VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF LEGEND OF ZELDA : A LINK TO THE PAST GRAPHIC NOVEL

The Long Out-Of-Print Comic By Renowned Manga Artist

Shotaro Ishinomori Is Based On The Classic Nintendo Video Game And Returns In A Special Full-Color Edition

San Francisco, CA, April 9, 2015 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, brings back one of the most iconic video game characters of all time in celebrated graphic novel form with the release of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST on May 5^th.

The original, widely acclaimed full-color graphic novel by manga legend Shotaro Ishinomori was inspired by the classic Nintendo® game and will be available once again in a special single-volume print edition published exclusively by VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint. THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST carries an SRP of $19.99 U.S. / $22.99 CAN.

THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST is based on the beloved, internationally bestselling video game originally released for Nintendo’s Super Nintendo Entertainment System™. The comic book version by Shotaro Ishinomori (Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider) was first serialized in Nintendo Power™ magazine and later collected into a graphic novel. Long out-of-print, this stunning, full-color edition is available once again for the first time in more than two decades!

“THE LEGEND OF ZELDA: A LINK TO THE PAST was an extremely popular feature of Nintendo Power magazine when it was first serialized in the early ‘90s. Renowned manga and anime artist Shotaro Ishinomori adapted the bestselling game’s storyline and also incorporated new plot elements and characters,” says Beth Kawasaki, Senior Editorial Director, Perfect Square. “The pages are filled with Link’s hard-fought battles on his quest to save Princess Zelda, made even more intense with Ishinomori’s unmistakable art style and captivating storytelling.”

Shotaro Ishinomori was one of Japan’s most prolific and revered comic book creators. Among his most popular works are Cyborg 009, Kamen Rider and HOTEL. In 2008, Guinness World Records named Ishinomori the world record holder for the “most comics published by one author” for creating more than 770 stories collected in a total of 500 volumes of manga. The ISHINOMAKI MANGATTAN MUSEUM in Japan is dedicated to his works and legacy.

Also available from VIZ Media is THE LEGEND OF ZELDA Manga Box Set (rated ‘A’ for All Ages), which collects a separate manga (graphic novel) series created by Akira Himekawa. The set comprehensively collects ten manga adventures featuring Link and the popular video game world of THE LEGEND OF ZELDA, including Ocarina of Time, Oracle of Seasons and FOUR SWORDS.

VIZ Media’s Perfect Square imprint focuses on delivering comics, manga (graphic novels), pop culture and children’s books with an emphasis on strong storytelling, eye-popping graphics, empowering themes, and a dash of irreverence, that captures the imagination of a whole new generation.

Additional information on titles published by Perfect Square is available at www.PerfectSquare.com.

For more information on other manga titles from VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.

About VIZ Media, LLC

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media distributes, markets and licenses the best anime and manga titles direct from Japan.  Owned by three of Japan's largest manga and animation companies, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media has the most extensive library of anime and manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa. With its popular digital manga anthology WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP and blockbuster properties like NARUTO, BLEACH and ONE PIECE, VIZ Media offers cutting-edge action, romance and family friendly properties for anime, manga, science fiction and fantasy fans of all ages.  VIZ Media properties are available as graphic novels, DVDs, animated television series, feature films, downloadable and streaming video and a variety of consumer products.  Learn more about VIZ Media, anime and manga at www.VIZ.com.