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Viz Shows Kilari, Monster, Nana at Global TV Trade Con
posted on by Egan Loo
The anime and manga distributor Viz Media show is showcasing six anime properties at the MIPTV content trade show in France this week to solicit international distributors. Three of the series — Bleach, Blue Dragon, and Buso Renkin — are anime with Shonen Jump manga tie-ins that have already appeared in North America. However, three of the titles — Kilari (Kirarin Revolution), Monster, and NANA — have yet to be distributed in Viz Media's home territory. Viz Media says that the properties are available in North and South America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania.
Viz previously highlighted Kilari (under the name Kirari, pictured above) at the 2007 Licensing International Expo in New York City last June, and it also showcased Monster (pictured at left) at the NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives) trade show in Las Vegas this past January. A property's appearance at MIPTV or the other trade shows does not necessarily indicate any firm release plans in North America or other regions.
The Kirarin Revolution anime adapts An Nakahara's manga about a girl named Kirari who aspires to be a singing idol. The psychological suspense anime Monster is based on Naoki Urasawa's manga of the same name. Viz Media has already released Ai Yazawa's original NANA manga about polar-opposite roommates and the first live-action movie adaptation in North America.
Source: ICv2
Update More accurate description of Monster. Thanks, johjohz.
