MAMESHIBA RETURN IN FUN NEW SUMMER GRAPHIC NOVEL AND ACTIVITY BOOK RELEASES FROM VIZ KIDS

San Francisco, CA, July 6, 2012 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, will delight younger fans and readers with the announcement of the release of a new activity book and the latest graphic novel volume for MAMESHIBA, the whimsical Japanese character sensations that have taken North America by storm.

The MAMESHIBA: WE COULD BE HEROES graphic novel, with story by James Turner and art by Jorge Monlongo, is now available, and will be followed by the MAMESHIBA: HOW TO BE THE BEST FRIEND EVER activity book, on August 7^th. Both editions will be published under the VIZ Kids imprint.

It's a BEAN! It's a DOG! It's... BOTH?! Are they beans? Are they dogs? Not quite either one – they're Mameshiba!

  

MAMESHIBA: WE COULD BE HEROES · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN · Available Now!    

Mameshiba are back for more laughs, more trivia, and more adventure! This time, the intrepid legumes travel to a magical land, combine to form a giant robot, and help a friend in love. Plus, Tiger Bean stars in three adorable shorts created by Lark Pien (Long Tail Kitty, Mr. Elephanter)!

MAMESHIBA: HOW TO BE THE BEST FRIEND EVER · Rated ‘A’ for All Ages ·

MSRP: $6.99 U.S. / $7.99 CAN · Available August 7^th     

Even more creative fun is in store this summer with a colorful little guide to friendship from MAMESHIBA! Full of crafts, notes, stickers and good advice, this book is for anyone who wants to be the best friend ever!

“If you thought MAMESHIBA ON THE LOOSE! was fun, wait until you read WE COULD BE HEROES!” says Traci Todd, Senior Editor, Children’s Publishing. ”Jorge Monlongo and James Turner have really outdone themselves this time, plus Lark Pien’s work is so lovely. HOW TO BE THE BEST FRIEND EVER is a perfect little book for friends to share, and it’s a great companion to the MEET MAMESHIBA! character guide.”

For more information on MAMESHIBA and other VIZ Kids properties, please visit www.VIZKids.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.