VIZ Takes Manga Digital With iPad App

Manga is joining the digital comics revolution, as VIZ Media announces the release of a digital manga application for the Apple iPad.

The free app has launched through the Apple iTunes Store, and allows users to buy and download manga titles directly within the application at a cost of $4.99 each. At launch, the lineup of available titles is:

• Bleach, Vols. 1-2
• Death Note, Vols. 1-2
• Dragon Ball, Vol. 1
• Naruto, Vols. 1-2
• One Piece, Vols. 1-2
• Bakuman, Vol. 1

To promote the launch of the app, Death Note, Vol.1 is being offered as a free download for a limited time. VIZ says it plans to regularly add new titles and free previews to the store.

“Fans have been clamoring for an official manga-dedicated app from the moment they heard of the iPad’s existence,” says Alvin Lu, senior VP and general manager of VIZ Media. “It’s easy to see how manga and the iPad make for a perfect and natural fit. The VIZ Manga App is a great start, and this is just the beginning of manga’s brave new world. Look for plenty more developments to come.”

More information on the app can be found on line at www.viz.com/apps.