VIZ MEDIA’S PERFECT SQUARE IMPRINT ANNOUNCES RETURN OF THE LEGEND OF ZELDA™: A LINK TO THE PAST™ GRAPHIC NOVEL BY SHOTARO ISHINOMORI

Long Out-Of-Print Famed Comic Based On The Nintendo Video Game Returns This May 

San Francisco, CA, January 26, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, is proud to announce the return of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST for the first time in more than two decades. The celebrated full-color graphic novel adaptation of the classic Nintendo game returns in a special single-volume edition scheduled for May release under the company’s Perfect Square imprint.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST is a unique adaptation of the internationally bestselling video game originally released for Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System™. This comic book version by manga and anime legend Shotaro Ishinomori (Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider) was first serialized in Nintendo Power™ magazine and later collected into a graphic novel in 1993. Long out of print, this stunning, full-color graphic novel is now available once again for the first time in more than twenty years!

“THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST is such a rare book, showcasing world-famous manga creator Shotaro Ishinomori’s incredible art with the classic Nintendo story of Link and his quest to save Princess Zelda against all odds. We are honored and excited to make the publication available once again to North American readers from the Perfect Square library,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, Perfect Square. “Many older fans recall eagerly awaiting each new issue of Nintendo Power magazine back in the ‘90s for a new monthly chapter of A LINK TO THE PAST. While it followed the overall story arc of the original Super Entertainment System game, creator Ishinomori also added new plot twists and characters that made this a stand-alone favorite among multiple generations of fans. Readers of all ages will be captivated by this timeless story and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy this long-out-of-print book!”

Shotaro Ishinomori was one of Japan’s most prolific and revered comic book creators. Among his most popular works are Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider and Hotel. In 2008, Guinness World Records named Ishinomori the world record holder for the “most comics published by one author” for creating more than 770 stories collected in a total of 500 volumes of manga. The Ishinomori Manga Museum in Japan is dedicated to his works and legacy.

Also available from VIZ Media is THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set (rated ‘A’ for All Ages), which collects a separate manga (graphic novel) series created by Akira Himekawa. The set collects ten manga adventures featuring Link and the popular video game world of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons and FOUR SWORDS.

VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering original comics, manga (graphic novels), pop culture and 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 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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The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
TM & © 2015 Nintendo
THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST © 1993 ISHIMORI PRO/SHOGAKUKAN