Los Angeles, CA (October 16, 2002) � TOKYOPOP® expands its Fantasy/Action library with the acquisition of four new manga properties that will be published and distributed throughout the U.S. Favorites among teen boys, Rebirth, Chronicles of the Cursed Sword, Dragon Hunter and King of Hell are action-packed fantasy adventures chock full of swordplay, magic and the supernatural. Each will be released as part of TOKYOPOP's growing collection of Japanese and Korean manga, which is currently distributed to national retailers such as Borders, Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks and SUNCOAST across the country.
"We are thrilled with the opportunity to release these best-selling titles on the heels of the success of Dragon Knights, Ragnarok and Priest in the same genre," said Stuart Levy, TOKYOPOP Founder and Chief Executive Officer. "These acquisitions could not be more timely as we continue the explosive expansion of our highly successful manga business."
Rebirth
Created by Kang-Woo Lee and first published in Korea in 1998, Rebirth tells the story of Dark Magician Deshwitat Rudbich, a vampire who was sealed in limbo 300 years ago by the Light Magician Kalutika. Resurrected in the present day, Deshwitat now vows to destroy Kalutika. He has the help of a team of spiritual warriors, and is determined to unlock the Light Magic necessary to bring this mad magician down for good.
Chronicles of the Cursed Sword
Created by Beop-Ryong Yuy, this tale follows the life of Rayan, an orphan with no home, no skills and no apparent purpose in life. However, when he happens upon the PaSa sword -- a cursed blade made from the bones of a demon king -- he suddenly realizes he has the power to be a great hero. The sword's creator is the evil Shiyan, a royal vizier who needs the weapon to help him usurp the kingdom from its rightful monarch.
Dragon Hunter
Created by Hong-Seock Seo, Dragon Hunter takes place in Kaya, a world where dragons shape people's lives. Hunters make a living by slaying them, while shamans control them with incantations. Seur-Chong is a hunter with the Dragon's Curse, a condition that gives him incredible strength and stamina, but it is slowly killing him. While this mercenary's only initial concern is money, he is thrust in the middle of the power play among those who hire the hunters, and finds himself fighting for a cause more noble than anything he'd ever imagined.
King of Hell
In Na In-Soo's King of Hell, there's a rift between Hell and the mortal world, and lost souls have been escaping to torment the living. The King of Hell has released Ma-Je -- the greatest swordsman in the underworld -- to stop the wayward souls. A story with striking artwork and steeped in Eastern and Western mythology, King of Hell is currently one of the hottest new series in Korea.
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.
