VIZ MEDIA TO LAUNCH NEW BEN 10 OMNIVERSE ORIGINAL GRAPHIC NOVEL SERIES THIS FALL

Inspired By The Popular Kids Animated Action Series On Cartoon Network, New Original Graphic Novels Will Add An Exciting New Chapter To The Dynamic Property’s Story

San Francisco, CA, March 11, 2013 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in North America, has announced that it will support Cartoon Network’s BEN 10 OMNIVERSE animated program with a brand new series of original graphic novels inspired by the popular action/adventure program. The BEN 10 OMNIVERSE series will be rated ‘A’ for All Ages, will launch in the fall of 2013 under the company’s VIZ Kids imprint, and will be available in print and digital editions. Print volumes will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN each.

Ben 10 Omniverse is the latest installment of the hit Ben 10 franchise and was developed by Men of Action, a Development/Production House dedicated to writing, conceptualizing, and developing work of exceptional quality, commercial viability, and explosive creativity. The debut volume of VIZ Media’s BEN 10 OMNIVERSE will feature artwork by Alan Brown with story written by Cory Levine. Future volumes will feature artwork and stories by a variety of noted comic book artists and writers.

In the animated Ben 10 Omniverse series, broadcasting currently on Cartoon Network, Ben Tennyson looks forward to being a solo superhero with his brand new Omnitrix, a watch-like device that allows him to change into different kinds of aliens. But Grandpa Max has other ideas. He assigns Ben a new Plumber partner, Rook, who is highly skilled with his Proto-Tool, but lacks any field experience – especially on Earth. Ben has absolutely no desire to be a tour guide, especially since a mysterious new villain has him in his sights! Ben has defeated all kinds of evil, and is quick to remind everyone that he’s saved the universe at least a dozen times. But even with 10 brand new aliens at his disposal, Ben may have finally met his match! This weekend (March 16-17) Cartoon Network will celebrate Ben 10 with a “Ben 10 Bootcamp” marathon, complete with 17 straight hours of programming, including television movies and episodes from each of the series based on the animated kid hero.

“VIZ Media is very excited to release new original BEN 10 OMNIVERSE graphic novels based on the latest installment of the popular kid’s action franchise,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director. “Beating the bad guys is just part of the superhero gig. With a little help from his rookie partner, Ben will explore the alien underground and discover enemies from his past looking for a rematch. VIZ Media will carry over the show’s visual art style and tone to the original graphic novel series.  We are thrilled to open an exciting new chapter in the BEN 10 OMNIVERSE story this fall!”

For more information on BEN 10 OMNIVERSE or other VIZ Kids titles, please visit http://www.vizkids.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and INUYASHA, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.

About Cartoon Network Enterprises

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) is responsible for building consumer products and merchandising programs for a wide range of brands by securing and supporting long-term licensing partnerships across all categories. As the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, the division manages the consumer product programs for the networks’ award-winning original programming, brands and characters including Ben 10, Adventure Time, Regular Show, The Amazing World of Gumball, The Powerpuff Girls, Adult Swim and more. CNE also serves as the exclusive global licensing agent for LazyTown Entertainment and the PGA of America for the youth marketplace.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com) is the #1 U.S. television network among boys 6-11. Currently seen in 99 million U.S. homes and 168 countries around the world, Cartoon Network is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service now available in HD offering the best in original, acquired and classic entertainment for kids and families. In addition to Emmy-winning original programming and industry-leading digital apps and online games, Cartoon Network embraces key social issues affecting families with solution-oriented initiatives such as Stop Bullying: Speak Up and the Move It Movement.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

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