HIGH FANTASY AND TRUE LOVE COME TO LIFE IN

ICO: CASTLE IN THE MIST,

NEW FROM VIZ MEDIA’S HAIKASORU IMPRINT



New Novel Is Based On A Popular Japanese Video Game From The Acclaimed Author Of

BRAVE STORY



San Francisco, CA, August 4, 2011 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, with publish author Miyuki Miyabe imaginative fantasy novel ICO: CASTLE IN THE MIST, on August 16th. The new book will be published by the company’s Haikasoru imprint and will carry an MSRP of $15.99 U.S. / $18.99 CAN.



A boy with horns, marked for death; A girl who sleeps in a cage of iron.



The Castle of the Mist calls for its sacrifice: a horned child, born once a generation. When, on a single night in his thirteenth year, Ico's horns grow long and curved, he knows his time has come. But why does the Castle of the Mist demand this offering, and can the castle keep Ico's destiny from intertwining with that of the girl imprisoned within its walls?



“ICO: CASTLE IN THE MIST first appeared as a popular videogame for the PlayStation 2 and will soon to be re-mastered in high-definition for the PlayStation 3,” says Nick Mamatas, Haikasoru’s Editor. “Award winning author Miyuki Miyabe was inspired by the game’s atmosphere and expands the story in her novel, creating a whole world for readers to explore. Delve into the mysteries of this talented author’s grand achievement of imagination in this new release from Haikasoru!”



Author Miyuki Miyabe's first novel was published in 1987, and since then she has become one of Japan's most popular and best-selling authors. Miyabe's novel, BRAVE STORY (also published North America in 2007 by VIZ Media and Haikasoru), won The Batchelder Award for Best Children's Book in Translation from the American Library Association. ICO: CASTLE IN THE MIST is her seventh novel to be translated into English.



For more information on ICO: CASTLE IN THE MIST and the Haikasoru imprint, please visit www.haikasoru.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 website at www.VIZ.com.