when you least expect it! Hold on tight – Mameshiba are on the LOOSE!

MEET MAMESHIBA! CHARACTER GUIDE • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN • Available July 5th

Did you know? Every Mameshiba character has its own quirky personality! Meet Edamame, Tiger Bean, Soybean, Chili Bean and all their friends in this guide packed with trivia, quizzes, comics and fun! Plus, meet three brand-new beans: Cranberry Bean, Lima Bean and Black-Eyed-Pea!

For more information on MAMESHIBA and other VIZ Kids properties, visit www.VIZKids.com.

ACF 1057: VIZ Media announces release of Hero 108 on multiple leading online outlets

VIZ MEDIA BRINGS THE ANIMATED ANIMAL KIDS ADVENTURE OF HERO 108 TO MUTLIPLE LEADING ONLINE CONTENT OUTLETS

Join The Battle For Peace In The Hidden Kingdom With The Launch
Of This Highly Rated Series From Cartoon Network!

VIZ Media has just announced the release of their newest action adventure animation, Hero 108, on iTunes® (www.iTunes.com), Playstation®Network, Amazon Instant Video, and the Zune Marketplace on Xbox Live. The first half of Season 1 (episodes 1-13) are available for purchase now. To celebrate the launch of this popular series, which aired on Cartoon Network, fans can download the first full episode for FREE through July 4th on all platforms. Subsequent episodes are available for only $1.99 each.

Long ago in The Hidden Kingdom, animals and humans lived together in peace… until the evil HighRoller tricked the animals into believing that the humans were their enemies. HighRoller convinced his animal armies to attack the humans and drive them from their homes. Most humans were so downtrodden that they gave up all hope for better days.

That is until Commander ApeTrully created a base of strategic operations in a giant abandoned turtle shell, submerged in a seemingly quiet lake. He called upon rebel humans and animals to fight the villainous HighRoller and dubbed his rebel force “Big Green.” Their mission? Restore peace to the land. Big Green’s most elite team of warriors is called First Squad and consists of Lin Chung, Mighty Ray, Mystique Sonia and Jumpy GhostFace. Together they face off against all manner of fierce creatures, like fire-breathing Ligers and magic lantern-wielding Zebras.

For more information on HERO 108 or other VIZ Kids properties, visit www.VIZKids.com.

ACF 1014: Pokemon Travel Activity Kit for those ages 5 and up available May 31st

© 2011 Pokémon. © 1995-2011 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
TM, ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.

NEW POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT FROM VIZ MEDIA
GIVES KIDS HOURS OF FUN THIS SUMMER

Just in time for summer, VIZ Media delivers hours of Pokémon fun with the POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT. Featuring Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott and other new Pokémon from the Unova region, the POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT includes an activity pad, poster, stickers and six chunky crayons, all packaged in a suitcase-style case! Recommended for ages 5 and up, the POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT also makes a wonderful gift.

The POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT will be available on May 31st from the VIZKIDS imprint for the suggested retail price of $11.99 U.S. / $13.99 CAN, and includes:

• One 64-page POKÉMON activity pad (featuring word finds, mazes and other puzzle activities)
• Two full-color POKÉMON sticker sheets
• One double-sided poster for POKÉMON sticker play
• Six POKÉMON crayons
• Don’t forget to pull out the divider for bonus Legendary Reshiram and Zekrom standees!

The POKÉMON TRAVEL ACTIVITY KIT is one of several Pokémon releases from the VIZKIDS imprint. Look for POKÉMON BLACK & WHITE, the manga series inspired by the most recent POKÉMON video game releases, Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems. Meet all-new Pokémon from the fastest-selling Pokémon video games in history. VIZ Media will launch the POKÉMON BLACK & WHITE series in July 2011.

For more information on VIZ Media’s POKÉMON manga and anime titles, please visit www.VIZ.com/Pokemon/.

ACF 983: VIZ Kids slate expands with full slate of new acquisitions

VIZ MEDIA EXPANDS VIZ KIDS IMPRINT
WITH A FULL SLATE OF NEW ACQUISITIONS

New Titles Include Global Blockbuster Franchises
MR. MEN AND LITTLE MISS, POKÉMON And VOLTRON FORCE,
And Rising Stars MAMESHIBA and HERO 108

VIZ Media, the largest distributor of anime and manga in the United States, has announced a full slate of acquisitions for its kids imprint, VIZ Kids. The acquisitions include DVD, Download-To-Own, and graphic novel licenses for a wide range of well-established global franchises.

“VIZ Media is excited to expand our kids imprint to include a variety of fun new properties,” said Elizabeth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director of VIZ Media. “These new titles use strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics and empowering themes to engage a younger generation of fans.”

• HERO 108 – VIZ Kids will be distributing DVDs of this popular series which airs on Cartoon Network. HERO 108 chronicles the battle for peace in the Hidden Kingdom. In addition, VIZ Kids will make the episodes available for download through iTunes. DVDs will be available in May 2011 while downloadable episodes will launch in June 2011.

• MAMESHIBA – The irresistibly cute and irrepressibly curious Mameshiba are not quite beans, not quite dogs--they’re a hybrid of both! VIZ Kids will release a graphic novel, MAMESHIBA: ON THE LOOSE!, and a character guide, MEET MAMESHIBA, in July 2011.

• POKÉMON BLACK AND WHITE: VIZ Kids will release manga, a travel activity kit, and other select merchandise based on the most recent incarnation of the juggernaut POKÉMON™ video game franchise, Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version. Meet all-new Pokémon from the fastest-selling Pokémon video games in history. The travel activity kit will be available in May 2011; Volumes 1 and 2 of the manga will be available in July 2011.

• MR. MEN AND LITTLE MISS – Mr. Happy, Little Miss Sunshine and all their Dillydale friends are about to take the graphic novel world by storm! Under the VIZ Kids imprint, VIZ Media will create and distribute original graphic novels starring the lovable MR. MEN and LITTLE MISSES. Little Miss Sunshine, Mr. Bump, Mr. Strong and Little Miss Daredevil books will be available in Spring 2012.

• VOLTRON FORCE – Voltron®, the ultimate space adventure from the 1980s, is ready to take the world by storm again! VIZ Kids will produce and distribute original graphic novels based on the all-new animated series VOLTRON FORCE, set to debut on Nicktoons this summer. VOLTRON FORCE reignites the story of five brave space explorers who pilot mighty robot lions that combine to form Voltron, Defender of the Universe. Joining the team are three new cadets, who have the opportunity of a lifetime to fight alongside their heroes and unlock incredible new powers. Let’s Voltron!

The books will be available in Spring 2012. HERO 108, MAMESHIBA, MR. MEN, and VOLTRON FORCE are unique acquisitions because they are properties not owned by any of VIZ Media’s parent companies, Shueisha, Shogakukan and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions.

These acquisitions join an already robust manga and anime VIZ Kids library, which includes THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, PANDA MAN, TARO, BEYBLADE and DINOSAUR KING.

For more information on VIZ Kids, visit www.VIZKids.com.