Viz Media Unleashes Naoki Urasawa's Monster Anime Series on DVD

Animated Crime Drama Based On Smash Hit Manga Series Weaves An Intricate Tale of Conspiracy, Political Intrigue and Murder

San Francisco, CA, December 3, 2009 – Naoki Urasawa's MONSTER to DVD in a Box Set scheduled for release on December 8th.

Based on the acclaimed manga creator's tense psychological masterpiece, MONSTER Box Set 1 features 3 DVDs/15 episodes (episodes 1-15), is rated ‘M’ for Mature Audiences, and carries a suggested MSRP of $59.90 U.S. / $85.99 CAN. The DVD box set will also include an exclusive digital booklet, which is a digitized version of the original Japanese booklet.

What would you do if a child you saved grew up to be a Monster? An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy named Johan. When the boy, now a coldhearted and charismatic young man, reappears nine years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders, Tenma must go on the run to uncover the story of Johan and stop the Monster he set loose upon the world. Conspiracies, serial murders, and secret government experiments set against the grim backdrop of the former East are masterfully woven together in this compelling psychological drama. The critically acclaimed MONSTER manga series is also published in North America by Viz Media and was nominated for a prestigious Eisner Award in 2009.

“Naoki Urasawa's MONSTER is a real must-see for any true fan of anime, suspense or crime dramas,” says Brian Ige, Viz Media Director of Sales, Home Entertainment “The animated series follows in a fine tradition of psychological crime noir ranging from Hitchcock and Mickey Spillane to Silence of the Lambs and CSI. All the tension and drama that made Urasawa's manga such a masterpiece comes to life, and audiences will be glued to the screen when Dr. Tenma matches wits with a monstrous serial killer!”

Naoki Urasawa's MONSTER is also featured each Monday night on Chiller, which airs a variety of horror and suspense-themed programs. Check local listings for specific airtimes.

For more information on MONSTER the anime, please visit Monster.viz.com.

For more information on Naoki Urasawa's MONSTER manga series (rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens), please visit www.vizsignature.com/monster.

About Viz Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, Viz Media, LLC (Viz Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Viz Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and website at www.VIZ.com.

© 2004 NAOKI URASAWA, STUDIO NUTS/SHOGAKUKAN/NTV