By now, if you're a fan of manga and anime, you'd be hard-pressed to find at least one title in library not released by VIZ Media. They're a powerhouse in the industry who have brought some of Japan's most beloved characters and stories to American audiences. Recently they've been expanding on their already amazing library with some pretty interesting titles, a lot of which would make the perfect gifts for any fans of the genre.
Animation titles include:
Sailor Moon Crystal - Season 1
The popularity of Sailor Moon is by no means a secret. Usagi Tsukino and her sailor soldier sisters Ami, Rei, Mina, and Lita are some of the most beloved characters in Japanese animation. For the titles 20th anniversary a new anniversary was commissioned. The US broadcasting rights were acquired by VIZ media and they have been streaming the series on venues like Hulu since July 2014. This August, VIZ released the first season on bluray.
Created by Naoko Takeuchi, Sailor Moon in 1991 Sailor Moon became a global phenomenon that has sold over 35 million copies worldwide and one of the most successful magical-girl series of all time. The original anime series, released in North America by Dic, Enterprises, was cheese-ball to say the least but the camp was part of its charm, but Crystal is nothing short of beautiful. The art, the story - everything about the series fantastic and unlike the original English adaptation, Viz has taken great pains in ensuring the scripts are not only more accurate, but not over-raught pop-culture slang.
Presented in 1080p HD 16x9 widescreen the four-disc set includes the 14 episodes that encompass the entire Dark Kingdom story arch. The series retells the origin story of the crybaby turned superhero for a new generation of fans. It also includes both English and Japanese audio, subtitles, interviews with the English cast, and an art gallery. The set comes in two versions. The Limited Edition Combo Pack has an MSRP of $79.99 U.S. / $99.99 CAN while the Standard Edition Blu ray Combo Pack MSRP: $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN There is also a Standard Edition DVD Set which has an MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
Sailor Moon S - Part One
In addition to Sailor Moon Crystal, VIZ Media also continues to release their re-dubs of the classic Sailor series with the release of Sailor Moon S - Part One.
The third season of SAILOR MOON begins with Rei, Sailor Mars, who has been plagued by disturbing visions of the Apocalypse. This coincides with a new enemy who appears in the city. They call themselves the Death Busters, and are lead by a maniac Professor called Tomoe. In the mix of it all two new sailor scouts appear - and they're also searching for the same heart crystals that Tomoe and the Death Busters are. They also have no interest in working with Sailor Moon or the others. They have their own agenda.
Also presented in 1080p HD the set has an aspect ratio of 4x3 full screen. The Limited Edition set contains episodes 90-108 plus a chipboard box with premium printing, booklet, including art and profiles and filler box with a space for part 2. Like previous Sailor Moon sets there are three versions. The Limited Edition Blu ray Combo Pack has an MSRP of $79.99 U.S. / $99.99 CAN while the Standard Edition Combo Pack has an MSRP of $69.99 U.S. / $81.99 CAN. There is also a Standard Edition DVD Set with an MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
Hunter X Hunter
Based on the manga series by by Yoshihiro Togashi the series follows Gon, is a young man who wants to follow in his father's footsteps to become a Hunter. A person who specializes in fantastic adventures like locating rare or unidentified animal species, treasure hunting, surveying unexplored enclaves, or hunting down bad guys. There's only one problem... the adventures come with a risk that could cost him his life. Along the way, he meets other applicants for the Hunter exam: Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua. Can Gon pass the rigorous challenges of the Hunter exam and become the best Hunter in the world!? His wild and epic journey is about to begin!! The Standard Edition Blu-ray Set has an MSRP of $54.97 U.S. / $63.99 CAN while the Standard Edition DVD Set has an MSRP of $39.99 U.S. / $51.99 CAN
The company also has some impressive collection of print materials including:
Super Mario Adventures
MarioTM and LuigiTM are two of the Ninendo® company's most memorable characters. With dozens of games, books, and even an animated series, the characters have only seemed have gotten more popular with time. With as successful as the Super Mario series was (and is) it was not surprising that they had their own comic book series. With a story written by Kentaro Kawamoto and art by Tamakichi Sakura (a pseudonym for Charlie Nozawa), Super Mario Adventures was first released over twenty years ago as part of Nintendo Power Magazine. True to the story of the games, the graphic novel (which received a remastered full-color print release) follows the adventures super plumbers Mario and Luigi on their quest with their new friend, Yoshi, to save Princess Toadstool who has been kidnapped by the diabolical deadbeat BowserTM. Will they be able to stop the Koopa King before he forces the Princess to be his bride? The book has a MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $17.99 CAN. "This fantastic new edition will delight legions of video game, pop culture and comic fans with imaginative adventures inspired by Mario and Luigi from the classic Super Mario Bros. games," says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director for VIZ Media. "Join the fun as gaming's most legendary pair of brothers attempt to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the Koopa King!"
The Art of Castle in the Sky
A few months ago I did a piece of the series of artbooks that VIZ Media was releasing in their library of Miyazaki films. While they've released several including Ponyo, My Neighbor Totoro, Howl's Moving Castle, and my personal favorite Kiki's Delivery service, on October 18th they will release The Art of Castle In the Sky.
As the first film produced by Studio Ghibli, Castle in the Sky is the story of Sheeta, a girl who has the power to defy gravity who is on the run from pirates when she meets Pazu, a young inventor. Together they explore the secrets of Laputa, a flying castle built by a long-lost race of people. Beautifully animated with a well-crafted story, the film includes the themes that have become standard in all Miyazaki's films: The bravery of young women, a worled wrecked by change, and of course, the power of flight the release of the book coinsides with the films 30th anniversary.
"We are proud to release this gorgeously illustrated book that celebrates the extraordinary artwork of Hayao Miyazaki's groundbreaking film," says Masumi Washington, Senior Editorial Director. "This comprehensive edition is packed with the film's art, from conception to final release, as well as commentary and insights from Miyazaki himself. It makes a fitting addition to our extensive Studio Ghibli library." This beautiful hardcover edition has an MSP of $34.99 U.S / $39.99 CAN.
JOJO'S BIZARRE ADVENTURE: PART 3 - STARDUST CRUSADERS, VOL. 1
Continuing the popular manga series, Part 3 marks the beginning of the acclaimed STARDUST CRUSADERS Arc! It follows a fiendish villain once thought to be dead who has resurfaced and become even more powerful! To fight the new evil, Joseph Joestar enlists the help of his hot-blooded grandson, Jotaro Kujo and together they embark on a perilous adventure that will take them around the world. The book has an MSRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN
