News Summary
Viz Media made a significant impact at San Diego Comic-Con, unveiling exclusive merchandise, announcing new manga releases, and revealing exciting anime adaptations. Fans were treated to a showcase of items from the popular ‘Kaiju No. 8’ series, while new titles like ‘Rooster Fighter’ and a collaboration with Marvel were also announced. The event highlighted Viz Media’s commitment to engaging with the manga and anime community, especially following leadership changes earlier in the year. Overall, the convention was a testament to the company’s ongoing innovation in the entertainment landscape.
San Diego, CA
Japanese-American entertainment company Viz Media returned to San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 2024, unveiling a range of merchandise and announcing major projects. Among the highlights was a showcase of products from the popular manga series Kaiju No. 8, along with the announcement of several anticipated manga releases and anime adaptations.
Merchandise Highlights
At the convention, Viz Media featured merchandise exclusively themed around Kaiju No. 8. This collection included a Kaiju No. 8 Shirt, Kaiju No. 8 Woven Keychain, and Kaiju No. 8 Blind Buttons. The company has not confirmed whether these items will be available outside the convention, making them a potential highlight for fans attending SDCC.
Upcoming Manga Releases
In addition to merchandise, Viz Media announced early releases of new manga volumes. Available at the event were DanDaDan Volume 14 and Astro Royale, which fans can look forward to getting their hands on ahead of the regular release schedule. These titles reflect Viz Media’s ongoing commitment to providing timely content for manga enthusiasts.
New Anime Adaptations
During the first day of SDCC, Viz Media revealed the much-anticipated anime adaptation of Rooster Fighter. The anime follows Keiji, a rooster imbued with superhuman strength, as he battles giant monsters known as “Demons.” The creator of Rooster Fighter expressed enthusiasm for the adaptation and confidence in the quality of the production team, which suggests a promising release for fans of the genre.
Collaborative Projects
Viz Media has also partnered with Marvel to announce an exciting new crossover manga series titled ULTRAMAN: ALONG CAME A SPIDER-MAN. This series will feature collaborations between the iconic characters Ultraman and Spider-Man. It is set to be released in August and will be available on VIZ Manga simultaneously with its release in Japan. This announcement aligns with the rising interest in the Ultraman franchise, particularly following the release of its new animated film, Ultraman: Rising, on Netflix.
Panels and Discussions
Alongside merchandise and major announcements, Viz Media hosted a panel entitled “Devil’s Candy: The Draw of Manga” at the San Diego Central Library. Manga creator and illustrator Rem presented her webcomic, which has transitioned into a VIZ Original manga titled Devil’s Candy. During the panel, Rem engaged with the audience through a live drawing session and shared insights in a discussion with VIZ editor David Brothers. This interactive approach not only showcased Rem’s artwork but also emphasized the vibrant community surrounding manga culture.
Leadership Changes
This momentous return to SDCC comes on the heels of significant changes within Viz Media, including a shift in leadership earlier in March, which saw the appointment of a new CEO. These changes may influence the company’s direction and offerings, with a focus on expanding its influence in the manga and anime market.
Conclusion
Overall, Viz Media’s participation in SDCC 2024 underscored its commitment to fans through the launch of new merchandise, exciting announcements related to upcoming projects, and opportunities for community engagement. As the company continues to innovate and adapt in a rapidly evolving entertainment landscape, fans can anticipate a year filled with fresh content and thrilling adaptations.
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Additional Resources
- SDCC Blog: Viz Media Returns to San Diego Comic-Con 2025
- Wikipedia: San Diego Comic-Con
- ICv2: People Move – New CEO Viz, New Publisher Abrams ComicArts
- Google Search: Viz Media
- Bleeding Cool: Ultraman, Spider-Man, Rooster Fighter Get Viz Media Spotlight at SDCC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Manga
- Polygon: Spider-Man and Ultraman Crossover by Viz Media
- Google News: Viz Media SDCC
- Marvel: SDCC 2024 Spider-Man, Octo Girl, X-Men Manga Covers Revealed
- Google Scholar: Viz Media
- IGN: Exclusive Rooster Fighter Anime Revealed at SDCC 2024
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Anime
