Kuriousity | manga reviews and news

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: Tokyopop Partners to Launch New Online Shop

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Tuesday, December 21, 2010

No Comments »

TOKYOPOP Launches New Online Shop
Powered by MashON, Offers TextStream Print-On-Demand Books

New TOKYOPOP Shop launch features out-of-print titles through Baker & Taylor TextStream print-on-demand and new merchandise capabilities through MashON

LOS ANGELES, CA. – December 20, 2010 – TOKYOPOP, the country’s leading independent manga media company, Baker & Taylor Inc., the world’s largest distributor of physical and digital books and entertainment products, and e-commerce solution leader MashON, today announced the launch of the new TOKYOPOP Shop at www.TOKYOPOP.com. The new shop features manga-branded merchandise through MashON’s e-commerce solutions and thousands of manga titles, including titles that were previously out-of-print, such as Arm of Kannon, Gorgeous Carat, and Liling-Po.

This launch with TOKYOPOP is Baker & Taylor’s latest step in expanding TextStream’s presence in the publishing community. TextStream provides publishers with a full range of print-on-demand / print-to-order services and a wide variety of binding formats and trim sizes.

“TOKYOPOP has an amazingly loyal, passionate fan base, and offering print-on-demand will allow fans to complete their collections of their favorite series with volumes that had been out-of-print,” said Larry Bennett, Vice President of Digital Print Media for Baker & Taylor.

This partnership with MashON will allow TOKYOPOP to offer a wide array of merchandise with!! manga brand designs – already including iphone skins and mini-posters – with many new brands and products to be rolled out in the near future.

Share on Tumblr

PR: Viz Media Debuts New Manga Titles for iPad

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Monday, December 20, 2010

1 Comment »

VIZ MEDIA DEBUTS NEW MANGA ON THE FREE-TO-DOWNLOAD VIZ MANGA APP FOR THE iPad

VAMPIRE KNIGHT, OTOMEN, OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB And RUROUNI KENSHIN Join Lineup of Legendary Manga Series Available

VIZ Media announces the launch of VAMPIRE KNIGHT (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), OURAN HIGH SCHOOL HOST CLUB (rated ‘T’ for Teens), OTOMEN (rated ‘T’ for Teens), and RUROUNI KENSHIN (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), available now from the VIZ MANGA APP on the Apple® iPad™ mobile device. The VIZ MANGA APP is available for free download through the iTunes Store, and all manga volumes are available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada directly within the application for $4.99 per volume.

The recently launched VIZ MANGA APP is the leading application to read Japanese manga on the iPad, with a downloadable library of the most popular manga series in the world. 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 are featured.

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Press Releases
Tags: Bakuman, One Piece, Shoujo Beat, Vampire Knight, Viz Media

PR: Square Enix Launches Online Manga Store

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Saturday, December 18, 2010

1 Comment »

Market-leading titles including Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater
Now Available Via Digital Distribution

Special Sale Price Now Available for a Limited Time

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 17, 2010) – Square Enix, Inc., the publisher of SQUARE ENIX® interactive entertainment products in North America, today announced the launch of its online manga store, where users and fans can view electronic editions of popular Square Enix manga series, such as Fullmetal Alchemist® and Soul Eater®. Users can access the store through the SQUARE ENIX MEMBERS website, a free-to-register membership site operated by local subsidiaries of Square Enix (http://publications.na.Square Enix.com/na/us/top).

Through the new service, SQUARE ENIX aims to provide a global audience with easy access to localized versions of its popular manga titles through streaming. Also, through cooperation with regional localization/publishing companies, SQUARE ENIX will endeavor to promote both print and online versions of its manga titles globally. Furthermore, it is the company’s aim for the official online distribution service to serve as a deterrent against illegal downloading and piracy.

Anchored by established series in the United States, the online distribution service will continue to provide manga titles that will appeal to readers of the region (further details outlined below). Starting today, the initial lineup in the United States will be four titles, including Fullmetal Alchemist and Soul Eater, available at the special sale price of $5.99 for a limited time. The first update is scheduled for January 11, 2011. New titles will be added bi-monthly after January.

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Press Releases
Tags: Fullmetal Alchemist, Viz Media, Yen Press

PR: Revisit DEATH NOTE, in the All New BLACK Edition

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Monday, December 13, 2010

No Comments »

A SHINIGAMI DEATH GOD AND THE HUNT FOR AN ‘ETHICAL’ SERIAL KILLER TO ENTHRALL THE MANGA WORLD AGAIN IN THE RELEASE OF VIZ MEDIA’S DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION

New Edition Of The Riveting Supernatural Crime Mystery Features A Larger Size And Added Full Color Pages

San Francisco, CA, December 13, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the release of DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION, an oversized version of the acclaimed supernatural crime thriller. Volume 1 hits stores on December 28th and includes the first two editions of the popular manga (graphic novel) series as well as added full-color pages. The DEATH NOTE BLACK EDITION will be offered under the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, and will retail for $14.99 U.S. / $16.99 CAN.

Light Yagami is an ace student with great prospects—and he’s bored out of his mind. But all that changes when he finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by rogue Shinigami death god. Any human whose name is written in the notebook dies, and now Light has vowed to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of evil. But when criminals begin dropping dead, the authorities send the legendary detective L to track down the killer. With L hot on his heels, will Light lose sight of his noble goal…or his life?

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Press Releases
Tags: Viz Media

PR: DMI titles available on B&N Nook and Nook Color!

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Monday, December 13, 2010

No Comments »

Gardena, CA (October 6, 2010) – Digital Manga, one of the manga industry’s most unique and creative publishers, is proud to announce the launch of their manga titles on the Barnes & Noble Nook and Nook Color!

Digital Manga will be starting off their manga release with Hideyuki Kikuchi’s Vampire Hunter D vol.1 in the B&N NOOKbook Store. Vampire Hunter D vol.1 will be available in two parts, each for $3.99 and is available in two editions—the Nook Edition and Nook Color Edition, formatted for each device’s own screen resolution.

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Press Releases
Tags: DMP

PR: Kodansha Comics Announces Summer 2011 Manga Releases

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Sunday, December 12, 2010

1 Comment »

Kodansha Comics Announces Summer 2011 Manga Releases

New York, NY – December 12, 2010 – Kodansha USA Publishing is pleased to announce their exciting debut list of manga under the Kodansha Comics imprint. Fans have been clamoring to know just what books would be on the list, and the wait is finally over.

The following new titles will make their English-language debut next summer:

Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney returns in this new manga series written by Kenji Kuroda and illustrated by Kazuo Maekawa. Volume 1 releases in June followed by Volume 2 in August.

Monster Hunter Orage, by Fairy Tail creator Hiro Mashima, is adapted from the Capcom game and debuts in June, with a second volume in August.

And speaking of Hiro Mashima, his bestselling Rave Master series wraps up with an omnibus collecting the final three volumes of the series in May!

Deltora Quest, adapted by Makoto Niwano from Emily Rodda’s novels, debuts in July. The anime is currently running on TV on The Hub.

The Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex adapts the story from the anime, which is inspired by the works of Masamune Shirow. TGITS:SAC is adapted by Yu Kinutani.

Sanami Matoh’s Until the Full Moon makes its triumphant return to the U.S. in July. This story of a boy who becomes a girl under the full moon turns the werewolf legend on its head!

Mardock Scramble is adapted by Yoshitoki Oima from Tow Ubukata’s novel. This exciting sci-fi tale has also been adapted into a stunning anime. The first volume releases in August.

Animal Land, by manga legend and Zatch Bell creator Makoto Raiku, tells the hilarious and heartwarming story of a baby raised by animals. This is set for an August release.

Masashi Tanaka’s Gon returns, giving fans a chance to rediscover the adventures of this ferocious, tiny dinosaur! August release.

Bloody Monday, written by Ryou Ryumon and illustrated by Kouji Megumi, is an exciting thriller about a computer hacker’s attempt to foil a terrorist plot! August release.

Cage of Eden by Yoshinobu Yamada is best described as Battle Royale meets Lost by way of Negima! August release.

And finally, Negima! gets an omnibus release in June, collecting the first three volumes with a new translation!

In addition, several ongoing series will make their return:

Air Gear 18 (June), Air Gear 19 (August)
Arisa 2 (May), Arisa 3 (July)
Fairy Tail 13 (May), Fairy Tail 14 (July)
I am Here! 2 (July)
Negima! 29 (May), Negima! 30 (July)
Negima?! Neo (June)
Ninja Girls 5 (May), Ninja Girls 6 (July)
Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei 9 (June), Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei 10 (August)
Shugo Chara! 10 (May), Shugo Chara! 11 (July)
The Wallflower 25 (June)

Stay tuned for more exciting Kodansha Comics announcements to come early next year!

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Press Releases
Tags: Cage of Eden, Kodansha Comics, Negima

PR: Animate USA New Titles in Kindle Store, Simultaneous Release!

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Saturday, December 11, 2010

No Comments »

ANIMATE USA – NEW RELEASES IN AMAZON KINDLE STORE

TOKYO, JAPAN – DECEMBER 10 Animate U.S.A., Inc. is pleased to bring you the new December release lineup for the Amazon Kindle Store!

Libre presents two new exciting Kindle exclusive titles! Yaoi fans both new and old are sure to enjoy reading the latest releases by beloved mangaka You Higashino and Youka Nitta. Be sure not to miss these two exciting chapters coming to you this December exclusively for the Kindle, brought to you by Libre!

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!!

December 2010:

You Higashino – “Hyper Loving A Maniac Part 1- Fundraising Version” Simultaneous Release!!! & KINDLE EXCLUSIVE!!!

Youka Nitta – “ Sound of My Voice – Boku No Koe – Part 6” KINDLE EXCLUSIVE!!!

“Hyper Loving A Maniac Part 1- Fundraising Version” by You Higashino

This is Libre’s first “simultaneous release”! This means that the book is being released as a paperback book and digital book in Japan, as well as an English digital version on Kindle available all over the world. This may be the first time a simultaneous release has ever been done in Japan! Don’t miss your chance to be a part of it!

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Press Releases
Tags: Boys' Love/Yaoi

PR: PJT kicks off 2011 with the Cold Steel Redux Tour!

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Friday, December 10, 2010

No Comments »

Pop Japan Travel kicks off 2011 with the Cold Steel Redux Tour!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gardena, CA (December 8, 2010) – After a busy 2010 that saw the company run more tours in a single year than ever before, Pop Japan Travel (PJT), the premier provider of pop culture-themed tours of Japan, is proud to announce their first tour on the 2011 schedule: the Cold Steel Redux Tour.

A variation on the company’s popular “Cold Steel” tour series, the 2011 tour will include a flight to the northern island of Hokkaido for the Sapporo Snow Festival, Japan’s largest and most popular winter festival. While in Hokkaido, guests will also be whisked to the Shikotsu Ice Festival for a fireworks display, shop in the city of Sapporo, and visit a traditional country hot spring. The tour then returns to Tokyo to visit the numerous attractions the big city has to offer, including Harajuku, Akihabara, and Shinjuku. Finally, for guests interested in exploring a different side of winter in Japan, PJT is offering a tour extension that goes to the Kamakura Festival in Yokote, Akita Prefecture, where local residents in giant igloos invite visitors in to visit and partake in traditional food, snacks and drinks. The extension also lets visitors have a crack at some of the finest skiing and snowboarding that Japan has to offer.

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Misc, Press Releases
Tags: DMP

PR: Viz Media Ponders Integrity and Honesty In Itsuwaribito

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Thursday, December 9, 2010

No Comments »

HONESTY MAY NOT ALWAYS BE THE BEST POLICY FOR A REFORMED TROUBLEMAKER IN MANGA SERIES ITSUWARIBITO, NEW FROM VIZ MEDIA

A Delinquent Orphan Raised By A Monk Decides To Tell Only “Good” Lies To Help People

San Francisco, CA, December 8, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will release creator Yuuki Iinuma’s manga (graphic novel) series ITSUWARIBITO on December 14th. The new series will be published under the company’s Shonen Sunday imprint, is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens, and will carry and MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.

Utsuho’s truthfulness as a child resulted in an enormous catastrophe, and he decided to lie from that day forward. Raised in a village of orphans by a monk, Utsuho is an unrepentant troublemaker. The monk eventually inspires him to help people, but there’s no way Utsuho’s going to lead an honest life! Instead, he’s going to use his talents for mischief and deception for good!

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Press Releases
Tags: Shonen Sunday, Viz Media

PR: Find Out What It Takes to be a Local Deity, in KAMISAMA KISS

Posted by Lissa Pattillo on Thursday, December 2, 2010

No Comments »

VIZ MEDIA RELEASES DIVINE ROMANTIC COMEDY KAMISAMA KISS

A Kiss On The Forehead Is A Girl’s Ticket To A New Home And An Unexpected Life As A Deity

San Francisco, CA, December 2, 2010 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, will release the shojo manga (graphic novels for female readers) romantic comedy, KAMISAMA KISS, on December 7th. The new series, created by Julietta Suzuki, 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.

Nanami Momozono is alone and homeless after her dad skips town to evade his gambling debts and the debt collectors kick her out of her apartment. So when a mysterious man she’s just saved from a dog attack offers her his home, she jumps at the opportunity. But it turns out that his place is a shrine, and Nanami has unwittingly taken over his job as a local deity!

Share on Tumblr

Categories: Press Releases
Tags: Kamisama Kiss, Viz Media