The gripping next installment of the hit SHONEN JUMP Manga, NARUTO Volume 48, is now available; Naruto Meets The True Face of Pein!

Naruto, a young shinobi with an incorrigible knack for mischief and a wild sense of humor, is completely serious about his mission to be the world’s greatest ninja! In this volume, Naruto is finally face-to-face with his ultimate nemesis, and finds out there’s way more to the true Pain than he could have ever imagined. As the consequences of the tumultuous politics of the past come to light, an unexpected turn of events puts a new ninja in power in Konoha – the first act by the new leader will change Naruto’s world forever.

This volume will also include one of the special collectible cards VIZ has circulated from the series. NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Collectible Card from Bandai America, featuring Sakura Haruno. Part of an exclusive three-card promotion, fans can collect the first card featuring Naruto Uzumaki, included in Bandai’s Series 17 Hobby Booster Boxes, and the third card featuring Kakashi Hatake, included in the August issue of *SHONEN JUMP* magazine (the best selling monthly manga anthology in North America), hitting retailers on July 6th.

Naruto depicts the adventures of a young boy named Naruto Uzumaki who trains to become a ninja, and through his exciting adventures, the young ninja learns the importance of friendship, teamwork, loyalty, hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and right versus wrong. Created by Masashi Kishimoto, Naruto was first introduced in Japan in 1999 and quickly became that country’s most popular ninja manga, and more than 100 million copies to date have been printed. The manga series has captivated millions of fans across North America, Europe and South America.

For more information, check out VIZMedia.com!

VIZ Media is proud to present VizAnime.com. A website recently launched that will premiere with over 400 episodes of VIZ’s most popular shows, including Bleach, Naruto Shippuden, Death Note, Inuyasha and Prince of Tennis.

The website will be completely free to use and have a customizable interface for users as well.

“A variety of interactive social networking tools and features also help foster an official online home and community for VIZ Media anime fans allowing them to connect on and discuss favorite shows, and offer ratings and opinions of various episodes.

Users can “follow” as many series as they like and choose to be notified each time a new episode is released, as well as keep track of the last episode they’ve watched. This makes it easy to stay current on series like INUYASHA or NARUTO, which feature more than 100 episodes.”

Check out VIZMedia.com and VIZAnime.com for more details.

Here is a list of releases for you (with obligatory story plots to follow):

• NANA Uncut Box Set 3 (Rated ‘M’ for Mature. Price: $59.90 US/ $85.99 CAN – Available Feb 2nd)

Love can mend your life–but will it tear the Nanas apart? Nana K. is happily involved with Takumi from Trapnest, though she doesn’t fully trust him. Nana O. graciously stays away from the apartment for a while, and both Nanas feel the loneliness of their separation. Then in the midst of Blast preparing to sign their first record deal, Nobu makes a surprise confession to Nana K. Now she must make a difficult choice, and someone’s heart is bound to be broken.

• NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 6 (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens – Price: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN – Available February 9)

While Naruto and Kakashi chase after Deidara, Sakura and Granny Chiyo together take on Sasori of the Red Sand. Sasori’s masterful puppetry allows him to use the jutsu of the person he’s transformed into a puppet, forcing Sakura and Chiyo to face the power of the Third Kazekage. But with Chiyo’s guidance, Sakura learns to read Sasori’s moves, and the training she received from Tsunade turns out to be invaluable as the attacks grow ever more fierce!

• BLEACH Uncut Box Set 4 Part 2 (Rated ‘T’ for Teens – Price: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN – Available February 16, pictured above)

The battle against the evil Bounts grows wider and fiercer as Ichigo and friends, reinforced by a group of Soul Reapers, try to take the fight to their hideout. But the Bounts have many tricks up their sleeves, and it looks like certain defeat for Ichigo and his comrades. Uryu, who had lost his Quincy powers, is the key to the Bount leader Kariya’s plans for revenge against the Soul Society, as well as the key to his defeat. Will Uryu be able to regain his powers in time to save his friends?

• NARUTO Uncut Season 2 Volume 1 (Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens – Price: $39.97 US / $57.99 CAN – Available February 16)

Before the final round of the Chunin Exam, Naruto receives some special training from the legendary Toad Sage, Jiraiya. When the battles resume, Naruto is ready, but what about Sasuke? He’s about to face the one ninja no one, not even Naruto, thinks he can beat. But in the midst of everything, a sinister plot is set in motion, and the Village Hidden in the Leaves finds itself under attack!

• BLEACH Volume 25 (Rated ‘T’ for Teens – Price: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN – Available February 23)

Jin Kariya, the leader of the Bounts, arrives at the Department of Research and Development and quickly dispatches the guards there. He has come to find the Bount Crest known as Jokaisho, which has the power to blow all of the Seireitei away, and only Ichigo and Chad stand in his way. Meanwhile, Uryu confronts the Bount Yoshi with his new Quincy powers, but he finds them difficult to control as he desperately tries to defend himself from the attacks of his ruthless opponent!

For more info on all of these releases, you can visit www.viz.com. If you’re specifically interested in the NANA series, visit www.NANA.viz.com. For Naruto, visit www.NARUTO.com. And finally for Bleach, visit www.BLEACH.viz.com.

Available in January 2010 listed by Date:

January 12th:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Volume 5
Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN

Team Guy and Team Kakashi finally reach the Akatsuki hideout, only to encounter a tricky five-seal barrier that triggers an even stranger trap. While Team Guy face some pretty tough opponents–themselves!–Kakashi and Naruto must take off after Deidara who has absconded with Gaara. Sakura and Granny Chiyo are left behind to confront Sasori of the Red Sand. Granny Chiyo may be the only one with the ability to see through his many complex traps and skilled puppetry, but even one scratch from his poisoned weapons could mean instant death!

January 19th:
BLEACH Volume 24
Rated ‘T’ for Teens
MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN

Captain Toshiro Hitsugaya is assigned to lead the defense of the Soul Society and mobilize the Soul Reapers to find and kill the intruding Bounts. But the Bount leader Jin Kariya has gathered a huge mob of ruffians and plans to use them in his quest for revenge. Meanwhile, it is discovered that Maki Ichinose, the banished Soul Reaper helping the Bounts, has infiltrated the Seireitei and has been secretly manipulating their data. What strategies will play out, and how can Ichigo and his allies stop them?

January 26th:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Standard & Special Edition Box Sets 1
Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens
MSRP: $69.97 US / $99.99 CAN

Naruto Uzumaki is back! After two and a half years of training on the road with Jiraiya of the Sannin, Naruto is back in the Village Hidden in the Leaves, and he’s ready to show off his new skills. He and Sakura team up to take on their old master Kakashi, who’s pretty impressed with their progress. They’ll have plenty of opportunity to put it into action when news arrives from the Sand Village that Gaara, Naruto’s former rival and now Kazekage of the Sand, has been kidnapped! And the culprits are the very same group who are after Naruto–the Akatsuki! The Special Edition Box Set features 13 episodes on 3 discs and also includes a collectible NARUTO Shippuden Mininja figure.

The Standard Edition is the DVD-only collection featuring 13 episodes from the hit series on 3 discs not including the collectible figure.

POKÉMON ELEMENTS, Volume 7: Psychic & Volume 8: Dragon
Rated ‘A’ for All Ages
MSRP: $9.98 US/ $14.99 CAN

Following the POKÉMON All Star series set, the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS collection consists of the most important episodes commemorating the different types of Pokémon characters. Each disc showcases a Pokémon type with three all-time favorite episodes.

Honey and Clover © 2005 CHICA UMINO/SHUEISHA • Honey and Clover committee

The Viz HQ is up and running again this week after some flooding shut down the office for a couple days. There are some great DVD sets and movies coming out in December that they would like to make sure you keep in mind for your holiday wishlists.

Naoki Urasawa’s Monster Box Set 1 (Episodes 1-15) on December 1st

Hunter X Hunter Box Set 4 (Episodes47-62) on December 1st

Naruto Shippuden Volume 4 (Episodes 14-17) on December 8th

Honey & Clover Box Set 2 (13 Uncut Episodes) on December 15th

Bleach Volume 23 (Episodes 92-95) on December 15th

20th Century Boys 1: Beginning of the End Movie on December 15th

OK, maybe NOT a showdown but they are certainly making us spoiled for choice this coming holiday season. VIZ Media keeps on shelling out the goods for November’s stellar line-up, and the latest tidbit that appeared in my inbox is sure to set some mouths drooling!

Only those who are addicted to NARUTO, POKÉMON, BLEACH and NANA will be the happiest of those reading this. Be prepared for some new additions to your collection – or printout a list and leave it lying around for your loved ones to see as a subtle hint. OK, so getting on with it – what’s in store for your collection? I hope you’re comfortable.

If you’re a NARUTO buff, prepare yourself for 3 attacks on your wallet – NARUTO Shippuden The Movie, NARUTO Shippuden (Volume 3), and NARUTO UNCUT (Season 1, Volume 2). You can read about the NARUTO Shippuden movie here, but what about NARUTO Shippuden (Volume 3) and NARUTO UNCUT?

NARUTO Shippuden (Volume 3) sees Team Kakashi having to save Gaara of the Sand, who has been kidnapped. Sakura impresses everyone with her medic ninja skills which she uses on Kankuro, while Granny Chiyo of the Sand decides to accompany the rescue team on their search for Gaara. But as they are making their way towards the Akatsuki lair, what happens when they bump into their old enemy Itachi Uchiha?

NARUTO UNCUT (Season 1, Volume 2) has Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura enduring deadly foes and dark powers as the Chunin Exams in the Forest of Death are raging on. They are searching for the Heaven and Earth scrolls, however Sasuke needs to watch himself – evil is after him! To make matters even better, the genin must take each other on in one-to-one battles – but will Naruto be able to withstand the pressure of not only facing his friends, but winning?

BLEACH aficionados prepare yourselves for BLEACH UNCUT (Box Set 4, Part 1) and BLEACH Volume 22.

BLEACH UNCUT (Box Set 4, Part 1) has Ichigo and his friends returning to the World of the Living from the Soul Society, and attempting to get back to normality. But when abductions start to occur, it’s up to them to figure out what’s going on. And Soul Reapers arrive to find out more about a clan known as Bounts. Will they all be able to stop the Bount leader from stealing peoples souls and continue to feed his ambitions?

BLEACH Volume 22 has the Soul Reapers sticking around, including Rangiku Matsumoto. They are around to help battle the Bounts. When they enter the clans cave hideout it’s soon realised they’ve wandered into a trap, and Ichigo and friends have to come to the rescue. When Ichigo comes face to face with the Bount leader Kariya, he needs to call upon his bankai if he wants to survive. And finally, Uryû must recover his lost powers as well.

POKÉMON devotees can get their next instalments in the POKÉMON: ELEMENTS series, Volume 5: Ice and Volume 6: Dark, soon. Each volume is dedicated to an element type and contains 3 episodes.

POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 5: Ice contains the episodes “Freeze Frame“, “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let it Snorunt!“, and “Spring Fever“. POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 6: Dark contains the episodes “Absol-ute Disaster“, “Pop Goes The Sneasel“, and “A Bite to Remember“.

NANA fans get the next volume in the NANA BOX SET (Volume 2), which sees Nana K.’s Tokyo experiment put into jeopardy when she becomes strapped for cash and her relationship with Shoji hits some turbulence. Nana O’s love life is also in the spotlight with a reunion with her ex, Ren from Trapnest. And with a close connection to her favourite band, will Nana K. meet Takumi, the man of her dreams?

So here is your check-list:

• NARUTO Shippuden The Movie comes out November 10th and is $24.92US/$35.99CAN, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens.
• NARUTO Shippuden (Volume 3) comes out November 24th and is $24.92US/$35.99CAN, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens.
• NARUTO UNCUT (Season 1, Volume 2) comes out November 24th and is $39.97US/$57.99CAN, rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens.
• BLEACH UNCUT (Box Set 4, Part 1) comes out November 3rd and is $49.95US/$71.99CAN, rated ‘T’ for Teens.

• BLEACH Volume 22 comes out November 17th and is $24.92US/$35.99CAN, rated ‘T’ for Teens.
• POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 5: Ice comes out November 24th and is $9.98US/$14.99CAN, rated ‘A’ for All Ages.
• POKÉMON: ELEMENTS Volume 6: Dark comes out November 24th and is $9.98US/$14.99CAN, rated ‘A’ for All Ages.
• NANA BOX SET (Volume 2) comes out November 24th and is $59.90US/$85.99CAN, rated ‘M’ for Mature.

So that’s what is coming out in November thanks to VIZ Media. I hope you’ve been good this year!

Pikachu, Chimchar, Piplup and Turtwig all feature in the first edition of the new Pokémon “Posterzine” (poster collection) which features more of the Pokémon Pearl and Diamond characters from the animated series. The Posterzine comes as an 11 full color fold-out poster (16″ x 22″) publication, and features Pikachu on the front (seen on the right).

Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Marketing, VIZ Media:
“POKÉMON is a timeless favorite that continues to delight multiple generations of fans with its mix of adventure, unique and loveable characters, and a positive storyline,” says Gonzalo. “Our POKÉMON poster collection will be available exclusively at participating newsstands, major bookstores, discount, and video stores and adds a fun and decorative component to customize any fan’s personal space.”

The Pokémon posterzine is rated ‘A’ for All Ages and is expected to cost $9.99 U.S. or $9.99 CAN. There are also BLEACH, NARUTO, NARUTO Shippuden and DRAGON BALL Z posterzines available. If you’re interested, they are available at your local retailer.

On the 24^th of July 2009, Viz Media announced at 2009 Comic-Con International the download-to-own debut of “NARUTO Shippuden” on iTunes America and Canada!

The first 4 episodes of the English dubbed series will be released, and the first episode is available to buy from now until August 31^st. In October we’ll also see 4 new episodes released.

Ken Sasaki, the Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at VIZ Media:

“We’re very excited to bring the latest NARUTO Shippuden story arc to iTunes,” says Ken. “NARUTO Shippuden is the latest addition to the more than 150 earlier NARUTO episodes and several feature films that are offered on the iTunes Store. These new Shippuden episodes are being made available well in advance of the eventual DVD release and offer fans the flexibility, 24/7 accessibility and convenience of digital download. As the world’s most popular ninja continues to capture the imaginations of millions, we look forward to continue to offer episodes on iTunes and deliver the most exciting anime properties to fans around the world.”

If you would like to find out more information on Naruto, please visit www.naruto.com. To buy “NARUTO Shippuden” on iTunes visit www.itunes.com/tv/narutoshippuden.

Naruto the Movie 2: Legend of the Stone of Gelel

Release Date: 04/03/2009
Audio tracks: English 5.1, Japanese 5.1
Languages: English, Japanese
Genre: Action/Adventure, Anime, Martial Arts
Subtitles: English subtitles
Runtime: 96.0 mins

For those of you that are Naruto fans, I’m sure you will be interested in this piece of the franchise. Not being someone who has watched any Naruto, or read the Manga, I can still say I enjoyed it. However, fans are at an advantage as there were a few things I didn’t quite understand.

In this movie Naruto faces the challenge of stopping a maniacal man named Haido from getting the power contained in the stones of Gelel. Haido claims that he wants to use the power to create a utopia and there is no sacrifice too great that will stop him from making his journey to the mines that contain the stones. As he is making his journey, the transportation they use wipes out towns and countryside. They kidnap children and turn them into soldiers that are hard to beat up.

Naruto, Sakura and Shikamaru are hired to go in search of a ferret and drop it off at a particular village. After they manage to capture the little critter, they make their way to the village. Upon almost reaching it, they discover a group of Haido’s soldiers, led by a brainwashed young man named Temujin.

Naruto and Temujin battle each other and fall off a cliff. They both get found by a travelling party who we find out are not only survivors from attacks made on their homes but the Elder knows where the mines are. Naturally, Naruto being the hero means he tries to befriend Temujin, make him see the wrongs Haido is committing, and save everyone from being hurt by Haido’s greedy plans. Can he?

Of course, there are special features that come on the 2nd disc of this edition, and I was quite happy to see more behind-the-scenes footage with the English adaptation crew!

The extras include:

• Creating the world of Naruto The Movie 2 – The English cast and crew tell us the natures of the main characters, and the story behind this movie.
• Write and Adapt like a Ninja – The English cast and crew take you through what’s involved in translating the original Japanese version into English, and the recording process for the dub.
• Words from Japan – A conversation with the Japanese filmmakers.
• Original Japanese Movie Trailers
• Original Storyboards – in Japanese.
• Madman Trailers

For me the movie was enjoyable, however not having seen any of the series beforehand meant that some of the relationships between characters and some of the pre-existing storylines went over my head. If you’re already a fan though, I’m positive that you will love it!

Go here to buy it from Madman’s website!

©2002 MASASHI KISHIMOTO ©NMP 2005

VIZ Media, one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced the highly anticipated DVD release of NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL on July 29. The 2-disc set continues the exciting saga of a mischievous young boy training to become a ninja and features 60 minutes of special bonus features. The DVD, rated T for Teens, has an estimated retail price of $29.98.

In the latest feature film, Naruto, Shikamaru and Sakura are in the middle of returning a lost ferret to its owner, supposedly the easiest mission ever. Or so they think! When a young knight, Temujin, attacks them out of nowhere, they are drawn into a fierce struggle over a treasure harboring legendary power – the Stone of Gelel. Temujin’s master wants to use the stone’s power to create a utopia, while the last of the clan who once controlled the stone wants to keep it sealed away forever. Naruto and the others, along with help from Gaara and Kankuro, must protect the stone from those who want to misuse its power. When the dream of utopia becomes a nightmare, it’ll take a ninja to set things right!

Several never-before-seen bonus segments on NARUTO THE MOVIE 2 include a feature on “Creating the World of Naruto 2” and one on how to “Write and Adapt Like a Ninja,” plus “Words From Japan,” “Production Art Gallery,” “Original Storyboards,” and the “Original Japanese Movie Trailers.” In addition, the disc contains a director’s commentary track and a trailer for the upcoming third NARUTO movie, Naruto the Movie 3: Guardians of the Crescent Moon Kingdom, which will be released by VIZ Media in the near future.

“NARUTO fans won’t want to miss this exciting latest adventure featuring everyone’s favorite band of young ninja,” says Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President Sales & Product Marketing, VIZ Media. “NARUTO THE MOVIE 2: THE LEGEND OF THE STONE OF GELEL will have viewers at the edge of their seats as our hero and his friends face a menacing new threat. The new release also contains an array of insightful bonus features that give a rare behind-the-scenes look at some of the work that went into making the film. This thrilling new release is not one to miss!”