Great Eastern has announced that it has acquired a license from Viz Media to begin production of PVC key chains, head wear, jewelry, patches, pillows, pins, plush toys, wall scrolls, and wristbands based on the Bleach anime property.  Great Eastern plans to release its line of Bleach-inspired products in September when the Bleach anime series makes its debut on the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim.

Viz has released 13 volumes of Tite Kubo's Bleach manga in the U.S. and the title has steadily gained in popularity -- it is ranked at #10 on the most recent ICv2 list of the 'Top 50 Manga Properties' published in ICv2's Retailers Guide to Anime/Manga #15.  Toynami has acquired the action figure and statue license for the property and also plans to introduce its first Bleach items this fall in conjunction with the debut of the Bleach anime series on Adult Swim (see 'Toynami Snares Bleach').