A DANGEROUS ALIEN MENACE THREATENS EARTH IN NEW MAX STEEL: HAYWIRE GRAPHIC NOVEL FROM VIZ MEDIA’S PERFECT SQUARE IMPRINT

When Technology Fails, Teen Superhero Max Steel Must Think Outside The Box To Defeat A Mysterious Alien Bent On Unleashing Chaos With A Deadly Computer Virus

San Francisco, CA, March 25, 2014 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, delivers an exciting new installment in the continuing MAX STEEL™ series of original graphic novels published by the Perfect Square imprint with the debut of MAX STEEL: HAYWIRE on April 1^st.

The full-color sci-fi action adventure was written by Tom Pinchuk with artwork by Jan Wijngaard, is rated ‘A’ for All Ages, and will carry an MSRP of $7.99 U.S. / $9.99 CAN. A digital version will also launch on April 1^st for $4.99 U.S. / CAN from the Perfect Square App, which offers titles for the Apple iPad^® and iPad^® Mini. The Perfect Square App is available from the iTunes store. Fans can also find a digital version for the NOOK, Kindle Fire, and Kobo ereaders, as well as in the iBooks and GooglePlay Stores.

In MAX STEEL: HAYWIRE, a shadowy new villain hits Earth with a deadly super computer virus that takes down technology and creates communications chaos. Can Max figure out how to get things back online – without using his usual techno tricks to do it?!

“The fun in the latest MAX STEEL adventure is going to be downright infectious for every single reader,” says writer Tom Pinchuk. “’Turbo’ artist Jan Wijngaard and I had an absolutely awesome time throwing mega-virus danger at Max and Steel and pitting them against this newest, deadliest alien threat!”

Originally developed by Mattel, MAX STEEL is a global boy’s entertainment franchise spanning toys, publishing and consumer products. Season 1 of an acclaimed MAX STEEL CGI animated series, co-produced with FremantleMedia Kids & Family Entertainment, has also captivated legions of fans around the world. In the TV and original graphic novel series, Maxwell McGrath™ is just an average 16-year-old boy… until he starts experiencing uncontrollable Turbo Energy! To control this amazing superpower, he must merge with a know-it-all alien Ultralink™ named Steel. Steel gives Maxwell the ability to harness his power and merge his own to create one unified super force – Max Steel – and together, this unlikely duo will battle to save the earth as the ultimate turbocharged superhero!

Tom Pinchuk is a prolific writer and media personality who has created daring comics like Unimaginable and written for animated series produced by the world-famous Man of Action Studios. MAX STEEL: HAYWIRE is his first title for VIZ Media and Perfect Square. 

MAX STEEL artist Jan Wijngaard is a professional illustrator based in Manchester, England. Jan recently did work for T Publications and also drew the Max Steel: The Parasites graphic novel for Perfect Square.

VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering original comics, manga (graphic novels) and other children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.

Additional information on titles published by Perfect Square is available at www.PerfectSquare.com.

For more information on other manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About Max Steel

Developed by Mattel, Inc., Max Steel™ is an immersive franchise that brings a positive and relatable superhero to kids, supported by a captivating storyline and compelling multi-platform content for today’s tech-forward kid. Featuring an animated superhero series, Max Steel draws upon turbo-charged teamwork, laughter and friendship to help kids overcome life’s obstacles — from the everyday, to the out-of-this-world. With worldwide distribution partners, the franchise launches include content and a robust portfolio spanning toys, digital platforms and consumer products. For more information, visit www.maxsteel.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, Australia, New Zealand 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.

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