INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT POWERHOUSE A.D. VISION, INC. ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ADV MANGA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
INTERNATIONAL ENTERTAINMENT POWERHOUSE A.D. VISION, INC. ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ADV MANGA
NEW DIVISION WILL PUBLISH MANGA (JAPANESE COMICS), ART BOOKS, ANIME TIE-IN BOOKS, NOVELS, MORE; FIRST RELEASES ANNOUNCED AT ANIME EXPO 2003, WITH MORE ANNOUNCEMENTS FORTHCOMING
HOUSTON, July 31, 2003?A.D. Vision, Inc. today formally announced the founding of ADV Manga, the firm?s new publishing division and the latest major initiative of the Houston-based international multimedia concern. Initially announced in a far-reaching July 4, 2003 panel discussion at Anime Expo (Anaheim, California), the division will publish manga?Japanese graphic novels?as well as other types of books, including high-quality art books, tie-in volumes to anime (Japanese animation) films and series, and more.
The U.S. market for manga was recently estimated by www.ICv2.com at approximately $100 million annually, with growth rate predictions as high as 30% for the current year. Correspondingly, traditional comic-store outlets and now mainstream bookstores have dramatically increased the amount of shelf space dedicated to these titles, helping in turn to drive even more growth.
?With ADV Manga we are seeking to capitalize on the current explosive growth in the U.S. market for manga and related graphic forms,? said A.D. Vision, Inc. President and CEO John Ledford. ?We feel that combining our strong overseas relationships with our knowledge of the domestic market for Japanese cultural commodities and our proven marketing and distribution capability is a strong recipe for success.
Initial title acquisitions include numerous titles which tie into anime titles already licensed to A.D. Vision, Inc.?s ADV Films division. Full Metal Panic!, Cat Girl Nuku Nuku, Steel Angel Kurumi, Azumanga Daioh, Najica and the RahXephon BIBLE illustration book are all examples.
?Our cross-promotional capability is key to the traction we?ve already developed in the licensing market,? said Ledford. ?We?re able to reach consumers and potential consumers through our anime division, the monthly magazine Newtype USA, and via the Anime Network as well; the synergy is extraordinary.?
About ADV Manga
Specializing in Japanese and other East Asian comics, illustration books, graphic novels and more, ADV Manga is the publishing division of A.D. Vision, Inc., parent company of ADV Films, Newtype USA, Anime Network and more. Founded in 2003, with nationwide mass-market distribution, ADV Manga is poised to dominate the explosively growing U.S. market for imported graphic novels and related published materials. More information is available at http://www.adv-manga.com.
Information about other A.D. Vision, Inc. divisions and initiatives can be found at:
http://www.advfilms.com
http://www.theanimenetwork.com
http://www.newtype-usa.com
Posted on Thursday, July 31, 2003 (Archive on Sunday, August 31, 2003)