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Tag: VIZ Media

  • Crunchyroll takes aim at manga pirates with new digital service come 9 October

    Crunchyroll takes aim at manga pirates with new digital service come 9 October

    MUMBAI: Crunchyroll is betting that frustrated manga readers will pay up to escape the labyrinthine world of publisher-specific apps and dodgy fan-scan sites. The anime streaming giant announced that Crunchyroll Manga, a new premium add-on, will launch on 9 October  for iOS and Android users in America and Canada, followed by a web version on 15 October.

    The service promises an ad-free experience featuring hundreds of titles from major publishers including Viz Media, Square Enix, Yen Press, AlphaPolis and Compass. Launch titles span the spectrum from blockbusters like One Piece and Jujutsu Kaisen to cult favourites such as The Summer Hikaru Died and Delicious in Dungeon.

    For existing subscribers, the pricing structure offers both carrots and sticks. Ultimate Fan subscribers ($15.99 monthly) get access at no extra cost. Others face a $4 monthly surcharge for the Fan tier (bringing it to $11.99) or $3.50 for Mega Fan subscribers ($15.49 total).

    The move tackles a persistent headache for western manga enthusiasts: juggling multiple subscriptions across different publishers’ platforms. Square Enix’s Manga UP! limits access through daily “free currency,” whilst other publishers require separate purchases or subscriptions that quickly pile up costs.

    Crunchyroll Manga, powered by Japan’s Link-U Group, will operate as a standalone app separate from the main streaming service. Features include offline downloads, personalised reading lists and full two-page spreads across mobile, tablet and web platforms.

    Notably absent from the launch lineup are titles from Kodansha, which operates its own K Manga app using a ticket-purchase system. However, popular Kodansha series like Attack on Titan and Vinland Saga, already available as anime on Crunchyroll, may join later.

    Additional publishers including Shueisha, J-Novel Club and ThirdlineNext are slated to join post-launch, potentially creating a one-stop shop for digital manga consumption.

    The timing is shrewd. Digital comics subscription services like Marvel Unlimited have proven the model works for superhero fans. If successful, Crunchyroll Manga could deal a significant blow to manga piracy whilst consolidating the company’s position as the west’s manga and anime gatekeeper

  • VIZ Media To Develop Original Animated Kids Series GAKKIMALS

    VIZ Media To Develop Original Animated Kids Series GAKKIMALS

    SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, has acquired the production and licensing rights to develop an original animated series based on the Japanese children’s property, GAKKIMALS.

    The series will be produced under license from ShoPro, a subsidiary of three of Japan’s largest publishing houses, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc. and Hakusensha Inc., that focuses on licensing and merchandising the properties owned by Shogakukan Inc. GAKKIMALS is based on an original concept created by Japanese production duo, PecanNuts.

    Welcome to the wonderful adventures of the GAKKIMALS, where madcap mash-ups of musical instruments and animals combine to bring happiness and harmony to their fun-filled world.

    “The acquisition of GAKKIMALS represents an important step in our initiative to develop new and engaging global content in partnership with our creative partners in Japan,” says Brad Woods, CMO, VIZ Media. “GAKKIMALS is a truly unique children’s property that combines the evergreen appeal of music and animals into a vibrant environment that inspires early childhood learning with a fun cast of endearing characters. We look forward to working closely with our partners at ShoPro to develop this exciting new show.”

    For more information on GAKKIMALS and other titles available from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com

  • VIZ Media To Develop Original Animated Kids Series GAKKIMALS

    VIZ Media To Develop Original Animated Kids Series GAKKIMALS

    SAN FRANCISCO /PRNewswire/ — VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), a premier company in the field of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, has acquired the production and licensing rights to develop an original animated series based on the Japanese children’s property, GAKKIMALS.

    The series will be produced under license from ShoPro, a subsidiary of three of Japan’s largest publishing houses, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha Inc. and Hakusensha Inc., that focuses on licensing and merchandising the properties owned by Shogakukan Inc. GAKKIMALS is based on an original concept created by Japanese production duo, PecanNuts.

    Welcome to the wonderful adventures of the GAKKIMALS, where madcap mash-ups of musical instruments and animals combine to bring happiness and harmony to their fun-filled world.

    “The acquisition of GAKKIMALS represents an important step in our initiative to develop new and engaging global content in partnership with our creative partners in Japan,” says Brad Woods, CMO, VIZ Media. “GAKKIMALS is a truly unique children’s property that combines the evergreen appeal of music and animals into a vibrant environment that inspires early childhood learning with a fun cast of endearing characters. We look forward to working closely with our partners at ShoPro to develop this exciting new show.”

    For more information on GAKKIMALS and other titles available from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com