PR: VIZ Media To Create Original Graphic Novels for REDAKAI Hit Animated Series

© 2012 Spin Master and Marathon Media.
^(TM) & © 2012 Cartoon Network.

VIZ Media Acquires Publishing License from Cartoon Network Enterprises and Spin Master Ltd.

San Francisco, CA, March 21, 2012 – VIZ Media, the largest distributor and licensor of anime and manga in the North America, announced today a deal with Cartoon Network Enterprises, the exclusive licensing agent for Spin Master’s full portfolio of brands, to create original graphic novels for Spin Master Ltd. and Marathon Media’s REDAKAI, the popular animated series and innovative trading card game.

REDAKAI follows the adventures of Team Stax as they race against competitors searching the world for mystical Kairu energy, the primal power of the universe.  In the hands of good, Kairu is a living force that guides the universe. But in the hands of evil, Kairu is the most destructive power in the world. Those who can harness it can eventually obtain the highest rank of Kairu warrior, a Redakai. Set in exotic locales with amazing battles, monstrous warriors, and super powers, the REDAKAI animated television series has been a hit for young boys 6-12 since its debut on Cartoon Network in July 2011.

VIZ Media will create and release original stories for REDAKAI in full color. The first graphic novel will be available in October 2012, with the second volume to debut in February 2013.

REDAKAI is a co-production from Spin Master Ltd. and Marathon Media, A Zodiak Kids company, and the animated series currently airs Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings on Cartoon Network. Spin Master launched the trading card game, featuring exclusive Blast3D™ technology, in Fall 2011. The line of action figures and trading cards is currently available at all mass retailers, toy specialty accounts and online.

For more information on REDAKAI, please visit www.redakai.com.  For more information on 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 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 www.VIZ.com.