Free Ultra-Maniac Anime

VIZ Media announces the launch of ULTRA MANIAC (rated TV-14) available now from the iTunes Store in the U.S. and Canada (http://www.itunes.com/), as well as the streaming content provider HULU (http://www.hulu.com/) and VIZAnime.com, the company’s premier website for anime.

Starting today, iTunes will offer the first part of ULTRA MANIAC season one (dubbed episodes 1-13) for the Download-To-Own (DTO) price of $1.99 (U.S.) each, and a Download-To-Rent (DTR) price of $0.99 (U.S.) each. As a special treat for viewers, ULTRA MANIAC episode 1 is available to download for FREE until November 23rd. Beginning December 6th, ULTRA MANIAC season one part two (episodes 14-26) will also be available for DTO and DTR.

VIZAnime.com and HULU will stream FREE episodes 1-5 of ULTRA MANIAC (subtitled). Two additional new episodes will launch each Monday.

ULTRA MANIAC is based on the popular shojo manga of the same name (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘A’ for All Ages) by creator Wataru Yoshizumi. Ayu Tetsushi is in her second year of junior high and is known as the cool popular tennis club girl that all the girls idolize. Then, Ayu meets Nina, a transfer student whose strange personality leaves Ayu a little perplexed. Soon, Ayu discovers that Nina is a witch that came from the Kingdom of Magic to study abroad!

To learn more about ULTRA MANIAC anime and manga series, please visit VIZAnime.com or ShojoBeat.com.

Second Season of "Vampire Knight Guilty" Streaming at VIZAnime.com

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

VIZ Media announces the debut today of VAMPIRE KNIGHT GUILTY, the second season of 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 please visit http://www.shojobeat.com/. For more information on this and other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit http://www.vizanime.com/.

Vampire Knight Now on DVD in North America

VAMPIRES, SOUL REAPERS AND NINJA HEAT UP THE SUMMER WITH NEW ANIME RELEASES FROM VIZ MEDIA

Catch The Latest DVD Releases For BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN And The North American Premiere Of VAMPIRE KNIGHT

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will delight anime fans with several exciting new DVD releases scheduled for the summer. These are scheduled to include the North American debut of VAMPIRE KNIGHT, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN series and a new POKÉMON collection.

VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 US / $28.99 CAN • Available Now

At the prestigious Cross Academy, there are two sessions of classes, the Day Class and the Night Class. As the school's Disciplinary Committee, Yuki Cross and Zero Kiryu keep watch over the Day Class students, who are all infatuated with the beautiful and elite Night Class students. As Guardians, Yuki and Zero must also protect the secret of the Night Class – they are all vampires!

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

POKÉMON ELEMENTS: COLLECTION, Part 1 • Rated 'A' for All Ages • MSRP: $29.92 U.S. / $42.99 CAN • Available August 31st

Following the POKÉMON All Star series, the POKÉMON ELEMENTS: COLLECTION bundles Volumes 1-5 of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon. Included are: Volume 1: Grass, Volume 2: Fire, Volume 3: Water, Volume 4: Electric and Volume 5: Ice.


New NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Releases Include:

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 3 Standard Edition • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available August 3rd

After fierce battles with the Akatsuki, Sakura, Granny Chiyo, Kakashi and Naruto have finally retrieved Gaara from Deidara's clutches. But is it too late? Back in the Leaf Village, Kakashi's on bed rest for overusing his Mangekyo Sharingan, and Naruto prepares to recruit some of his friends for Team Kakashi. But the village elders have beat him to it, and their choice of the unfeeling Sai has Naruto spitting mad!

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 3 Special Edition • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $69.97 U.S. / $99.99 CAN • Available August 3rd

Features same DVDs as the Standard Edition but includes a special limited edition Sasori figurine.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 11 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available Now

Naruto is horrified to learn that he's responsible for the destruction caused by his rampage under the influence of the Nine-Tailed Fox, which includes Sakura's injuries. Though the battle takes a severe toll on his body, the team continues on to Orochimaru's lair to find Sasuke. But the mysterious Sai has disappeared along with Orochimaru, and the implications could spell disaster for the Leaf Village.

NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 12 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available August 10th

The search for Sasuke is nearing its end as Team Kakashi infiltrates Orochimaru's hideout. When Sai witnesses Naruto's strong sense of loyalty for Sasuke, he's reminded of the feelings he once had for his own brother. The moment finally comes when Naruto and Sakura face Sasuke once more, but everything may be spoiled when Sai's true mission is revealed! Features episodes 49-53.

NARUTO UNCUT BOX SET SEASON 3, Volume 2 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available August 31st

Naruto has an irrepressible spirit, and even though his friend and teammate Sasuke has gone over to the evil Orochimaru, he's determined to carry out his shinobi duties. His missions include searching for Orochimaru's hideout, tracking an escaped prisoner, and saving a gold-mining town from a group of thugs. Then his leadership skills are put to the test when he takes Konohamaru and his pals on a training exercise to Mt. Takurami, where he gets them lost! Does Naruto have the chops to find his way out of a raging storm with a pack of eager young ninja in tow? Features episodes 136-163

For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, please visit http://www.naruto.com/


New BLEACH Releases Include:

BLEACH Volume 30 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available Now

Substitute Soul Reaper Ichigo Kurosaki is determined to learn how to control his inner Hollow and visits Shinji Hirako at the Visoreds' hideout to find a way. But as much as Ichigo wishes to suppress his inner Hollow, Shinji wants to force him to release it. Ichigo must enter his inner world, where he's greeted by a more powerful version of himself wielding a white Zangetsu, which may be his most formidable opponent yet!

BLEACH Volume 31 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN • Available August 24th

Ichigo and his friends undergo exhaustive training, and Captain Hitsugaya's advance troops prepare for the showdown with Sosuke Aizen. But Lieutenant Rangiku Matsumoto is more interested in exploring life in the World of the Living, embarking on the shopping spree of a lifetime. Her fun is interrupted by the appearance of a formidable new enemy, Mock Arrancars that are wreaking havoc in Karakura Town. Features episodes 127-131

For more information on BLEACH, please visit http://www.bleach.viz.com/

For more information on other animated titles from VIZ Media please visit http://www.vizanime.com/.

Own First 3 "InuYasha" Films for a Pittance

Press release:

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES SPECIAL NEW PROMOTION FOR INUYASHA FEATURE FILMS AND TV EPISODES AVAILABLE FROM iTUNES, HULU AND VIZANIME.COM

Offered At Special Prices Only For Limited Time

VIZ Media announces a new promotion for INUYAHSA episodes and feature films (all rated ‘T’ for Teens) available now from the iTunes Store in the U.S. and Canada (www.iTunes.com), as well as the streaming content provider HULU (www.Hulu.com) and VIZAnime.com, the company’s premier website for anime.

iTunes will offer the first three INUYASHA feature films (dubbed) – INUYASHA THE MOVIE: AFFECTIONS TOUCHING ACROSS TIME, INUYASHA THE MOVIE 2: THE CASTLE BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS, and INUYASHA THE MOVIE 3: SWORDS OF AN HONORABLE RULER, for a special Download-To-Own (DTO) sale price of $4.99 (U.S.) each until August 3rd. Additionally, INUYASHA TV episode 1 is available to download for FREE, and episodes 2-167, covering Seasons 1-7, will be 50% off and available for iTunes users to download for only $0.99 each.

HULU will stream INUYASHA: AFFECTIONS TOUCHING ACROSS TIME (subtitled) for free until August 11th; it will also be available during the same period on VIZAnime.com, the free-to-use interactive web destination that is the permanent home to some of the company’s best-loved animated series.

INUYASHA is a hit TV anime series is based on a massively popular manga (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi, who won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for the series in 2002. Many of Takahashi’s titles have been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. The INUYASHA anime series ran for 167 episodes in total and has also spawned an exciting finale series, INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT (also available on VIZAnime.com), as well as several successful feature films.

INUYASHA
When an enchanted well draws her into the past, Kagome, an ordinary modern schoolgirl, finds her destiny tied to the doglike half-demon Inuyasha and a mythical gem called the Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four Souls," of which the smallest shard can grant the user unimaginable power. Throughout their quest to restore the shattered Shikon Jewel, Inuyasha and Kagome have never faced an enemy more deadly or more cunning than the demon mastermind Naraku. With the Shikon Jewel nearly whole and in Naraku’s hands, the race to collect the remaining shards intensifies and a battle of epic proportions is brewing on the horizon...

INUYASHA THE MOVIE: AFFECTIONS TOUCHING ACROSS TIME
200 years ago, Inuyasha's father sealed away a powerful demon from a foreign land named Hyoga. A Shikon Jewel shard awakens Hyoga's son, Menomaru, inspiring him to absorb the remains of his father's power to take control of the world! It's now up to Inuyasha and his friends to stop this nearly invincible foe!

INUYASHA THE MOVIE 2: THE CASTLE BEYOND THE LOOKING GLASS
With their greatest foe seemingly defeated, Inuyasha and his friends return to their lives. But their short period of peace is once again shattered as a new enemy begins to emerge. Kaguya, the self-proclaimed Princess from the Moon of legend, begins a plan to plunge the world into a perpetual night of the full moon. Inuyasha, Kagome, Miroku, Sango and Shippo must once again unite to face a new threat.

INUYASHA THE MOVIE 3: SWORDS OF AN HONORABLE RULER
Many years ago, the Great Dog Demon wielded the Three Swords of the Fang. Upon his death, he bequeathed a sword to each of his sons, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, leaving the third sword, the wrath-filled Sounga, locked away forever. Now that the Sounga's power has been awakened, these two battling brothers must put away their sibling rivalry and face off against the force that spells doom for all mankind.

To learn more about the INUYASHA anime and manga series, please visit VIZAnime.com or ShonenSunday.com.

VIZAnime to Simulcast "Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan"

Press release:

VIZ MEDIA SIMULCASTS EXCLUSIVE NEW ANIME SERIES NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN ON VIZANIME.COM

Supernatural Action Adventure Launched Simultaneously In Japan And U.S.; First Episode Available To Stream Now

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 a brand new anime series – NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN – on VIZAnime.com, the company’s premier website for anime. The first subtitled episode of the new fantasy action-adventure series about a junior high school student that is part human and part yokai (supernatural demon), premiered for free after the series debut in Japan; free new episodes will be simulcast mere hours after it airs in Japan each Monday.

NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, based on the best selling Nurarihyon no Mago manga series in Japan, is being offered under the SHONEN JUMP imprint, home to other exciting properties including BLEACH and NARUTO. While the day belongs to humans, the night belongs to yokai, supernatural creatures that thrive on human fear. Caught between these worlds is Rikuo Nura. He's three-quarters human, but his grandfather is none other than Nurarihyon, the supreme commander of the Nura clan, a powerful yokai consortium. So, Rikuo is an ordinary teenager three quarters of the time, until his yokai blood awakens. Then he transforms into the future leader of the Nura clan, leading a hundred demons.

“We are pleased to expand the line-up on VIZAnime.com with the exclusive simulcast of NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, reaffirming our commitment to bringing the latest series from Japan,” says Ken Sasaki, Senior Vice President & General Manager of VIZ Media. “We are excited for fans to explore the fantastic world of NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, and share their thoughts and start discussions through the social network features of VIZAnime.com!”

VIZAnime.com is a free-to-use web destination that is now the permanent home to some of the company’s best-loved animated series. Over 1,100 episodes are currently available, and new content is added on a weekly basis. Series currently featured on VIZAnime.com include BLEACH, BUSO RENKIN, DEATH NOTE, HONEY AND CLOVER, HIKARU NO GO, INUYASHA, INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, KEKKAISHI, NANA, NARUTO, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, ONE PIECE and THE PRINCE OF TENNIS.

To view subtitled NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN animated episodes (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and other VIZ Media animated titles, please visit VIZAnime.com.

Latest Episodes of Bleach Anime at VIZAnime - FOR FREE!

LATEST EPISODES AIRED IN JAPAN OF POPULAR BLEACH ANIME SERIES TO START STREAMING ON VIZANIME.COM

Fans Are Invited To View New Episodes On VIZAnime.com

Beginning Today For FREE!

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, continues to generate tremendous momentum for its popular BLEACH series with the announcement that English-subtitled episodes from the most current story arc will begin streaming for free in the U.S. via the company’s premier website for anime, VIZAnime.com. Starting today with Episode 275, VIZAnime.com will stream a new BLEACH episode one week after it has aired in Japan.

BLEACH is one of the most popular Japanese anime and manga properties in the world and this near simulcast schedule is part of VIZ Anime’s ongoing strategy to bring hit animated properties to a national audience via the web.

BLEACH is a popular manga and animated series (both rated ‘T’ for Teens), distributed domestically by VIZ Media, that follows the adventures of Ichigo, a 15-year old student with the ability to see ghosts. When his family is attacked by a Hollow — a malevolent lost soul – Ichigo encounters Rukia, a Soul Reaper, and inadvertently absorbs her powers. Now, he’s dedicating his life to protecting the innocent and helping tortured souls find peace. Episode 275, from the newest story arc in Japan, marks the start of a thrilling storyline and guarantees a series of face-offs that are sure to excite old and new BLEACH fans!

VIZAnime.com 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 1,000 episodes are currently available, and new content is added on a weekly basis.

“BLEACH remains one of the most successful and popular anime series in North America, and VIZ Media continues to break down time and distance barriers by making new episodes available within days of their original airing in Japan,” says Ken Sasaki, Sr. Vice President & General Manager, VIZ Media. “VIZAnime.com is the ultimate destination for the many popular VIZ Media animated titles, and currently contains an extensive catalog of hundreds of episodes from popular shows like BLEACH, INUYASHA, NARUTO, THE PRINCE OF TENNIS and more, all offered with accurate, high-quality streaming video that is completely free for viewers!”

BLEACH is a tremendously successful multimedia property internationally. The manga has been licensed in numerous countries around the world and has sold over 2 million copies in the US. In North America, the manga has been a sales hit and the popular animated series is viewed weekly by millions. This success also includes an array of related video games, apparel, action figures and other merchandise.

BLEACH animation can be viewed on Adult Swim and through a variety of other web-based video download and streaming outlets that have partnered with VIZ Media, including iTunes®, Xbox Live, PlayStation Network, Amazon, and HULU. For more information on BLEACH, please visit bleach.viz.com. To view subtitled BLEACH animated episodes, please visit VIZAnime.com.

"Cross Game" Anime Streaming at VIZAnime.com

VIZ MEDIA STREAMING NEW ANIME SERIES CROSS GAME ONLINE AT VIZAnime.com

Joining The Highly Anticipated Preview Of The Manga

VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the very special North American premiere of the new anime series - CROSS GAME, a story set against the backdrop of baseball that explores the bonds of love shared between family and friends. CROSS GAME is streaming free on VIZ Media’s VIZAnime website (www.VIZAnime.com) beginning today.

The news follows an announcement last month of VIZ Media’s planned preview of the CROSS GAME manga series, which is scheduled to also go live today, on the company’s Shonen Sunday website (www.ShonenSunday.com). The manga series, created by Mitsuru Adachi, is scheduled for release under the Shonen Sunday imprint on October 12, 2010.

CROSS GAME is a moving coming-of-age drama that is heartfelt and true and flows delightfully with a light and amusing touch. The series centers around a boy named Ko, the family of four sisters who live down the street, and their shared passion for the sport of baseball.

“VIZAnime is a convenient new one-stop web destination where visitors stream hundreds of episodes from not only classic VIZ Media anime properties, but also brand new series like CROSS GAME,” says Andy Nakatani, Editorial Manager, VIZ Media. “CROSS GAME was created by one of the most talented names in manga and the anime counterpart is a wonderful adaptation of the well-crafted story of baseball, adolescence, tragedy and newfound love. We invite fans to explore VIZAnime and see what the growing buzz is all about.”

VIZAnime is a free-to-use interactive web destination that is now the permanent home to some of the company’s best-loved animated series. New content is now added on a weekly basis.

Series currently featured on VIZAnime includes BLEACH, BUSO RENKIN, DEATH NOTE, HONEY AND CLOVER, HIKARU-NO-GO, INUYASHA, INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, KEKKAISHI, NANA, NARUTO, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, ONE PIECE and THE PRINCE OF TENNIS.

To view subtitled CROSS GAME animated episodes (rated ‘T’ for Teens) and other VIZ Media animated titles please visit www.VIZAnime.com.

For more information on the CROSS GAME manga (rated ‘T’ for teens) and other titles from VIZ Media’s Shonen Sunday imprint, please visit http://www.shonensunday.com/.

"Vampire Knight" Anime Online at VIZAnime.com

VAMPIRE KNIGHT ANIMATED SERIES PREMIERES 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, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, beckons fans to sink their teeth into the gothic romance of the animated series VAMPIRE KNIGHT, launching online today 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 please visit http://www.vizanime.com/.

Final "InuYasha" Episode at VIZ Anime

INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT REACHES THE ULTIMATE SERIES FINALE ON VIZAnime.com

VIZ Media invites fans to catch the last episode of INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT airing on VIZAnime.com. The finale to the long-running animated adventure saga will be broadcast on the new video-streaming site shortly after it airs in Japan. Find out in the exciting conclusion to one of the greatest anime series of all time in the installment titled “Toward Tomorrow”!

INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT is based on a massively popular manga (also published by VIZ Media, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens) by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi, who won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for the series in 2002. Many of Takahashi’s titles have been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. The INUYASHA anime series has run for 193 episodes in total and has also spawned several feature films.

Pulled back in time to Japan's ancient past, Japanese high school girl Kagome finds her destiny linked to a dog-like half-demon named Inuyasha, who remembers Kagome's previous incarnation as the woman who killed him - and to the Shikon Jewel, or "Jewel of Four Souls," which can fulfill the greatest dreams of any man or monster. Now Kagome and Inuyasha must work together to search for the scattered shards of the jewel before everyone's nightmares are given the power they need to come true.

Takahashi’s manga, as well as the other formats her work has been adapted into, have continued to delight generations of fans around the world. Distinguished by her wonderfully endearing characters, Takahashi’s work adeptly incorporates a wide variety of elements such as comedy, romance, fantasy, and martial arts. Rumiko Takahashi is an artist who truly represents the very best from the world of manga. Please visit the official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information located at www.TheRumicWorld.com.

VIZAnime.com is a brand new, free-to-use interactive web destination that is the permanent home to some of the company’s best-loved animated series VIZ Anime is accessible at: www.VIZAnime.com.

VIZ Anime Offers Anime like Naruto and Bleach for Free

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES VIZ ANIME - A NEW OFFICAL WEB DESTINATION FOR SOME OF THE HOTTEST ANIME CONTENT

Optimized Technology Allows Fans To Connect And Interact And Spend Less Time Looking For The Latest Anime Episodes And More Time Enjoying Them

In a significant news announcement, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has detailed the launch of VIZ Anime – a brand new, free-to-use interactive web destination that will become a permanent home to some of the company’s best-loved animated series as well as new content which will be added on a weekly basis. VIZ Anime is accessible at: www.VIZAnime.com.

VIZ Anime kicks off with more than 400 episodes from hit series such as BLEACH, BUSO RENKIN, DEATH NOTE (complete series), HIKARU NO GO, HONEY & CLOVER, INUYASHA (complete series) and INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, NANA, NARUTO (complete series) and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN as well as THE PRINCE OF TENNIS. The site will also be the future web home for many other eagerly anticipated anime series set to launch later this year!

Episodes can be streamed for free with new ones being added weekly. A variety of interactive social networking tools and features also help foster an official online home and community for VIZ Media anime fans allowing them to connect on and discuss favorite shows, and offer ratings and opinions of various episodes. New functionalities will be added regularly.

• Users can “follow” as many series as they like and choose to be notified each time a new episode is released, as well as keep track of the last episode they’ve watched. This makes it easy to stay current on series like INUYASHA or NARUTO, which feature more than 100 episodes.

• Users can comment on individual episodes and also meet and interact with other fans, invite friends to join, ask questions and debate plot twists and characters, voice their opinion on what’s happening in a particular series, and also find out what else is going on across the anime and manga spectrums.

• Users can rate their favorite episodes by using a “Like” button on each episode page. They can quickly access a list of all the episodes they’ve similarly liked to compare how other users have liked an episode.

• Users can make a personalized profile page to keep track of the episodes they’ve watched and enjoyed, the series they’re currently following, and comments they’ve made. Mail tools can also be used to send private messages between individual users. Privacy controls let users decide what information is shared publicly and who is able to send them messages.

“We’re committed to developing VIZ Anime as a premiere online destination, and hope to offer a real community for VIZ Media fans to interact with each other and share their love of anime,” says Ken Sasaki, Senior Vice President & General Manager of VIZ Media. “We will also utilize the site as a means of two-way communication to better understand what our fans enjoy most and want, and how they engage with anime and manga online. With a lot of content to select from, VIZ Anime will become a favorite site to visit again and again!”

For more information on VIZ Media or VIZ Anime, please visit www.VIZAnime.com.