Hit Manga Series to Reach Its Stunning Conclusion This Summer

San Francisco, CA, May 22, 2006 -€“ DRAGON BALL Z, the most popular manga (graphic novel) series in Japan and abroad, will reach the end of its long and spectacular run this summer. VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive manga and animation licensing and publishing companies, and SHONEN JUMP magazine will be celebrating the conclusion of this tremendous series all summer!

The July 2006 issue of SHONEN JUMP magazine (on newsstands June 6) will include extensive DRAGON BALL Z coverage. There will be a special dual magazine cover, featuring two different Dragon Ball Z images, a sneak preview chapter from the final volume of DRAGON BALL Z, a feature on the 10 Best Fights in Dragon Ball history and an exclusive interview with DRAGON BALL Z creator Akira Toriyama.

"€œIt's an exciting but poignant occasion for our company, with this manga giant finishing its monumental run,"€ says Yumi Hoashi, editor-in-chief of SHONEN JUMP and vice president, magazines, VIZ Media. "€œWe'€™re pleased to be giving DRAGON BALL Z a substantial celebratory send-off befitting of its stature within our company and among readers worldwide!"

DRAGON BALL was originally a 42-volume manga series in Japan, and was divided into two parts by VIZ Media for its North American release: Dragon Ball, which represents volumes 1-16 of the series, and DRAGON BALL Z, which encompasses volumes 17-42. VIZ Media originally began publishing DRAGON BALL in 1998 and the series has been a mainstay of its manga library for years.

DRAGON BALL follows the adventures of Goku, an alien that crash lands on planet Earth. After years of training and adventure, Goku becomes Earth's ultimate warrior and his son, Gohan, shows even greater promise. But the strikes are increasing as even deadlier enemies threaten the planet. More action-packed than the stories of Goku's youth, DRAGON BALL Z features time travelers, aliens, and the mighty Super Saiyans clashing over the fate of the universe.

Akira Toriyama, the creator of DRAGON BALL and DRAGON BALL Z, is an immensely influential artist and his works have inspired some of the most renowned manga creators today, including Eiichiro Oda (ONE PIECE) and Masashi Kishimoto (NARUTO). Toriyama’s pre-DRAGON BALL series DR. SLUMP is currently being released under the SHONEN JUMP manga imprint.

DRAGON BALL has been adapted into a 400+ episode anime TV series and is currently the top-rated show on the Cartoon Network with over 15 million home videos sold. There is also a multiple product brand sequel anime Dragon Ball GT, numerous movies and merchandise, and over 30 video games.

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga 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 Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and at www.VIZ.com.