VIZ Media Launches VIZ MANGA APP for the iPhone and iPod Touch

SAN FRANCISCO, May 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, continues the digital integration of its vast library of manga (graphic novel) properties with the latest announcement of the availability of the VIZ MANGA APP for the Apple iPhone™ and iPod Touch™ mobile devices. The expansion will be compatible with the VIZ MANGA APP on the iPad, and adds cross-platform features.

To support the launch, the publisher has also kicked off a special 7-day digital promotion that offers select Volume 1 titles for only $2.99 – 40% off the regular price! This is for a limited time only and runs until midnight PST May 9th.

Manga titles for the iPhone and iPod Touch are available via the VIZ MANGA APP, which is free through the iTunes Store. Volumes are generally available for purchase and download in the U.S. and Canada for only $4.99 (U.S. / CAN) each. Twenty-eight series and almost 200 volumes are available now, including popular series such as BLEACH, BLUE EXORCIST, DEATH NOTE, NARUTO and ONE PIECE and dozens more from VIZ Media's Shonen Jump, Shojo Beat, and VIZ Signature imprints. Readers should check the app regularly, as new additions (including HOUSE OF FIVE LEAVES and not simple released today) and free Chapter 1 previews of forthcoming manga series are also featured.

"The VIZ MANGA APP is a unique proprietary platform that will become one of the leading digital applications to read manga on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch," says Alvin Lu, SVP and General Manager of VIZ Media. "The technology allows readers to download, store and enjoy their favorite manga with easy access to a substantial and ongoing downloadable library. Now you can take hundreds of manga in your pocket anytime, anywhere on a mobile device with the VIZ MANGA APP!"

The VIZ MANGA APP also includes a new software upgrade for the iPad (Version 4.0), which delivers better functionality including bookmarks, improved storage, navigation, and the ability to browse-by-series in the "My Manga" library. Manga purchases can now be shared seamlessly between iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad and bookmarked for easy updates. Push notifications will also automatically notify users when new volumes of favorite bookmarked titles are added.

For more information on the VIZ MANGA APP and a list of all available titles, please visit www.VIZ.com/apps/.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and website at www.VIZ.com.

SOURCE VIZ Media, LLC