News: Inuyasha the Final Act Scheduled For Simultaneous Streaming

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT
SCHEDULED TO STREAM IN THE U.S. SIMULTANEOUS TO AIRING IN JAPAN

Final Episodes Of Smash Hit Anime Based On Rumiko Takahashi Manga To Be Available On VIZ Media’s SHONEN SUNDAY
Web Site Mere Hours After Episodes Air in Japan

San Francisco, CA, September 28, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, delighted anime fans at New York Anime Festival yesterday with an announcement of the near simultaneous Japanese/American simulcast of the action-packed conclusion to the INUYASHA animated series-INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT.

Beginning on October 3rd, INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT (subtitled) will stream on ShonenSunday.com/anime and Hulu.com mere hours after it airs in Japan. A new episode will air every Saturday thereafter. INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT anime is rated ‘T” teens.

INUYASHA is a hit TV anime series based on the manga by famed creator Rumiko Takahashi, who won the prestigious Shogakukan Manga Award for INUYASHA in 2002. Many of the Takahashi titles have been adapted into other media such as anime, live-action TV series, and film. 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 new official North American web site for all Rumiko Takahashi-related news and information located at www.TheRumicWorld.com.
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...

Featuring the works of some of the top shonen manga creators in the world today, Shonen Sunday magazine in Japan provides the content for some of VIZ Media’s most impressive new titles. The magazine recently celebrated its 50th anniversary since its first issue arrived on newsstands in March of 1959. RIN-NE is the brand new Shonen Sunday manga series by Rumiko Takahashi and the first series ever to be published simultaneously in Japan and North America.

“INUYASHA is one of the longest running anime series in North America and we’re very proud to present the final episodes of this epic adventure to fans in the U.S. mere hours after episodes air in Japan,” says Ken Sasaki, Vice President Strategy & Business Development, VIZ Media. “Rumiko Takahashi created a classic with INUYASHA, and ShonenSunday.com/anime will be THE online destination where INUYASHA fans can watch all 167 previously available episodes, as well as follow the newest episodes from INUYASHA THE FINAL ACT!”

VIZ Media publishes multiple series by Rumiko Takahashi, including her brand new manga series RIN-NE, the INUYASHA manga, INUYASHA ani-manga and THE ART OF INUYASHA. For more information on the INUYASHA anime please visit ShonenSunday.com.

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 web site at www.VIZ.com.

News: Viz Announces New Releases For the Month of November

DVD RELEASES FOR NOVEMBER 2009
FROM VIZ MEDIA

San Francisco, CA, September 30, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in November 2009. This includes the first NARUTO Shippuden Movie as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH, NARUTO Shippuden and POKÉMON series. November DVD releases also include the newest NANA, BLEACH and NARUTO Box Sets. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

New NARUTO Releases Include:

NARUTO Shippuden The Movie • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens •
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 10
A powerful spirit that once threatened to destroy the world is back! Naruto's mission is to protect a priestess named Shion, who is the only one with the power to seal away the monster. She also has the uncanny ability to predict someone's fate. her latest prediction: Naruto will soon die. Naruto's only hope is to abandon Shion, but that's not Naruto's style. He decides to face her fatal prediction head-on--and die!

NARUTO Shippuden, Volume 3 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens •
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 24
Gaara of the Sand has been kidnapped, and Team Kakashi are on their way! Sakura uses her skills as a medic ninja to treat the wounded Kankuro, impressing everyone with her sure and steady hands. Granny Chiyo of the Sand decides to accompany Team Kakashi, but before they can get to Gaara and the Akatsuki lair, the team is confronted by a familiar enemy--Itachi Uchiha.
Episodes: 9 – 13
NARUTO UNCUT Season 1, Volume 2 DVD Box Set • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens •
MSRP: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN • Available November 24
Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura face deadly enemies and dark powers as the Chunin Exam continues in the Forest of Death. While they search for the Heaven and Earth scrolls, something evil is afoot, and it's after Sasuke! Then the genin must take on each other in one-on-one battles. Does Naruto have what it takes to stand up to his peers--and win?
Episodes: 26 – 52

New BLEACH Releases Include:

BLEACH UNCUT Box Set 4, Part 1 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN • Available November 3
Ichigo and his friends return from the Soul Society to the World of the Living and try to resume their normal lives. But when strange abductions start happening, it's up to them to solve the riddle. More Soul Reapers arrive to help uncover the truth behind a mysterious clan known as Bounts. Will these allies be strong enough to stop the Bount leader from stealing human souls and feeding his dangerous ambition?
Episodes: 64 – 79 (Original and Uncut)
BLEACH Volume 22 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens •
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available November 17
Rangiku Matsumoto and several other Soul Reapers arrive to help in the battle against the evil Bounts. Entering the cave hideout, they soon discover they've stumbled into a trap! Just in time to back up their comrades, Ichigo faces the Bount leader Kariya and must summon his bankai if he is to survive, while Uryû must rediscover his lost powers as well.
Episodes: 88 – 91

New POKÉMON Releases Include:

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS, Volume 5: Ice • Rated 'A' for All Ages •
MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available November 24
POKÉMON: ELEMENTS, Volume 6: Dark • Rated 'A' for All Ages •
MSRP: $9.98 US / $14.99 CAN • Available November 24

Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes. Collect them all!

Volume 5 Includes 3 Ice–type episodes:
1. Freeze Frame
2. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snorunt!
3. Spring Fever

Volume 6 Includes 3 Dark–type episodes:
1. Absol-ute Disaster
2. Pop Goes The Sneasel
3. A Bite to Remember

New Shojo Releases Include:

NANA BOX SET, Volume 2 • Rated ‘M’ for Mature •
MSRP: $59.90 US / $85.99 CAN • Available November 24
Careers, friendship, love--can two bright young women named Nana manage to have it all?
Nana K.'s Tokyo experiment is in jeopardy when she finds herself strapped for cash and her relationship with Shoji on uncertain ground. Nana O.'s love life takes an unexpected turn when she's reunited with her old flame, Ren from Trapnest. With such a close connection to her favorite band, will Nana K. get to meet the man of her dreams--Takumi? Sometimes dreams do come true... Episodes: 12 – 22

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 web site at www.VIZ.com.

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 1-3

Fullmetal Alchemist is arguably the best manga on the shelves right now. It’s steady rise in popularity is well deserving thanks to likeable characters and an engaging story that successfully melds triumph and tragedy along with humor and despair. Written by Hiromu Arakawa, the manga strives to be more than just the typical shonen tale.

The story revolves around the brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, as they travel the world seeking a way to restore what they have lost. The backstory of the two is a grisly one; having lost their mother to an unexplained illness, the two boys resort to the only way they know to bring her back: Alchemy. Unfortunately, the use of Alchemy carries a price and Ed and Al’s failed attempt is a costly one. The results are less than kind as Ed’s arm and leg are ripped away from him literally while Al’s entire body is taken from him, leaving his soul attached to an empty suit of armor. Resolved to set things right, they set out in search of the Philosopher’s stone, the ultimate tool in alchemy, with both willingly signing their lives over to the military in exchange for information and the means to obtaining the stone.

Volume one is essentially the setup, telling the origins of the brothers and detailing their travels throughout the country. Along the way, they encounter one adventure after another, giving them a chance to put their alchemy to good use. True, it can get a bit formulaic, however the second volume is where the plot starts to develop, giving the reader hints as to what to expect.

Volume two is host to some of the darkest material to come out of the series. One particular scene involving an alchemic experiment with a little girl and a dog at the hands of her twisted father yields catastrophic results that are truly heart wrenching. That, along with the introduction of the serial killer known as Scar, leaves volume two soaked in misery. It’s this heartache that makes the character’s triumphs all the more rewarding as each is given a chance to grow from the adversity. The second volume is the stand out of the three and will have you turning with tense fervor in anticipation of what happens next.

The third volume is a more lighthearted affair, as Ed and Al return home to recuperate from their recent battles. This doesn’t last however, as the plot rears it’s demented head, revealing the truth behind the Philosopher’s stone. As great a sacrifice as Ed and Al made in the beginning, an even more incredible one is required for the creation of the stone. Questions are raised as a conspiracy within the military also begins to take center stage.

The series is littered with intriguing side characters that have each developed a well deserved fanbase, the most popular of which is Colonel Roy Mustang, the “Flame Alchemist”. As determined as he is powerful, Mustang is constantly working at improving the military, while attempting to make amends for his past. Not far behind is Riza Hawkeye, his sharp shooting subordinate who manages to keep him in check, as well as Alex Louis Armstrong, the ridiculously muscled “Strong Arm Alchemist”.

These are the characters that along with Ed and Al add a sense of warmth to an otherwise somber story. They make the journey worthwhile and it’s the outcome that, for better or for worse, will keep the reader hooked. That, coupled with it’s deep and moving narrative give Fullmetal Alchemist all the right ingredients to produce a series that will not soon be forgotten.

Fullmetal Alchemist

Volume one – B+

Volume two – A+

Volume three - A

At Random

Faces of Evil

The Many Villains of Power Rangers Part 2

Power Rangers is a series that should be familiar with just about everyone growing up during the nineties. Many kids fell in love with the colorful costumes and the slick karate moves. Each child had a favorite Ranger that they wanted to be for halloween. Well I never quite liked the Rangers. In fact, the only time I was a fan of a ranger, was when he/she was under the villains spell fighting against his comrades. The truth is I always gravitated toward the villains of the show, which Power Rangers had plenty of. There have been a fair amount of silly, demented, and even downright terrifying baddies whose presence only made the series that much more enjoyable. After all, what is a hero without a villain? Considering I have seen a fair share of the Power Ranger seasons (more than a sane person should anyway), I thought I would share my personal thoughts on these wicked menaces. Everything I say here should be taken with a grain of salt as I in no way suggest that you begin taking this show (even its villains) seriously. This is simply me giving my appreciation to a show that bestowed upon me many fond memories.

Power Rangers Lost Galaxy

Scorpius – How is this guy in the least bit threatening? He looks like skinned hamster. What is there to be afraid of? Anyway, he was kind of a take off of Jabba the Hutt; an intergalactic warlord who was fat and never really all that threatening to begin with. I have no clue how this guy amassed his army but at least he was killed off before the end to make room for better villains.

Trakeena – The daughter of Scorpius, Trakeena had probably the most character depth out of any Power Rangers villain in any season. She never wanted to be a galactic princess or rule an empire. In fact, she ran away and went on her own journey of self discovery. Of course, tragedy struck in the form of her father’s death, forcing her to take up the throne. A series of unfortunate events later, and Trakeena not only lost her mind, but she also transformed into a full blown monster strong enough to nearly destroy the Rangers. She returned the next season for a one off appearance before finally being laid to rest at the hands of two seasons worth of Rangers.

Power Rangers Light Speed Rescue

Queen Banshira – Banshira was the queen of the demon kingdom. She spent most of the series trapped in an alternate dimension, giving orders to those she chose to lead in her place until she could be freed. Towards the end, she betrayed her generals and absorbed their powers into her own to return to full power before being defeated by the Rangers.

Diabolico – What a disappointment; a demon with feelings? This guy cared about his subordinates and comrades, going so far as to betray Banshira because she used them. By the end of the season, it was impossible to take him seriously. On top of his countless failures, Diabolico just wasn’t much of a threat. When she had no more use for him, Banshira tossed him aside. I would think since he had been serving her for a millennia, he would have known better than to trust her.

Prince Olympius – The prince of the demon empire was the son of Banshira and heir to the kingdom. He was constantly feuding with Diabolico for her favor despite the fact that he was far more competent at bringing the fight to the Rangers. He went through so many transformations throughout the season that by the end he was one of the strongest villains to ever threaten the Rangers.

Power Rangers Time Force

Ransik – Wow was this guy ugly! Ransik was the leader of a mutant army that was merely misunderstood. He was a sympathetic villain who just wanted equal rights for his brothers and when he couldn’t have them, decided to take them by force. Wait….evil mutant leader that wants equal rights? This guy is Magneto! He even had enough power to crush the Rangers himself. Heck, I think he is the only villain that actually did defeat them but surrendered because his daughter got caught up in the mess. He was eventually redeemed the following season.

Nadira – Ransik’s daughter and a pretty useless one at that. Her main purpose was to accompany mutants on their mission and just over see everything. When the action started, she usually was quick to run away.

Power Rangers Wild Force

Jindrax and Toxica – These two weren't really all that powerful. In truth, they weren’t that evil to begin with. They were just close friends that were following the orders of their superiors. In the end they marched off into the sunset to travel the world.

The Duke Orgs – Each one of these supposed “Dukes” was useless and met their end at the hands of the Rangers only to be resurrected and killed off again. Each one was formidable but they were really just placeholders for their true master.

General Venjix – As the last general of the machine empire, Venjix took it upon himself to attempt to conquer the Earth. It even took the combined strength of every Red Ranger up to that point to defeat him. Of course, in reality, Venjix was just a recycled Beetleborg costume that only added to my disappointment. What robot has antennas anyway?

Master Org – This was the leader of all orgs and quite a potent threat. After transforming from his chubby human form, he adopted the form of a giant muscled up Jindrax, with enough power to destroy the Ranger’s zords and strip them of their powers. He was ultimately destroyed but he made sure to push them to the limit before getting blasted into the great beyond.

Power Rangers Ninja Storm

Lothor – An evil space ninja? What will they come up with next? Lothor is the Joker to the Ranger’s Batman. His personality changes to accommodate the situation he is placed in. One minute he was hosting an evil beauty contest, the next he was stealing the Ranger’s powers. Lothor even broke the fourth wall on more than one occasion, talking directly to the viewer. He was also one of the few villains to have a familial relationship to a Ranger, being the Green Ranger’s uncle. Lothor is up there as one of the best in the Rangers storied history of villains.

Power Rangers Dino Thunder

Mesogog – This tyranno terror was perhaps my favorite villain to challenge the Rangers. Just look at him. He looks like he could chew the head off a Ranger! Equiped with telekinesis, super strength, and a brilliant mind, Mesogog was a formidable threat. He also had an unfortunate weakness in the form of a human transformation that wanted nothing more than to separate himself from Mesogog, but by the end of the season, he was all the more powerful for it. He also had the unique ability to evolve, further enhancing his strength.