VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES NEW PUBLISHING ACQUISITIONS SET FOR RELEASE IN 2018

Manga Additions Include A New Collector’s Edition Of FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, New Haikasoru Novel, A Pair Of NEKO ATSUME: KITTY COLLECTOR Books And More

San Francisco, CA, July 5, 2017 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, announced plans to expand its publishing catalog with newly acquired titles this past weekend at Anime Expo 2017 in Los Angeles.

Set for publication beginning in early 2018, the new manga titles include FIRE PUNCH, a dystopian thriller that will launch under the VIZ Signature imprint, and the gender-swapping shojo manga series KENKA BANCHO OTOME: GIRL BEATS BOYS. Manga additions also include the classic bestselling series FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST, which returns in a hardcover collector’s edition. SISYPHEAN was announced as the latest novel to join the Haikasoru literary imprint, and a pair of titles—a haiku volume and an activity book—inspired by the global hit mobile game Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector also join the VIZ Media roster.

Additional information on each of these titles will be announced in the near future.

New VIZ Media Publishing Acquisitions for 2018

FIRE PUNCH · Rated ‘M’ For Mature Audiences · Available January 2018

In the not-too-distant past, the Ice Witch blanketed the world in snow, starvation and madness, leading the inhabitants to seek their salvation in fire. With that, an unusual destiny unfolds for two young orphans, Agni and Luna, blessed with the ability to regenerate. But will this ability prove to be more of a curse than a blessing? FIRE PUNCH was a nominee for the 2017 Manga Taisho Award. 

SISYPHEAN (Novel) · Unrated · Available January 2018

In this award-winning novel by Dempow Torishima, even after the world and humanity itself have been rendered nearly unrecognizable by genetic engineering, a day in the office can feel…Sisyphean. The company stands atop a tiny deck supported by huge iron columns a hundred meters high. The boss there is its president – a large creature of unstable, shifting form once called “human.” The world of his dedicated worker contains only the deck and the sea of mud surrounding it, and the worker’s daily routine is anything but peaceful. A mosaic novel of extreme science and high weirdness, Sisyphean will change the way you see existence itself. Sisyphean was a winner of the prestigious Japan SF Award and also nominated for a Seiun Award.

NEKO ATSUME: KITTY COLLECTOR—where am i meOW? · Unrated ·

Available February 2018

Expand your play from the popular mobile game Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector with a fun activity book for cat fans of all ages. In this full-color book, seek and find favorite kitties from Neko Atsume Kitty Collector as they romp through imaginative new environments, learn facts about the classic cats and play with dozens of stickers!

NEKO ATSUME: KITTY COLLECTOR HaikU—SEASONS OF THE KITTY · Unrated · Available February 2018

Ever wonder what the kitties of the popular mobile game Neko Atsume: Kitty Collector get up to when they're not on your screen? Join the cast of the cartoon cats of Neko Atsume Kitty Collector in an irreverent journey through the seasons as told in haiku.  

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: FULLMETAL EDITION · Rated ‘T’ For Teens ·  Available May 2018

Fully remastered with an updated translation and completely fresh lettering, and presented with all the original color pages on large-trim archival-quality paper, this gorgeous hardcover edition presents the timeless dark adventures of the Elric brothers as they were truly meant to be seen. Also includes new behind-the-scenes character sketches and brand-new color art from author Hiromu Arakawa

KENKA BANCHO OTOME: GIRL BEATS BOYS · Rated ‘T’ For Teens ·

Available April 2018

A captivating new manga series based on the Japanese romantic adventure game, Kenka Bancho Otome. Hinako thought she didn't have any family, but on the day she starts high school, Hinako’s twin brother Hikaru suddenly appears and tricks her into taking his place. But the new school Hinako attends in his stead is beyond unusual. Now she must fight her way to the top of Shishiku Academy, an all-boys school of delinquents!

For additional information on other manga and literary titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Established in 1986, VIZ Media is the premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing. Along with its popular digital magazine WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, DRAGON BALL, SAILOR MOON, and POKÉMON, VIZ Media offers an extensive library of titles and original content in a wide variety of book and video formats, as well as through official licensed merchandise. Owned by three of Japan's largest publishing and entertainment companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is dedicated to bringing the best titles for English-speaking audiences worldwide.

Learn more about VIZ Media and its properties at VIZ.com.