A Viz spokesperson at the recent BEA show in New York (see 'Comic Publishers Upbeat at BEA') told ICv2 that Viz had been granted US manga rights for Spirited Away, the anime blockbuster.  The movie, by Hiyao Miyazaki, was the biggest ever in Japan, grossing over $230 million in its theatrical release (see 'Disney Nabs Miyazaki's Spirited Away').  Now Disney plans to release it in the US this September (see 'Spirited Away in September').  Viz is saying only that the manga will be released in 'early fall.'  Also planned for release is an 'art of the film' book, also due for release this fall. 

 

Viz has also acquired the US rights for both manga and anime for Project Arms, a 2001 series about a teenager whose arm takes on new powers after an accident.  The manga is from Shonen Sunday and is by Spriggan co-creator Ryoji Minagawa.

 

And Viz will also be publishing the Blood:  The Last Vampire manga in August or September of this year.  The anime was the best-selling video release ever for Manga Entertainment (see 'Blood:  The Last Vampire Sets Manga Record'), so there is a substantial potential audience for this release in the US.