Debut Of A New Series In The Classic Science Fiction Universe Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen

Image courtesy of VIZ Media. © 2012 Yasuo OHTAGAKI/ SHOGAKUKAN © SOTSU?SUNRISE

VIZ Media, LLC, a premier company in the fields of publishing, animation distribution, and global entertainment licensing, unleashes a fresh take on the classic Gundam universe with the release of Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt on November 15th. The new manga series created by Yasuo Ohtagaki delivers an action-packed, character-driven story set in the distant future where the forces of the Earth Federation fight to quell an uprising by the rebellious Principality of Zeon. The preeminent weapons in this struggle are massive robots with human pilots called Mobile Suits. Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt will be published in print under the VIZ Signature imprint and is rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens. Volume 1 will carry an MSRP of $14.99 U.S. / $19.99 CAN. Future volumes will be published on a quarterly basis. “Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt is an exciting addition to the world of MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM, which has been thrilling legions of fans for almost 40 years,” says Michael Montesa, Editor. “The new series delivers a tense storyline filled with vivid battle scenes featuring plenty of imaginatively designed mobile suits, making this a fitting addition to one of science fiction’s most legendary action properties.” In the Universal Century year 0079, the space colony known as Side 3 proclaims independence as the Principality of Zeon and declares war on the Earth Federation. One year later, they are locked in a fierce battle for the Thunderbolt Sector, an area of space scarred by the wreckage of destroyed colonies. As the first volume opens, two veteran Mobile Suit pilots leap into this maelstrom of destruction: the deadly Zeon sniper Daryl Lorenz, and Federation ace Io Fleming. It’s the beginning of a rivalry that can end only when one of them is destroyed. The lightning-streaked debris fields are about to become the stage for an epic duel where death is the only true winner. For additional information on Mobile Suit Gundam Thunderbolt and other manga titles distributed and published by VIZ Media, please visit 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 and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology Weekly Shonen Jump and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, 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.