TOKYOPOP Announces Two Groundbreaking Kids' Publishing Programs: Manga Chapters and Manga Readers

Los Angeles, CA (May, 2006) -- In an industry first, TOKYOPOP, the #1 publisher of global manga today announces the launch of two revolutionary children's publishing programs: Manga Chapters for 6-9 year olds and Manga Readers for 8-12 year olds. Comprising tales that encourage exploration and imagination, TOKYOPOP's highly entertaining Manga Chapters and Manga Readers make reading fun while promoting language and literacy skills.

Launching in September of 2006, Manga Chapters combine two immensely popular formats: chapter books for children who are beginning to read-and manga, the fastest-growing category in the publishing industry. These 96-page books, competitively priced at $4.99, contain simple yet engaging storylines, liberally dosed with spot illustrations and manga that boost reading comprehension while visually engaging the reader.

Debut titles in the Manga Chapters program include: The Grosse Adventures: The Good, The Bad & The Gassy, created by Annie Auerbach, the author of more than 90 books for children (including the New York Times best-seller Bob's Egg Hunt), and from Eisner Award-Nominee Alex de Campi and veteran artist Edo Fuijkschot, Agent Boo: The Littlest Agent -- the perfect sci-fi series for young girls and boys.

Manga Readers, the next level of books in TOKYOPOP's kids' manga program, are designed for mid-grade readers and modestly priced at $5.99. This new, innovative line features youth-oriented stories, in an easy-to-digest 96-page format -- a perfect follow-up to Manga Chapters. Scheduled for release in July 2006 are three diverse titles: Alex de Campi and Frederika Manfredi's Kat & Mouse, a tale of two girls who use science and math to solve mysteries; Joshua Elder and Erich Owen's Mail Order Ninja, which chronicles the adventure of a boy and his new ninja companion, and from Eisner Award-winner Keith Giffen and comic veteran Shannon Denton (X-Men and Spider-Man), with art by Armand Villavert Jr., Zapt! --the story of a 12-year-old who tries to squeeze in his duties as an intergalactic policeman between homework and chores.

According to Senior Editor Nicole Monastirsky, "Less than a decade ago, if you strolled through your local chain bookstore, you wouldn't be able to find manga anywhere. There was no section, no category, no awareness. But, TOKYOPOP changed all that. We created a category because we saw a need, and we're doing it again with our kids manga lines, both ideal for reluctant readers and future manga fans."

TOKYOPOP Publisher, Mike Kiley adds: "TOKYOPOP is all about storytelling and we believe that the visual and literary combo is a magical one-two punch. Librarians and teachers are beyond excited about these initiatives because they know these manga programs will motivate kids to read."

ABOUT TOKYOPOP®
TOKYOPOP is hailed as a leading youth-oriented entertainment brand and an innovator of manga creation, with a revolutionary artistic vision that transcends countless platforms. From the introduction of the first-ever extensive manga publishing program in North America, to the development of its manga-originated intellectual properties into film, television and digital entertainment, TOKYOPOP has changed the way teens experience pop culture. The company's global reach has expanded to Europe and Asia, with recent offices opening in the UK and Germany and upcoming partnerships in Australia and China, in addition to its original Los Angeles and Tokyo operations. With millions of fans logging onto www.TOKYOPOP.com, reading its books, and watching its DVDs and television programs, TOKYOPOP's award-winning catalogue of licensed and original properties has made the company a visionary in an ever-growing teen entertainment marketplace. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional information.