Press Release
Over in Japan, thousands of stores are loaded with NARUTO books, toys and merchandise that celebrate the enormously successful manga and anime franchise. Previously, there hasn’t been a way for the legion of fans following the adventures of ninja-in-training, NARUTO Uzumaki and his friends, to get a complete selection of this merchandise in North America and elsewhere.
Now, Diamond Comic Distributors has made it easier for NARUTO fans to purchase a wide variety of merchandise by importing exclusive NARUTO products, and making them available for retailers to order.
“Diamond is pleased to work directly with VIZ Media, Studio Pierrot, and NARUTO-licensed manufacturers to bring NARUTO products to North America,” said John Parker, Diamond’s Vice President of Business Development. “Each month, Diamond will be offering more and more exclusive items that NARUTO collectors and fans covet, and they will be available for purchase at their local comic book shop, as well as other retail stores.”
Starting in its October PREVIEWS catalog, Diamond will feature NARUTO SHIPPUDEN collectibles on a two-page display in the Collectibles & Novelties section—with many of the items exclusively available in North America only through Diamond. Fans will find detailed statues, figures, apparel, plush, DVD’s, and books offered. Featured NARUTO merchandise for October includes:
- NARUTO Shippiden Uzamaki Statue (Item Code: OCT132146, SRP: $300.00),
- NARUTO Chibi T-shirt in Adult (Item Code: OCT132150, SRP: $18.99
- NARUTO Chibi T Shirt for Juniors (Item Code: OCT132155, SRP: $18.99),
- NARUTO Shippuden DXF Figure SR 1 NARUTO (Item Code: OCT132168, SRP: $25.00, page 471)
- NARUTO Shippuden DXF Figure SR 1 Minato (Item Code: OCT132169, SRP:$25.00, page 471)
- NARUTO Shippuden DXF Figure SR 2 Sasuke (Item Code: OCT132170, SRP:$25.00, page 471)
- NARUTO Shippuden DXF Figure SR 2 Itachi (Item Code: OCT132170, SRP:$25.00, page 471)
- Other NARUTO items this month include a NARUTO blue baseball cap, Leaf Village Logo Headbands, NARUTO plush and more.
PREVIEWS will continue to showcase NARUTO merchandise and collectibles in upcoming issues, featuring exclusive items that fans and collectors will find through their local comic book shop and other retailers at compelling pricing easy, convenient purchasing.
Customers looking to pre-order NARUTO items should contact their local comic shop retailer, or find a comic shop near them by visiting www.comicshoplocator.com. Retailers interested in purchasing these NARUTO exclusive items for the first time are encouraged to contact Diamond’s New Accounts Department at newaccounts@diamondcomics.com or via phone at 443-318-8215.
ABOUT VIZ MEDIA- VIZ Media, LLC is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular digital manga anthology Weekly Shonen Jump magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages.
ABOUT STUDIO PIERROT– Since its establishment in 1979, Pierrot has created over 100 animation titles including television series, feature films, direct-to-video shows and edutainment programs. These animated series and films include The Wonderful Adventure of Nils, Esteban, a Boy from the Sun, NARUTO, and Bleach. With innovative spirits and cutting edge technology, Pierrot has produced series and films of diverse genre ranging from action to comedy, thriller to romance, sports to edutainment and more with their extensive library always providing something for everyone. Through experience ,knowledge of what audiences want, and hard work from one of Japan’s top creative talents, Pierrot has become one of Japan’s leading animation companies.
ABOUT DIAMOND COMIC DISTRIBUTORS (DCD)—Diamond is at the nexus of comics and pop culture. Based in Baltimore, MD, DCD is the world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books, graphic novels, and related pop-culture merchandise, serving thousands of retailers worldwide. For more information, visit Diamond on the web at www.diamondcomics.com.
