First Two Print Volumes About a Superhero Who Just Needs a Villain Strong Enough to Take Him On Source: VIZ Media, MediaLab press releases Official Site: VIZManga.com Special Thanks to Jane Lui and Erik Jansen
VIZ Media, LLC, the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, delivers a knock-out blow, manga style, with the exciting print debut later this summer of the acclaimed superhero series, One-Punch Man. Volumes 1 and 2 of the wildly popular action-comedy manga series created by writer ONE and artist Yusuke Murata are both set for release in September 2015. One-Punch Man is rated ‘T’ for Teens and print volumes will carry an MSRP of $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN each. Future print editions of the series, which is also ongoing in Japan, will be published in English on a bimonthly basis under VIZ Media’s Shonen Jump imprint. In anticipation of the forthcoming print launch, VIZ Media invites readers to enjoy the first 3 chapters of One-Punch Man in a special FREE digital preview available now for a limited time on VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App. Please check select partner sites for similar availability. For digital manga readers, One-Punch Man Vols. 1-7 are also now available from VIZManga.com and the VIZ MANGA App for the iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, Android-powered smart phones and tablets. The volumes also may be purchased through the Nook, Kindle, Kobo, comiXology, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. In One-Punch Man, nothing about Saitama passes the eyeball test when it comes to superheroes, from his lifeless expression to his bald head to his unimpressive physique. However, this average-looking guy has a not-so-average problem – he just can’t seem to find an opponent strong enough to take on! Every time a promising villain appears, he beats the snot out of ’em with one punch! Can Saitama finally find an opponent who can go toe-to-toe with him and give his life some meaning? Or is he doomed to a life of super-powered boredom? “Prepare for a one-two knockout combo of superhero-inspired action meets comedy in One-Punch Man,” says Andy Nakatani, Editor in Chief, Weekly Shonen Jump. “Many fans have already become captivated by the series through its digital serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump magazine. Now, beginning with the release of the first two volumes in September, print readers have the opportunity to enjoy the dynamic illustrations and kinetic fight scenes of the manga series that put a unique twist on the classic superhero story. Also, don’t miss the special digital preview that offers the opening chapters of this hilarious series for a limited time!” Manga creator ONE began One-Punch Man as a web comic, which quickly went viral and garnered over 10 million hits. Japanese manga publisher (and VIZ Media parent company) Shueisha eventually secured the publishing rights to the series. In addition to One-Punch Man, ONE writes and draws the series Mob Psycho 100 and Makai no Ossan. Yusuke Murata is a highly acclaimed and skilled manga artist best-known for his work on the football series, Eyeshield 21 (also published in North America by VIZ Media). In 1995, Murata won the prestigious 122nd Hop Step Award for his series, Partner, and placed second in 1998 in the semi-annual Akatsuka Awards for Samui Hanashi. For more information on ONE-PUNCH MAN and manga titles from 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 monthly manga anthology Shonen Jump magazine 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 viz.com.