Leading Multi-Channel E-Tailer of Licensed Brands To Manage VIZ Media's Online Marketplaces

San Francisco, CA, October 3, 2006 — VIZ Media, LLC (www.viz.com), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, announces its selection of Ty’s Toy Box, LLC (www.tystoybox.com), the leading multi-channel e-tailer of licensed character brands, to handle its e-commerce fulfillment operations. Effective immediately, Ty’s Toy Box will be responsible for the technology, merchandising, warehousing, fulfillment and customer care for VIZ Media’s online marketplaces.

The first online store, http://narutostore.viz.com, launched on September 12th to capitalize on VIZ Media’s highly successful manga and entertainment brand, NARUTO, which airs on Cartoon Network in the U.S. and YTV in Canada. Launch plans for store.viz.com are set for early October, followed by dedicated marketplace sites for brands such as INUYASHA, ZATCH BELL!, DEKO BOKO FRIENDS, and Shonen Jump BLEACH.

“We sought a partner who could provide an overall brand experience for our dedicated and passionate fans,” said Carol Roeder, Vice President, Consumer Products for VIZ Media. “Ty’s Toy Box has a proven track record with their ability to market, sell, and build properties in the online environment and we are excited to be working with them.”

“The online consumer shops by brand and VIZ Media inherently understood our brand-centric approach to multi-channel e-commerce,” said Ty Simpson, President and Founder of Ty’s Toy Box. “We are eager to partner with VIZ Media to continue to build their merchandising sales online and to enable these brands to be wherever the online consumer shops.” Merchandise also will be marketed and sold through the Ty’s Toy Box multi-channel e-commerce network, which includes Amazon (www.amazon.com) and eBay (www.ebay.com).

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 publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and Shojo Beat, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.

Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546–7073; Fax (415) 546–7086; and web site at www.viz.com.

About Ty’s Toy Box, LLC

Ty’s Toy Box, LLC (www.tystoybox.com) is the leading multi-channel e-tailer of licensed character brands, specializing in the creation, management, marketing and fulfillment of comprehensive, dedicated marketplaces that carry the full breadth of officially licensed product available for each brand. Currently, its brands include The Wiggles, The Doodlebops, LazyTown, Teen Titans, Strawberry Shortcake, Ben 10, The Backyardigans, Thomas & Friends, Bob The Builder, Barney, Caillou, Max & Ruby, John Deere and others. Its multi-channel sales network includes Amazon (www.amazon.com) eBay (www.ebay.com), and all major shopping comparison sites. In addition, Ty’s Toy Box handles the e-commerce web stores of VIZ Media (www.viz.com), one of the entertainment industry's most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies. The Company is headquartered in Erlanger, KY. For more information, contact George Stolpe at 941-232-2756 or gstolpe@tystoybox.com.

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