Creators of New "Ultraman" Manga to Appear at 2015 Comic-Con International

VIZ MEDIA WELCOMES THE CREATORS OF NEW ULTRAMAN MANGA SERIES TO 2015 COMIC-CON INTERNATIONAL: SAN DIEGO

Manga Artists/Creators Eiichi Shimizu And Tomohiro Shimoguchi Make First-Ever International Appearance To Celebrate New Action Series Inspired By The Classic Japanese Sci-Fi Property

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, proudly presents the first-ever U.S. appearance by the creators of the new ULTRAMAN manga series at the 2015 Comic-Con International: San Diego.

Comic-Con International is one of the nation’s largest comic book, science fiction and pop culture events, and takes place July 8th-12th at the San Diego Convention Center, in San Diego, CA. VIZ Media will be located in Booth 2813. Complete details on Comic-Con are available at: www.comic-con.org.

Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi created the new ULTRAMAN manga series, which is inspired by the original classic Japanese superhero TV show that ran in the late 1960s and remains hugely popular with audiences around the world. The series launches in print and digitally on August 18th under the VIZ Signature imprint. In Japan, the series currently appears in Hero’s magazine.

During Comic-Con, Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi will participate in an informative panel discussion about the impact of Ultraman on pop culture. The pair will also host four different signing sessions at the VIZ Media booth. A special ULTRAMAN bundle will be available for purchase for $30.00 in the VIZ Media booth that includes an advance copy of ULTRAMAN Vol. 1 along with a collectable Ultraman figure from Japan.

“It is an honor to present the creators of this amazing new manga series at one of the largest pop culture events in the U.S. and we look forward to fans getting an up close and personal experience by attending our panel discussion and signing sessions,” says Michael Montesa, Editor. “Join us in San Diego as this updated classic Japanese sci-fi property prepares to thrill a whole new generation of manga readers.”

ULTRAMAN Comic-Con International Special Events:

Friday July 10th

3:00PM - 4:00PM - VIZ Media Presents ULTRAMAN Panel
Room 23AB
For their first international appearance, Eiichi Shimizu and Tomohiro Shimoguchi, creators of the new VIZ Media manga series ULTRAMAN - inspired by the original Japanese TV show – will be joined onstage by special guests from Legendary Comics to discuss Japan's quintessential superhero and the influence of kaiju in today's pop culture. Challenge them with questions, answer trivia and get a unique first look at this action-packed new series straight from Japan!

ULTRAMAN Creator Autograph Sessions

Meet the creators of the ULTRAMAN manga series in several personal appearances at the VIZ Media booth. Fans will be able to have them sign special advance copies of the series’ opening volume as well as the exclusive figure.

Thursday July 9th
11:00AM - VIZ Media Booth

Friday July 10th
4:30PM - VIZ Media Booth

Saturday July 11th
10:00AM - VIZ Media Booth
1:30PM - VIZ Media Booth

Decades ago, a being known as the Giant of Light joined Shin Hayata of the Scientific Special Search Party to save Earth from an invasion of terrifying monsters known as Kaiju. Now, many years later, those dark days are fading into memory, and the world is at peace. But in the shadows a new threat is growing, a danger that can only be faced by a new kind of hero – a new kind of ULTRAMAN… Shinjiro is an ordinary teenager, but his father is the legendary Shin Hayata. When he learns that his father passed on the “Ultraman Factor” to him, and that he possesses incredible powers, nothing will ever be the same again.

Eiichi Shimizu worked on the story, script and mechanical design for ULTRAMAN. Tomohiro Shimoguchi provided character design and art. Together, the two have formed a creative dream team to produce a number of works including ULTRAMAN (Hero’s) and Kurogane no Rainbareru (Linebarrels of Iron, Akita Shoten). In addition to comics, they have expanded their field of interest to include character designs for video games and action figures.

For more information on ULTRAMAN or manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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"Comic Art House" Artists at 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con

Comic Art House Hosts Talent at the 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - Buy your VIP and General Admission Tickets now the 2015 Baltimore Comic-Con (http://baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/), taking place the weekend of September 25-27, 2015 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to welcome a slew of creators from our friends at Comic Art House.

Comic Art House, owned and operated by Bob Shaw, Kim Shaw and Jarrett Melendez, was founded in 2007 in Manchester, NH. In those early days, the company started small, representing ten professional comic artists. Now, just 8 years later, Comic Art House boasts more than 65 of the industry's most talented artists. Their crew's artwork has graced the pages of countless publications produced by Marvel, DC, Image, IDW, Dark Horse, Dynamite, BOOM! Studios, Archie Comics, and more. Join us in Baltimore's beautiful Inner Harbor for a weekend of comic excitement as we welcome the following members of the Comic Art House family.

Scott Ambruson artist, The Collectors, Trailer Park of Terror, Crime Wave Anthology, AZTECA and Destiny, Queen of Thieves.

Talent Caldwell artist, Action Comics, Batgirl, Gen13, Spectacular Spider-Man, and X-Men: Age of Apocalypse.

Chris Campana artist, Kantara, First World, Vigilante Project, and Realm of the Underworld.

Katie Cook writer/artist, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Fraggle Rock, and Gronk.

Joe Eisma artist, Morning Glories, Archer and Armstrong, Archie, Bill and Ted's Most Triumphant Return, and Hoax Hunters.

Keron Grant artist, New X-Men, Iron Man, and Spider-Man.

Laura Guzzo artist, Roadkill du Jour, Shakespeare Shaken, and PrinceLess: Short Stories for Warrior Women.

h-eri artist, Dominion and Shadowfist.

Ken Hunt artist, Bloodlines and Talon.

Mike Lilly artist, Nightwing, Vampirella, X-Men Unlimited, Quasar, Catwoman, Punisher, and Grimm Fairy Tales.

Pop Mhan artist, Amazing Spider-Man, Batgirl, He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, and All-New X-Factor.

NEN artist, Legend of the Five Rings and Shinobi Clans, The Memory Collectors, Aspen's Damsels in Excess, and Justice League.

Brent Peeples artist, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,TMNT/Ghostbusters, X-O Manowar, Godzilla Cataclysm, and Legenderry: Green Hornet.

Andy Price artist, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Adventure Time, Littlest Pet Shop, and Wordgirl.

Sara Richard artist, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Deadpool, and Jem and the Holograms.

Craig Rousseau creator, The Perhapanauts, and Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl; artist, Impulse, Batman Beyond, Gotham Adventures, Harley Quinn, and Captain America.

Matt Slay artist, TMNT/Ghostbusters crossover and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Micro Series: Leonardo.

Ben Templesmith artist Fell, Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse, Gotham by Midnight, 30 Days of Night, The Squidder, and Dagon.

Mark 'Tex' Texeira artist, Wolverine, Punisher, Ghost Rider, Sabretooth, Moon Knight, and Space Punisher.

Jeremy Treece artist, Flash Gordon, Hero@Large, Marvel Zombies: Christmas Carol, and Mandrake the Magician.

Rich Woodall creator, Johnny Raygun, Kyrra: Alien Jungle Girl, Zombie Bomb! Comic Anthology; artist, Powerpuff Girls and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
"Wow!" said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. "That's a whole lot of talent! We're grateful to the Comic Art House folks for bringing such a broad range of excellent artists, some who have been with us in the past and some who are making their first appearances. Art fans will surely rejoice upon reading this news!"

TICKETS
General Admission and VIP Package tickets for Weekend, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as the Harvey Awards, are now on sale! Visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets/ for more information and to purchase your advanced tickets now, and as always, kids 10 and under get into the show free with a paid adult General Admission!

In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.

Contact Information

Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com - for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com- for the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com- for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries


About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 15th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry's oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 10 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

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First Trade Paperback of "Postal" Comic Book Due Tomorrow (June 24th)

POSTAL, VOL. 1 delivers chills to readers this July

The first four issues of hit Top Cow horror series will be collected into trade paperback

Writer Matt Hawkins (THINK TANK, TALES OF HONOR) and Bryan Hill (Broken Trinity: Pandora’s Box) and Top Cow’s Talent Hunt-winning artist Isaac Goodhart create a suspenseful horror thriller in POSTAL, VOL. 1. The first four issues of the new hit Top Cow series will be collected into a trade paperback and available this July.

The townsfolk of Eden, Wyoming wake up to the first official murder the town has seen in 25 years. Their reaction to this isn’t normal, and there’s a reason for that. Eden operates as a haven for fugitive criminals who remain here while new identities, often including facial reconstruction, are created for them. There is zero tolerance for any illegal activity that might draw attention to the town and an “official murder” is the last thing they want. A single, tight-knit family runs Eden with the youngest oddball son Mark Shiffron overseeing the postal branch, the only means of shipping in or out of the city. The FBI has repeatedly been foiled trying to insert an undercover agent here; they see Mark as the weak link to exploit. This murder gives them a new opportunity.

POSTAL, VOL. 1 (ISBN: 978-1-63215-342-5) hits comic book stores on June 24, 2015 and bookstores on July 7, 2015 and will be available for $9.99. It can be ordered by retailers from Diamond Book Distributors with Diamond Code APR150614.

More praise for POSTAL:

“Postal is a book that took me by surprise and really wowed me. The writing is incredibly interesting and well done. The art and colors are very fitting for the book and make it much more enjoyable. This is a book that needs to be read by anyone who likes good stories!” —All-Comic

“One of the strongest lead-ins to a new story that the medium has seen in a while.” —Graphic Policy

“A very strong protagonist drives a premise that holds a lot of potential in what is turning out to be an addictive mystery.” —Adventures in Poor Taste

“A solid ‘win’ for me in my search each month for comics that feel and read different from every other comic I'm reading.” —Comic Spectrum

“An intriguing first issue that bears further watching.” —Newsarama

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Dark Horse's Digital Comics Moves to comiXology

Dark Horse Comics Comes To ComiXology

Dark Horse Comics & ComiXology Announce Digital Distribution Agreement for Collections, Graphic Novels, and Manga

More than 800 Dark Horse Comics titles are now available on comiXology including Hellboy, Sin City, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Goon, & more

New York, NY / Portland, OR – Today comiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform, proudly announced a digital distribution agreement with Dark Horse Comics, the largest independent comic book publisher, to bring their full digital catalog of collections, graphic novels, and manga to comiXology’s platform. Now, all Dark Horse Comics collections, graphic novels, and manga will be available on comiXology the same day the print versions arrive in bookstores.

“We are very excited to announce that we have reached an agreement which brings the Dark Horse catalogue found in the Kindle Store to the comiXology platform,” remarked President and Publisher of Dark Horse Comics Mike Richardson.  “For the first time, hundreds of Dark Horse graphic novels will be available to comiXology’s devoted readers. The technology is stellar and we are pleased that our books will be showcased flawlessly.”

“I’ve been a fan of Dark Horse since I was a kid – and have continued to be so throughout their rich history – so this is an important addition to comiXology not only for me personally, but for our customers,” said comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger. “ComiXology fans have requested Dark Horse from day one and now they’ll get their wish by being able to read titles like Hellboy, Sin City, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Goon right now on comiXology, in terrific HD and in Guided View!”

More than 800 titles launch today on comiXology from Dark Horse, including the following fan-favorites:

300
Astro Boy
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Blacksad
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Fear Agent
Frank Miller’s Sin City
Hellboy
MIND MGMT
Serenity
Usagi Yojimbo
The Strain
Grendel
Umbrella Academy
Halo
Lone Wolf and Cub

With over 75,000 comics, graphic novels and manga from more than 75 publishers, comiXology offers the widest selection of digital comics in the world. ComiXology’s immense catalog and cinematic Guided View reading experience make it the best digital platform for comic and graphic novel fans worldwide.

Find your favorite comics and graphic novels at comixology.com and try the comiXology app available on all major mobile platforms.


About Dark Horse
Founded in 1986 by Mike Richardson, Dark Horse Comics has proven to be a solid example of how integrity and innovation can help broaden a unique storytelling medium and establish a small, homegrown company as an industry giant. The company is known for the progressive and creator-friendly atmosphere it provides for writers and artists. In addition to publishing comics from top talent, such as Eric Powell, Mike Mignola, Geof Darrow, Brian Wood, Gail Simone, Stan Sakai, and Guillermo del Toro, and comics legends, such as Will Eisner, Milo Manara, Kazuo Koike, Neil Gaiman and Frank Miller, Dark Horse has developed its own successful properties, such as The Mask, Ghost, X and Barb Wire. Its successful line of comics, manga and products based on popular properties includes Dragon Age, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Aliens, Conan, Tomb Raider, Halo, The Witcher, Serenity, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Today Dark Horse Comics is the largest independent comic book publisher in the US and is recognized as one of the world’s leading entertainment publishers.

About comiXology
ComiXology, an Amazon.com, Inc. subsidiary (NASDAQ:AMZN), has revolutionized the comic book and graphic novel industry by delivering a cloud-based digital comics platform that makes discovering, buying, and reading comics more fun than ever before. ComiXology's Guided View reading technology transforms the comic book medium into an immersive and cinematic experience, helping comiXology become a top ten grossing iPad app in 2011 and 2012 and the top grossing non-game iPad app in 2012 and 2013. Offering the broadest library of comic book content from over 75 publishers - and independent creators as well - comiXology will not stop until everyone on the face of the planet has become a comic book fan. ComiXology is based in New York City, with operations in Los Angeles and Paris.

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VIZ Media Announces "2015 Anime Expo" Schedule

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES PLANS AND ACTIVITIES FOR 2015 ANIME EXPO

A Wide Variety Of Special Guest Appearances, Panel Discussions, Autograph Sessions And Exclusive And Pre-Street Items Highlight VIZ Media’s Presence At The Nation’s Largest Anime Convention

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, prepares for the nation’s largest dedicated anime convention, Anime Expo, with an exciting array of special guest appearances, panel discussions, autograph sessions, promotional giveaways and a variety of exclusive and pre-street items that will be available for purchase.

The 2015 Anime Expo takes place July 2nd–5th at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles. Tickets and full details are available at: www.anime-expo.org. VIZ Media will be located on the main convention floor in Booth #811.

VIZ Media is honored to welcome manga creator Julietta Suzuki as a special Guest of Honor. Suzuki is the creator of the acclaimed shojo manga series, KAMISAMA KISS. During Anime Expo, she will be among the artists to have original manga artwork prominently displayed in the VIZ Media booth to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the company’s Shojo Beat imprint. She also will participate in an informative panel discussion and appear for a pair of autograph sessions. Copies of KAMISAMA KISS (Vols. 1, 18) also will be available for purchase in the VIZ Media booth.

Shojo fans will not want to miss a visit to the VIZ Media booth to enjoy a special exhibit of original manga artwork from more than 40 top titles and creators that are published under the Shojo Beat imprint such as Arina Tanemura (IDOL DREAMS), Yuki Midorikawa (NATSUME’S BOOK OF FRIENDS), Yun Kouga (CROWN OF THORNS), Miko Mitsuki (HONEY BLOOD), Go Ikeyamada (SO CUTE IT HURTS!), Tomu Ohmi (SPELL OF DESIRE) and many more!

Join VIZ Media and the guardians of love and justice to celebrate the legendary action fantasy anime series with SAILOR MOON Day on Friday, July 3rd. Meet the voice cast at an exclusive autograph session in the Anime Expo autograph area and for a photo opportunity at the VIZ Media booth. Also catch all the latest SAILOR MOON news in the official panel discussion set for Friday morning, official fan/cosplay gathering, and the World Dub Premiere of the first 2 episodes of SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL later that afternoon.

The VIZ Media retail area will offer a variety of must-have Anime Expo convention exclusives including:

·         ONE PIECE Exclusive Manga Replicas: $15
·         NARUTO Exclusive Manga Replicas: $15
·         WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP Annual Digital Subscription: $25
o   Includes exclusive Game Mat and Collectible Yearbook (featuring NARUTO) and an exclusive YU-GI-OH! Promo Card: Frightfur Tiger!
·         JOJO’S BIZARRE ADVENTURE Exclusive 3D Poster: $25
·         SAILOR MOON R Part 1 Limited Edition Combo Pack, prestreet with a gift with purchase: $65
·         2015 SAILOR MOON R T-Shirt Exclusive - Ladies and Unisex Styles: $15.each
·         MY HERO ACADEMIA Vol. 1 Manga Pre-street: $10
·         THE DEMON PRINCE OF MOMOCHI HOUSE Vol. 1 Manga Pre-street: $10
·         MAID-SAMA! 2-in-1 Vol. 1 Manga Pre-street: $15
·         Summer 2015 exclusive gift with purchase - Limited Edition VIZ Media tote bags featuring favorite characters and offered in 3 different designs
o   SHONEN JUMP (double-sided featuring Luffy and Naruto)
o   SAILOR MOON
o   THE LEGEND OF ZELDA

Other fun activities taking place at the VIZ Media booth will include:

·         Shojo Beat Prize Wheel
Celebrate Shojo Beat’s 10th anniversary and try your luck at our prize wheel for a chance to win a Shojo Beat 10th Anniversary Calendar, as well as exclusive goodies from Japan!

·         SAILOR MOON Tiara Giveaway & Quest for the Time Key
Sailor Moon needs your help! Grab your SAILOR MOON tiara from the VIZ Media booth to begin your mission to re-awaken the Guardian’s memories,  then get the Time Key and save New Crystal Tokyo from certain doom! Interspersed between Time Key quests, fans can take a short survey SAILOR MOON, get a poster, and enter to win a SAILOR MOON prize pack!

·         Poster Giveaway
Sign up for VIZ Media email newsletters, and get a TOKYO GHOUL poster!

Please check the daily booth schedule for activity times.

VIZ Media Anime Expo Panels & Special Events Include:

Thursday, July 2nd

1:15 – 2:45pm - VIZ Media Panel (Room LP1)
Come party with VIZ Media and listen to thrilling tales of upcoming releases and other Earth-shattering announcements from North America's largest distributor of manga and anime! Warning: panel may include trivia, prizes, yelling and probably some clapping.

Friday, July 3nd

10:00am – 12:00pm - OFFICAIL SAILOR MOON PANEL (Room LP1)
Join VIZ Media as well as Official English cast members from the legendary series and start off a magical day of SAILOR MOON activities! Everyone attending will receive a special treat while supplies last.

12:00pm – 1:00pm - SHONEN JUMP: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
(Room LP5)

Hang out with the English-language editors of the world's most popular manga, plus special surprise guests! Plus a chance to win amazing prizes by showing off your SJ trivia skills.

2:00pm – 3:30pm - SAILOR MOON OFFICIAL DUB CAST AUTOGRAPH SESSION(Anime Expo Autograph Area)

Meet the English voice cast of SAILOR MOON and get your free, premium poster signed!

3:45pm – 4pm - SAILOR MOON OFFICIAL DUB CAST PHOTO OP        (VIZ Media Booth)
Fans can take photos of the talented new Official English voice cast for SAILOR MOON with the Sailor Guardian cosplayers from American Cosplay Paradise in a special session!

4:30pm - JULIETTA SUZUKI AUTOGRAPH SESSION (Anime Expo Autograph Area)

Meet Julietta Suzuki, the creator of KAMISAMA KISS and get a free art card signed. Tickets for this special signing will be distributed at 8AM in the morning from the Anime Expo Autograph Ticket Booth in West Hall.

4:30 pm - SAILOR MOON OFFICIAL FAN COSPLAY GATHERING(Video 1 / JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom)
Dress in your Sailor Guardian or Villain best to show your SAILOR MOON team spirit as well as have a chance to be part of upcoming SAILOR MOON extra features! Fans attending in cosplay will receive a special treat as well as a chance to win some cool prizes!

6:00 pm – 7pm - SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL ENGLISH DUB PREMIERE  (Video 1 / JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom)
The world premiere dub for SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL will be unveiled at this special screening of Episodes 1 and 2! A free goodie will be provided to attendees, while supplies last!

Saturday, July 4th

10:15am – 11:15pm - OFFICIAL SHOJO BEAT PANEL (Room LP2)
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Shojo Beat manga with us! Bring your burning questions and find out what’s coming up in the future.

11:10AM - JULIETTA SUZUKI AUTOGRAPH SESSION (Anime Expo Autograph Area)
Meet Julietta Suzuki, the creator of KAMISAMA KISS and get a free art card signed. Pick up a ticket for this event at 8AM in the morning from the Anime Expo Autograph Ticket Booth in West Hall.

2:00pm – 3:00pm -ANIME EXPO PRESENTS JULIETTA SUZUKI (Petree Hall / LP2)
Join the creator of KAMISAMA KISS, Julietta Suzuki in her first-ever international appearance. Learn about her beginnings as a manga creator and her creative process.

4:00pm – 5:00pm - VIZ ANIMATION (Room 408AB / LP3)
Find out all that's new and awesome with the VIZ Animation team! We'll be talking about upcoming releases, share some announcements and tell you all about our free streaming anime!

Finally, don’t forget to check the Anime Expo screening schedule for a variety of VIZ Media anime titles including showings of BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, NARUTO THE MOVIE: ROAD TO NINJA, TIGER & BUNNY Feature Films (THE BEGINNING and THE RISING), RANMA ½ and SAILOR MOON and SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL.

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


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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VIZ Media Announces "Sailor Moon Day" at 2015 Anime Expo

VIZ MEDIA CELEBRATES SAILOR MOON DAY AT 2015 ANIME EXPO

Join English Dub Voice Actor Guests For A Special Series Of Events And Activities At North America’s Largest Anime Convention

San Francisco, CA – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, brings the excitement of SAILOR MOON to Southern California as it announces a variety of fun activities and special cast appearances for SAILOR MOON Day, taking place on Friday, July 3rd, 2015 during the 2015 Anime Expo.

Anime Expo is the largest dedicated anime convention held in North America and will take place July 2nd–5th at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles. Tickets and full details are available at: www.anime-expo.org. VIZ Media will be located on the main convention floor in Booth #811.

VIZ Media proudly teams with the 2015 Anime Expo to welcome the members of the SAILOR MOON English voice cast as special Guests of Honor. Scheduled to appear in-person will be Amanda Miller (Makoto Kino / Sailor Jupiter), Cherami Leigh (Minako Aino / Sailor Venus), Cristina Vee (Rei Hino / Sailor Mars), Robbie Daymond (Mamoru Chiba / Tuxedo Mask / Moonlight Knight), Sandy Fox (Chibi-Usa), Stephanie Sheh (Usagi Tsukino / Sailor Moon), and Ben Diskin (Gurio Umino). Fans can meet the entire cast for an exclusive photo-op in the VIZ Media booth on Friday, July 3rd at 3:45-4pm PT.

VIZ Media booth visitors are also invited to participate in the SAILOR MOON Tiara Giveaway & Quest for the Time Key activity. Check the daily booth schedule for event times throughout the weekend. Grab a SAILOR MOON tiara from the VIZ Media booth to begin an important mission to re-awaken the Guardian’s memories! Limited edition prizes are available to those that complete the activity, while supplies last.

Throughout Anime Expo, a variety of SAILOR MOON items and home media Blu-ray and DVD sets will be available for purchase on-site from VIZ Media as well as a free gift with purchase tote bag featuring SAILOR MOON R, while supplies last. Available items will include:

·         Exclusive 2015 SAILOR MOON R T-Shirts – Ladies and Unisex styles! $15 each
·         SAILOR MOON Limited Edition Season 1 Set 1 and Season 2 Set 1 Blu-ray/DVD Combo Packs! $65 each

Both sets include an exclusive gift with purchase (while supplies last)!

·         SAILOR MOON Season 1 Sets 1 – 2 and Season 2 Set 1 Standard Edition DVD set. $40 each

Official SAILOR MOON Activities:

Friday, July 3rd, 10:00am – 12:00pm
SAILOR MOON OFFICIAL PANEL
Room LP1 (Petree Hall)

Join VIZ Media as well as Official English cast members from the legendary series and start off a magical day of SAILOR MOON activities! Everyone attending will receive a special treat while supplies last.

Friday, July 3rd, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
SAILOR MOON OFFICIAL DUB CAST AUTOGRAPH SESSION
Anime Expo Autograph Area             

Meet the official English voice cast of SAILOR MOON and get a free, premium poster signed!

Friday, July 3rd, 3:45pm – 4:00pm
SAILOR MOON OFFICIAL DUB CAST PHOTO OP
VIZ Media Booth 811

Fans can take photos of the talented new Official English voice cast for SAILOR MOON with the Sailor Guardian cosplayers from American Cosplay Paradise in a special session!

Friday, July 3rd, 4:30pm – 5:30pm
SAILOR MOON Fan / Cosplay Gathering
Video 1 / JW Marriott Platinum Ballroom

Bring your Sailor Guardian finest and be a part of North America’s largest SAILOR MOON cosplay and fan gathering!     

Also don’t miss special convention screenings of SAILOR MOON and SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL episodes that will place at Anime Expo including the world premiere of the first two newly dubbed SAILOR MOON CRYSTAL episodes on Friday at 6:00pm in Video 1.

VIZ Media has licensed all 5 seasons of the original SAILOR MOON anime series (rated ‘TV-14’), spanning 200 episodes, as well as all three feature films and associated specials. Included is the long-running show’s fifth and climactic final season “Sailor Stars,” which has never-before been licensed for North American release. As part of the return of the series, VIZ Media has produced a fresh and uncut English dub with an all-new voice cast.

VIZ Media currently features SAILOR MOON (subtitled) on its free NeonAlley.com anime streaming channel and also via the Neon Alley brand supported media partners Hulu and Hulu Plus.  Visit www.NeonAlley.com and Hulu.com/sailormoon for more information.

The smash hit SAILOR MOON anime series is inspired by the bestselling manga (graphic novel) series created by Naoko Takeuchi (published in North America by Kodansha). In the series, Usagi Tsukino is a clumsy but kindhearted teenage girl who transforms into the powerful guardian of love and justice, Sailor Moon. Meeting allies along the way who share similar fates, Usagi and her team of planetary Sailor Guardians fight to protect the universe from forces of evil and total annihilation!  

For more information on SAILOR MOON, or other anime titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com/sailormoon.


About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

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Jason Aaron Among Comics Creators Added to Image Expo 2015

Five more creators added to IMAGE EXPO line-up, variant list revealed

Five new creators have been added to Image Expo’s July 2, 2015 lineup: Nicola Scott, Jason Aaron, Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel, and Nick Dragotta will all attend Image Expo. In addition, Image Comics is pleased to reveal a list of tantalizing Image Expo variants that will be available at the show.

Jason Aaron, known for his bestselling southern-fried crime series SOUTHERN BASTARDS (co-created with Jason Latour), New York Times bestselling artist Nicola Scott, known for her work on Secret Six and Birds of Prey, and Kyle Higgins and Alec Siegel—the creative team that brought readers C.O.W.L.—will each make appearances at Image Expo to announce their exciting new projects with Image.

On the signing track, New York Times bestselling artist Nick Dragotta of EAST OF WEST and HOWTOONS will be in attendance at Image Expo as well.

Image Expo variants and merchandise that will be available at the show will include:

    THEY’RE NOT LIKE US, VOL. 1 by Eric Stephenson & Simon Gane
    SOUTHERN BASTARDS #9 by Jason Aaron & Jason Latour
    THE EMPTY ZONE #1 by Jason Shawn Alexander
    SONS OF THE DEVIL #2 by Brian Buccellato & Toni Infante
    AIRBOY #2 by James Robinson & Greg Hinkle
    NOWHERE MEN, VOL. 1 (new printing, two cover variations)
    NOWHERE MEN t-shirt (colors available: red & teal)

Previously announced Image Expo guests include Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA), Brian K. Vaughan (SAGA, WE STAND ON GUARD), Steve Skroce (WE STAND ON GUARD), Tula Lotay (SUPREME: BLUE ROSE), and Greg Rucka (LAZARUS). In addition, there will be special surprise guests in attendance.

Tickets to the event are now available for sale. General Admission is $25 and Premium Admission is $65. Seating is limited. Admission for retailers and members of the media is complimentary.

A General Admission Ticket will grant one (1) person entry to Image Expo and includes a program guide book, access to all programming and events, and admittance to the official Image Expo after party for a chance to mingle with creators, press, retailers, and fellow-fans.

A Premium Admission Ticket will grant one (1) entry to Image Expo and includes a program guide book, access to all programming and events, as well as guaranteed premium seating during programming, a pack of Image Expo exclusive variants, one (1) pass to an exclusive signing with creators behind the Image Expo variants, a T-shirt, an Image Comics branded cloth tote bag, and access to the official Image Expo after party for a chance to mingle with creators, press, retailers, and fellow fans.

Members of the media should contact Kat Salazar, Director of PR & Marketing at katsalazar@imagecomics.com to inquire about press passes. Comic Retailers should contact Corey Murphy, Director of Sales at coreymurphy@imagecomics.com.

Don’t miss your chance to meet creators, attend panels and signings, receive exclusive swag, and get the scoop on all that Image Comics has in store.

Image Comics fans can follow the latest Image Expo updates at imagecomics.com/expo. We hope to see you there.

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