Los Angeles, CA (January 21, 2004) -- Manga fans are sure to salivate over the latest smorgasbord of page-turners, as the country's leading publisher of graphic novels fulfills its promise to dish out the world's most delicious manga. TOKYOPOP Inc. is pleased to announce the March 2004 debut of Saiyuki, one of the most anticipated series of the year. Joining Saiyuki in TOKYOPOP's latest mélange of hot-and-spicy manga is a five-course treat of July titles sure to satisfy the appetite of even the hungriest of readers: Culdcept, Doll, Eternity, Evil's Return and Passion Fruit round out this moveable feast.
SAIYUKI (Fantasy, Volume 1 Release: 3/2/04)
Inspiration for the hit anime - now released in America - Kazuya Minekura's anachronistic take on the ancient Chinese legend of the Monkey King turns the classic heroes into beautiful bishonen in a modern setting. Its epic story follows four warriors into the West on the trail of a demonic plague with limitless power. Facing otherworldly assassins, the great priest Genjyo Sanzo and his legendary companions attempt to uncover the secret of the plague and return peace and harmony to the land of Shangri-la.
CULDCEPT (Fantasy, Volume 1 Release: 7/13/04)
From artist and writer Shinya Kaneko (Vermillion) comes this wildly imaginative tale about card-shaped relics that are part of the ancient Culdcept, a book that created the Universe. Whoever collects all the cards will have the power of gods, but only special people -- called Cepters -- can control the cards, and thus, control the universe. Reminiscent of Magic: The Gathering, Culdcept follows a young apprentice Cepter who sets out on an improbable journey to conquer the evil Black Cepters before they discover the hidden relics.
DOLL (Sci-Fi, Volume 1 Release: 7/6/04)
Mitsukazu Mihara brings the elegant designs of Gothic Lolita fashion to life in six haunting tales featuring human-like androids called Dolls. In the near future, Dolls serve humans as companions, servants, friends and even lovers, blurring the lines between the real and the synthetic. With character designs reminiscent of Japanese visual kei bands, Mihara's thought-provoking stories provide a firsthand glimpse into the psychology of the human-doll relationship, and explore answers to the question of what it means to be truly human.
ETERNITY (Adventure/Comedy, Volume 1 Release: 7/13/04)
Based on the ancient tale, Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this contemporized story by author Jin-Ryong Park and illustrator Yong-Kwan Shin (debuted with Lamp 1999 in Young Champ magazine) adds a comedic, urban edge to a legendary fable. Seventeen-year-old shaman Aram Ko embarks on a quest for three reincarnated men who, in their past lives, were former leaders killed by the oppressed Chinese government. Mystery, intrigue and slapstick ensue as the trio encounters the strange and unusual world of the 20th century!
EVIL'S RETURN (Fantasy/Adventure, Volume 1 Release: 7/13/04)
From the creative minds of Hwan Shin and Jong-kyu Lee (collaborators on the upcoming Prodigy) comes this ultra-violent story of love, death and salvation. Yumi is a fun-loving high school student with a terrible fate. Cursed since birth, Yumi is destined to become the mother of Evil, and now something wicked her way comes. The forces of good and evil clash to gain control of her mortal soul in a contest that will ultimately affect the fate of this world and worlds beyond.
PASSION FRUIT (Fantasy/Drama, Volume 1 Release: 7/13/04)
Mari Okazaki, Kaoru Fujiwara and Junko Kawakami bring readers this unique collection that explores the frailty of the human condition through a series of unforgettable stories. Volume 1, Okazaki's "Sweat & Honey," debuts in a beautiful collector's hardcover book format. Here, two female cousins learn that living together may bring them closer to each other... or ultimately drive them apart. The entire Passion Fruit series begins its release in softcover format this fall, with each of its three volumes examining our innermost secrets and hidden desires. With uninhibited authenticity and pathos, these books prove that passion is truly stranger than fiction!
ABOUT TOKYOPOP Inc.
TOKYOPOP Inc. is the leading North American publisher of manga, the fastest growing segment within the publishing industry. With exclusive rights to hundreds of licensed and original book, video and music properties, the company has rapidly become a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP has millions of books in print and publishes many hit manga series, including Love Hina, Chobits, Rave Master, Initial D, GTO, Battle Royale and Cowboy Bebop. The company pioneered Cine-Manga(tm), releasing titles such as SpongeBob SquarePants, Lizzie McGuire, Spy Kids 2, Kim Possible and Jackie Chan Adventures. TOKYOPOP television properties include Reign: The Conqueror and the upcoming Rave Master, both airing on Cartoon Network. As a licensor, TOKYOPOP represents merchandising rights for Rave Master, Initial D, Stray Sheep and others. Visit www.TOKYOPOP.com for additional information.
