Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, thrilled fans during its official panel held at Anime Expo as it announced the acquisitions of the MEGALOBOX anime series and the publications NieR: Automata: Short Story Long and Smashed: Junji Ito Story Collection. MEGALOBOX reboots the classic manga published by Kodansha, Tomorrow’s Joe, the widely acclaimed story of an orphan who becomes a champion boxer that marks its 50th Anniversary this year. VIZ Media acquired the exclusive theatrical, broadcast, home media, and non-exclusive streaming, merchandise and consumer products rights to MEGALOBOX from TMS Entertainment Co., Ltd., one of the world`s largest and most distinguished animation studios. A variety of renowned anime industry veterans make up MEGALOBOX’s staff, including Director and Conceptual Design by Yo Moriyama (ATTACK ON TITAN) and Series Composition and Screenplay by Katsuhiko Manabe (FIST OF THE NORTH STAR: THE LEGENDS OF THE TRUE SAVIOR). In MEGALOBOX, the protagonist of the story is a young man with no origin and known only by his ring name: “JNK.DOG” He survives by fighting in rigged, underground matches of a sport called MEGALOBOX, a form of fighting utilizing powered exoskeletons. JD is bored, resigned and unfulfilled—until the day he encounters Yuri, the reigning official champion of MEGALOBOX. The first of the two new publishing acquisitions, NieR: Automata: Short Story Long, is a collection of short fiction and novellas based on the bestselling video game, NIER: AUTOMATA, which has sold more than two million copies. The second novel of two stand-alone volumes (Long Story Short will debut in October 2018), the book expands the world and characters of the video game, including insights into beloved characters and story settings. Also announced was Smashed: Junji Ito Story Collection, a chilling new hardcover collection of thirteen tales from the master of horror. Both new titles are scheduled for print and digital publication in the spring of 2019. Additional information on each of these titles will be announced in the near future. NieR: Automata: Short Story Long, By Jun Eishima and Yoko Taro Short fiction from the world of NIER: AUTOMATA, including the classic novella The Flame of Prometheus, the short story A Much Too Silent Sea, and original tales of A2, Emil and more! Smashed: Junji Ito Story Collection, By Junji Ito Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens Try not to be noticed when you eat the secret nectar, otherwise you’ll get smashed... What horrific events happened to create the earthbound -- people tied to a certain place for the rest of their short lives? Then, a strange haunted house comes to town, but no one expects it to lead to a real hell... Welcome to Junji Ito’s world, a world with no escape from endless nightmares. For additional information on MEGALOBOX and other anime and manga 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, Shogakukan Inc., Shueisha 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.
About TMS Entertainment Co., Ltd.
TMS Entertainment (better known as TMS), one of the world`s largest and most distinguished animation studios. TMS has won recognition from the international filmmaking industry for its highly-acclaimed animation, pioneering techniques and proud commitment to quality. With a dedicated team of development, production and design executives, TMS`s growing reputation is reflected by the versatility, artistry and originality of the programs the company has produced for international markets worldwide. Established in 1964, TMS has produced more than 200 features, and over 100 TV program series, with a total of 12,000 half hours for global distribution. TMS programs have attained worldwide recognition and TMS will continue to strive for excellence. Learn more about TMS at tms-e.com/english and TMSanime.com