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Press Releases

All press releases are posted as-is from companies and industry professionals. All press releases can be sent to lissa (a) kuriousity.ca. Kuriousity staff reserve the right not to post PR we do not feel is relevant to our site's readers.


PR: PJT contest launches on Anime News Network today

Aniplex, Anime News Network and Pop Japan Travel join forces to offer trips to Japan!

Gardena, CA (November 17, 2010) – In recognition of the simulcast of the Aniplex anime titles Oreimo and togainu no chi ~Bloody Curs~ on Anime News Network (ANN), Aniplex of America, ANN, and Pop Japan Travel (PJT) have teamed up to offer Oreimo and togainu no chi fans something very special: the chance to win one of two trips to Japan!

The simulcast of Oreimo and togainu no chi were first announced by Aniplex and ANN earlier this fall and give fans the chance to view two of Japan’s hottest new anime series right after they are first broadcast in Japan. As a way of saying “thanks” to the anime fans that tune in to the simulcasts, viewers will be able to participate in a contest to win one of two trips to Japan courtesy of Pop Japan Travel, the leader in Pop Culture tours to Japan.

The contest details can only be accessed by watching the two series on ANN. The prize for the winner of the Oreimo contest will be a trip to Japan on PJT’s Tokyo Anime Fair Tour in March 2011, while the winner of the togainu no chi contest will get to join the Fangirl Paradise Tour in May 2011.

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PR: Animate USA November Releases for Amazon Kindle

ANIMATE USA – NEW RELEASES FOR AMAZON KINDLE

TOKYO, JAPAN – NOVEMBER 17 Animate U.S.A., Inc. is pleased to bring you the new November release lineup for the Amazon Kindle Store!

Yaoi fans around the world will be pleased to hear that Libre Publishing in Japan now brings you two new releases from a beloved mangaka. Read the next installment of the Kindle exclusive title “Kiss Ariki” by Youka Nitta, as well as the continuation of “Sound of My Voice,” also by Youka Nitta. Be sure to check them all out and support your favorite yaoi author!

For more information, please visit www.animate-world.com which just relaunched, www.b-boy.jp, and to keep on top of all things about Youka Nitta, nittayouka.com, and Ayano Yamane, yamaneayano.com!!

November 2010:

Youka Nitta – “Kiss Ariki – Episode 2” KINDLE EXCLUSIVE!!!

Youka Nitta – “Sound of My Voice – Golden Goose Part 5”

“Kiss Ariki – Episode 2” by Youka Nitta

“I have a request, Tohru. Become one with me as a pledge of loyalty. When I feel your emotions… I feel I can give up my life to you.”

Tohru is bewildered by Mutsumi’s completely self-surrendering confession but also moved by his passion, so he ends up taking Mutsumi.

A roller-coaster climax, an infinite ecstasy, is bursting through their bodies!!

“Sound of My Voice – Golden Goose Part 5” by Youka Nitta

A lifelong dream of fame and fortune has been the driving force of Wataru Jouchi’s entire life. Now, after much self-doubt, he’s decided to fulfill his destiny and become a voice actor for anime videos.

At first, he is thrilled to discover that his long lost friend, Renji Kazama, is considered a top star in the industry. But Kazama does not seem at all pleased about their unexpected reunion.

Is he simply wary of this newfound competition, or is there another reason why he seems intent on keeping Wataru at arm’s reach?

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PR: Viz Media Announces November Haikasoru Imprint Releases

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER HAIKASORU IMPRINT RELEASES

The Hard Science Fiction THE OUROBOROS WAVE And Fantasy DRAGON SWORD AND WIND CHILD Are Perfect for Holiday Gifting

San Francisco, CA, November 16, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, releases today a pair of riveting novels under its Haikasoru imprint– the philosophical hard science fiction title THE OUROBOROS WAVE by Jyouji Hayashi, and the paperback edition of the hit heroic fantasy DRAGON SWORD AND WIND CHILD by Noriko Ogiwara.

Haikasoru is a unique imprint with a dedicated focus on publishing some of the most compelling contemporary Japanese science fiction and fantasy for English-speaking audiences.

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PR: Viz Announces New Acquisitions for Spring/Summer 2011

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW MANGA ACQUISITIONS FOR SPRING & SUMMER 2011

San Francisco, CA, November 15, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announced the forthcoming releases for Spring and Summer 2011. The diverse new lineup offers something for everyone, from the supernatural adventures of NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN and BLUE EXORCIST, to the rough-and-tumble action of TENJO TENGE, to a slice-of-life peek at the tenants of an apartment in Italy in LA QUINTA CAMERA, to the long-awaited artbook of the hit VAMPIRE KNIGHT series.

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PR: Anime Gifts for the Holidays, from VIZ Media!

VIZ MEDIA SPOTLIGHTS ACTION PACKED ANIME TITLES FOR THE 2010 HOLIDAY SEASON

Delight That Special Fan This Year With A Variety Of DVD Titles For Popular Properties Including BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN,
VAMPIRE KNIGHT And POKÉMON

San Francisco, CA, November 11, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, gives fans a variety of fun suggestions for action-packed anime titles that will make ideal additions to holiday wish lists and shopping guides.

The DVD releases include the latest animated episodes from popular properties such as BLEACH, NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, VAMPRIE KNIGHT, as well as perennial childhood classic POKÉMON. Several of these releases, like NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, also come packaged as Special Edition Box Sets and include limited edition collectable figures.

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PR: Everyone Has A Little Monster Inside in KUROZAKURO!

A BULLIED HIGH SCHOOL KID IS IN FOR A WILD ADVENTURE IN NEW MANGA SERIES KUROZAKURO

Be Careful Who You Bully Because They Might Be An Ogre!

San Francisco, CA, November 9, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will release award-winning artist Yoshinori Natsume’s manga (graphic novel) series KUROZAKURO on November 9th. The new series, to be offered under the Shonen Sunday imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Mikito Sakurai is tired of being a punching bag for all the delinquents on campus. But what can he do? By nature he’s a gentle and easygoing high school student. That all changes the night he swallows a mysterious orb and meets Zakuro, a strange kid who promises to grant his most heartfelt desire. “When you wake up,” says the pint-sized apparition, “you’ll be stronger and better than a human.”

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PR: Imperial Intrigue Awaits Readers in The Story of Saiunkoku

IMPERIAL INTRIGUE AWAITS READERS IN THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, NEW FROM VIZ MEDIA

Beautifully Illustrated Shojo Beat Series Depicts A Young Girl’s Rise In the Imperial Court To Become A Royal Confidant And Advisor

San Francisco, CA, November 4, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, delivers shojo-styled drama with the release of THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU, written by Sai Yukino with artwork by Kairi Yura, available now in stores. The new manga (graphic novel) series will be published under the company’s Shojo Beat imprint, is rated ‘T’ for Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Shurei Hong, destitute but of noble birth, has always dreamed of working as a civil servant in the imperial court of Saiunkoku, but women are barred from holding office. The emperor Ryuki, however, refuses to take command, leaving everything to his advisors. Shurei is asked to become a consort to the emperor to persuade the ne’er-do-well ruler to govern.

“THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU will draw readers in with its beautiful artwork and smart, courageous heroine who dedicates herself to serving her country, rising in the ranks to become the emperor’s trusted advisor,” says Nancy Thistlethwaite, Editor. “This historical fantasy also inspired the popular anime series produced by Madhouse Studios. THE STORY OF SAIUNKOKU is an exciting new addition to the Shojo Beat imprint, especially for those readers who love romance and political intrigue!”

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PR: Viz Puts A New Spin on Art Therapy With Genkaku Picasso

A TEENAGER’S ARTISTIC TALENT SAVES HIS LIFE IN NEW MANGA SERIES GENKAKU PICASSO FROM VIZ MEDIA

Shonen Jump Series Puts A New Spin On Art Therapy With A Unique Story

San Francisco, CA, November 3, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, brings the artistic styling of creator Usamaru Furuya’s manga (graphic novel) series, GENKAKU PICASSO, available to domestic readers now. The new property will be published in North America under the Shonen Jump imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, and will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Hikaru “Picasso” Hamura, a grouchy teenager with a talent for drawing, dies in a freak accident. The gods decide to revive him, but only on the condition that he use his artistic gift for the good of humanity. Picasso discovers that sketching a person’s aura yields a surreal portrait of their psyche. Stranger still, Picasso can dive into these dreamscapes and help people by exploring their deepest emotions, memories and perceptions.

“GENKAKU PICASSO blends mind-bending artwork with the teenage drama of a talented adolescent who gets a second chance at life,” says Daniel Gillespie, Editor, Shonen Jump. “Using his artistic skill, Picasso is able to draw a picture symbolizing a person’s subconscious, and then enter that portrait and manipulate the symbols in order to help them recover from past traumas. The series’ unique plot and multi-faceted characters are sure to engage readers on many levels. We recommend GENKAKU PICASSO to any fan of M.C Escher!”

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PR: Viz Media Launches Free Viz Manga iPad App

VIZ MEDIA LAUNCHES FREE VIZ MANGA iPAD APP

App Debuting with NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, BLEACH and Other Greatest Hits of Manga; DEATH NOTE Volume 1 As A Free Download for a Limited Time

San Francisco, CA, November 2, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced its long-awaited digital manga (graphic novel) application for the Apple® iPad™ mobile device, launching today for FREE download through the iTunes Store. With this launch, the VIZ MANGA APP instantly becomes the leading destination to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world.

The VIZ MANGA APP will launch on its first day with five legendary manga series, BLEACH Vols. 1-2, DEATH NOTE Vols. 1-2, DRAGON BALL Vol. 1, NARUTO Vols. 1-2, and ONE PIECE Vols. 1-2, as well as the recently launched BAKUMAN。 Vol. 1. In Week 2, the shojo fan favorite OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB Vol. 1 joins the lineup. All volumes will be available for purchase and download directly within the application for $4.99 per volume. In addition, DEATH NOTE Vol. 1 will be available as a FREE download for a limited time only. Readers are encouraged to check the app regularly, as new additions to the store and free Chapter 1 previews of other forthcoming manga series for the iPad will also be featured and added on a frequent and regular basis.

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PR: Udon to Release Street Fighter Gaiden Manga Series

Toronto, ON – Oct 28, 2010 – It’s time for more fast-flying Hadokens, jaw-breaking Cannon Spikes, and earth-shattering Sonic Booms as the gang at UDON brings you another never-before-translated STREET FIGHTER™ manga series straight from Japan! This November UDON returns to the most classic of all fighting game eras with STREET FIGHTER GAIDEN, a 2-volume manga series featuring the classic cast of Street Fighter(R) II!

Written and drawn by Mami Itou (Darkstalkers/Red Earth, ROBOT, Pilgrim Jäger), Street Fighter Gaiden spotlights the World Warriors’ adventures outside the tournament scene. The series is made up of short stories each devoted to a classic Street Fighter character. Fan-favorites like Ryu, Ken, Chun-li, and Guile each get their due, as do many other skilled fighters. Cammy teams up with Delta Red against the narcisitic Vega, T. Hawk has a desert showdown with Balrog, Fei-Long teaches everyone what it truly means to be a martial artist, and Ryu & Ken face off together against their deadliest rival – Akuma!

Street Fighter Gaiden Vol.1 goes on sales at comic shops and book stores everywhere November 24, 2010. Street Fighter Gaiden Vol.2 will follow in January 2011.

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