MANGA

First off, how do you say manga?! Since this is a Japanese word that has been adopted by many languages, including English, there is no one “right” answer, but here at VIZ Media we pronounce it “mahn-gah,” which is pretty close to the original Japanese pronunciation.

What is manga?
Put simply, manga is a Japanese form of comics. While manga has similarities to American comics, there are some stylistic aspects that distinguish them, such as bigger eyes on characters and more speed lines in action scenes, and they are typically done in black-and-white, with lots of cool visual sound effects.

Another important difference from Western comics is that Japanese comics read from right to left, so always start reading from the “back,” which is actually the manga’s front—it feels a little strange at first, but you’ll get used to it. Reading right to left is important to maintain the flow of action from panel to panel and page to page as it was originally intended by the artist, or mangaka, as manga artists are called.

Mainly, though, manga is known for great characters, rich stories, excellent artwork, and exciting, imaginative worlds.

For over thirty years, VIZ Media has brought the best in manga to the English-speaking world.

What are some types of manga?
Manga is a wonderfully diverse art form that’s globally appealing across age and gender. VIZ Media publishes over three hundred unique series, including award winners by some of the best creators in the field. Do you like battling ninjas, lovelorn vampires, wild pirate adventurers, creepy ghouls, or samurai warriors? They’re all here! We even have manga about cooking!

While there are many manga types, you will often hear about the two most popular categories: shonen and shojo.

Shonen literally means “boy,” but this type of manga has appeal across gender and age groups. Shonen tends toward fantastic action-adventure stories with awesome fight scenes, epic story lines in fabulous worlds, and a spirit of teamwork. Prime examples of the shonen genre include Naruto, One-Punch Man, and Dragon Ball.

Shojo means “girl” but, like shonen, can have a broader appeal. After all, who doesn’t love romance? And similar to shonen, shojo are often set in fantastic worlds with compelling characters and fascinating situations, only with more focus on drama, relationships, and, well, life! Ouran High School Host Club and Vampire Knight are great series to start with.

How is manga made?
In Japan, manga starts out serialized in chapter format, along with other manga series, in monthly or weekly anthologies such as Weekly Shonen Jump. Unlike American comics, which are released individually on a series-by-series basis, manga is grouped by interest or type in these anthologies. And these anthologies can get gigantic!

Once a manga has been serialized for a while, the chapters are collected into graphic novels. Sometimes, if a series is very successful, the graphic novels will be republished in special omnibus editions, which can include two or three volumes in one beautifully printed edition (One Piece and Ranma ½ are great examples), some including specially drawn full-color artwork, like in our Monster: Perfect and Death Note Black editions.

In addition, spin-off art books and special releases, including novels, are often published for some of our more popular series, such as Naruto and Tokyo Ghoul.

ANIME

VIZ Media is not only the largest publisher of manga in North America—we are also a leading distributor of the best anime.

Anime is pronounced “ah-nee-may.”

What is anime?
Anime is Japanese animation of stories that are often based on manga, so it tends to have similar stylistic aspects to manga—though in full color and featuring great voice actors! Most of our top anime is in television series format, but we also release movies, especially if they are based on a series we’ve released. Two of our most popular series, Bleach and Pokémon, are available in TV and movie formats.

How is anime made?
Anime in Japan works a lot like animation in Western countries: series initially air on television, and then movies premiere in theaters. VIZ Media, along with other studios, licenses the anime and, in most cases, dubs them into English with an entirely new English-speaking voice cast.

Since more work is involved in the studio dubbing process, there’s an inevitable time delay in bringing the best anime to English speakers. With streaming services, however, we can release anime simultaneously with Japan in an English-subtitled format. Boruto and Yashahime: Princess Half-Demon are good examples of recent fan-favorites. In addition, Sailor Moon and Inuyasha are great shows to stream on your favorite platform. You can see a full list of our streaming partners including Hulu, Netflix and more here.

Aside from watching anime on popular streaming services, you can see anime on the Toonami block on Adult Swim. We also release anime to own on Blu-ray, DVD, and by digital download, such as with Hunter x Hunter and Jojo's Bizarre Adventure. 

There’s more?
Yes! Anime inspires a host of great products related to these popular series. We’re talking about video games, toys, cool T-shirts, posters, calendars, and a ton more. When you discover a series you love, check out your favorite retailers and see what they have!

What’s a VIZ account, and how does it work?
A VIZ account allows you to purchase digital products, follow your favorite series, make comments, and receive news and updates from VIZ Media. To create an account, click here and enter your information. If you already have an account, you can access it here. To see your digital purchases, visit the My Library section.

How do I find out about new releases?
You can check out our Release Calendar to find out when your favorite manga and anime titles will be coming out.

Are there any other resources where I can catch up on the latest news from VIZ Media?
Yes! We’re active on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube!

Do you have any apps?
Yes. Please see our Apps page to learn more. Operating system requirements: iOS, version iOS 13.0 or later; Android, Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later.

The merchandise I purchased is defective. Can you send a replacement?
Please contact the store where you originally purchased the defective product for all returns and exchanges, as VIZ Media is not the manufacturer.

For home video products, the store can help with damaged discs and other product issues. However, if you believe the content of the DVD/Blu-ray may contain an issue, please provide us with as much information as possible.

How do I redeem a gift?
To redeem a gift, go here.

I want to start a manga book club. Do you have more information?
VIZ Media is a proud partner with the CBDLF, and they’ve created his useful Manga Book Club Handbook.

What is Shonen Jump?
Shonen Jump is known worldwide as home of the world’s greatest manga.

The latest chapters of many Shonen Jump series are released on the same day as Japan and available to everyone for free at Shonen Jump! The newest 3 chapters of ongoing series will also be available for free, with many new series to come!

In addition, Shonen Jump members can unlock up to 100 chapters every day from the Shonen Jump digital vault of 20,000+ manga chapters! Catch up and read every chapter of hits like One Piece, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Chainsaw Man, Dragon Ball Super, and Boruto: Naruto Next Generations. Reread favorites like Naruto, Bleach, and Death Note, or discover hot new series like Kaiju No. 8, Spy x Family, and more!

How can I keep up with the latest Shonen Jump news?
The best way to find the latest info about Shonen Jump is by visiting the official website or the official Shonen Jump X.

How can I become a Shonen Jump member?
For only $2.99/month, you can unlock up to 100 chapters every day from the Shonen Jump digital vault of 20,000+ manga chapters! New members get their first week for free!*

To subscribe, download the Shonen Jump app on iOS or Android, and subscribe within the app following these steps:

For more information about the mobile apps, please visit our VIZ apps page. (Operating system requirements: iOS, version iOS 13.0 or later; Android, Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later.)

* Information on Free Trial

• Limited to 1 trial per user. If you have already enjoyed a free trial, you will be charged upon confirmation of purchase.
• Payment will be charged to your preferred iOS or Android payment method at the end of your trial week.
• Cancel your membership prior to the end of your trial period if you do not wish to pay for the monthly auto-renewing membership.
• Your membership will automatically renew every month, unless you cancel your membership prior to the end of the current billing period.

If I’ve subscribed to Shonen Jump in the app, can I still read chapters on the desktop or mobile website?
Yes! Just log into your VIZ account here and you can read Shonen Jump chapters. As long as you are logged into your VIZ account on both devices, your reading progress will be saved automatically across the website and app.

Are you sure that you have a VIZ account? To check, open your app and follow these steps:

Can I subscribe to Shonen Jump on the website?
No, new subscriptions are no longer available for purchase on the website. To start a new subscription, please download the Shonen Jump app.

If you have a current auto-renewing subscription on the website, please visit here to Manage Your Subscription.

How do I renew my Shonen Jump membership?
Your membership will automatically renew every month, unless you cancel your membership prior to the end of the current billing period. 

How can I cancel my monthly auto-renewing Shonen Jump membership?
Please see below for more information on how to manage your Shonen Jump membership based on where you signed up for your subscription.

For any questions about memberships, please email sjsupport@viz.com.

How do I redeem a Shonen Jump gift?
To redeem a previously purchased gift, go here. We are not currently offering gift memberships options for the new Shonen Jump yet.

Can I read to Shonen Jump outside of North America?
Fans in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, the Philippines, Singapore, and India can access the new FREE Shonen Jump, as well as become a member to unlock the Shonen Jump vault of more than 20,000 chapters!

When are Shonen Jump chapters released?
Please check chapter series pages for the latest "New chapter coming..." information.

How can I read Shonen Jump?
Shonen Jump can be accessed through our site here on any internet-enabled device with a web browser. For mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, you can also access chapters through the VIZ Manga or Shonen Jump app.

Do I get to keep my previously purchased issues of issues of Weekly Shonen Jump?
Yes. Weekly Shonen Jump issues, whether purchased as individual issues or through a yearly membership, are yours to keep! They are archived in your account’s My Library.

Can I submit my story ideas or manga to Shonen Jump?
At this time we are not accepting any original content—all of the manga you see in Shonen Jump comes directly from the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump magazine and its partners. Our office mainly licenses and distributes Japanese products, rather than publishing original works. If any contests open up for original manga submissions, we’ll be sure to let our fans know via our social media channels and websites.

What is VIZ Manga?
VIZ Manga is a digital manga service where you can read free chapters of the latest series simulpub with Japan, and subscribe to access the VIZ Manga digital library of over 10,000 chapters. Whether you’re a fan of horror, romance, fantasy, adventure or comedy and drama, you’ll find your next favorite series on VIZ Manga.

New chapters of selected VIZ Manga series like Komi Can’t Communicate, Zom 100: The Bucket List of the Dead, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and many others are released the same day as Japan and available to read for free! You can also check out concluded series by reading the first chapters for free. New series are added regularly!

VIZ Manga subscribers can access the full VIZ Manga digital library of 10,000+ manga chapters! For only $1.99/month, you can read the works of legendary creators like Junji Ito and Rumiko Takahashi, and beloved series like Nana, Fushigi Yugi, and so many more! See below for details on how to subscribe.

How can I read VIZ Manga?
You can access VIZ Manga through this website on any internet-enabled device with a web browser. You can also access chapters through the VIZ Manga app on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

How can I keep up with the latest VIZ Manga news?
The best way to keep up with the latest info about VIZ Manga is by following the official VIZ X.

How can I become a VIZ Manga subscriber?
Subscribe for only $1.99/month to access the VIZ Manga digital library of 10,000+ manga chapters! New subscribers get their first week for free!*

To subscribe, download the VIZ Manga app from the App Store or Google Play Store. Then subscribe in the app by following these steps:

(Operating system requirements: iOS version 14.0 or later; Android version 6.0 or later.) For more information about the mobile apps, please visit our VIZ apps page.

* Information on free trials

• Limited to one trial per user. If you’ve already enjoyed a free trial, you will be charged upon confirmation of purchase.
• Payment will be charged to your preferred Apple or Android payment method after the end of your trial week.
• Cancel your subscription prior to the end of your trial period if you do not wish to pay for the monthly auto-renewing subscription.
• Your subscription will automatically renew every month unless you cancel your subscription prior to the end of the current billing period.

Why do some series have missing chapters?
Due to a difference in release schedules between the U.S. and Japan, the following simulpub series are missing chapters: Case Closed, Fool Night, Insomniacs After School, I Want to End This Love Game, Rooster Fighter, Tokyo Fears Rhapsody, Ultraman. We’re working to backfill these gaps.

If I’ve subscribed to VIZ Manga in the app, can I still read chapters on the desktop or mobile website?
Yes! Just log into your VIZ account on the web and you can read VIZ Manga chapters. As long as you’re logged into your VIZ account, your reading progress will be saved and synced automatically across the website and app.

How do I know if I have a VIZ account?
To check, open your app and follow these steps:

Can I subscribe to VIZ Manga on the website?
No, new subscriptions are not available for purchase on the website. To start a new subscription, please download the VIZ Manga app.

How do I renew my VIZ Manga subscription?
Your subscription will automatically renew every month, unless you cancel your subscription prior to the end of the current billing period.

How can I cancel or manage my monthly auto-renewing VIZ Manga subscription?
How you manage your subscription depends on whether you subscribed through Apple or Google. Instructions follow.

Do you offer VIZ Manga gift subscriptions?
We are not currently offering gift subscriptions options for VIZ Manga.

Where can I read VIZ Manga chapters?
You can read free VIZ Manga chapters or subscribe to access the VIZ Manga digital library in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland.

When are VIZ Manga chapters released?
New simulpub chapter releases vary by series. Once confirmed, release dates can be seen at the top of the main chapter series pages telling you when the next chapter will be published. Release dates are subject to change.

What is VIZ Originals?
VIZ Originals is a new imprint of VIZ Media dedicated to publishing original graphic novels developed by manga-inspired creators.

What kind of graphic novels are you looking for?
At VIZ, we love manga and are looking for dynamic paneling, skillful black-and-white artwork and compelling stories that keep readers hooked. We’re interested in fantasy, adventure, romance, horror, sci-fi and slice-of-life works that appeal to both young adult and adult fans.

I’m a creator! How can I submit my work for consideration?
Visit our Create page to learn more about how to submit your work to VIZ Originals. We are now accepting submissions for both one-shots and ongoing series pitches through the Submission Portal.
Please note: We are only able to review material as described above. Any unsolicited submissions received by mail cannot be read and will be recycled.

How can I make publicity inquiries?
Please direct all VIZ Originals press inquiries to publicity@viz. To expedite requests, please include the name of the publication you write for as well as links to or copies of your work and/or information about what types of books you cover. Please note that unsolicited submissions and resumes/portfolios will be deleted.

Where can my digital purchases be viewed?
Any purchases made through your VIZ account will be available to view in your viz.com library, as well as on the VIZ app for Android and iOS. Any purchases made on Google Play, Kindle, and iBooks are able to be viewed on their respective devices. Mature content can be bought and viewed only through Kindle, Google Play, and iBooks.

How do I redeem a digital manga gift?
To redeem a gift, go here.

Why can’t I purchase my mature digital manga volumes through the VIZ Manga app?
Our mature digital manga volumes are not available for purchase through the VIZ Manga app due to the app’s content restrictions. They are accessible through VIZ.com, however.

After purchasing the volume on our website, you are able to read the mature manga on your mobile device. Please remember to log in to the same account you used to purchase the volume.

Where can I buy VIZ Media manga and anime?
You can purchase our print manga volumes, anime Blu-rays/DVDs and related merch through the following online retailers:

• Shonen Jump Store (U.S. only)
• Amazon
• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Bookshop.org
• Right Stuf
• Walmart
• Kinokuniya
  
  

You can also use the Diamond Comic Shop Locator to find a comic shop near you that may carry our titles.

You can purchase digital volumes of our titles through the VIZ.com website, as well as by using the VIZ app, available through the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store.

• Google Play
• iBooks
• Kindle/Comixology
• Nook
  
  

What is the Shonen Jump Store?
The official U.S. Shonen Jump Store offers exclusive and limited merch drops from some of your favorite manga. All items will be produced in very limited quantities. Visit the store to learn more.

Can I use my VIZ Account to make a purchase on the Shonen Jump Store?
No, you will need a separate account to make purchases on the Shonen Jump Store. With your Shonen Jump Store Account you will receive discounts, updates on exclusive new merch, info on the latest sales, and much more. Visit the Shonen Jump Store to create an account.

My library / anime club / convention is having an event. Can we get permission to screen VIZ Media anime titles?
Thanks so much for your interest in screening VIZ Media titles at your event! Please fill out the Viewing Permission Form.

My library / anime club / convention is having an event. Can you donate promotional items and/or prizes?
Thanks so much for reaching out! Please fill out the Donation Request Form.

I want to work for VIZ Media! Are there any current openings?
You can view all current job openings on the Jobs page here at VIZ.com! You can also keep an eye on the VIZ HR X (@VIZHR) for the latest updates.

How do I get my foot in the manga industry, and do I need to know Japanese?
Nope, you don’t need to know Japanese, although it is helpful to know! There are many roles within the manga industry that do not require a mastery of the Japanese language. There is a multitude of information about the manga industry available online—Anime News Network and ICv2 are two great resources you can browse. For an entertaining and informative look at Japan’s manga industry, we encourage you to check out the manga Bakuman｡.

I’m a creator! Can I submit my work for consideration?
You might be interested in our new VIZ Originals imprint. VIZ Originals dedicated to publishing original graphic novels developed by manga-inspired creators. Check out our Submissions Portal for more information on pitch guidelines and the portfolio review process. 

How do I become a voice actor?
There are many ways to get your foot in the door. We collaborate with studios, mostly in the Los Angeles area, who work with local agents to cast the shows. If you’d like to pursue a career in anime voice acting, you’ll need to be based in the Los Angeles area and find a voice-over agent who’ll help you secure roles. We wish you the best of luck!

There is a multitude of information about the anime industry available online— Anime News Network is a great resource you can browse. For an entertaining and informative look at the anime industry, we encourage you to check out the manga Voice Over.

How can I get in touch with a Shonen Jump manga creator?
You can send fan letters to our office, and we’ll do our best to forward them along to the Shonen Jump manga creator. Please send all mail here:

VIZ Media, LLC
P.O. Box 77010
San Francisco, CA 94107

I have questions and concerns not answered in this FAQ. How can I contact VIZ?
Contact us through our Customer Support form. A customer support representative will follow up with you as soon as possible.