Los Angeles, CA (October 23, 2002) -- Adding to an already impressive line-up of properties for 2003, leading U.S. manga publisher TOKYOPOP announces the acquisition of six new manga titles. G-Gundam, Gatekeepers, Scryed, RAVE, Jing: King of Bandits and Samurai Deeper Kyo offer a unique mix of science fiction and action/adventure that will grab the attention of America's rapidly growing population of teen male readers. Each of these titles has also spawned a successful anime series, and all have a built-in U.S. fanbase eagerly awaiting their debuts.

G-Gundam (Sci-Fi / Action)

As seen on Cartoon Network's Toonami block weekday afternoons, G-Gundam tells the story of clashes between nations in a future century, settled not by war, but by organized tournaments between giant Mobile Fighters called Gundams. The highly popular series is a fun-filled blend of action, fantasy and science fiction, with plenty of giant robots and exhilarating battle scenes to captivate the imagination. Boasting multiple mega-selling toy lines, Gundam has become one of the most successful franchises in anime history.

Gatekeepers (Sci-Fi / Action)

Imagine Men in Black meets Gundam, and you've got Gatekeepers. Written and illustrated by famed manga-ka Keiji Gotoh (Nadesico), this manga inspired Gonzo's anime of the same name, which is currently being released on DVD. The story: Invaders have infiltrated the Earth. Our only hope of stopping them lies in the hands of the Gatekeepers, who use their psychic powers as a last defense against a relentless force.

Scryed (Sci-Fi / Action)

Written by Yosuke Kuroda and illustrated by Yasunari Toda, Scryed has been called the X-Men of manga. Its mesmerizing pace and twisting plot keep readers guessing and wanting more. The title's popularity as a manga turned it into an anime series, produced by Sunrise (Gundam, Cowboy Bebop). The story: When a new type of human -- Alter-Users -- becomes the center of an unexplained phenomenon, an elite squad of soldiers appears to keep the peace... or so it seems. This group, called HOLY, has many hidden motives, and, in this case, what the public doesn't know will hurt them.

RAVE (Action / Adventure)

Fans of Dragonball Z are sure to enjoy this fast-paced adventure series from creator Hiro Mashima. A smashing success, the manga has been made into a top-rated anime on Japanese TV that will soon also debut in the States. The story: When the all-powerful Dark Bring awakens after a 50-year respite, it falls into the hands of the evil society Demon Card. The world's only hope is Haru, a young boy with a big sword who must collect the pieces of the RAVE stone to stop the darkness.

Jing: King of Bandits (Action / Adventure)

Yuichi Kumakura's seminal manga series is a visual fantasy classic in the tradition of Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Miyazaki's Spirited Away. The manga also inspired an anime series, currently airing in Japan and soon to release in the U.S. The story: In the life of Jing, the extraordinary is just another part of his normal day. A haunted ship with a living anchor, a speeding train run by a Dodo bird, a floating island ruled by a mask, just a few of the wild sights this master-thief encounters.

Samurai Deeper Kyo (Martial Arts / Adventure)

Written by Akimine Kamijiyo, this is a historic adventure series in the spirit of Rurouni Kenshin. The manga's intense samurai fight sequences and compelling plot piqued the interest of Studio Deen (RAVE, Jing: King of
Bandits), who adapted it into an anime for TV Tokyo. The story: Kyoshiro is a peaceful medicine peddler who harbors the soul of an assassin. Searching for his own identity, he accompanies a young bounty hunter across Japan in pursuit of a murderer.

About TOKYOPOP

TOKYOPOP, founded in 1996, is the leading North American publisher of manga, the fastest growing category in the publishing business. With exclusive rights to hundreds of book, video and music products, the company has become a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP has millions of books in print and publishes several hit properties based on popular Cartoon Network and Kids! WB programs. TOKYOPOP titles include Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, Initial D, Real Bout High School, Stray Sheep and Cowboy Bebop, among others. With rapidly growing U.S. demand for its properties, TOKYOPOP is actively expanding into television, film and licensed goods. For more information, visit www.TOKYOPOP.com.