Press Release
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest distributor and licensor of manga and anime in North America, entices shojo manga (graphic novel) readers with the print and digital launch of the new series – YUKARISM – on December 2nd.
The nostalgia-tinted historical romance comes from creator Chika Shiomi, who is widely known among manga fans for her series YURARA and RASETSU (both available from VIZ Media). YUKARISM will be published under the Shojo Beat imprint and is rated ‘T’ for Teens. Print MSRP will be $9.99 U.S. / $12.99 CAN.
A digital version of YUKARISM, Vol. 1 also debuts on December 2nd for $6.99 (USD/CAN) from VIZManga.com and through the VIZ MANGA App for the Apple iPad®, iPhone® and iPod® touch, Android-powered smart phones. Digital volumes of YUKARISM can also be purchased through the Nook, Kobo, Kindle, iBooks and GooglePlay stores. Future editions of this 4-volume manga series will be released in-print and digitally on a quarterly basis.
YUKARISM introduces readers to Yukari Kobayakawa, an accomplished author at the age of 17 who writes with amazing accuracy about historical Japan. As it turns out, he has the ability to slip into his past life in the Edo period – as a beautiful, renowned courtesan named Yumurasaki!
“YUKARISM is a sexy romance about past lives and gender-bending reincarnation that will captivate readers with its exquisite artwork, cute male characters and suspenseful plot,” says Amy Yu, Editor. “Creator Chika Shiomi weaves an enticing story that links each of the main characters’ past and present lives and generates some potent sexual tension as readers learn more about Yukari’s past. The gender-bending aspects also offer plenty of hilarious moments!”
Creator Chika Shiomi debuted with the manga, Todokeru Toki o Sugitemo (Even if the Time for Deliverance Passes), and her other notable works include the supernatural series YURARA and RASETSU. Her hobbies include reading manga, traveling and listening to music; favorite artists include Michelangelo, Hokusai, Bernini and Gustav Klimt.
For more information on YUKARISM, or other Shojo Beat manga titles published by VIZ Media, please visit www.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. Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.