Comics Alliance: An AOL Comic Book Community

VIZ MEDIA BRINGS NEW PERSPECTIVE TO MANGA ARENA WITH DEBUT OF VIZBIG EDITION IMPRINT

New Imprint To Offer Omnibus Editions Of Popular Manga Series With New Cover Art, Color Pages And Bonus Content

San Francisco, CA, January 3, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, brings a new perspective to the manga marketplace with the launch of a new imprint called VIZBIG Edition. The new imprint will release omnibus editions of top-selling manga series in a larger 5-3/4 x 8-5/8 size (larger than the standard 5 x 7-1/2 manga) with special premium presentations including new cover art.

RUROUNI KENSHIN will be the first series to receive the VIZBIG Edition treatment this month, with DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z set for May release and Takehiko Inoue's VAGABOND will follow in Fall of 2008. These VIZBIG Edition titles have an anticipated initial cover price of $17.99 and will be released quarterly. Several other titles are also presently being considered for future VIZBIG Edition publication.

Each debut VIZBIG Edition will contain the first three volumes of the original graphic novel series presented with larger trim size, bonus color pages and added content such as author interviews, updated text and character art. The new editions serve as ideal comprehensive introductions for new readers to some of manga's best-known titles, and a great way for seasoned fans to see their favorite titles in a new perspective.

RUROUNI KENSHIN, the internationally bestselling series created by Nobuhiro Watsuki, depicts the adventures of Himura Kenshin, a "rurouni," or wandering samurai, who was once an assassin of ferocious power but now fights to protect the honor and safety of those in need. The story, set during the Meiji era of Japan during the 1800s, has been adapted into a hit anime series, three films and several novels. This title was also the first manga to be placed on the notable USA TODAY top 150 list.

DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z, created by Akira Toriyama, are universally recognized as modern manga classics. With a unique blend of martial arts, science fiction and memorable characters, they update the classic Chinese legend of the Monkey King. DRAGON BALL follows the life of a monkey-tailed boy named Son Goku in a 16-volume series that has since become one of the most successful manga properties ever created. Goku's life changes when he meets a girl named Bulma and sets out to help her gather all seven Dragon Balls, which are scattered all over the world. If all seven are gathered, a powerful dragon will appear and grant one wish. The 26-volume series sequel, DRAGON BALL Z, picks up when Goku has grown up. Earth's ultimate warrior now has a son named Gohan who is even more powerful than his father. Together they use martial arts and other powers to battle time travelers, aliens, deities and the mighty Super Saiyans to save the universe. DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z together have sold more than 500,000 copies in North America and the 400+ episode anime series was a consistent ratings winner on Cartoon Network.

Also coming out in a VIZBIG Edition in September 2008, VAGABOND is an action-packed portrayal of the life and times of the quintessential warrior-philosopher--the most celebrated samurai of all time! Striving for enlightenment by way of the sword, Miyamoto Musashi is prepared to cut down anyone who stands in his way.

Alvin Lu, VIZ Media Vice President, Publishing, is excited about the debut, saying, "VIZBIG Editions are more than just an alternative format to read your favorite manga - with full color pages, eye-opening larger trim size, and a premium presentation – they change the very experience of reading manga. For fans of these series, they are a great opportunity to relive their favorite stories from a completely new perspective, and for new fans, this is a great way to jump in and quickly get up to speed on what everyone's been talking about – the world-renowned stories and characters behind RUROUNI KENSHIN, DRAGON BALL, and DRAGON BALL Z."

Tales From the Crypt Month at Papercutz
New graphic novel and comic book offer fresh chills

Tales From the Crypt Graphic Novel Volume 3: Zombielicious
By writers Neil Kleid, Marc Bilgrey, Jared Gniewek, and Jim Salicrup, and artists Steve Mannion, Mr. Exes, Chris Noeth, and Rick Parker

Four fright-filled tales!

• A gamer learns in "Extra Life" that playing Ogre Continent can have deadly results.
• A would-be horror novelist meets her favorite writer and learns the secret of "The Queen of the Vampires!"
• Find out why kids must eat Chocolate Stuffed Fruit Grain Cereal in "Kid Tested, Mom Approved."
• Plus more, more, more in the EC horror tradition!

Full-color trade paperback, 5" x 7 1/2", 112 pages, $7.95, ISBN 978-1-59707-090-4
Also in collector's hardcover, $12.95, ISBN 978-1-59707-091-1


Tales From the Crypt Comic Book #5
By writers Fred Van Lente, Don McGregor, and Jim Salicrup, and artists Steve Mannion, James Romberger, Marguerite Van Cooke, and Rick Parker

Think our new Tales From the Crypt comics are too tame? Check out this issue's tales of women wronged!

• "Ignoble Rot": A player picks on the females in New Orleans's French Quarter -- and ultimately winds up conscious as his body rapidly decomposes.
• "Crystal Clear": A drug dealer wired for sound (his cell phone is built into his skull) is responsible for a fatal overdose. When he seduces the deceased's sister, things get nasty.
• All this, plus the horror hosts with most -- the most bad puns, that is!

Bi-monthly comic book, 48 full-color pages, $3.95

SEE PREVIEWS AND MORE AT WWW.PAPERCUTZ.COM

EYESHIELD 21 ANIMATED SERIES TO DEBUT ON TOONAMI JETSTREAM

Acclaimed Series About Football Is The Latest Addition To Popular Joint Cartoon Network/VIZ Media Broadband Streaming Site

San Francisco, CA, December 13, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the launch of the EYESHIELD 21 animated series on Toonami Jetstream, the popular online destination developed jointly by Cartoon Network and VIZ Media. The first episode debuts on December 17th and will be available at http://ToonamiJetstream.com.

EYESHIELD 21 was adapted from the popular manga graphic novel series written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Yasuke Murata and published domestically by VIZ Media. The story is about teenager, Sena Kobayakawa, who has been picked on all of his life and decides to join the high school varsity football team as a team manager in hopes of reinventing himself. However, the cruel team captain Yoichi Hiruma discovers Sena's lightning-fast running ability and forces him to play as a running back with a secret identity as "Eyeshield 21." From that point on, Sena's life changes completely. The EYESHIELD 21 manga originally debuted in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump and, in addition to the animated series, spawned a popular feature film and several video and trading card games. The property has also inspired legions of Japanese kids to take up the popular American sport of football.

Toonami Jetstream, a site developed jointly by Cartoon Network and VIZ Media, is an online extension Cartoon Network's successful Toonami action-adventure television franchise. The http://ToonamiJetstream.com site provides on-demand, full-length streaming episodes of a number of hit animated and action series and has attracted millions of viewers since its launch in 2006. Toonami Jetstream is a free service, supported by advertising that includes both streaming video ads and graphic ads.

"EYESHIELD 21 is an action-packed drama with a positive message, teaching the importance of teamwork, overcoming obstacles and having goals," says Daniel Marks, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. "The addition of the series to the diverse offerings on Toonami Jetstream exemplifies our commitment to bring the best action and adventure series to the Toonami audience. We invite everyone to check out EYESHIELD 21 and see what has made this unique series such a hit."

"We are very pleased to expand our offerings on Toonami Jetstream with the addition of EYESHIELD 21," says Paul Condolora, senior vice president and general manager, Cartoon Network New Media. "EYESHIELD 21 puts an interesting twist on this American sport and we look forward to fans of all stripes checking out this captivating series."


About Cartoon Network New Media

Cartoon Network New Media is responsible for the production of Cartoon Network's popular Web sites, which include CartoonNetwork.com, ToonamiJetstream.com, Awesomehouseparty.com and CartoonNetworkYa.com (the Spanish-language site for kids). These sites are some of the most popular entertainment sites in the world for kids, currently attracting an average of more than 6 million unique users each month in the U.S. (Nielsen//NetRatings). The top attraction is their roster of games, which drew more than 2 billion game plays in 2006. In addition, Cartoon Network New Media is the creative force behind Cartoon Network's video-on-demand offerings, interactive TV and mobile offerings, which include partnerships with such major carriers as Sprint, AT&T and Verizon.

About Cartoon Network

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 91 million U.S. homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.



About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Press Release

STAN 'THE MAN' LEE AND KEVIN SMITH TEAM UP FOR MAVERICK INTERACTIVE'S FIRST DVD RELEASE

One's the biggest name in comic book history, the other's the hottest moviemaker in the world under 40 – together they're dynamite in Marvel Then & Now: An Evening With Stan Lee and Kevin Smith, available on DVD just in time for the holidays as the debut feature from the Tampa studios of Maverick Interactive.

Filmed in front of a packed house at UCLA, Then & Now is two-and-a-half hours of Marvel tales and nuggets from the man who created Spider-Man, The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk and legions of other legendary superheroes and nefarious villains. Lee is joined by Joe Quesada, the current editor-in-chief at Marvel Comics. Smith, director of fan favorites and box office hits like Clerks, Clerks II, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, ties the evening together as host and taskmaster.

In addition to the main feature, Then & Now sports a host of bonus material, from VIP room interviews to a behind-the-scenes reel with special guests like comic creators Brian Pulido and Jeph Loeb.

Marvel Then & Now sells for $24.99; a portion of the proceeds benefit The Hero Initiative, a charitable foundation benefiting struggling comic industry veterans.

For more information, to see a trailer, or to order, go to www.thenandnowdvd.org.

Press Release

Press Release

BURBANK, CA, (November 27, 2007) ­ Warner Premiere, DC Comics and Warner
Bros. Animation are set to release the all-new original movie Justice
League: The New Frontier on February 26, 2008 on DVD, HD DVD and Blu-ray
Disc, distributed by Warner Home Video. Order due date is January 22, 2008.
The original movie will also be available OnDemand and Pay-per-View as well
as available for download on February 26, 2008.

Based on the graphic novel by Darwyn Cooke and produced by Michael Goguen
and animation legend, Bruce Timm, Justice League: The New Frontier is the
epic tale of the founding of the Justice League. The animated film, written
by Stan Berkowitz, features an incredible celebrity-laden voice cast
including David Boreanaz, Brooke Shields, Lucy Lawless, Neil Patrick Harris,
Miguel Ferrer, Kyra Sedgwick, Jeremy Sisto and Kyle MacLachlan and will be
available on DVD for $19.98 SRP. There will also be a 2 disc Special Edition
DVD available for $24.98 SRP which contains additional bonus features
including a documentary about the pathology of the super villain and three
bonus episodes from the Justice League animated series selected by Bruce
Timm. All the content from the 2-disc Special Edition DVD will be available
on HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc.

The New Frontier takes viewers on an action-packed adventure, exploring the
origins of the Justice League. DC Comics legends Superman, Batman and
Wonder Woman are all featured in the film as well as Green Lantern, Martian
Manhunter and The Flash ­ as they band together to form the legendary super
team. Strangers at first, these very different heroes must overcome fear
and suspicion to forge an alliance against a monster so formidable, even the
mighty Superman cannot stop it alone. If they fail, the entire planet will
be "cleansed" of humanity.

Justice League: The New Frontier DVD will feature incredible extras
including:

"Super Heroes United!: The Complete Justice League History"- The documentary
is a comprehensive forty seven year Justice League chronology from the
inception in the comics to vivid animated renditions. The story is told
with a myriad of interviews tracing back the early days of DC Super Hero
team ups during the Golden Age, to the Silver Age rendition where the
established heroes emerged and beyond. Interviews include Paul Levitz
(President of DC Comics), Dan Didio (SVP Executive Editor at DC Comics),
Michael Uslan (Historian), Gregory Noveck (SVP Creative Affairs DC Comics),
Mark Waid (DC Comics Historian and Writer), Mike Friedrich (Writer JLU),
Denny O¹Neil (Writer and Editor at DC Comics), Mike Carlin (DC Comics
Executive Editor), Stan Lee (Marvel Comics Co-Creator) and Marv Wolfman
(Writer of Fantastic Four).

"Sneak Peak: Batman: Gotham Knight" - One part anime, one part Caped
Crusader, the result is a glimpse at the world of Eastern anime
sensibilities combined with a Western tradition of Batman. A detailed look
at the world of Warner Bros Animation, and how they joined forces with the
renowned Japanese animators to create the highly anticipated anime film of
2008.

· "Audio Commentary I" (featuring the talented filmmakers of New
Frontier)

· "Audio Commentary II" (featuring Comic Book Writer and Artist Darwyn
Cooke)

· Widescreen (1.78:1)

· 5.1 Dolby Digital

The 2 disc Special Edition DVD will feature even more incredible extras
including:

"The Legion of Doom: The Pathology of the Super Villain"- This documentary
will examine the early mythological archetypes of nemesis characters from a
historical perspective, and see how the tenants of this rich history were
adapted and woven into the Justice League stories. The bonus feature
includes many of the talent included in Super Heroes United! As well as Jim
Kreuger (Writer of ³Justice²).

"Comic Book Commentary: Homage to the New Frontier"- This documentary is a
nod to the fans of the New Frontier comic book. This featurette further
expands the themes contained in the source material, and how these elements
were truncated or evolved for the inclusion in the film. Featuring vivid
imagery culled from the pages of the New Frontier comic, mixed with the
commentary of Writer and Artist Darwyn Cooke, this featurette is a treat for
both fans and scholars of the medium.

"Justice League Unlimited Bonus Episodes"
Bruce Timm selects three of his favorite episodes from the Justice League
Unlimited animated series:

1. Dark Heart ­ Alien invaders attempt to thwart the Justice League. The
fate of the world rests on the shoulders of Ray Palmer, AKA The Atom.

2. To Another Shore - Wonder Woman learns of a plot to steal the powers of
the 3,000 year-old corpse of The Viking Prince. It is up to the Justice
League to make things right.

3. Task Force X - Four incarcerated villains are released from prison by
Cadmus to undertake an impossible mission: steal a powerful mystic artifact
from the JLU Watchtower under the noses of the League.

"Having the opportunity to take the unique work of such a legendary comic
talent as Darwyn Cooke and create a small screen faithful adaptation of that
style is one of the cornerstones in what we hope to develop for core and new
fans alike as part of the DC Universe initiative on the Warner Premiere
slate", said Matt Bierman, Vice President Production, Warner Premiere.

"Darwyn Cooke's New Frontier is justifiably considered a modern classic, and
we at DC comics are excited to share this thrilling adaptation with the
book's legions of loyal fans. On Feb. 26, DC Universe Animated Movies will
lead everyone across the New Frontier," said Gregory Novek, Senior Vice
President of Creative Affairs, DC Comics.

"Following the huge success of Superman Doomsday, we are delighted to be
releasing the second DC Universe PG-13 animated movie," said Amit Desai, WHV
Vice President, Family, Animation and Sports Marketing. "Justice League: The
New Frontier will certainly not disappoint fans who have been eagerly
awaiting this next action-packed DC Universe installment."

Justice League: New Frontier Marketing Support

Justice League: New Frontier will be supported by a massive media campaign
including primetime TV spots, national print and online coverage. Marketing
support will also include strong promotion support, a dedicated website
(www.jlnewfrontier.com, as well as explosive online promotion stunts. Finally,
cross-trailering on targeted DVD releases will generate millions of impressions.

DC UNIVERSE ORIGINAL MOVIES

DC Comics, Warner Premiere, Warner Home Video (WHV) and Warner Bros.
Animation (WBA) began the production and distribution of DC Universe, a
series of original, animated PG-13 movies in July 2006. This original, made
for DVD, movie is part of the DC Universe series of animated PG-13 films
written and directed by acclaimed comic book creators and animators and
featuring recognizable talent. WHV will be the exclusive worldwide home
entertainment distributor for all DC Universe movies which will include a
slate of 2-3 action-packed films per year.

BASICS

Street Date: February 26, 2008

Order Due Date: January 22, 2008

Languages: English, Spanish

Subtitles: Spanish



Run Time: 75 minutes approx.

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (1.78:1)

Audio: 5.1 Dolby Surround Stereo

Color / Closed Captioned

Rating: PG-13



Justice League: The New Frontier (DVD)

Price: $19.98 SRP / No MAP

UPC: 085391108177



Justice League: The New Frontier (2 Disc Special Edition DVD)

Price: $24.98 SRP / No MAP
UPC: 883929008483



Justice League: The New Frontier (HD-DVD)

Price: $29.99 SRP / No MAP

UPC: 085391171652



Justice League: The New Frontier (Blu-ray Disc)

Price: $29.99 SRP / No MAP
UPC: 085391171645

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NARUTO MANGA SHADOW BOX LIMITED COLLECTOR SET

Most Elaborate Manga Box Set Ever Published In North America Bundles Host Of Extras With 27 Volumes Of Smash Hit Ninja Series

San Francisco, CA, November 13, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the ultimate NARUTO manga collection - a special NARUTO Shadow Box Limited Collector Set which bundles all 27 volumes of the hit series' first story arc. With the 2007 holiday season fast approaching, this set, which is the most extensive and elaborate manga box set the company has published to date, will be a highly desired item among many fans. The NARUTO Shadow Box Limited Collector Set is expected to be released today and has a limited production run of 5,000.

The NARUTO Shadow Box Limited Collector Set contains 27 volumes housed in a special wooden display box that is individually numbered and emblazoned with the NARUTO logo. Included are the final three volumes of the first story arc – available in advance of their December 4 general release date. A special mini-manga of the "proto-chapter" of the first NARUTO story ever published is also included, along with a sneak peek of Vol. 28, an exclusive two-sided color poster, collectible graphic novel cover stickers, and a NARUTO trading card exclusive to VIZ Media. The NARUTO Shadow Box Limited Collector Set, with a suggested retail price of $189.95, will be available at select major book retailers and also thru the VIZ Media online store at store.viz.com. Pre-orders on the VIZ Media website are being accepted now. A limited production run of 5,000 makes this a serious collectible for any NARUTO or manga fan.

NARUTO has emerged as one of the best selling and most popular manga series throughout North America, regularly placing in both Graphic Novel and Overall General Fiction categories on noted literary sales rosters including BookScan and the USA Today Top 150. It was also the first manga to ever win a noted literary Quill Award in 2006. NARUTO has become one of VIZ Media's most successful manga properties in terms of sales. The series, by creator Masashi Kishimoto, depicts the adventures of a young boy who trains to become a ninja, and has sold more than 80 million copies in Japan since Shueisha Inc. began publishing the manga in 1999.

"The NARUTO Shadow Box Limited Collector Set is probably the most elaborate and comprehensive single manga box set ever published in North America and we are extremely excited to release it in plenty of time for the holidays," says Liza Coppola, Sr. Vice President, Marketing, VIZ Media. "The massive popularity of the manga shows no signs of slowing and this is the ultimate collection for any serious fan. The set is an ideal way to display the entire run of NARUTO and we've also included a host of extras that make this a real must-have this holiday season. We expect it to be a feature on many die-hard fans' wish lists this year."

The release of the box set is the culmination of NARUTO NATION, a broad campaign launched by VIZ Media earlier this year that began by bringing an unprecedented increase in the frequency of publication of the series. In order to catch up to the present Japanese release schedule and to prepare readers for upcoming notable changes in the main character and story arc, VIZ Media has offered three new volumes of the NARUTO manga per-month since September – a first for any U.S. manga publisher. The company has also released a variety of other related NARUTO products including the DVD release of NARUTO THE MOVIE: NINJA CLASH IN THE LAND OF SNOW, a gorgeous hardcover UZUMAKI: ART OF NARUTO edition, the NARUTO ANIME PROFILES: HIDEN SHIPPU EMAKI, and NARUTO MISSION: PROTECT THE WATERFALL VILLAGE!, the latest addition to the collection of NARUTO novels under the VIZ Fiction imprint.

VIZ Media also plans to launch the manga with the new NARUTO story arc in March 2008, which depicts the next stage of the saga about a boy training to become a ninja with the main character now three years older. Fans can also get a peek at the new NARUTO story in the January 2008 issue of SHONEN JUMP Magazine, on sale December 4, 2007.

TALES OF WIT & WONDER, ILLUSTRATED!

Eureka Productions is pleased to announce the publication of the revised second edition of the long-out-of-print GRAPHIC CLASSICS: MARK TWAIN, the eighth volume in the GRAPHIC CLASSICS series of comics adaptations of great literature.

This edition contains 38 pages of new material, including a never-done-before comics presentation of "Tom Sawyer Abroad," Mark Twain's little-known sequel to "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," with adaptation by Tom Pomplun and George Sellas. Returning from the first edition are "The Mysterious Stranger" by Rick Geary, "A Dog's Tale" by Lance Tooks, "The Celebrated Jumping Frog" by Kevin Atkinson, and "The Carnival of Crime in Connecticut" by Antonella Caputo and Nick Miller. Also "Is He Living or Is He Dead?" "A Curious Pleasure Excursion," and eight women artists interpret Mark Twain's "Advice to Little Girls." With a dramatic cover painting by George Sellas.

GRAPHIC CLASSICS: MARK TWAIN is available in bookstores, comics shops, or direct from the publisher at http://www.graphicclassics.com.

______________________

GRAPHIC CLASSICS: MARK TWAIN
(Second Edition)
Edited by Tom Pomplun
Published December 2007, Eureka Productions
Distributed by Diamond Book Distributors
(ISBN 978-0-9787919-2-6)
144 pgs, 7 x 10", paperback, b&w, 4c cover, $11.95

VIZ MEDIA TEAMS WITH DIRECT2DRIVE TO MAKE NARUTO ANIME SERIES AVAILABLE FOR DIGITAL DOWNLOAD IN THE U.S.

Massively Popular Series Is The Latest VIZ Media Animated Title To Be Offered By Direct2Drive

San Francisco, CA, November 16, 2007 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the availability of the NARUTO animated series for digital download in the U.S. on Direct2Drive, IGN Entertainment's premiere digital retail store. Episodes of the series debut sequentially beginning on November 15, 2007 with episodes costing $1.99 each; fans may go to http://www.direct2drive.com to download the first 25 episodes.

NARUTO is the latest animated series to be offered on a Download-to-Own (DTO) basis via Direct2Drive. VIZ Media teamed with the popular outlet earlier this year to offer DEATH NOTE and BLEACH, and both series received an enthusiastic response from fans and Direct2Drive users.

"We are very pleased to expand our relationship with VIZ Media and add this massively popular series to our roster of animated titles," says Sutton Trout, Vice President of Digital Content for IGN Entertainment. "Direct2Drive is committed to offering the latest premium digital content targeting our early adopter audience, including PC games, popular TV shows, movies, comics and animated titles, directly from the Web to the desktop."

NARUTO is now one of the most popular and successful manga and animation properties in North America. The general storyline of both the NARUTO manga and animated series depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja. Naruto, cursed with the spirit of The Nine-Tailed Fox Spirit sealed within his body, is forced to live a bullied life discriminated against by his fellow villagers. But Naruto is resilient and undaunted and his determination often inspires those around him. Through the adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity and right vs. wrong.

"Making NARUTO available for digital download will expand the fan base for the series," says Daniel Marks, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. "Download-to-Own has become a compelling addition to our business model and one we hope to take full advantage of it for popular titles like NARUTO, BLEACH and DEATH NOTE. We look forward to NARUTO fans revisiting their favorite episodes using Direct2Drive and to having casual fans check out the action-packed series from the beginning."

Press Release

Kearny, NJ -- Nov 5, 2007 -- ASP is proud to announce the addition of Pauline Benney as Art Director to its expanding stable of top-notch publishing, editorial, and creative talent. The award-winning Benney brings design and layout skills to ASP that will be immediately useful as Benney will ensure books continue to be released on time and that they live up to the already high production standards fans have learned to expect from ASP.

Additionally, Benney brings to ASP a keen eye for art as well as an array of artist contacts built from her 10 years as Art Director at White Wolf Publishing. With ASP's growing lineup of creator-owned comic book and graphic novel titles, Benney will be able to reach out to her artists and help to continue to expand the company. While at White Wolf, Benney worked with such artists as Alex Maleev, Brom, Guy Davis, Vince Locke, Tim Bradstreet, Alex Sheikman, John Van Fleet, Jason Alexander, Leif Jones, Steve Ellis, Ben Templesmith, Marko Djurdjevic, Jean Sebastien Rossbach, Mark Nelson, and many, many more.

Before taking a year away from the industry, one of the last books she art directed, Vampire The Requiem, earned her the 2005 Silver ENNIE Award for Best Interior Art.

"I knew of Mark [Smylie] while at White Wolf where he did illustration work for a variety of Vampire titles," Benney said. "Since he founded ASP, I've watched the company grow and grow, publishing some bitchin' titles, working with some truly talented artists, and producing some jaw-droppingly beautiful books. I'm looking forward to working with ASP's creators and am hopeful I can get the chance to once again work with some of the illustrious artists I've come to know over the last decade."

"I've known Pauline for a long time," said Mark Smylie, publisher of ASP Comics, "and I know how hard she works and how good she is at her job. We couldn't be happier to bring her on board. Not to mention, with Pauline taking on the layout of the books, I may now finally be free to return to paint a few pages of Artesia every now and then, something for which I've longed, but have just been too busy with building the company to do."

All of ASP's titles are available at finer comic book retailers and bookstores worldwide.

ABOUT ARCHAIA STUDIOS PRESS
Mark Smylie founded Archaia Studios Press (ASP) in 2002 as a new home for his epic fantasy comic book, Artesia (first published by Sirius Entertainment). Artesia, winner of ForeWord Magazine's Best Graphic Novel of 2003, and its sequels -- Artesia Afield and Artesia Afire -- gave ASP its foundation. Artesia: Adventures in The Known World, a roleplaying game written by Mark, expanded ASP into the world of gaming; the game won the Origins Award for Role-Playing Game of 2005. Now Mark and publishing partner Aki Liao have expanded ASP to include a line of idiosyncratic and creator-driven comic books and graphic novels in the fantasy, science fiction, and horror genres, as well as translations of several of Europe's best titles. More information can be found at www.aspcomics.com

Press Release

The quest for the Kree savior ends in Annihilation: Conquest -- Quasar #4 as Pyhla-Vell, the daughter of Captain Marvel, and the former Avenger Moondragon take on the Phalanx and the Super Adaptoid! Writer Christos Gage (House of M: Avengers, WWH: X-Men) and penciler Mike Lilly (Nightwing) have stacked the odds against our heroes, leaving Phyla's quantum bands drained, and facing an ever-adaptable villain backed with a full Phalanx army and armed with all the powers of the mightiest Avengers!

But who or what has sent Quasar and Moondragon on their quest? Who is the Kree savior? And what will become of the Kree if the Super Adaptoid beats them to their quarry?

The answers lie in Annihilation: Conquest -- Quasar #4 (of 4), the amazing issue that leads directly into Annihilation: Conquest #1!

"The art by Lilly is a great fit for this mini-series, and he truly does a great Super-Adaptoid. The entire artistic team on this book is well-suited to the subject matter, and bring a grace and fluidity to this adventure story," says Adam Chapman of ComiXtreme.com. "I can't wait till next issue to see just who the Savior of the Kree is, once and for all."

ANNIHILATION: CONQUEST -- QUASAR #4 (of 4) (AUG072206)
Written by CHRISTOS GAGE
Penciled by MIKE LILLY
Cover by MATT WILSON
Rated T+ ...$2.99
FOC-10/11/07, On-Sale-10/31/07

Press Release

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will spook mature-aged manga fans nationwide with an array of horror manga just in time for Halloween. Known for stories that blend the supernatural with the surreal, the horror genre of manga is truly one of the most unique and perhaps underrepresented, but definitely worthy of exploration. VIZ Media will offer four acclaimed titles that are guaranteed to scare this October under its Signature imprint. The titles include PORTUS, Vol. 8 of DRIFTING CLASSROOM and 2nd Editions of UZUMAKI and GYO.

UZUMAKI (2nd Edition)
Rated "M" for Mature
MSRP: $9.99
Available October 16, 2007

A new 2nd Edition of this unique horror manga from Junji Ito, UZUMAKI, depicts a town's creepy obsession with spirals. Slowly but steadily, people become variously fascinated with, terrified of, consumed by and ultimately killed by the countless occurrences of the spiral in nature - seashells, ferns, whirlpools in water, and whirlwinds in air. Junji Ito is one of Japan's most acclaimed horror manga creators, winning the prestigious Umezu prize for horror. UZUMAKI was also turned into a live action film in 2000 and set off a run of popular Japanese horror films including Ju-On and Ringu. UZUMAKI will make an impression with the reader as the hapless town inhabitants are pulled ever deeper under the spiral's spell, as if into a whirlpool from which there is no return. The 2nd Edition features a trim black cover with red lettering.

GYO (2nd Edition)
Rated "M" for Mature
MSRP: $9.99
Available October 16, 2007

Another horror masterpiece from Junji Ito offers a fishy horror tale that will guarantee a second thought before a trip to the seashore! From the mind of Eisner-nominated manga artist Junji Ito comes this diabolical tale of a peaceful town terrorized by waterborne monstrosities. Something is rotten in Okinawa as the rank odor of death floats over the island. A strange, legged fish appears on the scene and so begins teenager Tadashi's wild adventure into the horror (and stench) of the sea. The new 2nd Edition features a trim black cover with red lettering that complements the 2nd Edition of UZUMAKI.

PORTUS
Rated "M" for Mature
MSRP: $9.99
Available October 9, 2007

Asami's best friend Chiharu has stopped coming to school and isn't answering her phone. It seems she has found something that's a little more addictive than the school art club. But when Chiharu mysteriously commits suicide, all Asami finds in her room is a strange video game called Portus. With the help of two of her teachers, Asami hopes to solve the mystery behind her friend's macabre death and the bizarre game. But is she prepared for the horrors of entering the twisted world of Portus, a game where, if you lose, death is your only option? Creator Jun Abe debuted with his manga Nedan wa Ii-yo in 1990, and followed with several other titles including The Yamada-ke and Miruo-Pon in Weekly Young Sunday, and Japanese Ahokko Kids in Monthly Sunday GX. PORTUS is notable for beautiful, precise illustrations reminiscent of the work of Takeshi Obata (DEATH NOTE).

DRIFTING CLASSROOM Vol. 8
Rated "M" for Mature
MSRP: $9.99
Available October 16, 2007
Without warning, a Japanese elementary school is transported out of the world they know, and into a nightmarish wasteland. Have they gone to another planet, or is this toxic world actually a vision of Earth's future? Soon, the students and teachers must struggle to survive in impossible conditions, besieged by terrifying creatures and beset by madness. Part Lord of the Flies, part post-apocalyptic Kid Nation, THE DRIFTING CLASSROOM (1972-1974) by Kazuo Umezu is a classic can't-put-down manga series that was also adapted into a Japanese live-action movie (1987). Volume 8 of the 11-volume series finds Sho, a 6th grader and leader of the marooned group of kids, forced into slavery by the crazed former cook of their school. Sho and a small band manage to escape and make it into the wrecked Tokyo subway where they encounter a world of horror, but also perhaps the answer to the end of the world.

"The Halloween season is a perfect time for the release of this collection of horror manga titles," states Alvin Lu, Vice President, Publishing, VIZ Media. "Each of these stories is unique and we are pleased to offer an exceptional selection of content under our Signature imprint to make this year's Halloween an especially scary one. Horror manga is not yet widely known in North America and we look forward to fans discovering this under-appreciated genre through these terrifying new releases!"

more VIZ Media Halloween news...
SHOJO BEAT Magazine
Don't miss the October issue of Shojo Beat magazine - it includes tons of Halloween content, including two Halloween hot lists, a Do It Yourself guide to throwing an awesome Shojo Beat-themed Halloween party, and a four-page feature on the most terrifying movies, manga and myths in Japan! Plus, a story on traditional Japanese sweets (including an easy recipe for mochi!), an intimate interview with Japanese rock stars An Café, an interview with a gothic lolita designer who's making waves in the US, and an exclusive manga preview! In addition, the goddess of gothic Shojo manga, Junko Mizuno, creepily renders our Beat Girl. The issue includes a deliciously dark poster from the vampire-romance series Vampire Knight! The October issue of Shojo Beat Magazine also includes the chance for readers to win the Limited Edition perfumes; 'Vampire Tears' and 'Midnight Kiss', inspired by SHOJO BEAT and created by Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs, these can also be purchased at www.blackphoenixalchemylabs.com

Haloween Event!
VIZ Media will be sponsoring a night of Halloween fun October 18th at New York city's premier haunted attraction, Blood Manor. Blood Manor is a first class Haunted Attraction comprised of approximately 5,000 square feet of themed rooms, corridors, and a labyrinth of passageways designed to maximize one's fears! The first 500 attendees on October 18th will receive a SHONEN JUMP + SHOJO BEAT gift bag filled with Halloween filled goodies including magazines, a DEATH NOTE calendar, VAMPIRE KNIGHT poster, BLACH DVD sampler and SHOJO BEAT inspired perfumes 'Vampire Tears' and 'Midnight Kiss' by Gothic scent specialists Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs. For more information about this exciting month long Haunted Attraction go to www.bloodmanor.com.

Simpsons Comics #138
by Wein and Valenti
$2.99 USA/ $3.99 CAN
32 pages/standard format/color/all ages/humor

When a torrential rainstorm threatens to raise the level of Springfield River and destroy Springfield's crumbling levees, only one outspoken environmental advocate, only one eco-aware tree-hugging activist, only one global-warming truth–telling second grader can save the town from disaster...Lisa Simpson!
Enjoy a cautionary tale from Springfield this January...before it's too late!!!

Futurama Comics #35
By Boothby and Lloyd
$2.99 USA/ $3.99 CAN
32 pages/standard format/color/humor

From the files of the Secret Justice Team comes a tale of derring-do and action-packed action, as Captain Yesterday (Fry), Clobberella (Leela) and Super King (Bender) face the vengeful wrath of the spawn of one of the greatest villains from their decidedly small Rogues Gallery, The Sun.
Futurama Comics delivers the big laughs this January!




Simpsons Classics #15
By Groening
$3.99/$4.99 CAN
64 pages/magazine/color/all ages/humor

Tired of being harassed by the Internal Revenue Service, Krusty the Clown forms his own country to avoid paying taxes. However, Krustonia is not the utopia he dreams of and keeping his subjects happy requires more than a little song, a little dance, or a little seltzer down your pants. And speaking of tax shelters, Mr. Burns' sizable investment in professional wrestling may come to an end when Captain Slamtastic announces retirement, that is, unless the business-minded billionaire can find a suitable replacement that can fit in the tights. Also included a Ned Flanders mystery and a battle of the babies between Maggie and Gerald, the baby with one eyebrow. (Collects Simpson Comics #28 & 29)