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.

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

Vampire Knight © Matsuri Hino 2004/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

VIZ MEDIA CONCLUDES 2014 WITH NEW

DIGITAL MANGA FOR THE SECOND-HALF

OF DECEMBER AND LAUNCHES

YEAR-END MANGA PROMOTION

Round Out The Year With The Launch Of 4 New

Manga Series And A Special Year-End Promotion

Offering Up To 70% Off On All Digital Manga Titles

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

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

New Digital Manga Series Debuts:

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

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: LIFE • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
DIGITAL MSRP: $2.99 (U.S. / CAN) • DIGITAL EXCLUSIVE! • Available Now
This digital-only exclusive special chapter reveals more about Yuki and Zero’s relationship. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is the hit gothic drama by Matsuri Hino. In the series, Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires.

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

KERORO GUNSO Volume 1 © Mine YOSHIZAKI 1999

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

VIZ Media announces five upcoming VAMPIRE KNIGHT releases

Vampire Knight © Matsuri Hino 2004/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE FINALE OF

MATSURI HINO’S HIT SERIES VAMPIRE KNIGHT

Celebrate The Conclusion Of The Bestselling Gothic Romance

With A Limited Edition Of The Final Volume, Manga Series

Box Set 2, Exclusive Digital-Only Story VAMPIRE KNIGHT: LIFE,

And New Novel VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS

VIZ Media delivers the stunning climax to Matsuri Hino’s epic VAMPIRE KNIGHT series with the release of the finale, Volume 19, on October 14th.

The final volume will be available in a special Limited Edition featuring an alternate cover and a hardcover mini art book. The standard edition volume will be available in print and digitally.

VIZ Media will further thrill readers with the release of the VAMPIRE KNIGHT “NIGHT CLASS” Manga Box Set 2 on November 4th, the second VAMPIRE KNIGHT Box Set with volumes 11-19 to complete the series.

On December 2nd, the VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS novel will be released in print and digitally, housing a collection of prose short stories never before released in English. Also being released on that date will be the digital exclusive, VAMPIRE KNIGHT: LIFE, a special new manga chapter by Matsuri Hino!

Digital versions of VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vol. 19 will be available for $6.99 (USD/CAN) and VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS for $10.99 (USD/CAN) on the same day of their respective print releases from VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones, as well as through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks, Comixology and GooglePlay stores.

“VAMPIRE KNIGHT is a groundbreaking series that has introduced many readers to the shojo manga genre,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Editor. “Shojo Beat debuts our first-ever Limited Edition release for VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 19! And in December, the VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS novel will feature new illustrations by Matsuri Hino. The digital exclusive chapter, VAMPIRE KNIGHT: LIFE, reveals more of the story from volume 19. Don’t miss out on these special releases in celebration of this beloved manga series!”

In Matsuri Hino’s acclaimed series, the foreboding Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires.

Vampire Knight © Matsuri Hino 2004/HAKUSENSHA, Inc.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vol. 19 Limited Edition • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $15.99 U.S. / $18.99 CAN • Available October 14th
Savor the tense finale to Matsuri Hino’s acclaimed paranormal series in a limited edition featuring an exclusive alternate cover and a mini hardcover 42-page art book.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Vol. 19 Standard Edition • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN / $6.99 Digital • Available October 14th
In the concluding volume to the series, Kaname vows to sacrifice himself. But Yuki vows to sacrifice herself to stop him. Zero takes a weapon in hand to protect what is dear to him. Whether parted for eternity or close enough to touch, they each will always desire their beloved…

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Manga Box Set 2 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $89.99 U.S. / $99.99 CAN • Available November 4th
Comprehensive manga box set features the second-half of the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga series, Volumes 11-19, along with the hardcover 42-page art book. Set is contained in a gorgeously illustrated slipcase.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: FLEETING DREAMS • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN / $10.99 Digital • Available December 2nd
Fans will not want to miss this special collection of short stories by Ayuno Fujisaki based on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, with illustrations by Matsuri Hino! Stories include “Deranged Love,” in which a dying Rido reflects on his obsessive love for Juri. Kaname seeks to reward Yuki for doing well on her studies with tutor Aido in “Gifts for Yuki.” The story of Sara’s first love is revealed in “Hidden Love.” In “Queen of the Abyss,” after Zero parts ways with Yuki and returns to being a vampire hunter, he encounters a vampire named Shien.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT: LIFE (Digital Release Only) • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $2.99 U.S. / CAN • Available December 2nd
In this exclusive digital manga chapter, Matsuri Hino returns to the events at the end of volume 19.

Manga creator Matsuri Hino burst onto the manga scene with her title Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over), which was published in LaLa DX magazine. Hino is renowned as a highly talented artist with a distinctive style and became a published manga artist a mere nine months after she decided to pursue it as a full-time career. With the success of her other popular series, CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both also published by VIZ Media), Hino has firmly established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga.

Also catch the VAMPIRE KNIGHT and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUITY anime series, available exclusively on DVD from VIZ Media and featured on the company’s digital anime streaming platform – Neon Alley.

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT anime series, visit: http://www.viz.com/anime/streaming/vampire-knight.

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga series, or other manga titles from VIZ Media, visit www.VIZ.com.

ACF 1252: New anime releases available for the holidays from VIZ

© LEVEL-5/Team Layton 2009. All Rights Reserved

VIZ Media is offering fans and holiday shoppers a variety of new anime releases of some of the company’s hottest properties.

Holiday wish lists and shopping guides won’t be complete without BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK (also offered in Blu-ray edition), NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS (Blu-ray also available), and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY: THE COMPLETE SERIES, as well as the newest episodic DVD releases for each of these popular series. 

Kids and the young at heart can also look forward to VIZ Media’s launch of PROFESSOR LAYTON AND THE ETERNAL DIVA, based on the popular video game, as well as the new POKÉMON – ZOROARK: MASTER OF ILLUSIONS feature film and the latest Pokemon DP Galactic Battles Gift Set.

© Tite Kubo/Shueisha, TV TOKYO, dentsu, Pierrot © BMP 2008

BLEACH THE MOVIE: FADE TO BLACK · Rated “T” for Teens ·

MSRP: $19.98 for DVD (U.S. / CAN) & $24.98 for Blu-ray (U.S / CAN) · Available Now  

A strange disturbance in the World of the Living sends Ichigo and Kon to the Soul Society, where the Seireitei has been devastated by an explosion of reishi and Rukia is missing. Stranger still, none of the Soul Reapers remember Ichigo, and they think he’s the one responsible for the destruction. Now on the run, Ichigo is forced into a lonely battle in order to find Rukia and stop the real culprits.

BLEACH UNCUT DVD BOX SET, Vol. 11 · Rated “T” for Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / CAN · Available December 13th   

Ichigo and Rukia take responsibility for looking after Rurichiyo, a girl of noble birth who one day appears in the World of the Living. She and her two bodyguards transfer into Ichigo’s class at school, and Rukia decides to show her how to have fun. But the fun stops when first Rurichiyo disappears and then a group of assassins arrives and challenges Ichigo and friends to a fight.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN UNCUT DVD BOX SET, Vol. 8 · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $43.24 CAN · Available Now   

Naruto’s new jutsuRasen Shuriken is unbelievably powerful—but because of the risks to the user, Tsunade forbids Naruto to use it! When Jiraiya returns to the village, Naruto seeks his guidance, and the two head off to a hot springs resort to work on a solution. Meanwhile, Kakashi leads a team in search of Orochimaru’s hideout, and when Naruto hears about it, he begs to join them. Set includes special "Kakashi Chronicles" story, featuring a young Kakashi on one of his early missions.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN THE MOVIE: BONDS · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $19.98 for DVD (U.S. / CAN) & $24.98 for Blu-ray (U.S / CAN)· Available Now   

A group of mysterious flying ninja have arrived from overseas to launch a sudden attack against the Hidden Leaf Village, leaving behind a wake of destruction. The group is revealed to be the “Sky Ninja” from the Land of Sky, a nation thought to have been destroyed by the Hidden Leaf Village long ago. To save their village, Naruto and his friends set out to stop this new threat. During the course of the mission, Naruto crosses paths with Sasuke, his friend who has parted ways from the Leaf Village.

© 2011 Pokémon. © 1997-2010 Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku. © PIKACHU PROJECT 2010.

Pokémon properties are trademarks of Nintendo.

POKEMON – ZOROARK: MASTER OF ILLUSIONS · Rated “A” for All Ages · MSRP: $19.88 U.S. / CAN · Available Now   

As Ash and his friends journey to Crown City to join the crowds watching the Pokémon Baccer World Cup, mysterious forces are in motion that could bring untold misfortune to them all! What secrets does Zorua, a Pokémon they befriend along the way, hide? Why is the powerful Zoroark rampaging through the city, and what does the appearance of the Legendary Pokémon Raikou, Entei, and Suicune mean? What has brought Celebi back to the city at this precise moment in time for the first time in 20 years? And what will happen when the paths of all of them come together in one time and place?

 

POKEMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES GIFT SET, Vol. 4 · Rated “A” for All Ages · MSRP: $24.97 U.S. / $24.98 CAN · Available Now    

When it comes to Pokémon, the more, the merrier:  two new friends have joined Ash, Dawn, and Brock on their Sinnoh journey! Together, they’ll chase a rogue Gible and face off in a tag battle. Before long, however, things take a turn for the worse as Team Galactic and Pokémon Hunter J return with a vengeance. Now Team Galactic is poised to achieve its ultimate goal: summoning the Legendary Dialga and Palkia in order to destroy the world! Are Ash and his friends ready to face the biggest Galactic battle of all? Set contains PokÉmon DP Galactic Battles Vols. 7-8.

© 2008 MATSURI HINO, HAKUSENSHA/VAMPIRE KNIGHT PROJECT

VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY: THE COMPLETE SERIES · Rated “T+” for Older Teens · MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $43.24 CAN · Available Now    

Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio's murder and becomes the target of the Senate. When Kaname refuses to attest to Zero's innocence, Yuki's loyalties are torn between the two. Then Yuki meets a mysterious little boy whose seemingly innocent kiss on the cheek draws her deeper into the world of vampires. Zero, seeing Yuki struggle to recall her past, tries to help. Do the archives of the Hunter's Society headquarters hold the key that will unlock Yuki's memories? Set contains episodes 1-13, original & uncut.

For more information on VIZ Media anime titles, visit: www.VIZ.com.

ACF 1132: "The Art of Vampire Knight" coming September 6th, 2011 from VIZ

VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS
THE ART OF VAMPIRE KNIGHT

New Hardcover Edition Features Captivating Artwork
From The Bestselling Manga Series By Matsuri Hino

VIZ Media invites fans to savor the lavish, gothic-inspired illustrations of manga (graphic novel) creator Matsuri Hino in THE ART OF VAMPIRE KNIGHT, scheduled for release on September 6th. The new hardcover edition will carry an MSRP of $24.99 U.S./$28.99 CAN.

THE ART OF VAMPIRE KNIGHT is an ideal companion to the bestselling manga series, and contains favorite images in color plus never-before-seen artwork in the United States. The new book features an extensive character gallery with author comments, a how-to tutorial, and an exclusive full-color VAMPIRE KNIGHT poster.

Cross over into this mysterious and dangerous world of vampires with the lush artwork of Matsuri Hino. VAMPIRE KNIGHT takes readers to Cross Academy, which is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorms, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy’s dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) was created by Matsuri Hino, who burst onto the manga scene with her debut title, When This Dream Is Over, in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both published in the U.S. by VIZ Media), Hino has established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine. VIZ Media also offers the VAMPIRE KNIGHT anime series on DVD and episodes are available online through its innovative video streaming web destination at VIZAnime.com.

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free manga previews online, visit www.shojobeat.com.

ACF 944: VIZ announces new DVD releases

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW VAMPIRE KNIGHT,
BLEACH, AND POKÉMON DVD RELEASES

VIZ Media has announced their new DVD releases for March. These include the first episodic volume of VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY (the second season of the hit gothic melodrama VAMPIRE KNIGHT), the latest Box Set for BLEACH, and 3 new releases from the latest installment of POKÉMON, POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT © 2008 MATSURI HINO, HAKUSENSHA / VAMPIRE KNIGHT PROJECT

NEW VAMPIRE KNIGHT RELEASE:

VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, Volume 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN • Available Now!

In the opening of the second season, Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio's murder and becomes the target of the Senate. When Kaname refuses to attest to Zero's innocence, Yuki's loyalties are torn between the two. Then Yuki meets a mysterious little boy whose seemingly innocent kiss on the cheek draws her deeper into the world of vampires. Zero, seeing Yuki struggle to recall her past, tries to help. Do the archives of the Hunter's Society headquarters hold the key that will unlock Yuki's memories? Contains Episodes 1-4.

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, visit: www.ShojoBeat.com.

NEW BLEACH RELEASE:

BLEACH BOX SET, Volume 8 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available Now!

Just a few months from the showdown with the Arrancars, Ichigo and his friends are deep in training. But the battle may arrive earlier than expected when Aizen sends the Arrancars into the World of the Living. Captain Hitsugaya's advance Soul Reaper troops assist in defending Karakura Town and the fight appears to be going to the heroes, when Aizen orders the kidnapping of one of Ichigo's most loyal friends – Orihime! Box Set features Episodes 134 – 145 (Original and Uncut).

For more information on BLEACH, visit Bleach.viz.com.

POKÉMON © 2009 Pokémon
© 1997-2009 Nintendo, Creatures, GAME FREAK, TV Tokyo, ShoPro, JR Kikaku.
Pokémon properties are trademarks of Nintendo.

NEW POKÉMON RELEASES:
POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES, Volumes 1 & 2 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $14.97 U.S. each / $21.99 CAN each • Available Now!
POKÉMON DP GALACTIC BATTLES GIFT SET • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN • Available Now!

Non-stop excitement awaits audiences in the Sinnoh region, as Ash's quest for a Gym Badge lands him in a shocking encounter with Rotom and a family feud between father and son Gym Leaders! Then, watch our heroes witness the power of Aura when they join forces with Riley and Lucario to protect an island full of Pokémon from Team Galactic. But Aura won't help Pikachu and Piplup when they wind up lost on a deserted island! From an infatuated Phione to a Snorunt search-and-rescue, the adventure never ends for Ash, Dawn and Brock!

The POKÉMON DP GALATIC BATTLES GIFT SET contains Volumes 1 & 2 in a collector’s box.

For more information POKÉMON and other VIZ Kids titles please visit www.VIZ.com/pokemon/.

ACF 868: VIZ announces latest anime releases

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LATEST NARUTO SHIPPUDEN,
VAMPIRE KNIGHT AND POKÉMON ANIME RELEASES

VIZ Media has announced the release of a trio of anime DVD releases that expand some of the company’s most potent properties, including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPIRE KNIGHT and POKÉMON.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET, Volume 5 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available Now!

Naruto is troubled by nightmares after his second failed attempt to bring Sasuke home. Kakashi, recovering in the hospital, suggests a new training regimen for Naruto that puts him in touch with his wind chakra nature. Naruto seeks advice from another wind type, the Leaf Jonin Asuma. Then, when Tsunade sends Team Kakashi on a mission to the Fire Temple, the truth about a shocking event involving Asuma and the Guardian Shinobi Twelve begins to unfold. This latest NARUTO Box Set features Episodes 54-65.

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, visit www.Naruto.VIZ.com.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT THE COMPLETE SERIES • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. /$71.99 CAN • Available Now!

Ten years earlier, a Pureblood vampire, Kaname Kuran, saved Yuki Cross from another vampire’s attack. Now, Yuki is a Guardian at Cross Academy, where the Night Class and Day Class students live side by side in relative harmony—despite the fact that the Night Class students are all vampires! Yuki and her partner Zero keep watch over the Day Class and protect the Night Class’s secret. With Kaname’s help, a peaceful coexistence has been maintained so far, but a looming shadow is about to be cast over their world…

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, visit: www.ShojoBeat.com.

POKEMON ELEMENTS BOX SET, Volume 2 • Rated ‘A’ for All Ages • MSRP: $29.92 U.S. / $42.99 CAN • Available Now!

The POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the wide variety of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a specific Pokémon type in three all-time favorite episodes. This latest Box Set bundles POKÉMON ELEMENTS Vols. 6-10.

For more information POKÉMON and other VIZ Kids titles, visit http://www.vizkids.com/.

ACF 841: VIZ offers iTunes anime promo to celebrate premieres of two offerings

VIZ Media launches 2011 with a new iTunes anime promotion
for BUSO RENKIN and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY

VIZ Media rings in 2011 and expands its current anime promotion on iTunes in the U.S. (www.iTunes.com) to include the premieres of BUSO RENKIN and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY. To celebrate the debuts, you can download the first full episode of both series for FREE from now thru February 1st. All subsequent episodes are available to rent for only $0.99 each, or to own for only $1.99 each.

Visit http://www.itunes.com/anime for complete details.

BUSO RENKIN (rated TV-14) is based on a popular 10-volume manga series by Nobuhiro Watsuki (RUROUNI KENSHIN) and introduces audiences to Kazuki Muto, a high school student who thinks he's saving a girl from a monster, but it turns out that he's the one who needs saving! Kazuki is stabbed and killed while fighting a homunculus, a malevolent creature that feeds on humans. A girl, Tokiko Tsumura, revives him by replacing his heart with an alchemical device called a kakugane. With this device, Kazuki can create his own Buso Renkin, a powerful alchemical weapon in the form of a huge lance, capable of destroying homunculi. With his new weapon, Kazuki decides to join forces with Tokiko to eliminate the evil homunculi and destroy their master, the strange and eccentric Papillon Masked Creator!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY (rated TV-14), is the second season of the hit gothic romance based on the bestselling manga series about a high school populated by a class of vampires. Yuki is torn between the two people she cares for most when Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio’s murder and Kaname refuses to attest to his innocence. Drawn deeper into the world of vampires, Yuki struggles to recall the events of ten years earlier but fails time and again. Kaname evades Yuki’s questions about the past, but when her visions of blood grow more frequent and intense, the past may come to light whether she wants it to or not!

For more information on these and other animated titles from VIZ Media is available at www.VIZAnime.com.

ACF 775: VIZ Media manga holiday gift ideas

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

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

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

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

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

BLEACH Holiday Selections:

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

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

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

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

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

NARUTO Holiday Selections Include:

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

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

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

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

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

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Holiday Selections Include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

POKÉMON Holiday Selections Include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Holiday Selections Include:

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

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

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

ACF 735: Vampire Night Fanbook

Vampire Knight Koushiki Fanbook X © Matsuri Hino 2008/HAKUSENSHA,Inc.

BECOME AN EXCLUSIVE VAMPIRE KNIGHT EXPERT WITH
THE NEW VAMPIRE KNIGHT OFFICIAL FANBOOK

Informative Profiles Book Features Color Pages, Character
Designs, Interview With Creator Matsuri Hino And More!

VIZ Media has announced the release of the VAMPIRE KNIGHT OFFICIAL FANBOOK tomorrow, Tuesday. October 19th. Fans of the hit manga series created by Matsuri Hino won’t want to miss this in depth new guide, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens with an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN.

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

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

VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) was created by Matsuri Hino, who burst onto the manga scene with her debut title, When This Dream Is Over, in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both published in the U.S. by VIZ Media), Hino has established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine. VIZ Media also offers the VAMPIRE KNIGHT anime series on DVD and episodes are available online through its innovative video streaming web destination at VIZAnime.com.

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free previews
online visit www.shojobeat.com.

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

ACF 733: 2nd season of Vampire Knight Guilty on VIZAnime.com and Hulu

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY,
THE SECOND SEASON OF THE HIT VAMPIRE KNIGHT,
AVAILABLE NOW ON VIZANIME.COM

VIZ Media has announced the debut of VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, the second season of the hit VAMPIRE KNIGHT animated series (both rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) available now from VIZAnime.com, the company’s premier website for anime, as well as the streaming content provider HULU (http://www.hulu.com/).

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

In VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, Yuki is torn between the two people she cares for most when Zero is accused of Shizuka Hio’s murder and Kaname refuses to attest to his innocence. Drawn deeper into the world of vampires, Yuki struggles to recall the events of ten years earlier but fails time and again. Kaname evades Yuki’s questions about the past, but when her visions of blood grow more frequent and intense, the past may come to light whether she wants it to or not!

VAMPIRE KNIGHT and VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY are based on the best-selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and published by VIZ Media), who burst onto the scene in Japan with her debut title, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over) in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both also published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has firmly established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine in Japan.

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free previews online visit http://www.shojobeat.com/. For more information on this and other animated titles from VIZ Media visit http://www.vizanime.com/.

ACF 634: VIZ Media at Comic-Con San Diego

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES EXCITING PERSONAL APPEARANCES, ACTIVITIES AND SHOW EXCLUSIVES
FOR 2010 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL

Comics And Pop Culture Icon Stan Lee To Host Signing Session And Discussion On His Manga Series ULTIMO, VIZ Media Welcomes

Cast Of VAMPIRE KNIGHT Anime

And Exclusive Products For Sale In Booth 2813

VIZ Media has announced an exciting roster of personal appearances, panel discussions, events, giveaways and convention exclusives for 2010 Comic-Con International. Comic-Con is the nation’s largest comic book and science fiction event, and takes place July 21-25 at the San Diego Convention Center, CA. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 2813.

Fans won’t want to miss a very special opportunity to meet comics and pop culture icon Stan Lee, co-creator along with Hiroyuki Takei (SHAMAN KING) of the groundbreaking ULTIMO manga series (rated ‘T’ for Teens), on Saturday, July 24th. Mr. Lee will be a special guest at the SHONEN JUMP Panel, scheduled at 10:30AM in Room #9, where fans will get the latest manga and anime news and on-the-spot surprises, including a special ULTIMO button for all attendees. Mr. Lee will also make an in-person appearance at the VIZ Media booth for a signing session of ULTIMO Volume 2 at 1:15pm.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) is the newest anime series to captivate fans and is based on the smash hit manga series by Matsuri Hino, also published by VIZ Media. To celebrate the release of DVD Volume 1, the company is pleased to welcome as guests the talented voice actors Mela Lee (Yuki), Vic Mignogna (Zero) and Ethan Murray (Kaname) on Friday, July 23^rd. Catch Vic Mignogna in the VIZ Media booth at 11:00am, where he will host the VAMPIRE KNIGHT trivia game. The festivities continue at 1:00pm, where fans will have the opportunity to meet the three voice actors at an in-booth signing session. Round out the day at the VAMPIRE KNIGHT Panel, at 3:30pm in Room #9, where VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga editor Nancy Thistlethwaite and the VAMPIRE KNIGHT voice actors will have an in-depth discussion of the edgy gothic romantic drama. There will also be a raffle, featuring exclusive prizes, for fans who come dressed in their best VAMPIRE KNIGHT costume.

The VIZ Media booth will be an exciting destination on the show floor for fans, with exclusive products available for purchase during special times throughout the show (attendees should check the digital signboard at the front of the booth for the daily schedule). For the NARUTO SHIPPUDEN fan, there will be a NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Limited Edition Sage Naruto Figure from Toynami and straight-from-Japan full-color reproduction NARUTO SHIPPUDEN animation cels (from Digital Manga) featuring favorite characters Naruto and Sasuke. Two special VAMPIRE KNIGHT bundles will be offered: VAMPIRE KNIGHT anime DVD Volume 1 with a Cross Academy armband set, and a set of 6 collectable VAMPIRE KNIGHT pins (armband and pins both from Great Eastern). Also available will be a bundle featuring ONE PIECE Volume 54 (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and ONE PIECE Limited Edition Luffy Mallow (from FUNimation and Shocker Toys), and exclusive BLEACH iPhone 3G/3GS cell phone cases from France in two designs featuring Ichigo and Toshiro.

VIZ Media will be offering a variety of fun activities at the booth this year. Fans can pose with their favorite VAMPIRE KNIGHT or KEKKAISHI anime characters in a special photo area. Test your knowledge in the NARUTO and BLEACH trivia games. Try the fan-favorite claw catcher game to snag fun NARUTO SHIPPUDEN or BLEACH prizes. Everyone’s a winner at the VIZ Media Treasure Trove, where players grab a coin to exchange for cool prizes. Fans can sample the video game area, featuring Namco Bandai Games America with a preview of NARUTO SHIPPUDEN (Rated T for Teen) for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation^® 3. Scan your badge to enter to win a NARUTO SHIPPUDEN-branded PSP^® game system and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Ultimate Ninja Heroes 3 (Rated T for Teen) for the PSP^® (no purchase necessary), and get a Bandai collectible card good for three free NARUTO SHIPPUDEN episodes on the PlayStation^® Network.

The VIZ Media collectable tote bag is back in a brand new color for 2010 – get your free bag to see what series are featured this year. Other giveaways include BIOMEGA posters, VIZ Media Bling, VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga samplers, and much more while supplies last!

Finally, VIZ Media is proud to have three manga titles – OISHINBO (rated ‘T’ for Teens), by Tetsu Kariya and Akira Hanasaki; PLUTO: URASAWA _ TEZUKA (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), by Naoki Urasawa, Takashi Nagasaki, Macoto Tezka and Tezuka Productions; and NAOKI URASAWA’S 20TH CENTURY BOYS (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), by Naoki Urasawa – nominated for 5 awards for the 2010 Will Eisner Comics Industry Awards, which are considered the Oscars of the comic book industry. In addition, Naoki Urasawa is nominated for Best Writer/Artist for his work on NAOKI URASAWA’S 20^TH CENTURY BOYS and PLUTO: URASAWA _ TEZUKA. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel on the evening of Friday, July 23rd.

For more up-to-date information on VIZ Media’s activities at San Diego Comic-Con International, visit www.VIZAnime.com/comiccon/.

ACF 564: Vampire Knight anime now online at VIZAnime.com

Fates Are Sealed In A Tale Of Gothic Romance And Bloodlust
In New Animated Series Based On Smash Hit Manga by Matsuri Hino

VIZ Media invites fans to sink their teeth into the gothic romance of the animated series VAMPIRE KNIGHT, which recently launched online on VIZAnime.com.

VIZ Anime is the official online home to some of VIZ Media’s best-loved animated series and a burgeoning social network for fans to connect and form an interactive community. Over 400 episodes are currently available and new content is added on a weekly basis. VIZ Anime is accessible at: www.VIZAnime.com.

Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorms, they cross paths with the mysterious Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires! Yuki Cross has no memory of her past prior to the moment she was saved from a vampire attack ten years ago. She was adopted by the headmaster of Cross Academy, and now works alongside Zero to guard the Academy's secret. Yuki believes that vampires and humans can coexist peacefully, but her partner has different ideas...

“With its cast of edgy and engaging characters combined with a dark sexy storyline, VAMPIRE KNIGHT is destined to be one of the most exciting anime releases of 2010,” says Brian Ige, Director of Sales, Home Entertainment. “Fans can also look forward to the release of VAMPIRE KNIGHT on DVD, under the Shojo Beat imprint, on July 20th. Stay tuned for more details coming soon on some hot VIZ Media anime summer releases!”

VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) is based on the best-selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino, who burst onto the scene in Japan with her debut title, Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over) in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has firmly established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine in Japan.

For more information on the VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga and to read free previews online please visit www.shojobeat.com. For more information on other animated titles from VIZ Media visit www.VIZAnime.com.

ACF 514: Voice Cast for Vampire Knight anime announced by VIZ Media

VIZ Media has announced the cast for the upcoming North American debut of VAMPIRE KNIGHT, the gothic-romance animated series based on the bestselling manga (graphic novel) by Matsuri Hino:

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

VIZ Media sought out a cast of talented voice actors and the recording expertise of Bang Zoom! Entertainment to bring this series to life. Yuki Cross, the adoptive daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, is played by Mela Lee. Veteran anime voice actor Vic Mignogna plays Zero Kiryu, a student who is a year older than Yuki Cross and comes from a family of vampire hunters. Finally, Kaname Kuran is portrayed by Ethan Murray. In the series, Kuran is a pure blooded vampire and the current Head of the Kuran Clan. He once saved Yuki from an attack by another vampire when she was seven years old and also serves as the president of the Night Class and the dorm leader. Kuran is both feared and respected by the other Night Class students.

“VAMPIRE KNIGHT is an important series that demanded skilled actors who could portray these complex characters without sacrificing any of the intensity and emotional drama each one exudes,” says William Germain, Director, Programming & Music Sales, VIZ Media. “We also know there are a lot of fans of the manga that have been waiting for this series so we wanted to bring in some very talented people who we know will take VAMPIRE KNIGHT to a whole new level. Look for more news coming soon about the North American debut!”

VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) is based on the best selling manga series created by Matsuri Hino, who burst onto the manga scene with her debut title, When This Dream Is Over, in LaLa DX magazine. With the success of subsequent series such as CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI (both published domestically by VIZ Media), Hino has established herself as a major force in the world of shojo manga. VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine. On January 17, 2010, the latest volume of VAMPIRE KNIGHT, Volume 9 ranked Number 1 on the New York Times Manga Bestseller list. Currently VAMPIRE KNIGHT has two volumes in the top ten.


Ethan Murray Bio

Ethan Murray has been a voiceover performer since 1994. Mr. Murray was spotted in a stage production and was asked to voice monsters in Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and has been thriving in the world of voiceover ever since. Over the past sixteen years Mr. Murray has been involved in hundreds of projects. Most notably: Arc the Lad, Gankutsuou, Blade the Immortal, Tenjo Tenge, and Rurouni Kenshin.


Mela Lee Bio

Mela Lee has brought life to over 20 characters in the past seven years (Fate Stay Night, Rozen Maiden, When They Cry, and Blade of the Immortal). Lee’s fans have come to expect heartfelt performances hallmarked by depth and dimension. With the much-anticipated release of VAMPIRE KNIGHT, Lee adds Yuki Cross to her cache of classic characters.


Vic Mignogna Bio

Vic has been acting for stage and screen since he was 8 years old. But he started his career in anime about ten years ago as Vega in Streetfighter II. Since then Vic has been in more than a hundred and fifty shows and video games, known for such roles as Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemist, Tamaki Suou in Ouran High School Host Club, Fai in Tsubasa Chronicle, Dark in DN Angel, Kurz in Full Metal Panic, Broly in Dragonball Z, Kougaijji in Saiyuki, Ikkaku in BLEACH, Yukito in Air, Takanaga in Wallflower, Tatsu in Peacemaker, Luciano in Code Geass, Virgil Walsh in Trinity Blood, Hikaru in Macross, and many more. He is currently back in the role of Edward in Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, playing Death Scythe in Soul Eater, as well as characters in NARUTO and several others. Vic has also voiced roles in a large number of video games including Soul Calibur, Disgaea, Persona III, Project Sylpheed, DBZ, Bleach, FMA, and more. But even longer than his voice acting, Vic has been a professional music composer / singer / producer who has written and produced hundreds of songs for TV, radio and CD. He sings the themes for shows like One Piece & DBGT, and has produced several CDs of his own original music. And finally, in addition to anime and music, Vic has a degree in film and works regularly writing, producing and directing video and film productions. Vic has voiced characters in more than 100 anime series and video games.

Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc.

Situated in the heart of Burbank, California, Bang Zoom! Entertainment, Inc. is a leading and award winning full service audio post production studio working in the fields of feature films, television, video games, and anime. Founded in 1993, Bang Zoom! Entertainment is committed to delivering the most comprehensive level of audio and creative production expertise imaginable, along with developing a range of independent projects that contribute to the promotion of innovative cultural awareness internationally. More information about Bang Zoom! Entertainment and its services can be found at http://www.bangzoomentertainment.com/.

ACF 506: Vampire Knight T-Shirt

Being a guy who loves both manga and great T-shirts, I was intrigued by this information I recently received from VIZ Media. Here's hoping that it'll be of interest to some of you also.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT is based on the best-selling gothic-romance manga series created by Matsuri Hino. Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

VIZ Media has granted the license for shirts, track jackets and fleece hoodies for VAMPIRE KNIGHT to Ripple Junction.

Ripple Junction is a leading manufacturer of licensed pop culture merchandise, known for combining great art with a quirky sense of humor applied to current and retro properties.

Currently the VAMPIRE KNIGHT tee shirts (artwork of one attached) are available at Hot Topic, Suncoast, and f.y.e. stores across the country as well as online at Stylinonline.com.

ACF 387: Vampire Knight

VIZ MEDIA BECOMES MASTER LICENSOR FOR

GOTHIC ANIMATED SERIES VAMPIRE KNIGHT

Broadcast, Home Entertainment, Streaming, DTO, & Merchandising Rights To Hit Anime Series Based On Popular Manga Title Licensed For North America

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media) has acquired the domestic TV, Home Entertainment, Streaming, DTO, and Merchandising rights to the hit VAMPIRE KNIGHT animated series.

With this license VIZ Media will hold the rights to VAMPIRE KNIGHT for TV (including IPTV and VOD) and Home Video (all platforms including Blu-ray), Streaming, DTO and Merchandising (including digital Merchandise and mobile).

VAMPIRE KNIGHT is based on the best-selling gothic-romance manga series created by Matsuri Hino. Cross Academy is attended by two groups of students: the Day Class and the Night Class. At twilight, when the students of the Day Class return to their dorm, they cross paths with the Night Class on their way to school. Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu are the Guardians of the school, protecting the Day Class from the Academy's dark secret: the Night Class is full of vampires!

Matsuri Hino burst onto the manga scene with her title Kono Yume ga Sametara (When This Dream Is Over), which was published in LaLa DX magazine. Hino was a manga artist a mere nine months after she decided to become one. With the success of her popular series CAPTIVE HEARTS and MERU PURI, Hino has established herself as a major player in the world of shojo manga.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT is currently serialized in LaLa magazine in Japan and was also serialized in Shojo Beat magazine in North America. The VAMPIRE KNIGHT manga series is currently published in the US by VIZ Media and continues to keep its place in the Top Ten on The New York Times Best Selling Manga List.

For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT please visit www.shojobeat.com/manga/vk.