VIZ Media has launched a new digital manga service, VIZ Manga, where it will feature simulpubs (same release as Japan) for the first time ever, including some big Shogakukan titles. This marks the first time Shogakukan manga has ever been available to legally read upon simul-publication, “furthering the fight in cracking down on piracy and ensuring fans can read the official source material”. You can watch the announcement video by VIZ CEO Ken Sasaki:
The simulpub catalog will launch with 15 titles, and the three most recent chapters of each series will be available for free, as well as the first three ones (same as the Shonen Jump app).
The library has works from creators such as Rumiko Takahashi, Junji Ito, Yuu Watase, Gosho Aoyama, Arina Tanemura, and more. Some of the included VIZ Manga titles include:
- ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead
- Inuyasha
- Yashahime: Princess Half Demon
- Komi Can’t Communicate
- Call of the Dead
- Magi
- Ao Haru Ride
- Cross Game
- Fly Me to the Moon
- Case Closed
The VIZ Manga app costs $1.99 per month, and is available in the United States and Canada on Android and iOS. Comments from the CEO and COO:
With this new development, VIZ Media builds on its history of innovation and experimentation. We want our world-class creators to reach as wide an audience as possible while reinforcing that manga should be read from the official source.
Ken Sasaki, VIZ Media CEO
Brad Woods, VIZ Media COO
With a desire to always disrupt the status quo and bring innovative ideas to market, this new development in content, and creation of the simulpub offering is something we’re excited to offer fans. We are also proud to support the work of our creators and partner publishers.
Source: Press release, Official Twitter
© VIZ Media
