J-C Pop!

‘Bleach,’ ‘Death Note’ Available on Xbox 360

rie — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 06:30:57 -0800

VIZ Media has announced the availability of the hit animated action series “Bleach” and “Death Note” on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment console from Microsoft.

Fans in the U.S. now have the ability to watch these episodes on a download-to-own (DTO) basis through Xbox LIVE for 160 Microsoft Points per episode.

“Bleach” features Episodes 1 to 41 dubbed in English with more to be added, and “Death Note” features the full 37-episode series dubbed in English.

Obama, American Idol, Naruto on Yahoo! Most-Searched List

rie — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:10:42 -0800

VIZ Media has announced that Naruto has been named by Yahoo! as the No. 7 most-searched term in 2008, as reported by the Yahoo! 2008 Year in Review Top 10 Search list.

The list, which is available at YearInReview.yahoo.com, provides insights about popular culture and what Yahoo! searchers cared about most throughout 2008.

Naruto appears on the list beside future President Barack Obama, fan favorites “American Idol” and the WWE, and celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan.

Manga Tells Story of Real-Life Abduction Drama

rie — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:01:23 -0800

by DARIAN NG
Hokubei Mainichi

The Japanese government has published an English version of “Megumi,” a documentary manga about the abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea.

Shigeru and Sakie Yokota, whose daughter was abducted, wrote and edited the manga, which was published in Japanese in 2005. The illustrator is Soichi Moto and the publisher is the government’s Headquarters for the Abduction Issue.

Comedy on the Court and an Epic Adventure

rie — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:26:24 -0800

by DARIAN NG
Hokubei Mainichi

San Francisco-based VIZ Media has released the North American debut of “Slam Dunk,” a manga series by Takehiko Inoue about a high school boy named Hanamichi Sakuragi, who has never been known to have luck with girls.

We get introduced to a depressed Hanamichi after being rejected for the 50th time. He wanders the high school halls sulking when he bumps into Haruko Akagi, the girl who will change his life.

Suggested Anime Titles for Holiday Gift-Giving

rie — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 14:05:58 -0800

VIZ Media has announced a variety of upcoming new animated titles that will make unique gift ideas this holiday season.

Set for release throughout November and December, this new collection includes the long awaited North American debut of “Hunter x Hunter,” a fantasy action adventure.

Also eagerly anticipated is the debut of the “Death Note” DVD Box Set Volume 1, a collection of the first 20 episodes from the popular series that has captivated millions with its highly original supernatural crime thriller plot.

Suggested Manga Titles for Holiday Gift-Giving

rie — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:03:10 -0800

San Francisco-based VIZ Media has announced a variety of new manga titles, art books, manga series box sets, kids’ chapter books and special collector’s editions that will make unique gift ideas this holiday season.

A Wild Ride on the High Seas

rie — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 04:19:59 -0700

San Francisco-based VIZ Media has announced the North American debut of “Black Lagoon,” a manga (graphic novel) series by Rei Hiroe about a misfit group of mercenaries and their adventures on the high seas of Southeast Asia.

“Black Lagoon” is available now from the VIZ Media imprint and is rated “M” for mature audiences. It carries an manufacturer suggested retail price of $12.99.

Readers will lock ‘n’ load with Dutch the Boss, Benny the Mechanic, Revy Two Hand, and Rock as they seek adventure and fortune aboard their World War II-era torpedo boat, the Black Lagoon.

Spooky Manga for the Halloween Season

rie — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:03:10 -0700

San Francisco-based VIZ Media has highlighted a diverse collection of horror and supernatural-themed manga titles now available that make a perfect complement for Halloween.

The series include an array of stories ranging from the creepy and paranormal to the humorous:

Miyazaki's ‘Totoro’ Helps Real-Life Forest

rie — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:33:23 -0700

The Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco is presenting original works of art from the Totoro Forest Project Charity Auction, a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition featuring paintings, illustrations and sculptures from nearly 200 critically acclaimed animators, fine artists, cartoonists and illustrators.

‘The Last Name’ in Death Notes

james — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 08:37:21 -0700

by SHINTARO TANAKA
Hokubei Mainichi

The popular Japanese manga series “Death Note” was made into a movie, the story in the first half being shown throughout the U.S. in May.

Now the sequel, “Death Note II: The Last Name,” will be showing at over 400 theaters throughout the nation on Oct. 15 and 16.

The “Death Note” series is a story that revolves around the notebook of a god of death, a shinigami. If a person’s name is written in the notebook, that person dies.