VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES ANNUAL ART ISSUE OF SHOJO BEAT MAGAZINE

March 2008 Issue Features Original Cover Illustration By Noted Comic Book Artist Bryan Lee O’Malley And A Range Of Articles On Manga Art And Video Game Design

San Francisco, CA, February 12, 2008 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the content for its annual art edition of SHOJO BEAT magazine, which is expected to hit newsstands nationwide on February 15th. The special issue will feature an original cover illustration of this month’s Beat Girl, the magazine’s spokesperson, by noted Canadian comic book artist, Bryan Lee O’Malley. O’Malley also gives insight into his career and influences in a jam-packed interview offering a step-by-step breakdown of his drawing process, and he also contributes a four-panel comic. This issue will also include an article on how some manga favorites are put together, and readers will be able to explore a collection of comics-friendly universities and video game design schools.

The March 2008 issue of SHOJO BEAT, rated T+ for older teens, runs a hefty 330+ pages. Readers will meet SHOJO BEAT mascot Moko’s new friend, take a Manga Quiz and have the opportunity to win manga art supplies in a special contest. An added feature on the Art of Video Games will offer insights into careers in video game design, along with an article on Hinamatsuri (Girl’s Day) in Japan and a tutorial on how to make sweet, plushy hina dolls! This issue is augmented by the exciting next chapters in a range of ongoing serialized manga series that currently include ABSOLUTE BOYFRIEND, CRIMSON HERO, VAMPIRE KNIGHT, HONEY & CLOVER, HARUKA and SAND CHRONICLES.

Bryan Lee O’Malley is an acclaimed Canadian comic book artist heavily influenced by manga and video games. He created the popular Scott Pilgrim series, which has achieved both critical and commercial success and garnered a number of awards. Volume 4 was one of the top selling graphic novels in the country and a movie based on the series is now in production at Universal Studios. For more information on Bryan Lee O'Malley and his work go to http://radiomaru.com/.

“It is an honor to illustrate Beat Girl for the cover of the March issue of SHOJO BEAT,” says O’Malley. “The manga genre, and the shojo art style in particular, have notably influenced the direction and look of many Western series, including my own, and SHOJO BEAT has been at the forefront of building a genuine interest in comics for girls by an increasing amount of domestic female readers. I look forward to the momentum continuing and to readers exploring this special issue.”

“Research has shown that SHOJO BEAT readers not only read and collect manga, but they also tend to have strong artistic talents they actively nurture and develop,” says Marc Weidenbaum, SHOJO BEAT Editor-in-Chief. “A significant amount of our readers draw, take design classes and read art journals and many are interested in careers in art, design or fashion. We hope to further stimulate these interests with this special art issue that includes special guest artist, Bryan Lee O’Malley, who has channeled his love of art and manga into a successful career. Whether you create, collect or just appreciate art and manga, this is an interesting exciting issue to explore!”

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 Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions 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.