American Library Association and Manga Artist You Higuri Collaborate on Poster

LOS ANGELES,12 December 2006: The American Library Association (ALA) and graphic novel publisher Go! Comi announced today that renowned manga artist You Higuri has created an exclusive poster for the ALA's popular poster series. The poster depicts Cesare Borgia, the troubled hero of Ms. Higuri's graphic novel series Cantarella, a dark fantasy set during the Renaissance.

ALA posters promote literacy and libraries to teens and younger readers. Previous posters have featured American comic book characters such as Superman™, Batman™, and Sandman, but this is the first time a Japanese manga artist has created a poster for the series.

"Manga is the reading-matter of choice for a new generation of young adults," said Audry Taylor, Creative Director of Go! Comi, the U.S. publisher of Cantarella. "We're honored to join with the ALA in promoting teen reading, and we're thrilled to have a hand in bringing Japanese manga to the ALA program."

The poster and its accompanying bookmark will debut on January 2nd 2007 and be available through the ALA's online store at www.alastore.ala.org, as well as through the ALA Graphics Catalog. The Cantarella Poster (item 5027-0703) and a pack of 100 Cantarella Bookmarks (item 5027-0704) are priced at $14.00 and $7.50 respectively. Orders can also be placed by phone at 1-866-Shop ALA or 1-866-746-7252.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION: For 129 years the American Library Association has been a leader in promoting and developing library and information services via a broad-based program of legislative advocacy, professional education, publishing, awards and public awareness. Its mission is to provide leadership for the development, promotion and improvement of library and information services and the profession of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all.

ABOUT GO! COMI: Upon the release of its first books in late 2005 Go! Comi immediately gained a reputation for the excellence of its series and top-notch production values. Among its publications are Cantarella, After School Nightmare, TRAIN + TRAIN and the best-selling Her Majesty's Dog. The company is dedicated to expanding the market for manga by licensing series, developing new projects in collaboration with Japanese creators, and creating innovative manga-related products for the U.S. market.