Viz, LLC, has announced the acquisition of North American home video rights for Saikano (Saishuu Heiki Kanojo) also known as She, the Ultimate Weapon.  Shin Takahashi created Saikano, which was published in Shogakukan's Big Spirits Comics from 1999 to 2001.  The 13-episode Saikano anime series, produced by Studio Gonzo, appeared on Japanese TV in 2002.  Viz plans to release the 13-episode series on four DVDs, the first of which is slated for April 2004.  Viz will also release Shin Takahashi's seven-volume Saikano manga, responsible for sales of over 2 million books in Japan, with the first volume shipping to retail in June.

Saikano tells the story of a Shuuji, a typical high school student who finally gets a girlfriend, the shy and clumsy Chise.  But this story of teenage romance doesn't take place in normal times--Japan is under attack (though we never learn quite why) and one day Shuuji discovers that his shy girlfriend is the ultimate weapon as she blasts attacking planes out of the sky with a huge weapon that appears to be grafted on to her arm.  Although the series has plenty of action, the focus is really on the characters and especially on the growing relationship between Shuuji and Chise.  Because it contains science fiction/action elements as well as a strong focus on relationships, this series should have a broad appeal to both genders and since Viz will be distributing both the anime and manga versions of Saikano, the publisher will be able to coordinate the releases and marketing of the property.  Given the strong relationship elements, don't be surprised if the manga is a big hit in the bookstore market.  In Japan Saikano spawned a good deal of tie-in merchandise, including a videogame, trading cards, and action figures.