TOKYOPOP Acquires Marmalade Boy and Brigadoon

Date: Wednesday, February 13, 2002

Two Long-Awaited Anime Series Will Round Out TOKYOPOP's Growing Line-Up



Los Angeles - 2/13/02 - The fans have been asking for it, and now TOKYOPOP has answered with confirmation that it will deliver the highly anticipated Marmalade Boy anime to the U.S. The DVD series will begin with an initial 24 episodes from the hit Japanese TV show, as well as a host of bonus features. Plans also include the half-hour movie prequel to Marmalade Boy. This news comes as TOKYOPOP prepares to launch the Marmalade Boy manga series in April.



With an edgy plot guaranteed to command attention, Marmalade Boy tells the colorful story of Miki, a teenage girl whose dysfunctional family gets her caught up in some of the strangest love triangles imaginable. While on vacation, her parents decide to end their marriage and swap spouses with another couple. But the situation gets even more bizarre when both sets of parents decide to live under the same roof. The soap opera really takes off when Miki, who has always had a crush on Ginta, suddenly finds herself falling for her new stepbrother, Yuu.



TOKYOPOP has also acquired the rights to the highly acclaimed Brigadoon, an action-packed, hyper-comedic Japanese sci-fi series featuring stunning animation from Sunrise, one of Japan's top animation studios. Demonstrated by Cartoon Network hits like Gundam Wing, Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star, the work of Sunrise is already immensely popular in the United States.



Brigadoon follows the often-crazy adventures of Marin, an orphan girl who suddenly finds herself hunted by a living, bio-weapon robot out to wreak havoc on her hometown. Ironically, it is none other than another robot who enters the picture as Marin's protector. Together, they set off on an unforgettable quest for justice.



"TOKYOPOP looks forward to bringing these exciting properties to North America," said President John Parker. "We have been overwhelmed by the level of fan enthusiasm for Marmalade Boy. Our development efforts indicate that there are more than 1,000 websites, newsgroups and forums dedicated to Marmalade Boy, placing it in the upper echelon of anime worldwide. Brigadoon, with its engaging synergy of comedy, fantasy and adventure, is also a natural complement to our growing platform of anime titles."



About TOKYOPOP

TOKYOPOP®, founded in 1996, is the premiere distributor of international, character-based entertainment and licenses across multiple platforms. With exclusive rights to hundreds of publishing, video and music products, the company's growing portfolio has blossomed TOKYOPOP into a media convergence leader. TOKYOPOP is the leading provider of video game and anime soundtracks, has millions of books in print, and includes several hit properties based on popular Cartoon Network and Kids! WB programs. TOKYOPOP titles include Sailor Moon, Gundam Wing, Initial D, Real Bout High School and Cowboy Bebop, among others. With rapidly growing U.S. appeal for its properties, TOKYOPOP is actively expanding into television, film and licensed goods. For more information, visit www.TOKYOPOP.com.




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