Viz Media Acquires Blue Dragon Rights

Viz Media buys all non-gaming related Blue Dragon material, including the recently launched anime show.

Publishing and licensing company Viz Media acquired the rights to all Blue Dragon material and trademarks beyond the video game series from TV Tokyo Corporation and Shueisha, Inc. The anime series, produced by Studio Pierrot, debuted on TV Tokyo on April 7 and is now owned by Viz Media. Blue Dragon merchandise will be marketed throughout Europe by Viz Media Europe, S.A.R.L, a division based in Paris.

"Blue Dragon represents the latest convergence of video gaming and anime. We look forward to leveraging the tremendous momentum that drives both to make this property a success across multiple market sectors and age groups. Anime continues to be one of the most robust segments of the entertainment arena. Blue Dragon's story of overcoming conflicts through adventure and friendship will both entertain and inspire," commented Linda Espinosa, Vice President of Content Management, Viz Media.

John Easum, President of Viz Media Europe, added, "It is an immense privilege to be entrusted with Blue Dragon in Europe. Blue Dragon fuses the genius of Akira Toriyama and Hironobu Sakaguchi, with a beautiful story and incredibly rich animation. We expect an enormous response in Europe."